India Week #8, Colva Chandor

Only 2 more sleeps and then the journey home. Vacations are like life, the closer you are to the end, the faster the time flies. But, this week has been spent in Colva, original stop for North American hippies in the '60s. The caregiver at our present abode, remembers that when he was 10, a lot of Canadians were here. Natives in Goa are known as Goans, and it is said that the influx of Indians in the area are significantly changing the original beauty and peacefulness of the beach and surrounding. The Colva Beach is in constant need of good quality sanitary technicians even though the government employed ladies filling wicker baskets with garbage are doing their best. The beach strip of Goa starts at Mobor in the south and stretches over 20 km north. Proud to announce that we have walked the full length several times ....not all in 1 day though! :)

There aren't as many cows roaming the northern part of the surf although we did enjoy watching a water buffalo wade into the sea, lay down and roll onto his side so he could be completely underwater, head and all. He probably would have stayed there all day if not for his handlers who came to fetch him back to work. Everyone seems to have a boss I guess!
Our pool is a real life saver, cooling off and allowing us more time outdoors. Even the locals yesterday were wiping their brows from the humidity. A couple from Glasgow came to Colva to buy a diamond engagement ring. We've heard quite a few stories about good prices on gems but I'm not knowledgeable or trusting enough, nor do I really need to, part with my rupees on diamonds and such. But if any of you want me to pick up a trinket, let me know! Would be happy to spend your money :) .

Yesterday we took a taxi to Chandor and toured a 350 year old Portuguese style home. It is deteriorating nicely, and still beautiful. We have seen a couple our age walking on the beach the past week and always say hi, so today we stopped for a chat. They have 2 children in university and tomorrow night we have been invited to their home for an authentic Goan meal. After 8 weeks of restaurant food I hope we can act civilized and control ourselves.
This will be our final draft of our fabulous trip and we will be catching up with everyone in person real soon...can't wait to see you all.