For all those who thought that Goa is all about beaches, bikinis and boozing, continue reading the blog to know the other side of Goa.

Just then I enquired a 500-year-old Portuguese-Goan home-stay(which was mentioned in her blog). But I was less hopeful about getting accommodation in that home-stay as I was trying at the last moment.

We reached Ramnagar around 7 am in the morning. After refreshments and breakfast in Ramnagar, we headed to Dudhsagar in car for our trek.

Trekking in railway track was bit tough rather than trekking in forest. And our trek lead-Road Runner was like walking with his full energy.

We felt bad when we got to know that we might not be crossing any railway tunnels as it had been blocked by Railway department recently. After trekking 14 kms, we finally reached Dudhsagar Falls.

After that, I bid bye to four co-trekkers and trek lead, to board the bus to Panjim. 

The entrance to the home itself was like a picture from “Just like heaven”. Roberto showed me the Cottages in the front. Having booked at the eleventh hour, cottages have already been booked. So I had the honor of staying inside the 500 year old Portuguese-Goan home. Thanks to Shifti, India Untravelled who had persuaded the host family for my stay inside the home, as they usually offer the room inside their home for repeat travelers only.

Roberto asked me to feel at home and come downstairs to have a look at Roberto’s mother’s room being renovated. They were throwing a surprise party to Roberto’s mother who was returning from Pondicherry the next day evening. Roberto’s mother was an another brilliant personality I met during this trip.

I spent my evening playing table tennis with the three little kids and interacting with others. Be alone but never lonely. I was treated to an exemplary dinner of Rice, chicken xacuti, potato balls and fries.

Aldona-Mapusa-Tivim-Bicholim-Sequenlim-Aravellam falls-Sequenlim-Bicholim-Maple lake-Corjeum-Aldona

Aravellam falls-A hidden gem in Goa. It was incredible to see the roaring waterfall at its full flow. You can’t take bath in the falls. There is a pool of water formed by the waterfalls where people usually stand. I stood there feeling the cool breeze of water being sprayed on me.

Bicholim River– En route Maple Lake, I came across a walkway built alongside Bicholim river. There were sit-outs in that pavement facing the Bicholim river. I wish I had a place like this in my town just to go for a walk in the evening or to sit and read a favorite book of mine.

Maple Lake – The Lake which seemed endless. There were boating options available in that lake long before. But I heard it had been laid off. 

After Corjeum fort, I headed to the homestay as I had promised the kids that I would play shuttle badminton with them. While playing shuttle badminton with the kids in the lawn, I met another female solo traveller like me. She had an interesting personality. I was taken aback when I heard that her grandma and mom will be joining her after few days. Granny in Goa!!

As usual, Raquel had satisfied our taste buds with her exemplary cooking skill. It was a scrumptious dinner. Roberto had gone to pick his mother from airport. I was waiting for the surprise party to be thrown. I badly wanted to see the 82 year old mom’s expression of surprise.

When Roberto’s mother entered her room, her expression was having a striking similarity to those of “Miss World’s expression”. She was really awestruck at the arduous efforts being put up.

Turning 27 can never get better than this

Day of my birthday! I had few 12 am calls in the night. I got up early in the morning and got ready. When I went to dining area, already everyone was at dining table. I was greeted with heartfelt wishes from everyone assembled there. I started having breakfast along with others. I didn’t notice Roberto and Raquel slip in between our conversation. Out of blue moon, arrived Raquel with a cake in her hand and followed by Roberto playing a guitar.

I was really overwhelmed by their whole-hearted efforts to make my birthday special. Getting blessings from an 82 year old brilliant personality on my birthday was the noblest of all. It was indeed the best birthday ever.

Day started off really well with a startling surprise. Apart from friends, I received birthday wishes from two of my school teachers. I was stunned by their care. They never forget to call me on my birthday.

As it was raining outside, we decided to hire a car and proceeded for the day trip. Uncle was driving and I did the navigation part. I should say that I tested uncle’s patience by making him take reverse at many places. We started to Chorao island. It was drizzling.

Chorao Island – We reached the ferry point. From there, a ferry took our car along with us to Chorao island. On top of the small hill, there was a church. The best part about this church was the view it offered.

Aguada Fort– Unlike the Corjeum fort, this fort was crowded but much bigger. The view of the never-ending sea conjoining the fort was incredible.

Much more than a Homestay
Cancio’s home is much more than a homestay for any traveller who visits their home, as their care for the guests comes directly from their hearts. I had become a member of the family in those two days. I had got friends for my lifetime in Cancio’s house. My birthday wouldn’t have been such a fun without the host family. And I loved those dining table conversations I had with others.

Being someone who doesn’t attach happiness to materialistic things, these experiences are something which I value a lot in my life.