Can't believe it is 12 years since I set foot in that crummy little airport and thought what the hell!!!! The sights and smell beggars belief and the coach ride to candolim jeezus, I was terrified.
First accomodation was Pretty Petals guest house- hmmm!! actually looking back was quite beautiful, the little lane up to it was then a residential area but now have several hotels and restaurants along the lane. Over the years have stayed at quite a few places, silver sands - excellent location if acccommodation a wee bit dingy, Dona Alcina rooms dire but location, entertainment etc excellent, Perola de Mar again room left a bit to be desired but no probs - just somewhere to rest our heads, Prazeres one year - fab hotel but holiday totally ruined by a group of lager louts and loutettes. They did actually have a positive effect, we other holiday makers banded together and had a great time. Last few years have rented an apartment privately, it is superb, loads of room, and no more expensive than averafe package deal.
Dearest memories - the then tiny children selling their goods on the beach, some not more than toddlers - I did buy the odd bits and bobs off them, I rounded up a little posse of them jumped in a mini bus to Mapusa and kitted them out in new outfits, We then went to very posh hotel cant remember name but just off Mapusa market for lunch.
We did this regularly for years - these little ones are quite grown up now, many married with their own children. They stay in touch and to me are my Indian family.
The dogs, OK lots of horror stories about rabies etc. My 'Silver Sands' dog used to accompany me to the beach every day, you couldnt meet a nicer dog - he sadly died of old age couple of years back.
My apartment dog - is a beach dog, not nasty or snappy is loving and grateful for all tit bits that come his way We have also acquired an apartment cat too - she owns the place!!!!
I am sure someone here must remember Daisy the cow who used to come calling at the bars at night for food, she had an army of fans, every night she got at least one loaf of bread. When I left Goa that year at 6.30am in the morning who was standing outside the hotel - my Daisy with the tiniest little calf you would ever see - I bawled my head off all the way back to Dabolim.
Sorry for my rambings, I just love the place so much, and oh by the way what about..........lol will save for another time!!!!