With the long weekend coming up, I’m going exactly where I recommend everyone should be….in gorgeous Go-ah!
Why Goa? Because I don't know of any other place that can simultaneously stimulate and numb the senses as effectively. The sunshine, the crispness in the air (at this time of the year only), the colours and the aromas of the food all stimulate, while the mojitos, caiprioskas, port wines and the susegad attitude leave you liquid.
Thursday night sees me in a manic state packing everything wildly colourful in my wardrobe into the largest overnighter I possess.
Mostly I never plan my weekends, I go along with whatever I feel like doing, ‘tis no different this time. Just land up and figure what I feel like doing. Of course everything I do will have to involve my dearest friends – Bacardi, Tequila and Romanov! Can’t ditch them for good friends. And they get along really well with Prawn Balchao, Red Snapper and Cherrus-pav....quite a merry party we make!
Contrary to what most people believe, I think you gotta start early in Goa, so as soon I dump my bags into a cottage at Cavelossim Beach, I’m heading right across the road for my favourite shack Silver Waves…and I’m not leaving them till they have to drag my 'dead-body' out of there. :-)
I'm of the opinion that you should only pack one or two beaches into a weekend trip...it maximises the experience....and turns you into a master....rather than a jack of all beaches. :-)
My Saturday this time, begins with a sumptuous lunch at Martin's Corner at Betalbatim, ensuring the stomach is reinforced for a revisit from my friends.
Another must do on my list is a visit on Sunday to Fernando's Nostalgia at Raia. Its the most authentic Goan food ever, with an ambience that takes you back into history.
That mostly covers all that I plan to do with my weekend….oh, wait…there’s more on the agenda. Its Carnival time in Goa! Late Saturday afternoon, I'm driving to Panjim for my first experience of the riot of colours, music and madness called the Goa Carnival. The carnival is an annual event when all of Goa turns up on the streets to celebrate.
What will happen there and post that is probably going to be unprintable here…so see you there! :)
(Madhavi Behl is partner - corporate communications, Rediffusion Y&R)
