I went to Goa, Southern India, to attend my cousin’s wedding and immerse myself in Goan culture and hospitality over a weekend. Located on the west coast of India until today, Goa still boasts Portuguese culture, marked during the colonization many years ago.
I have no notion of Goa other than Fafa bidding me goodbye with: “You will love Goa; it’s the Bali of India”. Of course, Goa ended up not being the Bali of anything, but I had a great time there.
Goa Architecture
The buildings in Goa were different from what I usually see in most Indian movies. Maybe because of its coastal location? Goa seemed barren with bursts of unique, sometimes unkempt, always colourful, Portuguese-influenced architectures here and there. I love it!
Drinking The Famous Goan Feni
Goa is known for its’ cheap and strong booze or its’ cheap booze with Feni as the cultural drink of Goa. Dubbed an Indian tropical liqueur, Feni is originally made from cashew fruit. Fafa told me that Feni is a must-try when I am there. I did. It was strong. Feni is a legally protected local drink, as it can’t produce outside Goa. More interestingly, Goan people usually add their version of ingredients and spices to Feni to tailor it to their liking. The choices range from salt and palm sugar to chilli.
I started my boozy time in Goa as early as right after breakfast.
Goa Beach
Goa is all about the beach, but we didn’t spend enough time there, and even then, I don’t see many foreigners. Maybe it was the wrong season.
Friendly Goan
I also love Goa for the Goan. Excluding family and friends, Goans are the most polite Indians I have ever had the pleasure to interact with.
Goan Seaside Seafood
I completely fell head over heels for Goan food, especially the seafood. South Indian seafood, which means seafood in spiced masala, is my ultimate foodie dream. My absolute favourite was the stuffed crab topped with a half slice of cheese. It was divine!!!!!
There are things I didn’t love about Goa, such as the humidity and the airport. Those were minor problems! I so want to revisit Goa sometime in the future. I plan to rent one of those colourful buildings by the beach and binge-ing on seafood and fenny starting from breakfast.
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