India 2013... Goa time - Candolim

It was yet another early start after the excitement of our visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort as we were being picked up at 7am to head back to Delhi airport. We had flights booked to head down to Goa on the brilliantly named Spice Jet, and were please to find an as yet un-sampled Indian beer in the departures lounge before we took off. The flight took 2 and a half hours, and although obviously more expensive than the train would have been, it was the right call for our trip as we were on a tight schedule and unfortunately didn't have 36 hours to spare to experience the train journey!

Landing in Goa we were greeted by Anil, the uncle of a friend of Gemma's, who had generously helped to arrange a car for us, as well as accommodation in Candolim - our first Goan stop. The drive there took just under 2 hours, and we were greeted by the friendly housekeeper who showed us around our villa at Alcon Holiday Village and helped us to settle in. As soon as we'd showered we headed out for a wander along the main road in Candolim, and settled on a restaurant which had a lovely patio area and a band playing. We ate delicious fish curries and enjoyed a few beers before heading back past the local cows and beeping rickshaws, to our villa - where we bravely battled a giant cockroach before calling it a night!

The next morning was our first lie in of the trip, and we enjoyed it! After a delicious traditional Indian breakfast at the hotel attached to or villa we decided on a relaxed day, and made the 2 minute walk from our villa to the beach. The "season" hadn't really kicked in yet (things get going in Goa around late October) but a few early birds had set up shop already and we were able to hire sun loungers (and a parasol for me and my pale skin!) as well as treating ourselves to massages, beers, and a few goodies from ladies selling jewellery. We spent a few chilled out hours there, chatting to the guys running the sun lounger hut, and watching the sun set. It was a perfect first day in Goa, and after another delicious meal out, we retired to bed ready for the next morning's adventures.... Polly, Gemma and I were off to visit some volunteer projects...