Out and About in Goa!

Since the Monsoon season is now well and truly here we have learnt that a little rain never hurt anybody!!! except when your on the bike and then it blinds you. In fact it isn't as bad as we thought it was going to be. It always rains overnight and then usually first thing in the morning and at some point in the afternoon. If you can wait long enough you usually get windows of dry spells and then make a dash for it! David has been taking the boys from the house on walks to the river whenever it is dry enough. Occasions always enjoyed by all - as you can see usually enjoyed the most when it involves getting wet and muddy!!!! D says The walks have now come to an end. On one walk the boys asked if they could have a swim in the river. There was the risk of crocodiles but we were near houses so I thought it would be OK. The boys jumped in and sadly one disappeared under. He was the one who spoke no English and sadly I did not know how to ask whether he could swim in Hindi. If I had asked he would of said No. It was at that point I went swimming!!! All are well just no more walks.

There is far less to do during the wet season so we have been taking in the sites of the local area on our trusty bike. The island of Charao is really quite beautiful especially since now everything is very lush and green. We have also been to the local Miramar beach - which shared with some buffalo!

For a few days there hasn't been much rain at all so we decided to make the most of it and pay a visit to the historic Old Goa. Probably the most touristy area we have come across in Goa and it had some very beautiful old building which Zoe really enjoyed looking around! The most exciting part (for David) came on the journey home. As we travelled along the highway towards Panjim we were pulled over by the police. We should explain at this point that this is not uncommon here and they generally fine you for something (anything they can think of) and then send you on your way. David was asked for his licence and dutifully handed it over to be told it wasn't valid in India! This led to discussions about who owned the bike and then being informed we had to appear in court on the 29th!!! We refused to hand over documents as we would probably have never seen them again and rang an Indian friend who advised us to wait for him. So we enjoyed the sunshine at the side of the road while the police continued to pull over any vehicle that drove past - including bikes with about 5 people on and lorries with people packed in the back - all of whom paid and were soon sent on their way while we continued to wait. Finally after about half an hour the police called David to the back of the van and they did a deal!!!! We paid a fine for the invalid licence, Zoe had to sign to say it was her bike and had let David ride it illegally, which was another fine, and then the policeman told us we should be thankful because he was helping us out!!! We think the policeman made quite a lot of money that day!