It started when
Ivan(my brother) asked(1 month before X'mas) what do we do during X'mas
vacation. we said Goa and didn't think anything further. I usually plan my trip
many months in advance but planning in short notice was a new exciting
activity. He booked his train ticket
from Alapuzha Kerala and I booked my flight from chennai in such a way we will
meet each other in Goa on 27th December.
I reached Goa on
26th afternoon and took a prepaid taxi from the Govt authorized counter for Rs
760. After reaching hotel near colva beach, I got a person to rent me a
car(which I used for the entire 5 days) early before midnight by paying little
extra money. This was useful since I could go to the madgoa railway station at
2.30 am to pick up my brother.
27/12/2016: We woke
up early morning and drove to colva beach at 9.30 am. We hired a speed boat
which took us for dolphine sightings. I went with my nephew(Appu) for the
parashoot gliding while all others had their fun in one shack on the beach.
In the evenning we
went to another beech which seemed better and happening since the parashoot
gliding was closer to the beach. My Son and Appu were running and playing in
this beach.
Due to abundant shacks we didn't have to worry about food. we had
early dinner which included two lobsters( could be half kg each) worth 2000 Rs
each. After dinner went to our rooms and slept early.
28/12/2016: We woke
up early drove the car to panjim after breakfast. There we first visited the
science museum. After spending 2 hours we went to a near by restaurant for
lunch. After lunch we went to Birds sanctuary. This Bird sanctuary in panjim is
a straight forward location where you can go by taking the chorao Ferry. We
were unfortunate to follow the google navigation which took us via Mandovi
Bridge. We kept searching for an entry to the Bird sanctuary for almost 2 hours
before we reached another ferry point (Pombupa Ferry terminal).
After crossing
the ferry, the experience was not bad since driving through the Chorao Island
felt like an bird safari. When we reached Chorao Ferry Terminal, I drove the
car directly into the ferry which was already waiting. This was a big mistake
since the entry to the bird sanctuary was at the same ferry point. We anyhow
suppressed our disappointment and continued our journey back to colva beach. In
Colva beach the shacks were busy with lights and music along with special tablew with candle light dinner.
29/12/2016: we hired
one more car in the morning, since we had to move into another hotel(fidalgo)
in panjim with all the luggage.
Since the check in
time was 2 PM, we dumped our luggage at the hotel reception and proceeded to
Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort taking the Mandovi Bridge, though the fastest and
best option is to take a ferry from Panaji Ferry Terminal. We had our lunch in
a shack on the way after seeing Aguada Fort.
Chapora Fort is the best fort to
visit in my opinion since the climb will test your stamina. The
accomplishment combined with panoramic vast view of the entire Goan sea,
islands and ships will give you a sense of satisfaction. On our return to our
hotel in panjim we got into a shack in candolim beach. We had a bed to sit
facing the sea and at 7 pm few ladies came offering to massage legs and back.
It was a worthy deal and experience.
After our dinner we
went back to our hotel but since the time was 11 pm the return ferry was closed
and we had to go over the bridge(the route we took to come).
30/12/2016: Our
hotel is close to the shore of panjim so Nicky, Ethan and I decided to walk
early morning after free buffet breakfast towards the shore. When we reached
the shore we saw that the ferry is already docked and about to leave. Without
thinking much we ran/walked towards it to take a free two way ride on it
enjoying the view from the edge of the ferry. Once we were back we decided to
enquire about offers and schemes provided by all the casino since their office
counters were on the shore itself. My personal preference was Deltin Royal,
since that has the best review in tripadvisor.com. It is also the most expense
one probably since they hire performers from Bollywood. However after further
enquiry we decided to enter casino pride since they were charging only Rs 2000
per head in which one will get Rs 1500 worth of playing chips, free lunch and
dinner with unlimited drinks on the gambling arena. It also has the best
kids playing area and unlimited shuttling between shore and Docked ship(were
the casino is located) until 6 AM the next day.
Since we had close
to 3 hours before noon, nicky stayed back in the hotel with Ethan, while rest
of us went to visit
Basilica of Bom
Jesus 10 kms away from panjim. There is a Wax museum located few meters away
from this church.
After we came back
to hotel we changed our clothes since a proper dress code is needed to enter
the casino.
After paying money
by credit card a small boat took us to the casino ship. We had our lunch and
since I have never gambled before, I was afraid of losing all the chips without
getting a sip of free drink inside. I decide to play safe using mathematical 50/50
probability to learn gambling and enjoy the drinks.
It worked, we were
able to play for a very long time without losing or gaining much money and at
one stage we won Rs 3000. Using the free shuttle I left the casino to drop my
wife and son back in the hotel and came back to gamble again. After 7 PM the crowd
started pouring in. The illumination both from the ship and surroundings
augmented by the water reflection made it more appealing. Stage performance
with free dinner was happening on the roof of the ship. I had to bring my wife
and kid back again for the dinner using the free shuttle. When Nicky realized
what she had missed I was made to take care of Ethan while she went around
gambling with Ivans' help.
31/12/2016: By 2 am
after dropping her in hotel, I came back to gamble. I kept gambling till 5 am while my brother
decided to quit by 3 am. We were able to make close to 2400 Rs worth of chips
which was exchanged at the counter for money.
I woke up at 9 am
and after breakfast we decided to pack up to catch the flight at 2:30 pm. Ivan
and family had to catch their train only in the evening at 7:30 PM from madgao
but since their train was late by 5 hours their new year even celebration was held
in colva beech.
While we reached
chennai by 5 pm, Ivan and family continued their fun till they finally boarded
their train at 1.30 am on 1/1/2017.
It was literally a Happy New year for all of us!
It was literally a Happy New year for all of us!
