Goa on my mind...
The thought of traveling to Goa definitely enabled me to imagine a picturesque get away perched on a resort that would seem misplaced in a country like India...
Well...Goa was definitely fun, relaxing, and enjoyable but nothing like I pictured.
When we first arrived the train station, we were thrilled to anxiously await our late train for what seemed as the longest 45 minutes of our life. Nevertheless, we hopped aboard our car that was entitled "AC 2-tier (two tier means that the train had bunkers above the seats for sleeping)" to began the four hour journey to Goa. To our surprise, we were all able to sit in a cabin together, despite our assigned seats, where we could face each other for the journey. Finally, we got settled and looked out the window to find the a gift from God: an OUTLET. Yes, folks. This meant we could plug in our portable Wi-Fi named "Tata" for the journey. Essentially, the trip was made right there.
Upon our arrival, we had to take a Government Taxi to the hotel, which was about thirty minutes away. (Government Taxi meant that we would not get ripped off with an absurd rate, as it is regulated by the government.) So we hopped in the Sedan to be whisked away. However, that car ride might have been the MOST stressful ride I have ever taken. The driver was like a NASCAR driver trying to win the 500. We charged the meandering roads without brakes or warnings, speeding through blind turns, and almost meeting opposite traffic head first. I believe I was the only one bothered by this, but I made sure to hop out of that car, and thank God for keeping me alive!
The Ramada appeared lovely and inviting at first glance, and it was. We were greeted with juice and warm smiles, but that experience was short lived. Checking in at the front counter our passports were demanded without notice. Of course, none of us thought to bring our passports. We conveniently thought our driver licenses would suffice, but we were wrong. The next fifteen minutes would consists of us arguing with management to accept our driver licenses, and us reasoning with them that we had legitimate passports. Our juice became more therapeutic than enjoyable...
Nevertheless, those eventful hours were closed with the softest beds and a peaceful sea breeze...