MISCELLANEOUS, Goa

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Favorite thing: coconut tree(palms) is one of the most outstanding features of goan landscape.

you can see them swaying in different shapes and sizes.

cocus nucifera belongs to aracacea family and there are various subtypes. the two most common arethe indian variety which is tall and the southeast-asian variety which is short.

it is known as "KALPVRUKSHA" meaning the tree of life.

no part of the coconut tree goes waste.

coconut water is most refreshing eco drink in the tropics. the water can be fermented to produce liquor. the inner flesh of tender coconut is very delicious nutritious and may be u will skip a meal if you have one.

the other parts of coconut tree are used for making coir from which beds mattresses mats and ropes are made.the leaves are trimmed and can be made into brooms.

the trees are 50-80 feet tall and leaves are 15-18 feet in length.the leaves especially are useful for thatches roofs you see in many goan beachside shacks they help to absorb suns heat and keep the interiors cool.

dried cocnuts give a good yield of cocnut oil which is widely used as a cooking oil in indian kitchens.

Fondest memory: the sight of swaying palms and the gentle hiss on the beach is what makes me remember goa the most.

the cocnut trees presence in goa is omnipresent whether you are having a cool drink in a beach shack or having delicious konkani goan cuisine.

its gods own fruit and a boon for mankind

Favorite thing: Most people know about Goa's excellent dentists but they are now moving into general medical tourism too. The leader in this market is Vrundavan Hospital in Mapusa. Whether its a general check up or more involved procedures like hip-joint replacement, cosmetic surgery etc then this is the place.With state of the art facilities like spiral CT scans, excellent private wards, and more than enough nurses, this place has my own personal recommendation.

Favorite thing: Hi there!
I have to agree with you - love Goa too! We were married there in January 2007 after a rather lengthy process! Worth all the waiting though as quite a unique experience. We were fortunate to make friends with a lovely Goan lad who recommended a Lawyer for us who took care of all the paperwork we needed. This took weeks and weeks to sort out though so you would really need to be spending at least a couple of months there. As somebody else suggested, a Wedding Planner could probably get things done for you much quicker I would imagine. We didn't have a ceremony as such - long story! - but had an absolutely fantastic and memorable day and night! All the paper work was done in Margao and we had our 'reception' in Benaulim. All the rickshaw drivers covered their vehicles in flowers and drove us round, throwing fire crackers out and peeping their horns - mad! They took to the beach for sunset and we jumped on jet skis as the sun was setting - in our wedding outfits of course! Priceless! Well Good Luck with your plans and hope this is of some help to you.

Favorite thing: If you are staying in panjim, how about a walk at altinho hills? if you'll decide to visit altinho, I would have invited you'll over for a cup of chai but I'm never at home. Why dont you'll visit Mollem sanctuary? It's really beautiful hiking in the rains. you can even hike to dudh sagar waterfalls along the railway tracks. trust me, it's the best thing to do in Goa during the monsoons. All the best

Favorite thing: Hi to all VT members,

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I am really looking forward to seeing this TV programme on the 19th May, channel five at 9pm. If anyone does spot that it's being shown on the tv in Goa please would they responsed to this forum so I can bring it to my friend's attention. Well done to the British Royal Navy for giving up their shore leave free time and for contributing to such a wonderful charity. Sunglow.

Favorite thing: hotel parares in candolim was okay but seem to think that all like to hear boom boom boom
music all day we had to ask daily to turn volume down as it went through your apartment as
a mini thunder. Hotel good value for money freindly clean and helpful .It would have been a
bit better were there some sun parasol round the pool area.

Fondest memory: Enjoyed beach life and excellant food served up and fun of tuk tuk experiance

Favorite thing: Palolem Beach ...

Often, if you are on a budget, it pays to find out the peak season dates and plan to leave before the peak season hits. Both airlines and hotels vary their rates and are at their lowest duirng off-season. The difference in prices can be quite significant, plus I enjoy off-peak travel because the place is not so crowded.

In addition, if you are so inclined , you can negotiate a lower rate for your hotel room AFTER you have arrived. The way to do this would be to commit to only one day upon booking. On day one, your mission would be to find cheaper / better accomodations in the same area. You might even find very enjoyable and /or knowledgeable company this way.

Here are some reasons the hotel operators will lower the rate - they know that you are more familiar with competing hotels in the area, they have vacancies , they do not have to pay commissions to the booking agents for those additional days, they can also put you on their frequent visitor guest list for future visits.

Fondest memory: Friendly people, beaches, food, ...

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Favorite thing: What a place Goa, from the moment you get of the plane and feel the warmth of the sun to walking the Beaches, eating under the sun a curry like no where else as got the Goa taste made in a old oil drum for a few rupees, hearing the young girls calling you to thier shop on the side of the road calling out "cheap as chips" then the smiles a million smiles no one demanding tips, maybe annoying Taxi drivers well every where , sad to see people begging it pulls your hart strings.

Fondest memory: The People Markets Anjuna flea Wednesday Saturday night bazaars Baga and Friday morning Mapuse.