Monday 28 January 2013

The Agony & The Ecstasy - Travels In Goa Part 3



Dressed and ready to face a scintillating afternoon going through Dad's mind-numbingly complicated finances with the accountant. If coming home is getting back to reality then why is it that I feel so much more alive in India?

Talking of which, here's the final instalment of our trip (I can almost hear the collective sigh of relief ).


Rather than catching the 4.20am Konkani Express train we splashed out on a taxi from Agonda up to the northernmost tip of Goa, a two-hour drive for just shy of £12.

Arambol Beach (December, 2011)
We've been going to Arambol for years, a undeveloped, chilled-out, hippy fishing village backed by cashew farms and coconut groves, often staying for months at a time.We'd heard rumours that it was no longer the laid-back retreat we knew and loved, instead becoming the favoured base for hip Russian ravers & sadly the gossip turned out to be true. We pulled up in the taxi to discover our once peaceful haven literally bursting at the seams.


Our usual guest house was full so we left our bags with the owner and after a couple of hours of searching (the boom in popularity means cheap accommodation is like gold dust) settled on a room in this pink village house for around £3.50 a night. After collecting our bags and a quick change we headed off to the beach.


Man, it was hideous. The sand was strewn with rubbish, beach shacks competing to attract customers by playing deafeningly loud trance music while employees shouted "free sun bed, free sun bed" at every opportunity. What with the endless hassle from hawkers flogging their tat & the bus loads of whiskey-ed up men intent on sexually harassing bikini-wearing Westerners it was almost impossible to relax. Alternative Arambol now resembled the beaches of the North Goa charter tourist belt we'd avoided for years.


After a shower and a sunset drink we headed back to the beach, realising that the once cheap food and drink on offer in Arambol were a thing of the past, many of our favourite restaurants had sold their leases while the going was good and moved on. The waiters were more concerned with dragging passers-by in to fill the tables than to pay attention to the customers already there. Much as we love our music the monotonous beat of the Russian trance soundtrack made conversation nigh-on impossible in many places.


Even worse was that the infrastructure was struggling to cope with the huge influx of tourists , the villagers' water tank was filthy and the stream choked with waste dumped from the nearby shacks, which flowing down the beach into the sea leaving a stinking trail of scum in it's wake.


After four days we decided enough was enough and hopped on a bus back to the south.


Thank goodness we did, too. We made new friends,


 and I was able to get my kit off again in peace.


 We splashed out on a room in this guest house (£5.60 a night).


 It had piping hot water supplied by rooftop solar panels - a real luxury to wash our clothes in after a couple of weeks on the road.


This is as busy as I like my beaches, no sun beds, no hawkers, no hassle, just the locals going about their business,


 and the odd bull in training for a race.


It was surreal to chat to a couple of Brits and discover that the UK was under a blanket of snow and sub-zero temperatures whilst we were basking in 35 °c of sunshine. 


And that was that, our 20th trip to India (and 16th visit to Goa) and despite our beloved Arambol being ruined we still can't wait to go back.


Why do we love it?  (Mostly) beautiful, chilled and unspoilt beaches, culture by the bucket-load, warm & lovely people, the best vegetarian food in the world, sunshine, colour and spice. Paradise comes cheap, too, £20 a day covers all our food, booze, mineral water, Jon's tobacco, transport and accommodation. 

Vintage Bukta leotard (10p, jumble sale) worn with a 1970s Richard Shops denim waistcoat (my friend, Ronnie), 1970s cotton midi skirt by Highlight (YMCA), Candy-coloured platforms (£5, retail), 1950s rose print bag (20p, car boot sale), a heap of second-hand & Indian jewellery and  Murano-esque glass beads (courtesy of the fabulous Em)

Thanks so much  for reading and for your continual support and comments, coming back is always hard but you, the fabulous women of the blogging community, make it so much easier.

See you soon.

Joining the party and linking to Patti's Visible Monday

87 comments:

  1. Vix, I have absolutely loved these posts! Just had a catch up.
    It looks gorgeous, shame about Arambol going in the wrong direction. Me and Andy are thinking about taking our honeymoon around these parts so I will no doubt be asking you for information if that's ok. :) xx
    p.s you look lush in your bikini! Good work.

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  2. Your post makes me sad :( I hate how once unspoilt places are becoming ruined by tourist monsters - who I imagine have no interest in the culture or people, and just come for the sun and the beer. I really hope it does not become the next Benidorm!
    Good that there are still places you can go though :) x

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  3. What a shame to see a place ravaged by tourism, but it seems to happen regularly these days.
    Looks like you had a fabulous time other places though :)
    I wouldn't mind a winter trip there myself.
    V
    xxx

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  4. that pic of you in the bikini is super hot!

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  5. It's tragic when lovely places go to hell in a hand basket. And sounds the poor little village is struggling under the wieght of tourists.

    But that aside I have loved your posts and learning a little about a country I only know a little about. All the more so as the other half works for an Indian based company!

    Hope your afternoon goes as quick as possible. And hope the holiday blues don't linger too long.


    P x

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  6. Sad to see a favorite place gone trashy. But your trip looks fabulous and you look even better! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, gorgeous one xoxoxoxo

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  7. Firstly Vix, what a stunning body! I could never wear a bikini and never in a million years and look half as good as you. Thank you for the third part, loved the little taxi, such a shame about your favourite place being spoilt. You photos are amazing, and your tan even better. I really look forward to reading your blog. I hope the account rants wasn't too bad today.

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  8. Love your India post. It is so disappointing when a once loved place changes beyond recognition.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  9. i love your Goa posts. They bring back so many happy memories. Really sad to hear about the over development though - I too had happy memories of Arambol and am really sad to hear it's changed. It (coupled with young kiddos who probably cant cope with the trip yet) is the main reason I've not been back for so long - I just don't want my memories spoiled.

    Welcome home and hope it's not too miserable adjusting...

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  10. I have enjoyed each and every one of these posts Vix! I love your insights and photos and I am desperate to go on an adventure. I could never not do some advance planning but I do hate how fixed things have gotten. We were trying to organise a trip for 4 months time and so many things are booked out and smug traveller forums telling us we aren't prepared enough - it gets dull!
    I am also speechless at your bikini body - you are rocking that tan!
    xox

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  11. such a shame to hear about one of your favourite places become ruined due to tourism etc. I know that's life, but it's still a shame! :(

    apart from that, fab photos! I did think of you the other day when it was snowing and I was like, urm, I want the summer now!!!

    xo

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  12. What a wonderful trip you had, I've enjoyed reading all about it. Also, how fab do you look in your bikini?! xx

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  13. I am always happy to look at your India photos and hear about your travels, adventures and opinions, Vix! What a shame that your beloved spot has been spoiled - but I am glad there are still quiet and relaxed places which mass tourism hasn't (yet) wrecked.
    You look amazing in your teeny weeny bikini! Bit different to your layers today! But you look good whatever you wear, love, and that fabulous skirt and those huge heels are making me drool a little...
    Hope it goes OK with the accountant and you can make head-or-tail of your dad's finances (not my strong suit, that's for sure...) Hmm, dreary UK winter weather and accountancy - no prizes for guessing why you love your trips to India so much! xxxxxxx

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  14. It's so nice to see somewhere bathed in sunshine rather than six inches beneath the snow!

    Shame about your little hideaway becoming the new 'it' place to go - at least you went somewhere that was more like the place you know and love.

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  15. Oh how awful about Arombol. Hearing that sort of thing makes my heart heavy for the place and the people who have no choice but to stay, despite selfish people despoiling their homes for them.

    Your adventures and your choice of places to visit make for wonderful reading. I had wondered if you ever made friends on your travels. That's nice.

    You look so lovely and relaxed in your pics, it's easy to see that that is where your heart is.

    Ah, parental finances/funding/tax/legal stuff. That's an area I know a lot about. I have spent years dealing with them. They take a lot of time and energy. You have my every sympathy. If you ever want an ear to chew... xxxx

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  16. I really love your travel posts, the only problem is they make me want to travel more. Goa sounds like a wonderful place and I will visit one day but next on my list is Indonesia as there's some great diving to be done there.
    I generally don't like taring everybody with one brush but when it comes to Russian tourists I'll make an exception...they just don't seem to grasp the concept of humility. They stomp around like they own the place, click their fingers & leave a trail of trash in their wake. The hotel in Langkawi that we were staying in is a bit of a Russian favourite and I was absolutely disgusted by their behavior, they'd totally annihilate the breakfast buffet, piling mounds of food onto their plates only to leave half of it scattered all over the table and on the floor after they were done, just horrid!
    It is hard to feel alive in the UK in the winter months, sometimes I wish I was a bear, so that I could just sleep all winter.
    Good luck untangling your dads finances, I'm sure it will be fine, you're a clever cookie and a fabulous looking one too.
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  17. I am still waiting to go to Goa. It seems the odds are against me xx

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  18. I love your pics from India
    Such a fabulous place
    Too bad about Arambol, but i guess it happens but it does not excuse certain behaviors
    I love what you are wearing, the platforms are great, love the colors
    Again welcome back!

    Ariane xxx


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  19. Wow, you look incredible Vix. It's quite sad about Arambol though, now such a "go-to" spot for tourists. We used to go to this remote location in Costa Rica before it became so inundated with tourists. glad to have you back! xx/Madison

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  20. These posts are amazing. You are so gorgeous! I love that blue vest with the blue shirt and skirt. That is so cute!

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  21. Such a shame that your beloved Arambol has gone that way :-( At least you pulled things back and got on with Plan B and that turned out to be fabulous :-)
    Looking gorgeous!

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  22. Its so sad when places change and for the worse but you mudt hold onto the warm memories of the past. I feel so sorry for those women having to wash their clothes etc in that filthy water. We take so much for granted over here some people dont know how lucky they are. You look amazing in your bikini and i bet you had no hip pain in that wonderful heat. Mine have been a nightmare the past few weeks with this cold weather gets you down. I hope you manage to sort everything with your dads money and its not to painful. dee xx

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  23. Bleurgh to financial stuff, I've been sorting mine today as well! What a shame about Arambol and I feel for the local people - tourism can be such a good thing, but not when it impacts so badly on daily life. Hopefully it might improve when it's not 'hip' anymore. Otherwise, it's been lovely to share your travels - if I didn't hate flying, Goa would be high on my list of places to visit x

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  24. Have really been enjoying reading your posts about India. Such a shame that your favourite place has been taken over. Unfortunately, it seems only a matter of time before these amazing places get taken over. Glad you got to enjoy some of it though.

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  25. Gah to special places becoming tourist rat traps - however it sounds like you moved onwards and upwards none-the-less. I love reading about your adventures - don't stop.

    Good luck with dire admin/accounting tasks - nothing like it for taking the shine off :( Hope it goes pain-free.

    At least the bloody snow has gone!!

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  26. What do you mean: final installment? Already? I could read one of your travel posts every day for weeks. Glad you were able to find unspoilt hawker and hassle-free beaches back in the South.

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  27. drunk or not men intent on sexually harassing girls are aplenty here.one of the prime reasons girls have to think twice about what they wear when going out.i am happy to see someone who loves the good things about our culture as much as you do.

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  28. So sad about the deterioration of your spot in Arambol, but what a recovery! Happy that you were able to find the perfect beach, and you are radiant in your bikini. Twenty trips and counting! I love reading about your adventures; you make India real to a person who has never been there.

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  29. You and Jon look relax and happy in all of the photos.
    Its sad when a place that we loved becomes a tourist attraction because most of the time the local people are able to benefit from it.
    Your hair is so beautifully long!

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  30. Such beautiful pictures! I hope one day to go to Goa, someday...!
    I feel bad for the people that live in Arambol, I am sure that they are think back with fondness to the past. Sad.
    However the trip looks amazing and you look super happy! I love your travel posts!!

    all the best,
    Michelle

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  31. As always, your Goa tales make for enjoyable reading and make me want to go back to India. And now I know where to avoid if I do get to Goa! So sad. Glad the trip ended on an up note.

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  32. I have really enjoyed your vacation photos. It's damn cold here and for just a moment I felt a bit warm.
    As awful at the water situation there looks to us...we would probably be suprised how much of the world would take that as a pretty normal (to them) situation.
    I was glad to see that mineral water is one of your daily expenses:)

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  33. Love your travel tales and photos. Too bad about your favorite town turning into a hell hole. I also avoid the "hotspots" when I travel. Too noisy, too crowded, too pricy. I'd rather wander around, ride public transportation, rub shoulders with the locals, ya know, get away from the usual. By the way, you look about 25 in your bathing suit!

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  34. Your lipstick and nail polish complement your blouse beautifully in the first and last two photos. I love that skirt, your floral patterned bag and all the jewelry. Your photos from your vacay are fab - a look at a part of the world I would doubtless not have seen otherwise. How do they cope with carrying so much balanced on their head (sixth photo)? You've been to India 20 times and to Goa 16 times? That's amazing! I'm feeling lucky getting to see your photos without ever having to leave the house :)

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  35. Hi there-sorry to hear how this part of India has transformed-for the worse, that is a real shame but it's good you moved on fairly quickly to pastures new and carried on enjoying your holiday. The taxi price is awesome, as was your daily spends, very good going indeed! xxx

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  36. What a shame Arambol has degenerated into a Russians playground. It's so disappointing when a favourite place has changed on subsequent visits. Glad you found some lovely quiet times when you went back South. Love you in your hooded robe and today's outfit too, that blue leotard is a superb colour on you.

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  37. hip Russian ravers!!! lolzzzz It would be funny except for the fact that the little beach spot you love is now ruined-- horrid. Sounds like you fixed it pretty quick and left to a more chill spot. 20th trip!! How awesome :) Fun that met some cool people to hang with, too!

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  38. What a shame that your beloved Arambol has been ruined and that the residents are struggling with the influx. I've enjoyed reading your holiday posts and could do with some of that beautiful Indian sun myself! BTW - thanks for your lovely comment; I'm gradually starting to feel a lot better xxx

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  39. Back to your lovely UK self I see! How quickly our vacations end and all that's left is the essence which so quickly seems to fade.

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  40. I could never tire of your India pictures NEVER!!!! I could also never tire seeing your beautiful face and rocking bikini BOD! Holy sexy MAMA! Too bad about Arambol but I'm also glad you shared this story with us, even vacation's are not always perfect, but you guys made the best of it and left. You and Jon always look so happy in the sunshine and on the beach, it is your element for sure.

    Sorry about dealing with Dad's fin aces, I know that is tough. Sending you a big hug and tons of love. Let's talk this week!
    I miss you!!!
    XXOO

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  41. I Love reading about ' your' Goa! The best travel guides comes from friends!

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  42. Thank you for sharing your photos. I am sad the place you loved it's that good anymore, but I am glad you made new friends.

    PS: I love the candy colored platforms!

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  43. My dear lady, thanks for sharing your Indian photos and great experience, it's fabulous and it's Real!
    So nice to read/watch you back here, despite the awful uk weather and other inconveniences. Whatever the weather you look gorgeous and love your colorful presence here in blogosphere!
    besos & suerte

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  44. Your description of the once beautiful village sounds like my worst nightmare, and it's tragic. Glad you were able to move on and find a haven. I also felt your pain at the mention of a visit to the accountant. I received an email from my dad this morning asking me to come with him to the accountant at the end of the month. I had a flashback to squirming in my seat during math class, wishing I were a million miles away.

    However, your glorious outfit (and lack thereof in the beach shot) brought a smile to my face. You look beautiful, happy and quintessentially Vix. Always a joy. XXOO

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  45. That's a shame about one of your favourite spots changing so dramatically for the worse. That also happened to a quaint little fishing village in Mexico I used to love. I guess it's good for those trying to make a living from the tourist industry, but it really sucks for the people who want the beauty of a calm and relaxing beach holiday. That said, it looks like your trip was a really good one and India sounds like a place I would lve to visit one day. Must be so hard to be back to the cold and damp and the business of real life.

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  46. I could look at your pix and read about your travels all day!!! You make me feel like I'm there!!

    I adore that trippy printed beach cover-up thingy!! Sarah M. has turned me into a caftan whore!!

    Love the "real world" outfit although I'm sure you'd much rather be in a bikini on a beach instead of the miserable cold!

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  47. I have really loved hearing about your travels. It's a shame when somewhere that you have previously loved changes for the worst, but at least you were able to move on to finish your holiday in a more chilled environment. Coming back to cold damp Britain must be so hard!!!

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  48. I don't have much to say but I am really loving your travels posts xx

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  49. I can't believe you lasted 4 days with all the noise and conditions. The rest of the adventure sounded absolutely dreamy. Hope it sustains you through winter!

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  50. I have loved reading your traveller's tales. You look absolutely stunning in that bikini. What beautiful memories.

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  51. So sad that that place is now ruined! I like my places like you- can't stand it when they become all lewd and touristy!
    Awful about the water supply. So many infastructures get ruined by tourists!

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  52. Vix, it's been a real pleasure hearing about your trip and seeing your photos.

    Sorry to hear about your beloved Arambol; that's really tragic. Reminds me of Santa Fe, New Mexico except Santa Fe was ruined in the other direction.

    When I lived on the Navajo reservation in Arizona in the late 70s, I loved visiting Santa Fe. It was a quiet, low key, high desert town (the oldest capital city in the US I believe), that had an old Spanish colonial vibe with open streets and people on bicycles and on foot. Most shopping was done out of fun and funky, old stores or from the Native Americans who had their wares spread out on blankets in the plaza.

    Then, Santa Fe became the mecca of the Southwest style craze of the 80s. By the time I took Peter there several years later, it had essentially become Rodeo Drive. The streets were clogged with Mercedes & BMWs, there there were people crowding the sidewalks dressed in flash and bling while carrying shopping bags from all the new designer stores and swanky boutiques that had replaced the old shops. I couldn't wait to leave. If I wanted to see LA/Beverly Hills (which I don't ever really unless I have to), I could have saved a lot of time and money. Oh, well. At least I have the memories of what Santa Fe once was. I feel your pain.

    But glad your return trip yielded some friends. How awesome is that?

    I love the picture of you in your bikini. You look just stunning! And LOVE you swimsuit cover-up maxi too!

    Thanks again for sharing with us. It's been a real treat!

    xxx

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  53. Such a shame such a beautiful place was completely spoilt, not just for you but for the people who live there too. You still had an amazing time in Goa and looked utterly fabulous the whole time! Looking rather fabulous now you're back in the UK too! Fantastic skirt. It's bloody freezing though! Xxxx

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  54. I never bore of hearing about your Goa trips, I just want to be able to pack a bag and go. So it's a lovely escape reading about your adventures and salivating at the thought of such yummy food

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  55. That collective sigh is from the sadness that the pics are over!;) Hope you find a few more to sneak in, it's been fun reading about your vacation. Almost like we're sitting right next to you passing the photos.
    I know how hard it is to see a place you've loved change. My fav spot to stay at on our coast was starting to talk/plan for a very large golf course and "resort"-barf. Like there aren't enough already! I really hate that some places can't be left alone. Isn't that why we want to travel-you know to see different things-geeze!;)
    Also, I don't think I've ever heard of bull racing, you'll have to let us in on that one. Loved that pic of you in the long dress with the sunnies, like a pic from the past, so perfect. And, you look like a hot yoga instructor in your bikini shot-hello Miss UK representing!;)

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  56. I loved reading your Goa adventures 1, 2, 3, Vix. It's good to have you back - even though coming 'home to reality' (phhh, all Maya anyway) must be hard.
    The development of Arambol is really sad, one can only hope that the russian ravers will move on... xoxo

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  57. I am sighing because that's all your posting on your trip!!! I understand exactly why you love it so much! It's a real bugger that tourism has caught up with Arambol. I suspect many quiet places we've loved in Laos and Thailand are no longer recgnisable to us.
    You are looking so fecking fabulous! That's one thing I do love, is coming home to my wardrobe! I'm a bit lost without my huge amount of clothes when I travel! Frigging awesome shoes! back to reality,huh?! Just WHOSE reality are we referring to?!
    Love HelgaXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  58. It is wonderful to travel with you, Vix.
    Your experiences and photos make me dream.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  59. That's sad, paradise spoiled,it looks like such an amazing place, I know what you mean about feeling more alive when you're away, it's so hard coming back! you're adventure has inspired me, I'm saving like a mad thing to get away to the sun, have loved your India posts xx

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  60. I always love to hear about your trips and it's a shame that one of your favourite places has changed for the worse.
    You look bloody fantatstic.
    Back to reality of a UK winter, but a least the snow has pissed off.
    Have lovely week.
    xxxxxxxxxx

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  61. How upsetting that Arambol was found to be ruined, that's always a shame. I can't get over how cheap it is! x

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  62. Wow! You have an amazing bikini body! Really enjoyed your posts, you really give people of different perspective of the country but what a bloody shame that the infrastructure of your favourite place is falling down to the increased tourism, I would never have thought that would happen. Very sad for the locals. xx

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  63. Ditto on the admiration of your glorious figure- you are an inspiration in a bikini!

    Welcome back dear Vix- your presence was missed but I'm glad you are full of good memories and sun.

    Your biggest influence on me(amongst many) is your maxi love and India love. I think I will wear a maxi thanks to you and plan a trip to this place of sunshine. xo.

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  64. Beautiful beaches & love that bull photo. Too bad about the pink house! you look smashing in that bikini!

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  65. Good to see you back and looking well and happy. Loved looking at your holiday pics, but that Aramboll looks like my worst nightmare, eww! I think I would be out of my comfort zone in India, I think maybe I should experience it at least once, but maybe I'll enjoy the experience through your holidays ♥

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  66. I laughed out loud about the bulls on the beach! Really enjoyed your vacation through your eyes! Reminds me a bit of my experience in Mexico. You and your man both look lovely! XXX

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  67. Oh dear - I'm sorry that your favourite spot has been taken over by a "certain type" of tourist! But it looks like you still found a slice of paradise in your beloved India. I think I've said this before, I've never consider India to be a place I'd like to visit. But each time you visit and post pics I begin to think it could actually be a fabulous place to be!

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  68. Great photos. I visit Kerala, it's where my husband's parents live. Homecooked Indian food!

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  69. Vix, we live such different lives!

    I love your writing and photography.
    Thank you for these great shots of your vacation. xoxo

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  70. I've wrote it before, and/but write it again. I love that you are so consistent in your hippie / Indian style. To see your photos from India confirm that you are genuine.

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  71. My friend is currently in India for 3 months and I've loved hearing about the food, the monkeys, the elephants, the horses, the people, the colours, but I don't know if I'd have the strength to cope with the negative side of India.
    By the way, I love your divine orange sleeveless maxi. It's the details that matter!

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  72. I never been to India and I really wish I can visit all those places so different from ours, I apprecciate that you and Jon are so attached to a faraway Country that is so full of your memories you can call it your second home.
    The outfit you are wearing in this post is one of my favourite ( at least today, because I know you always astonish me)that skirt is lovely and the colours and the shoes makes everything looks just perfect!
    Lots of Love xxxxxxx

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  73. You look so at home on the beach in your teeny bikini, and so chilled out. Must be so hard to go home and have to put on your winter woolies!! Thanks for part three, is there any more?? Please!!

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  74. I swear I left a massive comment last night and Blogger told me to feck off and do one!!! But to put it briefly, at least you've discovered first-hand the shit hole that Arambol has sadly become - it's not just gossip - the only good thing was another cute pink cottage by the looks of it. How terribly sad - I feel sorry for the locals who have to get on with their daily lives and put up with the shitty tourists - particularly those who have nothing much to do with the tourist industry and have to make a living somehow while all their infrastructure and basic needs are being compromised. Congratulations on your 20th trip - what a special one it must have been for you both:)). Going back down south seems to have been the best decision and such a relief looking at the beautiful photos INCLUDING the gawwwwwwwwwjusssssssss wench in the string bikini!!!! PHWOOOOOOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

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  75. Oh so sad to see that one of your favourite places has been overtaken by the ugly face of tourism. What a shame.

    Glad to have you back dearie!!

    xxxx

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  76. I love seeing/hearing about your time in India. My previous experience has been either through Bollywood, ancient art history, or meditation/spiritual readings. So India according to Vix is a whole other view! Thanks for that.

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  77. Seeing India through your eyes is always an exciting read (:

    You look smoking in that bikini!

    ∞ © tanvii.com ∞

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  78. Vix, it's been lovely reading of your adventures and seeing your pics. Too bad one of your fave haunts has been spoiled. You'll have to discover mini-paradises on your next trip. Xoxo

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  79. Thanks for taking us on your travels. I enjoy reading about your trips to India.
    Love from Mum
    xx

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  80. I've loved your Goa adventures, Vix. And I love how travel always challenges the heart and mind and palate. The ruination of a secret hideaway is inevitable it seems - I like the novel The Beach which deals a bit with this idea. I'm sure my fave spots in China are now cities! Cold weather makes us shrink. I look forward to trip 21!

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  81. Vix, I will never ever tire of hearing about Goa, it is your true destiny and so amazing to hear of such passion for a place which truly fulfils your deepest dreams. I hope one day I find a place that makes me as happy as India does you xxx

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  82. Loved reading about your holiday, very entertaining. My brother lived in India for 18 years, he loved it there.

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  83. Wow.

    Love your accountant outfit (the shoes!).

    So sad that your lovely unspoilt little piece of heaven has been commercialised and ruined - that waterway is awful! But the pink house is very pretty and makes me want to paint the shack pink.

    You look AAAAMMAAAAAAZZZZING in your bikini and I love that incredible hooded maxi.

    Thanks so much for these great posts, amor - I love seeing India from your eyes.

    Love you more than aloo palak! Sarah xxx

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  84. I love your denim, yellow and black outfit but I know what you mean about real life Vix, I've never been anywhere as exotic as India but I know I feel more alive when I'm away from normal life and it can be really hard coming back to it. It must be especially hard coming back to this wintery weather. I've loved seeing your holiday photos but it's so sad to see those villagers trying to cope with their water supply being contaminated, it sounds like the tourism industry has really ruined their home. Sorry I'm so late commenting by the way, playing catch up as usual! xx

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  85. Great photos from India, I'm so happy to see that you had a great time!!

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  86. Love your travel stories from your annual pilgrimiges to Mother India... glad you had a great time & whhoooaaa, your bikini shot is fab!!

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  87. Oh what a shame - who was it that said 'Hell is other people'? They were right! Glad you found somewhere peaceful to finish your holiday though :)

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix