There's more to it than just beers and beaches !

“Passengers travelling to Goa by flight 6E161 are requested to proceed for security check“

 As I stood up and started walking I noticed these guys who were posing for photographs, not at all bothered about the announcement. As expected, they were the last ones to board the flight, entering one by one with a smile running short of face to be able to project it. I rightly guessed the reason, The Air hostesses. “Abe yeh wali meri hai, tera tu dekh le“, one of them said. this flight was definitely going to Goa. Airport was crowded with taxi drivers and chauffeurs waiting to receive guests.The hotel people had arranged for my pick up, and so for those boys, who were going to stay in the same hotel. One thing was sure that I am definitely not going to get bored.

I know that it's an off season right now so the place is less crowded then usual, but that takes nothing out from its beauty. The sound of waves is clearer till the shacks where you can enjoy chilled beers and well cooked food. Beers in Goa are not counted in liquor, it replaces your all day need for water. If you are a peace lover and wish to relax with wine and wife or Spend time alone on an isolated beach to figure out answers of life with a glass of single malt, head straight towards south Goa, It’s pure beauty is waiting to wrap you in soothing colors. If you are a party animal, wanting to enjoy the night life, North Goa is your discotheque. Just follow the music of your choice and tequilas would be waiting for you. You will always find the right ambiance and right people ;) around you. The one's that i was with, i knew i am never going to get a chance to visit south Goa.                                      

With so much that Goa has to offer to the tourists visiting them, there is one problem which you face being a Lone wolf. Stag entries are not allowed at many places, especially on weekends, which was applicable for only guys. Girls were allowed if they did not have a partner. I never understood the reason behind it, but anyways that’s how it was. Luckily those boys at the hotel had organized a pool party for one of their friend, and invited me. On inquiring I came to know that one of them was getting married soon and it was his bachelor’s party. They had ordered a cake which said “Dude, you are getting screwed “.  Whatever happened after that is strictly confidential as requested by those boys, but I would surely like to thank them for saving me from a boring weekend.

Most importantly, Goa is all about its people, and their rich heritage. you will not find a single person passing by and not greeting you with a smile on their face. the locals that own a stall there, would talk to you in your language. The funny part was that you tell them that you are from Gujarat, they would have at least one relative living in Gujarat. It could be fake, but i surely do appreciate their knowledge in Geography. I enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the world, learning about their culture and secretly clicking their photographs ;). Houses in Old Goa are like villas, with gardens on all four sides and creepers covering most of the walls. Every road ends with a small church, adding spirituality. I happen to visit St. Francis Xavier's Church and it left me speechless. The forts add richness, though most of it is now converted into jail or have become Khandar ( turned into ruins ). But that is the case with most of the archaeological sites across India which are UN exploited or are in remote places. Beaches that surrounds these places compensate for what is lost. 

        
This was not much of an interest to the boys staying with me. Their objective was pretty simple, party hard entire night, and sleep till lunch time. they would visit beaches in the evening have couple of beers and relax, as if it was a warm up before the party. The logic was pretty apt for young boys from a dry state, coming specially for a bachelors trip. It was a bit difficult for me to roam about on bike with camera and GPS to follow. I asked if anyone of them was interested to join me early morning to search for some good UN exploited places and it was a straight NO from all of them. fortunately i could convince one out of Twelve, but i still missed the sun rises and sun sets on all the days.

While everything that is so beautiful about Goa, there is a life beneath this cream. It does not identify itself. it uses the camouflage of dark color, hiding itself from the common people, silently serving its followers. it is there since ages and will always remain there. Will not take any side to give a verdict, for  it makes their world Ultra violate who live in it. The images of this world are dark as well so will not publish it, but facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored.  I was sitting and wondering, i saw all that i wanted to, The life of Goa above horizon and beneath it. I was unable to carry camera at certain places which made me upset, but i realized that at times its more important for you to let your eyes capture the moment rather than your lens doing that job. It deserves your attention and its worth it.

The announcement was made and they were still not bothered. All busy in wrapping two bottles each as per the rules to take back home. I knew them now so, i smiled at them and said " i suppose the party is not over for you yet " and one of them replied, " It never does, It never should ". I knew from the very beginning that i will never be able to put  Goa in words or in pictures, and i am Glad that i am unable to. Yes, Goa is beautiful. It is not what i saw on blogs and sites of various tourists, but  from the eyes of those boys who were with me. they were there to live it the way it is.