Going Goan with Kiwi help
Goa, India Our readers Jackie and Mark Todd were inspired to visit Goa after reading about a Kiwi family there.
What inspired your trip, and when did you go?
The idea came after reading your Expat Tales article last year, about Chloe and Cisco de Souza.
They gave up the corporate life in London and moved to Goa with their two young daughters to establish a boutique India travel agency (see latitude22travel.com).
The concept of parking up in such an interesting place for a month really appealed.
We went from mid-October to midNovember, just before the high season in Goa.
Other than a quick visit to New Delhi and Udaipur at the end of our trip, we spent the whole time in a village in Goa called Saligao.
We wanted to chill out and soak up the local atmosphere. Our concept was to take time to connect with the ‘‘real’’ India rather than focus on attractions.
How did you arrange the trip?
We contacted Chloe and Cisco, explained what we had in mind and asked if they could help us put it together.
They were simply wonderful in terms of things like finding accommodation (with reliable internet, so Mark could do some work remotely) and connecting us with local people, restaurants, and markets.
Having the help of people on the ground who are passionate about sharing the magic of India was invaluable.
What was the village like?
Saligao is charming, with lots of local colour and Portuguese heritage.
It’s also a short scooter or taxi ride from the famous tourist strip at Calangute Beach, which has bars, restaurants and shopping.
What was a typical day?
A 9am yoga class, followed by a leisurely breakfast. In the afternoon we would often scooter to a local sight or new area. Then back for a swim and a G&T (the local gin is super cheap and perfectly palatable) before dinner at one of the many fabulous local restaurants.
Highlights?
For Jackie, it was going with Cisco to take food and essentials to a community from rural Andhra Pradesh who come over to Goa to beg during the tourist season.
The smiles and laughter of the kids contrasted sharply with the very basic conditions.
For Mark, it was feeling connected with the village and just soaking up the amazing colour of India.
Celebrating Diwali with local friends of Chloe and Cisco was also special.
How expensive was it?
Your money goes a long way in India, especially if you are a little off the beaten track.
There is also lots of scope to spend a bit more and treat yourself, for example, the spectacular Sunday buffet lunch at the Grand Hyatt.
How did you get around?
The scooters were a highlight, but Indian driving definitely takes a bit of getting used to.
Strange as it seems, it is both chaotic and orderly at the same time.
Any Delhi belly?
Everyone asks us that! No, we were fine despite eating at a lot of local restaurants.
Saligao is charming, with lots of local colour and Portuguese heritage. It's also a short scooter or taxi ride from the famous tourist strip at Calangute Beach, which has bars, restaurants and shopping.