Spring Break 2011

Our kids have never really experienced a "spring break" trip in the past.  When school was out for a break 99 times out of 100 we would load all of us, and the dog into the mini van and head to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  We were very used to that drive and it became a staple for our kids growing up.
Now here in Delhi at the ripe ages of 16, 11 and 10 these kids experienced a spring break that was comparable to my spring break trip to Costa Rica, only I was in college at that time.  We loved Goa!  Goa is a state in India's west-central/south western region and is situated on the Arabian Sea.  It is India's smallest state by area and fourth smallest by population.  Formerly a Portuguese colony from 1510-1961 when it was annexed by India.  Saint Francis Xavier did mission work in this part of India and his body is now in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, where it was placed in a glass container encased in a silver casket. 
We did some swimming in the sea and in the pool.  We took a sunset cruise, that involved a lot of dancing (not our dancing).  We toured Panaji, the state capital and we saw lots and lots of churches.  Mostly little white churches but some brightly colored ones.  We enjoyed the abundance of fresh sea food and the moist sea air.  We shopped at the Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market.  We hope you enjoy our pictures as much as we enjoyed Goa.

Ciudad de Goa beach area



Zeebop Beach in south Goa

Our view from the table at Zeebop Beach Cantina.




We are often approached to have our picture taken.  To this smiling boy, I had to say "yes" with the clause that he had to be in the picture with me.  Then turn about is fair play and I asked for their picture.  (I hope they don't have a blog and are posting me on it now.)

Walking tour of Panaji, the state capital of Goa.

Streets of Panaji

Home in Panaji.

Still in the streets of Panaji

We saw Catholic churches all of Goa.

Up close churches

Farther away churches.

More churches

And more churches.

Inside churches.  Basilica of Bom Jesus where Saint Francis Xavier is in a glass container encased in a silver casket.

Dance party cruise ship.

Sea Pebble Restaurant is right on the beach with this bar built right into a cave at the back edge of the beach.  We ate here twice because we liked it so much we wanted to go one more time before we left Goa.

The Anjuna Flea Market was interesting.  Like most flea markets, it had a lot of the same stuff with different vendors. 

It is said to be a hippies haven.

We shopped and bargained (some better than others, IE kid one) and bought souvenirs from Goa.  In the end we left exhausted and ready for our flight home.

This little guy was so tired he found a place to rest under the table.  See his little feet, we ended on that note.
Bye Goa, we hope to meet again.