Beach, Temple & Food @ Goa

It was pre-decided to make the following day peaceful. As part of the plan, we woke a little late and headed straight to the beach for a morning walk (I am an early riser). Damn that morning, a serene atmosphere and I just wanted to lay at the beach that did have less than 20 people other than the fishing community that was ready to go sailing. The waves kissed my feet a hundered times whilst I stood gazing far beyond where the sky and sea touched. Well, this is what I call “A moment in life time”.

Morning walk @ beach

Once back, after morning breakfast we hired a bike and to explore nearby places. Though, I was keen on getting a Thunder Bird, I ended up with an Avenger. Visitors usually flock to Northern part of Goa, nevertheless South Goa too had lots of attractions and we had many suggestions pouring in. But with two kids, plan was made keeping their choices in mind. The me..first went to seeking blessing and where….to temple. My father’s reaction was, to temple in Goa; Usually people head to churches that speak of its fame. He then did affirm, that I was unlike others 🙂

Why I chose temples over churches? Well, in my research, blogs or tourist information were filled with information famous churches, be it Jesus Basilica or Lady of Immaculate Conception. I have read, seen and heard over and over again. It was my chance to bring in something beyond churches. While I did my search there were handful of temples that were famous but not as of those churches and zeroed on a couple of them. The one that attracted me the most was the Shanta Durga Temple. My personal recommendation for “Temple Lovers”.

Shanta Durga Temple

We attended the pooja that went on until noon.  The premises had a small underground canteen where meals was being served, probably at a nominal price but chose to look for options outside due to large crowd in waiting to dine at the temple. Since there were fewer options and google was a bit slow due to connectivity issue, I kept asking for people for descent vegetarian joint. After making a couple for circles in the same area, the restaurant or hotel was located, a house that had its front yard converted to mini restaurant with about 5-6 tables serving fresh food. Undoubtedly, I had one of the best local dishes. The ripe mango curry was my favorite, for, its my first time.

Afternoon Lunch, with a ripe mango curry, dal, beet flavoured buttermilk, chole, roti and rice

After fulfilling my taste-bud, I headed towards Panjim, via Madgoan. At Madgoan, we halted by local market to make some purchses. Fishes everywhere and prawn were so damn cheap @ 100/- , which I would end up paying 400/- in Bangalore. We got a couple of variety for the next two days before heading to our next point, that was about 30 kms.

The road was wide, mostly connecting the highway yet, with less traffic. As we saw the surge in moving vehicle, I knew we were closer to Panjim. I quite liked the view of Panjim port, for the huge steel vessels were not a common scene for someone living in landlocked city. Unfortunately, since we were on the other side, I was a little hesitant to cross over with two kids wanting to run behind wherever I stop. Though I was keen on more photographs on my way back, it didn’t really happen.

 

My first ride in Avenger! 100+ kms covered!!

Just before we reached the popular beach, I fell off my bike along with my little one, something not very nice that I wish to remember. Flashback–while I stood at a crossing , relatively smaller one with hardly 20 vehicles from all sides, for other vehicle to cross and next moment lying down with the bike over me and my little one. Thankfully, it was a lighter vehicle, nor was I speeding and crowed was slow moving. Neel crying for about 30 mins is still echoing….Despite no fault of mine, I did not forgive myself for his pain. I guess it could have been a blink of  my eyes. With bruised feet and hand, broken mirror and footrest of the vehicle, I managed rest of my journey with pain, yet with determination. My parents were shocked and were in pain too. No sooner we got to the beach and an ice-cream was able to bring back Neel to normal while not allowing him to concentrate on the wound.

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The crowded Panjim Beach

As sun was setting, and visibility turning poor, I decided to wind up not spending much time. It was a long 45 plus kilometers to the resort. The ride was careful.

Next day was meant only to relax, while kids spent hours in the pool, I was busy making a couple of variety of sea food dishes. The whole mood of sickness to mind and body was balanced.

Morning @ Rogers, Benaulim

The following day, I decided to explore Benaulim that was very close to my  resort. I woke Neel early, while Reshu decided to stay back with parents. A much smaller and a bit of sleepy town, that housed Taj Hotel facing the beach, also had a cleaner stretch with water activities morning was catchy with majority crowd from nearby resorts. We then headed to Rogers Beach shack for an English breakfast, while watching local and foreign tourist float and relax.

Morning at the beach shack

Spending two hours gaping at the sea, while Neel was hoping, running, jumping and playing in the sand was a memory I will hold close to my heart.

Morning breakfast

 

Awaiting my next Goan trip, hoping to explore the famous churches and much spoken backwaters………

My special tea

Why wouldn’t a Tea be special, when it was made with abundant love by my 10 year old son. Yes, my darling prepared this tea while I was busy working from home. It was a strong one, but the best one that I ever had and will ever have.

Neel’s Tea for Amma

Our First Goan Trip

Goa, one of India’s top holiday destination finally got crossed off my bucket list. Well to me, Goa plan was on for more than a decade ago but never happened for reasons that raised from unforeseen situations. Every time, I had a friend post about in FB, it was a reminder. Nevertheless, I never pushed my self to be there. Last summer, after listing a few places, Goa topped the list for the family vacation.

The beach

What attracted me was the shacks and sea food rather than the beaches. We chose the rail route over road or air, with a couple of hours stop over at Londa, a small sleepy village en route to my destination. After planning for so many years, Goa trip this year finally was about get set.

At the very beginning of our 4 day vacation, we were showered with blessing by “Rain God”, for it was pouring cats and dogs the moment we reached Yeshwanthpur rail station. Water was flowing all-around, as the rain water threw right onto people in the station, who were nearly sticking to each other. There was sufficient lighting and shouts from the sky that assisted the downpour. After about 30 minutes of unexpected happenings around, the family settled once seated in train. No sooner, we fell asleep to wake up early to get a view of the newer places that the train passed. It was first time that I traveled this route, towards the west.

The usual visitors

We alighted at Londa junction at 9, to take the next train to Madgaon. It is a quaint place, with fewer people unlike most other station I have been. We had about 4 hours before we hop onto next train. It was a good time to wander two kids as my aid. I took a short stroll. Once outside the train station, I witnessed vegetable vendors, tea stalls and array of other shops busy in daily activity. Dawdling these narrow roads, the very thought of waiting was soul-stirring. Running thoughts just ended for the streets were nearly empty and I knew that this place has little population. Then there was this abrupt  light up my head….and after speaking to a couple of shopkeepers, I swiftly ran back to the station, wasting no time picked the luggage and family :), boarded a local buses via ghat section to Madgaon. Swaying thorough out with kids half asleep, we reached Madgoan earlier than planned. We took a taxi who ferried us to the resort much ahead of the check-in time.  So, at once, got out to grab a fish meal….and hopped by Kinara, the bright Yellow  colored single storied building(after watching the reviews). Hardly about 7 minutes walk from the resort, this place has a friendly ambiance with good food served.

View from our room

After a peaceful check in, the kids ran to the pool and stayed there for 2 hours. I must admit that they have one of the finest pool that a medium sized resort probably has. Then there were slides, a bar, play area and ample space for family. The closest beach was about 10 mins walk but is not open to public post 7 in the evening due to safety concerns. Yet, we decided to get wrapped in the breeze that was thankfully gentle. All that I told myself was…to eat, eat and eat to my hearts content…..So in search of some nice food, I ended up at Mike’s Place. A cozy restaurant, with dim light and music that lit up people’s moods. The kids ordered  squid and prawns, our all time favorite.  My parents too were happy with the choice of food. After relishing the long list of order, on our way back we saw souvenir shops arrayed, with men inviting to showcase what’s in store. The night walk was undoubtedly soothing to the soul. Planning for next day, the tiring us jumped on the bed and dozed as quickly as one could wink.

 

Merry evening @ Mike’s Place

Rest to follow in the next post…….

 

 

 

 

 

Little hero

My little one is growing fast…..and I realize this each time he stands beside me trying to compare his height to mine. He is happy to constantly remind me that, in a year or two he would certainly be taller than me. Time is running out and I ensure to get hold of every precious moment that we spend together, for, he is a Gem and I am blessed to be his mother.

I am gonna pull out all the pics…here are some mobile clicks…..to remind our moments.

@ Paradise, Necklace Road, Hyd, Nov-2017

An old picture, probably clicked in 2014 @ Garuda Mall

@ Cuddalore Dec-2017..

My tall boy @ peddamma temple Hyd, Nov 2017

Its such a pleasure to see him growing….what else a parent could ask for……..I wish to add more memories that both of us will cherish in future years.

 

 

A Sunday Breakfast

An undisturbed Sunday morning after ceaseless shower that nearly brought Bangalore to halt. This was throughout the week, an effect of weather all around the globe. Sun is not fully up there but have ensured to throw ample light for the day to begin. Perched on my couch feeling cosy with my cup of tea, browsing through regular pages and pictures, I found this photograph captured at Goa.

I fell for English breakfast almost a decade ago and my love for it is still on. I treated myself with this breakfast at Goa one early morning in May (Post to follow). A weekend visitor can sometimes get lucky to pamper their taste buds with my breakfast of this kind at home and have additional boiled veggies with a couple of variety of fruits. Whats your breakfast favorite?

Have a lovely Sunday!!!