Friday, 13 January 2012
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Leaving Goa
This morning I will say goodbye to Goa.
Rosario the driver at the Stain Glass Cottage wiil take me to the airport at 5am.
I have a flight from Goa to Mumbai at 6:30am.
Once in Mumbai I have a transit stop of several hours before taking the flight to London.
My jouney doesn't end in London. The final destination of my holiday is a flight from London to Manchester, arriving 21:00.
I hope you have enjoyed my Blog!
Chris. :-)
Rosario the driver at the Stain Glass Cottage wiil take me to the airport at 5am.
I have a flight from Goa to Mumbai at 6:30am.
My jouney doesn't end in London. The final destination of my holiday is a flight from London to Manchester, arriving 21:00.
I hope you have enjoyed my Blog!
The End
Chris. :-)
Monday, 9 January 2012
Relaxing at the Stain Glass Cottage
It's kind of cool staying at the Stain Glass Cottage right now.
I am the only guest!
The cottage has six bedrooms and they were all fully occupied from Xmas through New Year up until the day before I arrived. The next group of people will not arrive until next week.
I have a woman servant, a man servant and a driver all to myself. It's quite embarrassing really. For example, during lunch I am not allowed to pour my own coffee, or move the butter dish across the table. The servants insist on doing everything for me.......and all for 40 Euro per night !
This morning I will sit outside in the garden and revise for an interview I have in a couple of days when I return home.
More to follow...
After lunch I couldn't take any more revision so I decided to walk over to the sister hotel, the unfortunately named Costa Del Sol.
Amazingly, there were only a couple of guests staying at the Costa Del Sol which meant I had the whole pool to myself...cool!
In the evening I packed my suitcase and then walked over to the Hide Tide restaurant for dinner.
When I got back I set my alarm for 4:30am and took an early night, ready for my trip home the next day.
I am the only guest!
The cottage has six bedrooms and they were all fully occupied from Xmas through New Year up until the day before I arrived. The next group of people will not arrive until next week.
I have a woman servant, a man servant and a driver all to myself. It's quite embarrassing really. For example, during lunch I am not allowed to pour my own coffee, or move the butter dish across the table. The servants insist on doing everything for me.......and all for 40 Euro per night !
This morning I will sit outside in the garden and revise for an interview I have in a couple of days when I return home.
More to follow...
After lunch I couldn't take any more revision so I decided to walk over to the sister hotel, the unfortunately named Costa Del Sol.
Amazingly, there were only a couple of guests staying at the Costa Del Sol which meant I had the whole pool to myself...cool!
In the evening I packed my suitcase and then walked over to the Hide Tide restaurant for dinner.
When I got back I set my alarm for 4:30am and took an early night, ready for my trip home the next day.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
On the move - I relocate to South Goa
Woke up Sunday morning after 'crashing' at Veera/Hanna/Lisa's place overnight.
Veera and I wandered over to The Guru beach bar and had pancakes for breakfast.
After breakfast Veera grabbed a Tuck-Tuck over to Arambol beach to join the others, and I jumped in a Tuck-Tuck back to the Big Brother house to pack my things ready for leaving.
More to follow....
My Tuck-Tuck driver drove me a crazy way back to Assonora. It took almost twice as long as the public bus. Good thing I fixed the price before I got in.
I had lunch at the house and met two new girls from Norway. I think Norway must be exporting women at the moment, there are sooo many staying at the house.
I hung around the house until 3:30pm, then one of our taxi drivers picked me up and took me to Thivin railway station.
Well, I waited, and waited.... and waited for the 4:50pm train from Thivin to Margao in South Goa. Indian trains can be terribly unpredictable, and not very reliable. The little train station was full of passengers, mostly waiting to go to Mumbai, the opposite direction to myself.
Eventually, I gave up waiting for the train and walked outside the station and grabbed a taxi to go to Colva Beach, South Goa, where I was staying for the next two nights before leaving Goa.
I got to Colva Beach just as the sun was going down. My new home, The Stain Glass Cottage, was lovely and the staff very friendly. It was the perfect place to unwind and relax for the last two days of my holiday.
Chris.
Veera and I wandered over to The Guru beach bar and had pancakes for breakfast.
After breakfast Veera grabbed a Tuck-Tuck over to Arambol beach to join the others, and I jumped in a Tuck-Tuck back to the Big Brother house to pack my things ready for leaving.
More to follow....
My Tuck-Tuck driver drove me a crazy way back to Assonora. It took almost twice as long as the public bus. Good thing I fixed the price before I got in.
I had lunch at the house and met two new girls from Norway. I think Norway must be exporting women at the moment, there are sooo many staying at the house.
I hung around the house until 3:30pm, then one of our taxi drivers picked me up and took me to Thivin railway station.
Well, I waited, and waited.... and waited for the 4:50pm train from Thivin to Margao in South Goa. Indian trains can be terribly unpredictable, and not very reliable. The little train station was full of passengers, mostly waiting to go to Mumbai, the opposite direction to myself.
Eventually, I gave up waiting for the train and walked outside the station and grabbed a taxi to go to Colva Beach, South Goa, where I was staying for the next two nights before leaving Goa.
I got to Colva Beach just as the sun was going down. My new home, The Stain Glass Cottage, was lovely and the staff very friendly. It was the perfect place to unwind and relax for the last two days of my holiday.
Chris.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
The Weekend - Paragliding in Anjuna...Motorcycle road trip
Still a little hungover from Friday night.......
This morning Lotte and I will go Paragliding in Ajuna Beach.
A driver will pick us up from Assonora bus station at 10am. We are both really looking forward to the experience, the view from the cliff above the beach should be spectacular.
After breakfast I said goodbye to Maud. She was leaving the house and traveling to Delhi to continue her journey through India. It's always sad to say goodbye to someone you are getting used to being around.
More to follow..
Mmm......we got to Anjuna only to be told there wasn't enough wind for Paragliding. The guy said to come back in the late afternoon, and maybe we could go then. Poor Lotte, she had to leave Anjuna at 1pm to catch her train to Bangalore, and then on to Chennai (Madras).
I said goodbye to Lotte.
For the second time in one day I was sad, but I wished her a fabulous journey.
Well, sometimes disappointment in life can open the door to an unexpected opportunity. After saying goodbye to Lotte I walked over to Ajuna's only real coffee shop: Coffee Heaven. I sat drinking my coffee wondering what to do in the afternoon. Everyone else was at Arambol Beach for the weekend, about a two hour bus ride away.
By chance I got speaking to the owner, Scotty, a biker (motorcyclist), originally from England. We chatted about bikes and then he gave me the great idea to rent a classic Royal Enfield motorcycle and ride over to Arambol Beach.
The Enfield is still made in India even though the design is about fifty years old. This would be an unforgeable experience. I picked up the bike from a rental place recommended by Scotty.
Before leaving Anjuna I texted Ingvild and Aina to let them know I would be coming over to Arambol.
The drive from Anjuna to Arambol is amazing if you are into old motorcycles like myself. It is perfect for cruising along with the wind in your hair, and watching the scenery along the way.
After a cool ride I reached Arambol Beach.
** 11 January, this section still being edited...more to follow, try again soon! **
Chris.
This morning Lotte and I will go Paragliding in Ajuna Beach.
A driver will pick us up from Assonora bus station at 10am. We are both really looking forward to the experience, the view from the cliff above the beach should be spectacular.
After breakfast I said goodbye to Maud. She was leaving the house and traveling to Delhi to continue her journey through India. It's always sad to say goodbye to someone you are getting used to being around.
More to follow..
Mmm......we got to Anjuna only to be told there wasn't enough wind for Paragliding. The guy said to come back in the late afternoon, and maybe we could go then. Poor Lotte, she had to leave Anjuna at 1pm to catch her train to Bangalore, and then on to Chennai (Madras).
I said goodbye to Lotte.
For the second time in one day I was sad, but I wished her a fabulous journey.
Well, sometimes disappointment in life can open the door to an unexpected opportunity. After saying goodbye to Lotte I walked over to Ajuna's only real coffee shop: Coffee Heaven. I sat drinking my coffee wondering what to do in the afternoon. Everyone else was at Arambol Beach for the weekend, about a two hour bus ride away.
By chance I got speaking to the owner, Scotty, a biker (motorcyclist), originally from England. We chatted about bikes and then he gave me the great idea to rent a classic Royal Enfield motorcycle and ride over to Arambol Beach.
The Enfield is still made in India even though the design is about fifty years old. This would be an unforgeable experience. I picked up the bike from a rental place recommended by Scotty.
Before leaving Anjuna I texted Ingvild and Aina to let them know I would be coming over to Arambol.
The drive from Anjuna to Arambol is amazing if you are into old motorcycles like myself. It is perfect for cruising along with the wind in your hair, and watching the scenery along the way.
After a cool ride I reached Arambol Beach.
** 11 January, this section still being edited...more to follow, try again soon! **
Chris.
Friday, 6 January 2012
Last day at the Orphanage - The Donation
Today, after breakfast, I will take the bus to Thivim railway station, about 6km along the road to Mapusa. I need to buy a rail ticket to travel from Thivin to Margoa on Sunday. After two weeks as a volunteer I will be leaving the Big Brother house on Sunday. I have booked two nights in an old Portuguese colonial house at Colva Beach, near Margoa, South Goa. The stay will be my last two nights in Goa, before flying back to the UK. I intend to relax and chill before returning to the faster pace of life in Europe.....and finding a job!
More to follow....
After lunch I took the bus over to the orphanage to start my last day with the boys.
** 11 January, this section still being edited...more to follow, try again soon! **
About the Donation
** 11 January, this section still being edited...more to follow, try again soon! **
Friday Night:
Phew! what a night, got myself quite a hangover.
After leaving the Orphanage I took the bus over to Anjuna Beach to joins the others. As usually, we had a great night.
Ps. a piece of advice: never mix Kingfisher beer with Madeira, the local white wine, it produces a killer hangover ....I'm still not sure how I got home :-)
Chris :-)
More to follow....
After lunch I took the bus over to the orphanage to start my last day with the boys.
Rosgen said "Look Rosgen Strong"
** 11 January, this section still being edited...more to follow, try again soon! **
About the Donation
** 11 January, this section still being edited...more to follow, try again soon! **
Friday Night:
Phew! what a night, got myself quite a hangover.
After leaving the Orphanage I took the bus over to Anjuna Beach to joins the others. As usually, we had a great night.
Ps. a piece of advice: never mix Kingfisher beer with Madeira, the local white wine, it produces a killer hangover ....I'm still not sure how I got home :-)
Chris :-)
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Monkey Business
Woke up this morning, went to the bathroom, still half asleep as usual, and couldn't believe my eyes. Sitting on the roof of the next house was a family of monkeys. From large adults to a tiny baby. I rushed back inside to grab my camera. When I returned the monkeys were still on the roof, however the family had dispersed a little. Our cook, Augustina, told me they sometimes come around to eat the bananas in the trees of the gardens around us.
More to follow....
Had a chilled morning. Spent my time reading the book I brought with me: The Age of Kali by William Dalrymple.The author travels around India through all the states (regions), and describes the political and social situation he finds there. It's a fascinating insight into the Caste system (social hierarchy) in India. For example if a low caste person lives next to a higher caste person, and they share a well, the low caste person is not allowed to take water directly, only the higher caste person can take water from the well, and then gve it to the low caste person.
After lunch I took the bus to St Anthony's. As usual I helped the boys during Work period, working with them and chatting in english (tio give them practice).
At "Tea time" Brother Mathew invited me to sit and have tea with the boys. I felt quite honoured, if felt like I had been accepted into the family of boys. We ate samosa and bread, both baked in the school kitchen.
Chris :-)
More to follow....
Had a chilled morning. Spent my time reading the book I brought with me: The Age of Kali by William Dalrymple.The author travels around India through all the states (regions), and describes the political and social situation he finds there. It's a fascinating insight into the Caste system (social hierarchy) in India. For example if a low caste person lives next to a higher caste person, and they share a well, the low caste person is not allowed to take water directly, only the higher caste person can take water from the well, and then gve it to the low caste person.
After lunch I took the bus to St Anthony's. As usual I helped the boys during Work period, working with them and chatting in english (tio give them practice).
At "Tea time" Brother Mathew invited me to sit and have tea with the boys. I felt quite honoured, if felt like I had been accepted into the family of boys. We ate samosa and bread, both baked in the school kitchen.
Tea Time - Brother Mathew and the Boys - Samosa in the box, and tea in the 'bucket'
After Tea it was Play time. It is difficult to persuade the boys to do anything other than play football during Play time. It's quite natural really, they are boys, and want to run around and kick the ball.
However, I persuaded a couple of the boys to read their English books for me.
When I got back to the "Big Brother" house I found that the other volunteers has already returned. We sat and chatted and had dinner together.
Later, Chaun the voulnteer leader came over to the house. She and I chatted about India and she told me about the differences I could expect to find if I were to visit Mumbai, or Delhi or Calcutta (her home city).
Rosgan - my favourite boy, he's sooo cheeky!
When I got back to the "Big Brother" house I found that the other volunteers has already returned. We sat and chatted and had dinner together.
Later, Chaun the voulnteer leader came over to the house. She and I chatted about India and she told me about the differences I could expect to find if I were to visit Mumbai, or Delhi or Calcutta (her home city).
Chris :-)
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
A fantastic day!
Tuesday Night:
After dinner myself and the girls from our house walked over to the old house to meet up with the other volunteers. We chatted and watched an Indian film on TV. Alcohol is not allowed inside the house, and so a few of us went outside to drink and chill in the evening air.
Wednesday:
Got up at the usual time of 8am. Decided today would be clothes washing day. We don't have a washing machine in the house, but it's possible to wash clothes in a large bucket and some added washing powder.
Each day round 10am, Augustina our cook arrives (she lives next door) to prepare lunch. She also returns to the house around 5pm to make dinner. However, today after working at the Orphanage I will take the bus to Anjuna Beach to meet up with the girls, and the Finnish girls who are now staying there for a couple of weeks.
More to follow.....
After lunch, I walked over to the old house. Shivram and I started work on a new "mini project", painting the steps of the house. When volunteers are not busy working on their main projects e.g. the Orphanage, they are encouraged to help maintain the volunteer house. This helps cut down on maintenance costs, and therefore lowers the amount the volunteers must pay to stay at the house.
Later, I caught the bus to St Anthony's Orphanage. I had a fantastic time with the boys, helping then to clean up during their Work period, and chatting in English and asking each other questions about where we come from etc.. during their Play period.
One of the boys, Wirralea, had excellent taste....he was a Manchester United supporter! All the boys are allowed to wear football shirts during school time.
During Play time Brother Mathew likes to treat those boys who have been especially good and well behaved. Mostly he takes them for a ride around the school gardens in his 4 x 4 Jeep, however occasionally he takes them into Mapusa, the nearest town, and buys them an ice cream.
At the end of Play time (6pm) the boys had to go help prepare dinner, and I said goodbye for the day and left the orphanage.
I then jumped on the bus to Anjuna Beach to meet up with Ingvild and Aina.
We had a superb evening at Tantra (our favourite bar), and later we were joined by Lote, Maud and the Finnish girls.
Chris :-)
After dinner myself and the girls from our house walked over to the old house to meet up with the other volunteers. We chatted and watched an Indian film on TV. Alcohol is not allowed inside the house, and so a few of us went outside to drink and chill in the evening air.
Wednesday:
Got up at the usual time of 8am. Decided today would be clothes washing day. We don't have a washing machine in the house, but it's possible to wash clothes in a large bucket and some added washing powder.
Each day round 10am, Augustina our cook arrives (she lives next door) to prepare lunch. She also returns to the house around 5pm to make dinner. However, today after working at the Orphanage I will take the bus to Anjuna Beach to meet up with the girls, and the Finnish girls who are now staying there for a couple of weeks.
Augustina - our cook
More to follow.....
After lunch, I walked over to the old house. Shivram and I started work on a new "mini project", painting the steps of the house. When volunteers are not busy working on their main projects e.g. the Orphanage, they are encouraged to help maintain the volunteer house. This helps cut down on maintenance costs, and therefore lowers the amount the volunteers must pay to stay at the house.
Later, I caught the bus to St Anthony's Orphanage. I had a fantastic time with the boys, helping then to clean up during their Work period, and chatting in English and asking each other questions about where we come from etc.. during their Play period.
One of the boys, Wirralea, had excellent taste....he was a Manchester United supporter! All the boys are allowed to wear football shirts during school time.
During Play time Brother Mathew likes to treat those boys who have been especially good and well behaved. Mostly he takes them for a ride around the school gardens in his 4 x 4 Jeep, however occasionally he takes them into Mapusa, the nearest town, and buys them an ice cream.
At the end of Play time (6pm) the boys had to go help prepare dinner, and I said goodbye for the day and left the orphanage.
I then jumped on the bus to Anjuna Beach to meet up with Ingvild and Aina.
We had a superb evening at Tantra (our favourite bar), and later we were joined by Lote, Maud and the Finnish girls.
Chris :-)
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
A little chill time
There are now five volunteers staying at the house this week: myself, the two Dutch girls: Maud and Lotte, and the two Norwegian girls: Ingvild and Aina.
Ingvild and Aina arrived on Saturday, and so for them this week will be their Introduction Week.
Lotte, Maud and I each have volunteer projects this week. Maud is at St Theresa's in Pirjim, Lotte is at a girls orphanage in Mapusa, and I am at St Anthony's orphanage.
As we don't have to work until the afternoon, it leaves the mornings free for a little chill time.
More to follow...
Tuesday afternoon:
Shivram gave me a ride to the orphanage on the back of his scooter.
I was hoping to be with the boys from 2:30pm until 6pm today, however the boys have an exam next week and so were doing exam revision until 4pm. After revision I was able sit down with some of the boys and help them with their English.
At 6pm I was invited by Brother Mathew, the leader of the orphanage, to watch the older boys play football. They were very good players. In fact, in Goa football is the number one sport, unlike the rest of India were cricket is number one.
Chris.
Ingvild and Aina arrived on Saturday, and so for them this week will be their Introduction Week.
Lotte, Maud and I each have volunteer projects this week. Maud is at St Theresa's in Pirjim, Lotte is at a girls orphanage in Mapusa, and I am at St Anthony's orphanage.
As we don't have to work until the afternoon, it leaves the mornings free for a little chill time.
More to follow...
Tuesday afternoon:
Shivram gave me a ride to the orphanage on the back of his scooter.
I was hoping to be with the boys from 2:30pm until 6pm today, however the boys have an exam next week and so were doing exam revision until 4pm. After revision I was able sit down with some of the boys and help them with their English.
At 6pm I was invited by Brother Mathew, the leader of the orphanage, to watch the older boys play football. They were very good players. In fact, in Goa football is the number one sport, unlike the rest of India were cricket is number one.
Chris.
Monday, 2 January 2012
My first day at St Anthony's Orphanage
Today I start work at St Anthony's Orphanage, which is on the road between Assonora and Mapusa.
My schedule starts at 1:30pm and finishes at 6pm.
As mentioned in a previous Blog, the reason I could not work at the orphanage sooner was because the orphans had actually gone away to be with their relatives (grandparents, uncles & aunts, adult brothers and sisters etc) between Christmas and New Year. Some of the orphans do not have any relatives at all, and they were being specially taken care of. The orphans start their first day back at school today.
Today I will focus on 'bonding' with the children. I will talk to them about my country England, and they can ask me questions. Then I will ask them questions about their country, where they live, families etc...
I am also there to listen to the boys in general, and give emotional support where needed.
Later I plan to play a few mind games with them e.g. spelling, guessing games etc...
More to follow....
After lunch, I met up with Chaun who is one of the Green Lion project leaders. She and I took the bus to St Anthony's Orphanage.
First Chaun gave me a tour of the buildings belonging to the orphanage. Then we went to meet Brother Mathew the person in charge. Brother Mathew is a very nice man and we had a good discussion, however I was told he is very strict with the boys and if they break the rules he will not hesitate to punish them.
Next Chaun took me to meet some of the boys. It was good to finally meet the children I would be working with. In fact, some are not really children anymore as the upper age limit is eighteen.
During the afternoon more boys returned from holiday. I even got to speak to some of the relatives. Apparently, relatives can meet the boys on the first weekend of every month.
I didn't actually get the time to play some of the games I had wanted to play with the boys as it was not possible to organize a class (children were still unpacking etc. after the holiday).
At the end of the afternoon Chaun and I returned to Assonora.
In the evening myself, Lotte, Maude and the Norwegian girls sat around the floor, had dinner and exchanged stories till it was time to go to bed in the Big Brother House :-)
Chris.
My schedule starts at 1:30pm and finishes at 6pm.
As mentioned in a previous Blog, the reason I could not work at the orphanage sooner was because the orphans had actually gone away to be with their relatives (grandparents, uncles & aunts, adult brothers and sisters etc) between Christmas and New Year. Some of the orphans do not have any relatives at all, and they were being specially taken care of. The orphans start their first day back at school today.
Today I will focus on 'bonding' with the children. I will talk to them about my country England, and they can ask me questions. Then I will ask them questions about their country, where they live, families etc...
I am also there to listen to the boys in general, and give emotional support where needed.
Later I plan to play a few mind games with them e.g. spelling, guessing games etc...
Preparation for teaching in the Orphanage
More to follow....
After lunch, I met up with Chaun who is one of the Green Lion project leaders. She and I took the bus to St Anthony's Orphanage.
The Church at St Anthony's Orphanage
First Chaun gave me a tour of the buildings belonging to the orphanage. Then we went to meet Brother Mathew the person in charge. Brother Mathew is a very nice man and we had a good discussion, however I was told he is very strict with the boys and if they break the rules he will not hesitate to punish them.
Next Chaun took me to meet some of the boys. It was good to finally meet the children I would be working with. In fact, some are not really children anymore as the upper age limit is eighteen.
During the afternoon more boys returned from holiday. I even got to speak to some of the relatives. Apparently, relatives can meet the boys on the first weekend of every month.
I didn't actually get the time to play some of the games I had wanted to play with the boys as it was not possible to organize a class (children were still unpacking etc. after the holiday).
At the end of the afternoon Chaun and I returned to Assonora.
In the evening myself, Lotte, Maude and the Norwegian girls sat around the floor, had dinner and exchanged stories till it was time to go to bed in the Big Brother House :-)
Chris.
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Happy New Year!!
Last night, to celebrate the start of the New Year, we partied at Tantra beach bar in Anjuna Beach.
Volunteers from both houses were there.
Two surprise new arrivals joined us for the New Year's Eve party.
Ingvild and Aina from Norway flew into Goa in the afternoon and came straight out to join us at the party.
Sunday:
Woke up around lunchtime today.
The Finnish girls: Veera, Lisa and Hanna are leaving the volunteer house today. They will continue their tour of India on a personal holiday.
We will go back to Anjuna this afternoon to chill on New Years's Day.
Returned from Anjuna in the evening.
Tonight I will start my preparation work for the Orphanage tomorrow.
Good news!
We don't have to move out of the new volunteer house and check into the old house.
(we thought we would have to move because the Finnish girls are no longer here and the house would not be viable for just myself, Lotte and Maude)
The Norwegian girls Ingvild and Aina were due to stay at the old volunteer house, however they will now be joining us at the new house, and therefore we have enough people to allow us stay.
Chris :-)
Volunteers from both houses were there.
Tantra is one of several bars along the beach.
Two surprise new arrivals joined us for the New Year's Eve party.
Ingvild and Aina from Norway flew into Goa in the afternoon and came straight out to join us at the party.
Sunday:
Woke up around lunchtime today.
The Finnish girls: Veera, Lisa and Hanna are leaving the volunteer house today. They will continue their tour of India on a personal holiday.
We will go back to Anjuna this afternoon to chill on New Years's Day.
Anjuna Beach at sunset New Year's Day.
Returned from Anjuna in the evening.
Tonight I will start my preparation work for the Orphanage tomorrow.
Good news!
We don't have to move out of the new volunteer house and check into the old house.
(we thought we would have to move because the Finnish girls are no longer here and the house would not be viable for just myself, Lotte and Maude)
The Norwegian girls Ingvild and Aina were due to stay at the old volunteer house, however they will now be joining us at the new house, and therefore we have enough people to allow us stay.
Chris :-)
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