Goa

Something unexpected happened. I just went on an unplanned vacation. I have never planned one anytime though. Off I went to Goa; for 3 days. It was not enough, 3 days is too short.

Sun, sands and beach...perfect to relax and unwind. There were some unexpected twist too. We decided to drive, 600+ kilometers in a day was daunting. Very stressful that the first thing we did as soon as we reached Goa was visit a doctor. He told me that my tonsils was bad and hence no fried food, no cold drinks, no ice cream, no spicy food..........

What else is left for me to eat? Prescribed some 4 odd tablets of different colors and gave me an injection as if one plays dart..Ooouch!! that hurt. So there I was in beautiful goa and cannot eat anything I wanted to. All I did was eat idly sambhar.:-S

The trip was nevertheless fun. What you thought I diligently followed the doctor's advice? :-P So most times I was sick, yet had fun, lots of fun. Its a nice feeling to have fun while you are sick :-S.
Beach walking, clear sky, sands and gleaming water, palm trees, bumpy boat ride and we were shown the shooting spots of Dil Chahta Hai, Dhoom climax, the rock where Urmila danced "Tanha Tanha"

Was amazed at those 16th century churches and cathedrals and the ruins. Spent the evening on a cruise along the Mandovi river amidst nice crowd, goan folk dances and Portuguese dances. Visited few other places, lunched beside the river, got a tattoo which is permanent until it gets worn away :-P, shopped at flea market and got some items for a steal. Here are few pictures.

Para sailing on Baga beach

Fort Aguada. Built in 1612, it skirts the sea shore. It was built as a vantage point to serve as a fort and as a watering station to the ships 'Aguada' means 'Watering place' in Portuguese 

These boats keep ferrying manganese on the Madovi river non-stop to Marmagoa for shipping. 

Bom Jesus Basilica in Old Goa. 'Bom Jesus' means 'Good Jesus'.  The remains of St Francis Xavier lies here. This cathedral was built in the 17th century

The remains of St.Francis Xavier in a silver casket

The Bell Tower

Se Cathedral, built in the 17th century. Its the largest church in Asia. Its a mix of Tuscan and Corinthian style of architecture. It has 1 main altar, 8 chapels and 6 aisles 

The main altar

A beautiful chandelier right above where I sat

Worn out paintings of fruits, trees and leaves. They have almost vanished. These I assume is a depiction of Adam and Eve. I didn't have a guide, so I am not sure

A secret basement chamber in front of one of the altar. I wonder if these cathedrals were used as secret chambers during emergency. Dan Brown could weave a nice story.

The church of St. Francis of Assissi built in 1661. The three tier facade has octagonal tower on each side. It also houses a museum.

 The main altar of the church of St. Francis of Assissi

The church has these engravings of figures, symbols and writings all over on the floor. Interesting.

St.Augustine Tower in ruins. It is 400 years old and 46 mts high. The church is very large but all that remains are ruins. 

The remains of the church, the altars.

Goan folk dance on the cruise.

The colorful neon threw a vibrant reflection on the Mandovi river

The famous Casino Royale

Anjuna Beach, famous for its Wednesday flea market

The Saligao church at night. 

In my next post, I would share some interesting moments and situations that I encountered.  :-)