Go.. Go.. Goa ...!

Goa - The most popular Indian Holiday destination..

Hence its ironical that despite being so close to my city (Mumbai) and so popular for its beaches and laid-back holiday atmosphere, i hadnt visited Goa until just a few years back. But since then its been innumerable trips and new experiences each time..

Would like to detail one such experience particularly cause it was when i Bicycled to Goa. Yes you heard it right. Went to Goa on a Bicycle. Had done many destinations in my sturdy car until then so it had to be something else. It was the 24th of december 2006. Had Purchased a 21-gear Firefox Bicycle (Very Lightweight and Very Expensive) and had practiced on it. The challenge was the amount of stuff to carry in my haversack cause it was a trade-off between weight and essential equipment. Coming to a reasonable compromise i started off at 4 am on 24th. It was a journey i travelled alone cause the guys werent interested and the families didnt let the girls go.

I had prior experience of Marathon Running, but this was tough. Climbing up the ghats was really really tough and often i would need to stop for breaks. I did about 110 km per day and sometimes cycled even in the nights. Very dangerous in retrospect and i don't advise anyone to do it, cause the drivers are mostly rash and drunk and visibility is ZERO. I had some custom high powered torches fitted at both ends of my bike. But still its a no-no. I had my great moments, i had my challenging moments and most importantly i had all moments to myself.. to think, to reflect and to search..

Goa is riddled with beautiful beaches all along the konkan coast - Anjuna, Vagator, Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim and even Arambol. Each beach has its own flavour and things to do. Though i would rate Candolim and Baga as one of the nicest areas to stay at.. While this comprises the majority of the "tourist" spots there are other lesser known hidden heavens in the south of Goa..

The heart of Goa is the capital, Panjim City. One of the major attractions of Panjim City are the Casinos on the Mandovi River - This is the only place in all of India where casinos are legal. Many a traveler come in search of overnight fortune here. Including me :) Evening boat rides with blaring music and a sumptous sea food cuisine are frequented by many..

One of the most important facets of Goan heritage is the presence of innumerable beautiful churches everywhere. Living memories of the Portugese influence, some of these churches are breathtaking in terms of architecture and design.

The average Goan lives life by one motto - Susegad. This term is commonly used to explain the laid-back relaxed life of Goa, where feni, bibinca and fish curry are important ...

Bangkok!

Bangkok!

On one of my trips to Thailand i met this very interesting gentleman sitting next to me who was a musician with Buddha Bar. One of the things he said to me made an impression on me forever..

He said "Thailand is everything that India is not and India is everything that Thailand is not"

And really there is no other phrase which defines and explains the two cultures better.
India and Thailand are both relatively inexpensive destinations and emerging economies. But yet completely different in many ways. The local Thai food has many hidden treasures and is a treat! Bangkok is a busy city, very crowded and lots of bustle and activity.

The main Ratchaprasong area comprises of several high-rise buildings, malls and hotels. The stunning Baiyoke tower, Central world, Siam Paragon and MBK are some classic landmarks of Bangkok. People of Thailand are very humble and simple people. Very polite, gullible and kind. There is a high need among them for cleanliness, and projecting a progressive image of Thailand.

The king H.M. Bhumibol Adulyadej is the most respected and revered public figure in Thailand. Research and reading on the king would reveal that he rightly deserves it. He has been single-handedly responsible for upliftment of the quality of life, growth of infrastructure and industry and providing employment over the span of the the last 60 years.

Bangkok has a vivid nightlife. For the single male traveler it is a haven with many popular spots comprising of "go-go" bars and many other street entertainment. Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and Patpong are bright and busy night spots. Obtaining the company of women for a drink is very easy. Despite the "free thinking" nature of the average thai, they are seldom judgemental of anything. They pray religiously and are very unobtrusive.

Khao San Road is entirely tourist dominated with cheap rooms, many different restaurants and street shopping options. It is really one of those places that one musn't miss. There are local pawn shops, peddling artifacts which are "priceless" and "good price only for you".

The grand palace and the many temples riddled on both sides of the Chao Phraya river are a tribute and a memory of Thailand's illustrious past. The "Sleeping Buddha" is a once in a lifetime opportunity to view and capture.

The modern Sukhumvit area is packed with many 5 star hotels and swanky restaurants. Transportation in the city is good with colorful air conditioned cabs, skytrain, BTS, MRT, "Tuk-Tuk's" and motorcyle taxis. A boat ride through the underbelly of the city is an interesting experience.

The Swarnabhumi international airport is a very plush and modern landmark which Thailand is proud of and its a very good experience because of its generous space and ease of navigation.

All in all Bangkok is one of those places which every Indian should consider for their "first trip abroad". Its cheap, interesting and very colorful.

Singapore

One of my most memorable trips would be the long flirtation I indulged in with Singapore. This was back in 2006 with a few friends from Mumbai. Visited many memorable place like Clarke Quay, Jurong Bird Park, Orchard Street, Sentosa Island and China Town..

One of the first things that hits you when u land at Singapore in the fabulous Changi Airport - Huge, Organised, Clean and Fashionable - It was like a precursor of things to come.. The beautiful city is erected on the backbone of a robust and fluid transport system with the super quick MRT system, buses, affordable and luxurious taxis and a scenic view should u choose to walk. Some really cool nightclubs include the Ministry of Sound and Double 'O' where you have DJ's at par with the world's best and the scenic clarke quay area is great for a walk in the night. Many cafes, restaurants serving the finest in world cuisine dot most of the popular shopping and entertainment areas in Singapore.

A hop skip and jump on the scenic cable car ride takes you to the really beautiful Sentosa Island where many treats await you.. Take pictures by the Merlion or the Carlsberg Tower, or sip a mojito on Siloso Beach or take a walk along Tanjong Beach or Dolphin Lagoon.

For the traveller wanting to explore the far-east Singapore is definitely one of the most tourist-friendly, attractive and memorable destinations :)