Holi

It's Holi here in India - a day of celebrating Spring! Everywhere I look there are people covered in colorful powders - rubbed on faces and necks, smeared in hair, splattered on shoulders - it makes you laugh and smile- especially when they forget themselves for a minute and do something serious.

It was brutally hot yesterday. I went to Mapusa market - where all the locals go to buy fish and vegetables and cheap basic goods. Lots of photo ops there! And then I went back to Candolim Beach to take pictures. I have decided that Goa is no place to visit alone. I felt almost morose because I didn't have Jeff or my friends to share it with. I managed to suffer through a few hours however. It started to get really humid when I left and when I got back to the hotel a thunderstorm hit. Very nice. Very dramatic. I dashed to the "pure veg" cafe across the street from my hotel and ate my fill of a south Indian Thali and two bottles of Sprite for under $2. This morning I went back for the most amazing breakfast - a "paper dosa" crispy thin pancake that filled my plate, stuffed with a delicious potato curry and two sauces with a couple cups of tea for under $1. Ridiculous.

But Goa might be the most expensive region I have visited so far, simply because you have to take an hour taxi ride if you want to get anywhere outside the heart of the city. I've spent an average of $30 a day on taxis here. This morning, I visited Old Goa - once one of the World's great ports, now a couple of ancient churches and political buildings. In an hour I head to the airport and fly to Kolkatta. It will be nice to get back into an urban environment - I've been drowsing along in paradise for quite a while now. My Bengali cooking classes are confirmed, so I will get back to business on Monday.

Happy Easter!

Comments

[Gwen Hayes]

Hey, since you missed us all so terribly in Goa, I think you'd better go ahead and make reservations for the whole gang next year. It sounds completely wonderful to me.
I can't wait to taste your cooking when you get home. Please post a photo of the powder covered people. I've heard of that festival and I'd love to see it.
We're heading to Seattle today (Saturday) to spend some time with Jeff. We'll all talk about what an amazing trip you're taking.
I hope you can feel the big hug I am sending to you now.
Love from all of us- Gwen, Kyle, & Maggie

[Karma Fowler]

Happy Easter! I had not heard of the "spatter yourself with dye" tradition..I thought it was just something that came with family egg dying at our house! We had a busy, wild weekend with Shell & kids; 3 dogs; the cat; baskets and 50 eggs hidden in the house, due to the weather. You know, just the usual Easter. Fun. Chai passed muster with first introductions and had a great time. Greg got a six letter word on his 3rd game of Boggle! Watch out!

I think maybe we should ALL spend some time on the beach in Goa! It looks wonderful! And the bananas!!!! Missing you lots but loving this journey "we" are all on with you!

xxoo