Cashews - Goa is famous for its cashews nuts - originally brought from Africa in the far far past. The ripe fruit can be red, yellow or greeny yellow. The nut hangs from the bottom of the fruit. The fruit ripens in march/April and once the nut is picked, the fruit is allowed to naturally ferment to make a 1st distillation wine - caju - which is a good mix with limca and soda. The 2nd distillation - feni - is very potent and normally drunk straight.

Carolyn Opening Sesa Worm farm

At Sesa's Codli mine, a large worm farm was established to consume mess, garden and paper waste. The farm was from Australia. Carolyn had the privilege of opening it.

Feni Still

A traditional feni still. A fire under the vessel on the right distills the liquor which cools and is collected in the vessel on the left.

Goan Girl

Diwali

Dawali "Festival of Lights" is probably the main Hindu religious festival in Goa. It starts with a parade of effigies of the Demon King Narkasur who is finally killed by Lord Krishna. Early the morning, the effigies are burnt the signify this killing of Evil by Good.

The various religions co-exist very well in Goa. This Narkasur was in the front yard of a church.

Another Narkasur

Not all the Nakasurs are huge. Many houses have small ones at the front door.

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These boys had made this one.

This young girl was beating a great rhythm at the Panaji Diwali celebrations on Narkasur burning night.

Monsoon

The monsoon is a great event. Unvelievable rain downpours - 3 metres in 3 months. The temperature is pleasant and life goes on, rain or no rain.

Matruchhaya Orphanage

We were invited to a privately funded girls orphanage. Carolyn read/acted a story which received rapt attention.

One of the girls makes soft toys for sale. She presented one to Carolyn.

Panaji Market

Offal in the Panaji market.

Fresh meat - for a short time.

Garlands for sale.

Panaji market - buying roses.

Garland making ladies.

Lots of chilies.

Note the jumble of electrics and cables and washing hanging in the roof.

Panaji Christmas

A nativity scene next to a hindu temple. Goa is very flexible.

Sai Baba temple, just below Althino, worships the cow and all lighted up for Christmas.

Even the Goan Police get into the Christmas and New Year spirit.

We were invited to Augustine's, our driver, second son's christening. His wife is on Carolyn's right, then his mother and Augustine. Clive, the first son is at the front.

Fort Tiracol

In the far north, is a small Portuguese fort, built in 1633, that has been turned into a hotel. It is very remote today so to be assigned to this fort in 1633 must have been rather depressing. It serves a nice lunch.

Local Shrine

There are many christian shrines along roads. This is on the main street from Althino to town.

Portuguese mansion

Goa has some remaining Portuguese mansions.

Fort Aguada

On the northern side of the Mandovi River. There is an old Portuguese fort on the top which was built in 1612. The fort extends down to the water edge and that part is now the state prison. The cells are all below water level so have so natural light and must be very damp. There are a number of Westerners interned there.

Panjim or Panaji

Panjim from the Mandovi River. Most of the buildings are government.

View From Althino

Walk to the end of our little road and this is the view looking out over town to Mandovi River with Fort Aguada in the far left. There is a maze of steps lacing past humble little dwellings to the bottom. Could be an enjoyable walk if temperature was about 10 degrees cooler. Unfortunately we only get glimpses of the view from our bungalow.

This is looking up one of the paths - a very respectable example.

Fontainhas

An old school building being renovated by the owner of the Panjim Inn, which is situated across the road, as a function centre.

Hotel Venite

In one of Panjim's many lanes is the Hotel Venite and its' far from roomy balconies.

Hindu Temple

A hindu temple tucked away at the back of Fontainhas.

Tailor

Our men's tailor - 50 Rupees (US$1) per shirt!!!

Arjuna Market

One of the popular northern tourist beaches is Arjuna. During the dry season it has a large craft market every Wednesday.

Carolyn catching a water taxi to Arjuna beach to avoid the traffic congestion. A week later one of these sank and 16 people drowned - overcrowded with no life jackets. Back to the traffic.

Baga Beach

After a monsoon lunch at Baga Beach - it took ages to find a beach shack open - the girls, Jacinta, Carolyn and Susanne, succumbed to the presence of many bargains.

Carolyn Veg Shopping

July, buying gerd and cucumbers.

Sesa Office

Seven story building, Sesa has top 4 floors.

A major problem with the local houses is monkeys entering to steal food. This one was sneaking along the roof.