Not in India

Not sure what to tell you...I am bloody tired...think it’s the heat.  Oh ya Edwin bought me coffee and took me shopping...anyway...

Just walked along the beach past 3 towns. Earlier today I went to Vagator beach and yesterday the famous Anjuna...where GOA Trance comes from...I looked at it and turned around...it’s got cows on it. You must be tripping off your head to enjoy that....It’s got nothing to our SA beaches. I stay further south. Much more open and calm. Not as many stalls trying to sell you everything. Think the popularity has gotten to it. Apparently even further south to Palolem "THE" in beach now. But if me as tourist going there aids in turning that into another Anjuna I want nothing to do with it.  It would be great for a hectic party, but that one can’t really do when you are here on your own and definitely know we know how to do it better.

As I got out of the taxi Julia walks up to me. Starts complimenting, earrings, looks, how white I am for a South African etc  as we talked all the way down the stairs to the beach....And then...tries to sell me a pair of pants :). I say no thank you. Eventually NO! And then I end up telling her off for how crap she has just made my holiday in India and how I would tell everyone I know never to go to Vagator beach cause you will just be harnessed by Julia. At least let me go and take a look where the hell I am before you comes with your selfish needs...she let me go...I go wander on three beaches that Vagator consist of. Climb the hill to the Fort wall and head back... and ....Who is sitting there on the steps waiting for me?....Julia: "Now will you give me price for these pants" in her  American accent. Didn't quite know whether the strangle her or kiss her...Needles to say I now own a pair of funny pants AND an ill matching shirt.

Am staying at Banyan Tree Courtyard...Inacio dropped me there on his motorcycle after my 14 hour train ride from Cochin. A bit expensive for Goa out of season but when I got here and the place I had in mind had closed down, I just wanted a shower, food and a bed. The train ride was very comfy...almost better than my flight ( which was perfect ) On the train you get a full bed size bunk to sleep on.  Good since the ride here was longer than my flight from Joburg.  You kind of feel content when you wake up as the sun starts rising and the other 6 people sharing your bunk, and you do not understand, are also waking. But so after all that and then the most stupid thing I have done..back of a motorcycle without a helmet for 40 km at about 80km per hour...I just took what I got and am pretty glad I got it. The cleaning guy makes flowers and animals with my fresh towels every morning...lol   

On my walk along the beach you notice that people are starting to get ready for season...the beach is being cleaned and the numerous beach shacks ( restaurants ) which are now still closed are being renovated...In all, Goa is definitely a place you would have to stay a few months to enjoy ( like Raj is doing...will tell you about him next time ) ...Guess that is the one thing the hippies had right here...stay for at least 6 months at a time...And of course my Nigerian friends are making a killing here at the moment...And they don't hide their business either.

I have wondered what the big spiritual and special meaning is that is put to India. There are so many shrines and churches and religions it’s all as confusing as the streets and language. Like asking for chocolate cake and getting a chicken sandwich..what he said sounded like chocolate for sure....The Kama Sutra I figure is cause you are so sweaty they had to invent strange positions to keep the smelly parts away from ones partner.  Guess it’s like me or you going to the bar after work, movie nights, boys nights, girls nights out, sports, gym, church, religion etc...we all do this to keep some sort of routine and make things look normal... Here it is needed so much more... Everything is over the top...Chaos!! And the Beauty!!! So don't get me wrong...This place has a sensuality and romance when the sun goes down...The morning you watch eagles and dragon flies outside your door. A cow that just simply stops traffic and tiny frog in your fancy hotel room. You have a 3 course meal, drinks, tip included for under R100..What more do you want?! ...  Do miss home though...friends to just simply chat about a day of work...my routine...and think that is what I have lost here and come to find...The best moments I have had here are the ones when you forget you are in India.

Ok No.. I didn't come to India for a purpose...It was a holiday and the flights here were cheap..that is the only reason...but you do start battling with the elements at times and are forced to ask yourself lots of questions and think that is what the special spiritual India is all about...and not what you see or experience here...Its what you take from it or what it gives you without costing having to bargain for a price. ( And bargaining end up with funny looking pants...)

My holiday is not over yet, but will recommend India as a destination...But be warned...if you are coming to find something it will not be in India.


Till soon and looks like pictures will have to wait...seems my card reader has given up.


...c