January 24

Yesterday, we repacked and had a mini banana each (they were not as good as we expected) and cookies for breakfast. We did a WhatsApp with Jeff's sister. Then we checked-out, and loaded into a taxi. We are going just 50 km (30 miles), to a new beach  in Goa area. Couple of reasons for the switch- first and main reason was because we are closer to our early morning train tomorrow, and second because we are just checking out places in Goa for potential future longer visits. If there would have been a coastal road, it would not have been as long of a drive. Anyway, it was about an hour and fifteen minutes, not to bad. We arrived at, Benaulim Beach. (Technically, the beach name changes to Sernabatim Beach. We don't know why.) It is one long beach scene, and the weather is cooler feeling due to some wind. Our place is Furtado's Beach Front Family Restaurant… (the name keeps going). 

We checked-in, unloaded, and went to the restaurant for lunch. I had Mushroom Biriyani, and Jeff had Butter Chicken. We each had a lassi- me mixed fruit, Jeff pineapple. We watched the goings-on of the beach. One person was parasailing, which seemed a bit questionable with the wind; and lots of beach strollers. Then went back to our room- I had some GI issues, so we just took it easy. Jeff planned: booked trains, and hotel arrangements for most of the rest of our time in India. I skipped supper, only had a 7UP. Jeff had a beer. We did go back out on the beach at sunset. The sun seemed to dip into the sea at the horizon. Back at our place,the music started… the last part of the name of our place “Party Place”, kicked in high gear. But I was so tired – once asleep I was out.

Today, we awoke and I felt much better, thankfully! We went to breakfast. I had a black coffee; Porridge with banana and honey. Jeff went with French Toast and a hot chocolate. After we finished, we went and strolled the beach. This beach squeaks if you slide your feet. This fascinates me. Anyway, there are many very dark tan tourists – gotta keep up that color. I am surprised how many people are overweight, foreigners and Indian! Also there is not a road that parallels the beach, but just roads that come down to the beachfront. We caught one of these roads then, stopped at a “supermarket”, which was closer to a market. We bought some snacks for next few days – especially, on longer train trips. I bought India's version of Coke, called “Thum's Up” (I spelled it correctly). It is not too bad. A much better substitute than Madagascar's “World Cola”. We completed our loop walk back at our place. I blogged and Jeff finalized more of our next (almost two months) here in India.

Then we went out for lunch, about a mile walk, to Hari's German Bakery and Restaurant. Most everyone here were foreigners. I had a Chicken  Burger and French Fries, to be safe. Jeff had Penne Carbonara. It was the first pasta we have had in India–that we recall. Jeff said he thought it has been the longest stretch ever for him without having pasta. I had a blueberry smoothie, Jeff a 'mixed' lemon soda. (It was salt and sweet, hence mixed.) Anyway, we walked  around a bit. Found a Pharmacy, but it did not have my combo medication, then went to a Liquor store and bought one Indian rum and one wine. Now we went back to our place – getting our steps in!  🙂

Plan on taking another stroll on the beach for sunset and a light snack -type supper. Tomorrow we catch an early taxi — moving on. Stay tuned!