Thursday 10 May 2012

Vix's Adventures In Goa (& Beyond) Part 2


Ready for the next instalment?
After a week of chilling in South Goa we jumped on the train and headed to the neighbouring state of Karnataka to Gokarna, a Hindu pilgrimage centre, for a week of culture.



Gokarna is a pretty laterite and wooden roofed Mediaeval town with a relaxed and peaceful vibe.


"Go karn" literally means "cow's ear" as Hindus believe Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow here.

Sacred naga (snake) stones
Life here remains almost untouched by the twenty-first century.


The temple tank is wonderfully atmospheric at sunrise, people washing and beating their laundry against the steps, the smell of incense, the clank of the temple bells and the lilt of filmi music playing on a crackling radio somewhere in the labyrinthine back lanes.

Another fabulous hand-painted sign.
Sadly, due to the disrespectful behaviour of previous travellers, non-Hindus are no longer allowed in any of the temples, but we were quite happy just chilling over massala chai and watching the world go by.

The temple car & Curtise's frock (previously seen HERE)
Pilgrim in a side street

Cliff top walk from Gokarna town to the beach


Gokarna has three beautiful beaches, we loved Om beach, so called because the shape resembles the symbol.



We spent a week at Namaste, a typical Karnatakan house with a terracotta tiled roof and laterite walls, paying a very reasonable £5.50 per night.



We had to share the beach with a few locals.


They were pretty easy going although they were quite partial to nibbling our paperbacks.

Here's today's outfit:

1970s St Michael tee shirt (25p, car boot sale), Brushed denim bell bottoms (£1, Cancer Research ), Trevira 2000 blazer (£5, vintage village @ The Clothes Show), Patchwork bag (£1, car boot sale), Cherry red platforms (TopShop sale, 2005)

I'm off charity shopping for the first time since March. Wish me luck.

See you soon with the next instalment (if you can stand the excitement).

65 comments:

  1. Lovely photos - I love the way it is untouched by 21st century living - but i'm sure in time that may change. Love todays outfit, those high waist jeans suit you well :) x

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  2. ooooh - the beach!! <3
    i really love today's outfit vix! very 70s!
    best of luck with the charity shopping!
    x

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  3. How sad that a few idiots have ruined the temples for everyone else.
    Looking as lovely as ever Vix, cracking pins!
    Sophie
    x

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  4. Oh such beautiful pics, Vix! It looks so beautiful and relaxed there - I love the cows on the beach! The temples are wonderful - what a shame that a few rotters got in. You look SPECTACULAR in those bell bottoms - just absolutely gorgeous - and I love that fab jacket too. I hope you had wonderful shopping joy and I can't wait to see your treasures. Love you more than cows! Sarah xxx PS Do you ever get any tummy troubles in India?

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  5. Fantastic! It must be great to live life at that pace. Love your outfit especially your necklace.

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  6. Your photos have captured your experience so well. It must be fantastic to step out of 21st century western culture altogther, just for a short time.

    I can't wait to see what you find on your charity shop travels! xx

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  7. Just looks beautiful, such untouched beauty. Would love to know more about food etc there, what do you guys eat?
    And you are looking a beaut to Vix!
    xx

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  8. Gorgeous photos no wonder you love going back again and again.

    Great outfit very cheery given the ruddy weather xx

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  9. I get really annoyed by disrespectful tourists!!! How dare they be so rude!!!

    Looks beautiful. India is on my list as the next big adventure and no I won't be doing resorts! Eurgh!

    Enjoy the Chazz shops - What do you think of the prices> have your haunts been hit by the overinflation for ''primark'' vintage yet?
    x

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  10. I need to visit India one day, I just love everything I see here.
    The tranquillity is clear to see, and I am just left longing and dreaming of being there.

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  11. I CAN'T stand the excitement!!! I want to see more NOW!!!!!!

    I also want to go to India. Muchous.

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  12. Enjoying the photos and looking forward to many installments. Does sharing your holiday with us all make it last longer?? Hope so. ♥

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  13. Yes yes more photos please. Am loving your holiday snaps. Such a wonderful vibe you get from them.

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  14. Vix your pics are great and show a place that isn`t all about spending and having lots of pointless things. Love the pink blazer!
    Dx

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  15. Gorgeous pictures, really jealous!

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  16. i esp love the pic of jon and the cow sharing the beach. the deserted beaches are so peaceful and refreshing to see. i'm relaxed just looking at them. loving your outfit too!

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  17. I too am back-finally! Looks like it was a very peaceful leg of the holiday, how can that ever be a bad thing, eh?!

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  18. I really really love your photos. I've never thought of going to Goa before but I would really love to. Probably not with my boyfriend as sadly he has Crohns, which I'd imagine doesn't mix well with the local food. I'd love it though. Especially sharing the beach with book nibbling cows. It looks so quite where you are, hardly any one around at all.
    Looking forward ot the next installment. Also looking forward to nice weather over here!
    Have fun charity shopping! I'll have to come up and join you soon!

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  19. Best luck on the shopping. The photos are breathtaking. Amazing to see a whole new world, literally, especially on the heels of a report today on 'throwback' people who don't own cell phones (as if they are oddities to be gawked at and pitied).

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  20. Thanks for the wonderful pictures. I processed an application for someone from Namaste what a beautiful place it is!

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  21. how did i miss your return?? welcome home! (sorry a bit late!) You're looking wonderful and your trip looks like it was truly amazing.xx

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  22. Hi Vix,

    Been enjoying your holiday pics and posts!

    Where you go certainly look so beautiful. The other half is due to go out to India in few weeks time for work. This will be his second time. I was showing him your gorgeous beach pics. Sadly for him though he is going slap in the middle of India to Bangalore. So no beaches for him. But last time he was made very welcome and taken to various places non tourist trap too as it was with his work colleagues and its their home.

    Loving that pink jacket so pretty and that locket. Love a shiny locket me!



    P x

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  23. Gosh, firstly what a beautiful place. I am by far amazed by the culture, it’s such a rare glimpse into what looks like a wonderful adventure. You always inspire me Vix, and you always make me more determined to chase my dreams xxx

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  24. Wow the places you find in India are truly gorgeous! I bet its so much fun getting off the beaten track and seeing the real India too.

    Good luck and have fun with the charity shops!

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  25. Such gorgeous photos, Vix. The love you have for India just radiates from your pictures and how you describe the places and your experiences there.
    I love the idea of the only pest on the beach being a paperback-nibbling cow or two!
    Very happy to see the Nigerian frock enjoying its holiday too!

    Todays' outfit is super-stylish. Do you know, I actually had an urge to unearth some jeans today? I didn't, but maybe I should, just to see if I can! I love you in that beautiful shade of pink. Hope the chazzin' trip proved successful, I've been today too and come home with something which I think belongs with you... xxxxxxx

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  26. Honestly, sitting here in the rain and looking at your wonderful India photos is thoroughly enjoyable. Looks like the water has stopped for a few moments where you are... Hope it stays dry for the shopping trip! xoxo

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  27. Lovely images. Such a shame a few people disrespected the temples. I've seen similar signs in churches in Europe too (although it did not directly affect me as I could explain I was a worshipper, it was a real shame for others as they were beautiful) - there's a world of difference between not sharing beliefs and treating a place of worship like a theme park.

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  28. These photos and your descriptions really take me there. Wonderful! I agree with Perdita about the temples - these idiots are everywhere unfortunately.

    Love the pink blazer, by the way.

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  29. Love that blazer. Great holiday snaps.

    Looking forward to seeing what you bought.

    C
    xxx

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  30. More lovely photos; such a shame that you can no longer enter the temples due to some people being disrespectful to others' religion.

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  31. Wonderful photos, and words from the land
    Much love from Berlin
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  32. Again i loved the pics from India, such a beautiful place - Reading up on India these days in preparation for our big trip!

    Lovely pink blazer Vix!

    Take care and good luck at the charity shops!

    Ariane xxxxx

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  33. Hope you find some great things in the charity shops xx

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  34. Ooooo,it's just HEAVENLY! I could easy spend some time chilling out over curries and paperbacks there!Just lovely.I am fascinated by Hinduism,it's so garishly wonderful and Shiva coming out of an ear is as sane as Jesus turning wine into blood as far as I'm concerned!G just found my Shiva,too!He needs a clean,then I can out him on the cocktail cabinaet...maybe!
    DIGGING those uber high waisted flares today, madam!!!Freakin'FABULARSEHOLE!!!
    Love Helga!
    xxxXXXxxx

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  35. It looks so beautiful and so chilled out. Such a shame about the temples and not being allowed in. Some people spoil it for all.

    Loving the blazer, it looks fab. Hope you found some goodies whilst out shopping.

    X x

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  36. Thank you for sharing your fabulous photos - I'm loving sharing your wonderful holiday. Linda xxx

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  37. Your photo's have transported me back there. You look wonderful in that vibrant pink jacket.

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  38. Looks great - so amazing to think there are still corners of the world where life is much the same as it was generations ago. Shame that you can't go to the temples anymore - why do a few idiots have to ruin it for everyone else? Nice outfit. Hope you found lots in the shops today x

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  39. Goa looks so peaceful and otherworldly.. I can see why you love it so much! Fabulous pics again and a very pretty outfit :-)

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  40. Am loving all your pics - just looks such an amazing place & I can see why you are so in love with the place. Shame that the behaviour of some means that decent visitors can't go to the temples though.

    The line you quoted on my post comes from their biggest hit ' I want to be your property' - glad that someone has heard of them :)

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  41. What an amazing place Vix - the scenery is stunning and the medieval village sounds fascinating!
    It looks like you had a fantastic time.
    Love that pink flowery jacket!

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  42. love your pics and that soft sunlight and colors, so pretty!
    And you look fabulous in your bellbottom pants, so funky!!, and pretty in pink!
    besos

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  43. After I graduate I'm planning on travelling for a few months and I think you've sold me Goa as one place I must visit!

    Love the blazer - recently become a fan of pink unintentionally, and really have a love for blazers!

    Can't wait for more photos x

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  44. wow wow wow this is soooo beautiful, i always wanted to make a trip to india too but i think at least i would need a month right? the colours, and the beautiful landscapes! it´s just so wow!!!
    oh and of course you look great with this pink jacket;)
    love and kiss,mary

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  45. Great photos of your holiday, I'll look forward to more.

    Love your outfit for today.

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  46. It`s all so beautiful. I want to travel the world and this is too much)))
    You look wonderfully retro today!

    >'.'<

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  47. Sunshine- sigh! It looks idyllic!

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  48. Amaaaaazing photos Vix!!! You are so cute in the pink blazer - loving the hair as always...xo

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  49. Glad to have you back! Fabulous pics and I LOVE your blazer!

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  50. I'm falling in love with India through your lens, so keep the photos coming. Love the pink jacket with high waisted bell bottoms. And the photo of you in front of the temple care.

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  51. I love part two best because I see you and Jon looking so happy! I love the picture of him on the beach with the cow behind him, he is in his element- just chillin! I love hearing about mornings by the water with the sounds of people doing the washing. What an escape from all of our daily grind, I wish I was there.

    You look so hot in these jeans and you know I'm loving that blazer! We will catch up next weekend for sure. Can't wait to see your pretty smile!
    Love you!!!

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  52. Oh! My country of contradiction! Its fun seeing it through your eyes! :)

    You looked lovely.

    ∞ © tanvii.com ∞

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  53. It's nice to see a different side to India! Loving that blazer!! xx

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  54. It must be amazing to enter a world that has so much history and is to some extent untouched.
    It must feel so very surreal to be seeing, smelling and absorbing such a different culture.
    Looking so very beautiful and happy in the flares and jacket.
    I hope you have fun op-shopping!
    Love v

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  55. These photos are marvellous, it's like travelling without moving from my desktop!! The colours are amazing, especially in the ones you've captured people or houses, I love Hinduism culture, is full of beautiful stories!
    kisses

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  56. Great pictures ,look like you had a great time,Love your outfit,your jacket is great :)

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  57. What a beautiful discription, incense, crackling radios in the distance. I'm relaxed just reading your adventures.

    Awesome bell bottoms by the way. X

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  58. Amazing photos. Looks/ sounds so relaxing.

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  59. Great photos! I am quite curious about India, would like to visit some day.

    I love your vintage bellbottoms.

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  60. Amazing pics lovely, beautiful scenery and intriguing people.

    ***Ta-dah! Tuesday tomorrow - link up your amazing makes, fabulous finds and outrageous outfits!***

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  61. I love looking at your photos from Goa - it is so different from any where I've ever travelled. Thanks for sharing your trip with your readers. As for your outfit, I think you rock high-waisted wide-leg pants better than anyone - your legs look ten miles long!

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  62. These India pictures are just gorgeous. Loving that vintage tee!xxx

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  63. What a beautiful place! I love that it is so untouched by the 21st century. It makes me wonder how the locals feel about the tourists, aside from not allowing them in the temples. I really must get there!
    xo, A.

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Lots of love, Vix