Relaxing in Goa
Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 04:20AM Well it took a 12 hour train ride and a 2 hour taxi ride, but we are here in Arambol in Goa. Our room, which is costing a staggering $3.80/night overlooks the ocean. Sigh...we fall asleep at night to the crashing of the waves.
As usual, what happens with me and animals has happened here in Goa. Yesterday a dog approached our table and of course I fed it. Since that moment she has not left our side. She sleeps at the door to our room and follows us everywhere. I am trying to figure out how we could take her on our travels. We have affectionately named her Scrappy because all of the horny male dogs on the beach chase her, snip at her and bark. She gives them a good growl and stands her ground. Even as we sit in the internet cafe, she is curled up sound asleep between Deb and I. And of course you all know that I went to a store this morning, bought her some dog food and will feed her while we are here. Such a suck I am.
The beach here is ok. The monsoon has started so the water is quite rough and dirty. Neither Deb nor I find it terribly inviting and I would be surprised if either of us did anything more than just get our feet wet as we walk along the beach to our room.
India seems to have a way of making something that should be stunningly beautiful, not so beautiful. Litter is everywhere. There is a freshwater lake that sounded so inviting in the guidebook, but when we got there we saw empty water bottles, Coke cans and trash floating all around the edges and a thin layer of scum. Needless to say we didn't strip down and dive in.
On the train, we were in the berth with 2 Indian women and 2 kids. They looked quite affluent with loads of gold, gorgeous Sari's etc. As we were travelling through some beautiful countryside, the younger of the women grabbed 3 empty water bottles, a plastic dish and a bunch of candy wrappers and just chucked them one after the other out the window. I nearly gasped in horror. Such a shame that they are not educated on recycling, etc.
In some of the larger cities like Bangalore you see some 'Keep our city clean' signs and also signs like "Don't be a nuisance. Don't urinate here"...as Indian men see no issue in pulling it out in broad daylight and pissing on any wall, shrub, or sidewalk. But in general they just seem to throw their garbage on the road, or even straight into the ocean.
We have a few more days here in Arambol...we will fatten up the dog, fall asleep to the waves, eat some seafood and drink some beer...and then we will head north.
Reader Comments (1)
I can see it now. You two will have a herd of assorted beasties following you-you won't be miss cackles anymore you'll be Ms. Dolittle. You do realize that once you name it you have got to keep it.