You May Travel with Us

Details: Written by Nanqi You; Category: India; Published: March 08, 2019; Hits: 4186

92.5 percent silver jewelry from Kashmir Art Gallery owned by Nazir Ahmad. He is from Kashmir

I followed recommendations by a long time visitor to Benaulim GOA Christina Johanson and collected a few fabulous pieces for my wardrobe and jewelry box. We normally don't buy stuff not because we don't like them, we simply don't like cheap stuff made for tourists. This round, it was so fun to shop.

From Tuk Tuk on Beach road owner Bharati

Dress from Anjuna Flea Market

Alibaba pants for Steve

Steve's silver Ganesha ring

The prisoners make these bags with newspaper for Bharati's Tuk Tuk shop as shopping bags. This is one of her cherities

Details: Written by Nanqi You; Category: India; Published: March 07, 2019; Hits: 4214

Christina Johanson's Story of Recovery

Some of you might remember Christina Johanson who had an accident here in GOA 2 years ago while visiting and sustained a head injury. She has since recovered beautifully and has returned to work at Walla Walla Clinic as a physical therapist.

I knew the story and had participated in her "GOFUNFME" compaign. What I didn't know is it is in this small Goan town of Benaulim, where we are staying right now, her accident happened. We were in a coffee shop COFFEE STOP while the American owner asked us if we knew Christina after we told him we were from Walla Walla WA. Of course we do, she was my therapist.

This is 3 days ago and I have been messaging her ever since. She is the best remote guide for us on her "stomping grounds", and we have since followed her advice to shrusti's, Pamaira, C-Five, Hideout, Dihna's, Rooftop, for exceptional food, and Anjuna, Kashmir Art Gallery, Tuk Tuk for beautiful THINGS.

Christina is so LOVED here.

Kashmir Jewelry and gifts Benaulim GOA*

Shrusti's - best dosas with Christina's egg Burke (fillings)

C-Five - best fish and chip with little shark as fish

Adam's Coffee Stop

Nikola yoga healer at Sola Luna Yoga

Antonio at Dinha's - he drives, waits table, and arranges trips

Kashmir owner Nazir - good jewelry fair price

Jonny taxi driver who also repaired Steve's suitcase

Details: Written by Steve May; Category: India; Published: March 06, 2019; Hits: 3262

Carnival here in Goa spans about 3 days. The big opening parade was in Margoa, see earlier post. A couple days later it was Benaulim's turn. That is our little village, and the event was much smaller, fewer people, but much more personal in the way only a small town can celebrate where the entire community comes together for fun and craziness.

We ate dinner in this little family place. And then joined them along the street to watch the parade.

Nanqi dancing with a local!

Great costume

Lovely daughter of the cafe's owner.

Details: Written by Nanqi You; Category: India; Published: March 06, 2019; Hits: 3268

Anjuna Flea Market North GOA Nanqi You

We took a trip to Anjuna Flea Market in North GOA today. 26 miles away took our driver 90 minutes to get there. This is a well known flee market that tons of western tourists visit. Typical Indian arts, food, clothes, jewelry, and lots more. We spent a couple of hours there and bought a few things. The best samosas we had here. 20 Rupee each which is about 25 cents US. The taxi fare, however, is $60. We had a good time.

Burner outfit ideas Nanqi You

Samosa at Anjuna Flea Market Nanqi You

Fun dress bought from Anjuna Flea Market for $10 Nanqi You

Details: Written by Nanqi You; Category: India; Published: March 04, 2019; Hits: 3367

VIVA carnival 2019 Margao GOA Nanqi You

Before reading on, don't forget to check out the instagram posting on the right of the screen.

The Goa Carnival has over 500 years of history and dates back to the times when Goa was a Portugese colony. This event is the biggest of the year and is unique to Goa. Amazing parades full of colorful costumes, lots of music, beautiful floats, and of course huge crowds.

This year's VIVA Carnival is from March 2 to 5. The parades are planned for different days in different cities. Steve and I went to a nearby city Margao yesterday to experience this annual sensation. We got there around 3pm and the parade didn't start until 5:30. Steve and I walked the whole route and I got a beer from a local bar (see photo below).

Tuesday our little town Benaulim will have our own parade and the resort will have a big party as well.

Evenings and nights are for non-stop parties. All these festivities are usually held in February or March, before Lent. This is one of the most anticipated events for local people.

We took tuctuc over for 300 Rupee which is about $4 Nanqi You

We took the bus back from the carnival for 30 Rupee or 40 cents for 2 of us. Plus, it was a great ride and the passengers are super friendly and helpful. Nanqi You