We had the chance to visit India on various occasions during our lifetime and feel as enthusiastic as newcomers, although with a deep sense of belonging, every time we travel back to the country. Between December and January we flew together to Goa, a magical miniature state in central west India. This experience reminded us of the indelible trace India left in our hearts and the endless flow of emotions it is able to evoke. Green, joyful and exotic, Goa offers a savory taste of the Indian way of life with its glistening and gorgeous burst of colors, perfumes, cultures, religions and races. The distinctive and irresistible charm of this tiny Indian state lies in its non-commercial hippy and trance party scene, crystalline shores, green palms, busy marketplaces and beautiful mixture of temples, mosques and cathedrals. Five centuries of Portuguese occupation (1510 – 1961) are still evident today in the old quarters of Panaji with its impressive Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and the grand basilicas in Old Goa, once considered the “Rome of the East”. Located in central Goa along the broad banks of the Mandovi River, Panaji is the state's small and loveable capital and an ideal base for taking sunset river cruises and exploring Goa's historical hinterland. Panaji also offers a middle ground between Goa's hectic northern party scene and the quiet beaches and calmer crowd of the south. Visiting the place on the New Year's Eve, we were inevitably brought towards the north coast of Calangute, Baga, Anjuna and Vagator, areas for those seeking action, amusement and shopping opportunities. When we arrived, we could not miss the opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking firework show and mix with the colorful, young and diverse crowd who welcomed in the New Year in the numerous clubs facing the beach. We dedicated most of the following days to the pleasures of strolling across Goa's picturesque markets and savoring a mix of live music and good food. Wednesday's weekly flea market at Anjuna was an inspiring experience. The market is abundant with colorful stands owned by local vendors bargaining hard with tourists to sell the most disparate items including Indian jewelry and cotton dresses, hippy clothes, African djambe drums, bags and original souvenirs. After visiting this vibrant museum of people, we understood why Lonely Planet considers it “as much part of the Goan experience as a day on a deserted beach.” The shopping streets in Baga are less chaotic but equally folkloristic with an abundance of all possible sizes of Buddhas and elephant statues, ayurvedic and alternative therapy health centers, Thai foot spas, tattoo shops, handicraft stores, esoteric bookshops and food vendors selling corn and coconuts. A Western touch is visible in the plentiful images of renowned icons Bob Marley, Jim Morrison and Ernesto Che Guevara on gadgets and shirts, not to mention the many hippies walking on the streets with their long dreadlocks who contribute to the colorful atmosphere. Particularly charming is Baga's Tito's Road where the famous restaurants and lounges Tito's and Mambos are. This road ends on the tropical sands of Baga beach where people enjoy relaxing in the copious cottage-bars facing the sea. Brittos is one of them. It is considered a real Baga institution serving healthy and fresh mixtures of Goan and continental food. Water sports aficionados can find in Baga and Anjuna ideal locations for parasailing, paragliding, jet-skiing, kite surfing and scuba diving. Goa, a former Portuguese territory, is described by the Sunday Times as "South Asia's Latin Quarter: Indulgent, tolerant, capricious, steeped in a tropical lassitude and wedded to the sea." Beautiful buildings, remnants from the Portuguese era, give Goa an artistic quality and strong character. It is a city, proud of its heritage, which has retained its history that dates back to 1820s when Panjim became the administrative center of the Portuguese Estado da India. Culture is maintained in historical monuments and can also be seen in business, film and agriculture. Generations have worked in the same fields and brought forth their family businesses that were tended to for centuries before them. With a population of 1.5 million and an 87 percent literacy rate, English is a common language spoken by locals after Konkani. Goans speak Konkani, as the state is located in southwest India in a region called Konkan. On May 30, 1987, Goa was born as an independent India's 25th state. North Goa has tourist attractions like the historic Tiracol Fort, Chapora Fort, Fort Aguada and the Chapel of St Anthon. Goa's churches and convents were chosen as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The famous beaches of Baga, Candolim, Morjim (which owns Olive Ridley sea turtles with a potent Russian subculture) and Miramar are filled with festive activities. Beaches, ship cruises, cultural archetype, Portuguese relics, cathedrals, flea markets and food shacks on the beach are spread all over the city. But diversity is right around the corner. Amalgam Hindu temples of Ponda, Dudh Sagar waterfalls (called an ocean of milk), cashew plantations and spice plantations, are a treat to discover. Their spice plantations mainly cultivate ginger, basil, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, turmeric and peppers. The streets of Goa offer a variety of Italian, Burmese, French, Turkish and mostly homemade, local establishments. Many homes are habitually breakfast places, guest homes and restaurants. Many of the resorts offer tai chi, reiki, cruises, dolphin sightseeing, with entertaining activities like dances, karaoke, yoga, and ayurvedic massage therapies to give the ultimate Goan experience. South Goa is known for its white sands and crystal beaches that stretch from Cansaulim to Mobor along the ruins of the Cabo de Rama Fort. Meet the resident tigers in the jungle of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary around the lush agricultural hinterland of Quepem and dwell in incredible Mesolithic carvings at Pansaimol, found on the coastline. Consaulim, Bogmalo, Majorda and Utorda, and Palolem are marvelous beaches with white sand and clear waters under coconut palm trees. You can meet a Mediterranean and Caribbean feel surrounding the beaches of Goa as the city is full of travelers who promise to return, no matter how many times they have been there before. There is a popular saying that gels well with the nonchalant affairs of Goa, deeming you to be carefree. In other words: "Be Susegaad."
