On the Beach Once More

Goa, India's smallest state on it's South Western coast is lined with palm fringed beaches and hence draws a large tourist crowd. Some say it is not really India, being relatively clean and orderly, with churches instead of temples, and with a large population of tourists and foreign residents. India however is a vast and diverse land, with states as different from one another as countries. No one can claim to be the 'real' India. And what a pleasant, relaxing side of India Goa is. I am staying at Anjuna beach, on Goa's Northern coast, a relatively laid back affair in comparison to the stretch of more commercialised beaches just south of here, where jet skis zip up and down and heards of cows meander through the large crowds. Yes, Anjuna is much more relaxed, allowing me to stretch out beneath a beach umbrella or in the shade of a beach hut with a book.

Cathedral, Old Goa

But Goa is not just a beach, yesterday I traveled by (several) buses to the state capital, Panjim and the nearby historic site of Old Goa. In line with the scale of Goa, Panjim is more town like, with colourful old Portuguese era buildings. The Portuguese held their colony in Goa from the 1500s, in which time a huge city grew. Now only the cities grand cathedrals remain, vast and beautiful structures that stand testament to the coloniser's drive to convert and spread their religion. From the large number of churches across Goa, I gather Christianity is indeed ingrained within the Goan population.

Goa has been a lovely resting point as I approach the end of my fourth month on the road and before I lunge into the next part of my journey in India's North. 

Anjuna Beach