We did visit some of the churches. They were quite wonderful.

Any suggestions on where we can stay ? We’ve stayed at Fidalgo in the past, just because I like to be in the heart of the city, and they have that decent vegetarian restaurant for Mrs. Neo and Neo Jr.

-Neo

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Suggestions for next trip – you simply cannot miss the Churches at Old Goa. And, regardless of how religious a person you are or are not; you should also visit one of the temples around Ponda. Reason being, if you have gotten used to the crowded and un-clean temples in South India, this will be a welcome change for you!

And finally – I suggest some off-the-beaten-track places like Terekhol fort at the northern tip of Goa – getting there is a good experience in itself what with the ferry crossing (at a spot where a river joins the sea if I may add) and everything.

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R2I around the corner ? Cool! Are you moving to Bangalore or some other city ?
I’ll try to post more pics. And if you haven’t already, check out indiamike.com for a lot of travel tips. I lurk there quite a lot.

-Neo

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Yes, you’re right. I remember someone telling me about this as well. Although, some of the beaches might be technically public, but there is no easy way to access them except through the hotel, so they end up being de-facto private beaches.

And, although it’s nice to get “beach-side” service by the hotel staff, good old Miramar beach is still my favorite.

Do you have any suggestions for our next trip to Goa ?

-Neo

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Although I am not a Goan, I stayed in Goa for 8 years – from age ten to my late teens. And I must say I am simply in love with the place. If you think visiting the place as a tourist is good; you really should be living there to get a real feel of the Goan life.

It does make me very sad always when Goa is stereotyped (by tourists, film industry, magazines – everyone); and people end up knowing Goa for the wrong reasons (if you know what I mean!! Check this excellent article by my friend about the stereotyping of Goa)

And hey, btw, I dont think that tiny beach in front of Taj Fort Aguada is a private beach – its all part of Sinquerim beach which is open to public. There are very few private beaches in Goa since there is a law which prohibits construction for some distance (i think a few hundred metres) from the waterline. Cidade de Goa was built before this law was passed I think. Anyways – this rule is for the good – else I am sure we would not have had a single inch of free sandy beach for the public by now!

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By the way….

THIS comment….

“Being a multi-racial couple will make people stare more “is he her driver ? tour guide ? office colleague traveling with her ? OMG its her husband! Quick, hide the kids!”. (kidding about hiding the kids but they will stare).”

….made me laugh so hard I had a five minute coughing fit, which started all over again when I told the future Ahoo about it and he said “why not Hot Young New Bollywood Actor with Gori wife”. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA he’s a funny FUNNY guy. :)

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Hey hope you feel better soon.

I shall ask Mrs. Neo, but I have a feeling I know what she’s going to say. If I’m wrong, I’ll come back and correct this comment.

1. This is India. Its a curious country. Everyone stares at everyone else. As a white woman, you’ll probably be stared at no matter what you wear. It will take some time to get used to it. Being a multi-racial couple will make people stare more “is he her driver ? tour guide ? office colleague traveling with her ? OMG its her husband! Quick, hide the kids!”. (kidding about hiding the kids but they will stare).

2. https://splas004.secure.omnis.com/store/images/uploads/website_photos/sport_print.jpg <— I'm guessing Mrs. Neo would rather not go to the beach/pool than wear this.

3. http://www.modest-swimwear.net/Swimsuit%20pictures/002-1.JPG – That just looks totally fine as beach wear for public beaches. The “rules” (i know, ugh) get significantly more relaxed to almost 100% western as you get to private beaches/pools (i.e. owned by the better hotels, apartment complexes, private clubs etc.).

4. There’s a much wider variance amongst cities in India than in the US. Just follow the lead of people around you, like in any other unfamiliar place..

I wouldn’t worry about this too much. You’ll get a sense once you’ve spent some time in India.

-Neo

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Hope the fam is feeling better soon.

Am wondering though…deep deep thoughts that only Jack Handey could have I’m sure…WHAT does a Gori Wife wear to the beach when married to an Indian citizen, going to the beach or pool WITH said Ahoo and all while living in India as well (ie: living there so not able to escape gossip by going back to US or Canada or Europe, etc.).

Can you please ask Mrs. Neo what she suggests? Have heard horror story’s of needing to wear things such as this….

https://splas004.secure.omnis.com/store/images/uploads/website_photos/sport_print.jpg

Auroracoda is thinking this ensemble DEFEATS the whole purpose of getting cool by the pool.

Auroracoda would prefer to wear something modest but not all consuming, perhaps like this…

http://www.modest-swimwear.net/Swimsuit%20pictures/002-1.JPG

(of course Aurorcoda doesn’t wear this in the US but understands more modesty is needed in India…but does NOT understand exactly HOW far modesty needs to go)

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the only thing that kept me alive was my dad’s old pal who had the sweetest wife – she adopted me and fed me yummy stuff every weekend. sol kadi too.

many many memories :)

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Did you live near Panjim ? And yes, Goa is hard for vegetarians. Although Mrs. Neo liked this sort of hole-in-the-wall restaurant called “Vinanti” in Panjim, and also “Goenchin” (spectacular Indian-chinese food, even for veggies).

But yes, 60km sounds like a commute from hell, even if you’re living in heaven. Besides, if you live in Goa, where on Earth do you go for a holiday??! :-)

-Neo

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for a newly minted MBA trying to learn the ropes in the corpo world, esply if she’s a veggie and teetotaller, and if the commute to work is ~60 km each way (even if wins the Most Picturesque Commute in the World title hands down) — hmm, not sure..

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I fully intend on a longer trip and a less tourist-y experience though when I come back.

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get well soon.

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Hope your son starts jumping around soon .

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I just thought the best way to conquer your fears is to know all about them. For instance, did you know that a group of crows is called a “murder” ? I feel so much better now that I know this fact about crows. :-)

-Neo

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