Our Trip - Final Entry
The overnight train from Mumbai to Goa was on time. Gigi and I had A/C sleepers. I had the
upper and she had the lower plank! We were given sheets, a blanket, and a pillow. As long as you didn't turn over you were OK. My head touched one end and my feet touched the other end of the side sleeper. Not much sleep, but at least we were able to stretch out and we were cool! We disembarked at Margao, Goa, and took a prepaid taxi to Panaji, the capital. Arriving at our hotel just before lunch on Friday gave us time to settle in and get our bearings before eating. After lunch we walked about the town and enjoyed the refurbished Portuguese architecture. We
melted in the heat and humidity! We quickly discovered you do not move fast! We got tickets for an evening on the river and then headed to Auntie Maria's for some air-conditioning and afternoon iced-tea! The sweets were delicious! We struggled to stay in the shade and took advantage of the various shops which were air-conditioned. Not much was purchased.
upper and she had the lower plank! We were given sheets, a blanket, and a pillow. As long as you didn't turn over you were OK. My head touched one end and my feet touched the other end of the side sleeper. Not much sleep, but at least we were able to stretch out and we were cool! We disembarked at Margao, Goa, and took a prepaid taxi to Panaji, the capital. Arriving at our hotel just before lunch on Friday gave us time to settle in and get our bearings before eating. After lunch we walked about the town and enjoyed the refurbished Portuguese architecture. We
melted in the heat and humidity! We quickly discovered you do not move fast! We got tickets for an evening on the river and then headed to Auntie Maria's for some air-conditioning and afternoon iced-tea! The sweets were delicious! We struggled to stay in the shade and took advantage of the various shops which were air-conditioned. Not much was purchased.Early Saturday morning we made our way to the market which was both outdoors as well as indoors. The smells of the fresh fish were extremely powerful as nothing is refrigerated nor on ice! We were surprised at the lack of animals, dogs in particular, in the market area. Morning coffee was back at Auntie Maria's - more for the A/C than the coffee!
Following lunch our driver took us to the Archbishop's Palace and then to Old Goa where we saw the remnants of the Portuguese town which was decimated in the seventeenth century by malaria and cholera epidemics. At the ruins of St. Augustine's I discovered an altar to St. William . The most impressive feature is the remains of the 46 m high tower which served as a belfry and formed part of the facade of the magnificent church. It was then of to Bom Jesus and then St. Catherine' s Cathedral before a drive back to Margao and the overnight train to Shoranur 
Junction in nearby Kerala state. We were met by a driver from school and were back in the lovely coolness of Ooty by 3:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon.
Junction in nearby Kerala state. We were met by a driver from school and were back in the lovely coolness of Ooty by 3:00 P.M. Sunday afternoon.It was certainly the trip of a lifetime and one which we will remember for a long time. Now it is back to life in Ooty!
posted by Bill at
11:43 AM
1 Comments:
Saint William!! Thanks for the history and geography lessons. What an amazing time and to be able to travel with Gigi a bonus this trip. It is surprising more people aren't sick with the heat and lack of refrigerated foods. Looking forward to more stories and seeing your pictures next month!! Keep safe.
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