Christmas and New Year in Goa

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!