Sunday 31 August 2014

My 7 top Goa Monsoon Moments

Every time I have been to Goa, the sky has been blue. The sun has been shining and it has been filled up with tourists from all over. Hectic, busy, fun and a bit exhausting.

This week, when I went, the sky was grey. The clouds were dark and rain was pouring constantly. But you know what, dear reader: I totally loved it.

Back in Norway we say: "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing" - so I put on my monsoon plastic shoes and headed off to explore monsoon Goa. These were my top favorite moments:

1. Nothing beats the vibrant colors and the freshness that the rain brings out. The coconut trees seems taller, the rice fields seems brighter and the nature comes to life again. And as I was strolling around in the fields, mesmerized by the green beauty, clicking away - I just hear my friends going: " - Oh, we are impressed Eli - see you walking around without fear for all the snakes and crocodiles." - Eeeeeeeeeeeeek....

2. Having Chicken Cafreal - and lots of other goodies at the local Florentines restaurant. I like the Goan cuisine for their smart use of spices. The restaurant is great: visited by locals, genuine and clean, cheap prices and most important: very tasty food:

3. Feeling the amazing and including atmosphere at The Miraculous Cross at the Holy Cross church in Bambolim:

4. Shopping the best cashew nuts (in the world ?)- in Sawantwadi. A long drive, but totally worth it. A beautiful place - and back in "my" state - Maharashtra.

5. Being the almost only (playful) tourist in a normally very crowded tourist area. How peaceful and calm to go for a stroll along the sea - feeling the breeze and rain at the beautiful Dona Paula beach area - famous for the myths of the Portugese lady Dona Paula and for shooting of the Bollywood films Ek Duuje Ke Linge and Singham. Usually packed with people, but not this week. Not even possible to buy the Fresh Lime Soda with Singham Masala  and Bombay Masala..:-) Hm - gotta come back here:-)  

6. Being invited to new friends' homes and feel happy when they show me their gardens with blooming flowers, the little birdie that they saved, their new kittens, the newly born calf or their old Portugese home which has been in the family for centuries and that they preserve with love, respect and pride.

7. Just sitting there, watching the rain pour down - feeling relaxed and happy - and knowing that the sun is waiting. Patiently. Because over the dark clouds, the sky is always blue..

Bye for now, dear Goa - see you again:-) 

30 comments:

  1. Goa's beautiful at all times of the year. I love the monsoons there for it suddenly is lush and the best part is there are no puddles coz the rain water gets absorbed almost immediately.
    You seemed to have enjoyed to the hilt :)

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    1. I did:-) It was great, thanks dear Vinodini:-)

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  2. Beautiful photos! Just looking at all that greenry and cloudy skies is relaxing itself , so I can imagine how being there in actual must have been for you:)

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    1. Thank you so much:-) Yes- it was wonderful:-)

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  3. It's raining here while I m reading this, and I'm inside my room, and you know what I would like to go and explore the city of mine outside !! but hey @@ I don't have rainy boots and coat lol. Thanks I liked your travel trip. !!

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    1. Hmmm - hope you got to go:-) Thanks - so happy you liked it:-)

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  4. What a beautiful place Goa is! I always enjoy seeing parts of India through your eyes, Eli. You're always so upbeat and positive. Even the rain doesn't bother you. Love that Norwegian saying about "no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." I must remember that saying as another Canadian winter looms on the horizon.

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    1. Thank you so much Cathy - your kind words make me so happy:-) Oh yeah...I guess the Canadian winters can be quite similar to the Norwegian ones... Not like in India though..:-) Hugs

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  5. Ah beautiful Goa!! I've been there twice but never in monsoons and not with hubby...maybe club the two next time around. ;)

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    1. Sounds like a great plan dear Aditi. Yes, it was really beautiful:-)

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  6. Beautiful clicks Eli. And yes, as you said it, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."

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  7. It's always exciting meeting new people and learning new things, isn't it?

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  8. What a lovely writeup! It was almost as if I was there, enjoying the Monsoons in Goa with you. Great saying about no bad weather! Makes a lot of sense, if you ask me. And what is Singham Masala? :) Does it have something to do with the movie Singham? Beautiful pictures, as always :)

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    1. Thank you so much dear Beloo - always so happy to see your kind words here:-) Well, the stalls were all closed so I didnt get to try the drink with "Singham Masala" that they advertised for - maybe it was a touch of the film in it ...??warm hugs to you

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  9. All lovely photos, but the greenery in the first set of pictures is particularly gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you so much - yes it was soo fresh and green:-) Lovely

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  10. All lovely photographs - my favourites are the ones at the beginning. So gorgeous and green.

    Anabel's Travel Blog

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  11. I'm right with you in the "put on the correct outer clothing and GET OUT THERE" sentiment. (I think I can credit Norway for that -- I used to hate dodging rain drops.) So exhilarating and invigorating; I love the sounds of rain on my hood.

    Your photos are refreshing ... and your words so respectful of the area and enlightening for us. I'd never thought to explore this part of the world before. Thank you, as always!, for taking me along vicariously!

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    1. Thank you Cindi. I enjoy reading you comments - makes me think of my hometown - and can picture you hiking around in clothes suitable for the weather...:-) :-) So happy for your kind and generous words - its very encouraging for me:-) Hugs dear

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  12. Goa is full of life... through out the year.. u have captured it well

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    1. So true, dear Smitha. Thank you so much:-) Hugs

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  13. Gorgeous greenery!!!!

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  14. Hi Ezi Z Beautiful picture of the Bamboli Cross - i'd also like to highlight that its my family that u have captured in the picture :) all looking hopeful that theirs prayer are answered :)

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    1. Hi Jenise. Wow, that is amazing:-) Hope they are happy with it. Happy to see you here. Stay blessed dear:-)

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  15. Goa is very serene and I love the lush greenery in the South part. Loove this place like anything. Lovely pictures.

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    1. Thank you so much Vishal:-) We share that love for Goa:-)

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