Day 113 (Sat 28 Oct) - Goa Panaji

We went to Shangrila's as usual for breakfast and then met up with Ruth and Keith.

Took a taxi to the bus station at Margao - after surviving the autorickshaw experience, we thought Ruth and Keith should have a go on Indian buses!

We clambered on a waiting bus and bumped along the road towards Panaji. What we hadn't realised was that we would need to change buses three times, and the total journey was only less than an hour.

Throughout the trip, surprisingly Ruth and Keith kept smiling and seemed to enjoy their first Indian bus experience.

On reaching Panaji, we headed for the Quaterdeck restaurant / bar which overlooked the estary. As we had a drink we planned the day ahead. Jo had spotted a walking tour in their trusted Lonely Planet so decided to take on the role of tour guide and proceeded to lead the tour.

We walked through the busy town past the statute of Abbe Faria, the Secretariat buildings, the municipal gardens and the town's famous landmark, the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Then Jo had cleverly steered the tour along the main shopping street which meant that Ruth and Jo had to pop into a shop. They returned to the street satisified with the modest purchases and we continued the tour.

For lunch we went to Satkar's, where Ruth and Keith experienced their first thali.

After lunch Jo's tour guide skills went a bit haywire and she finally admitted they were lost. We grabbed two autorickshaws and headed off to Campal Gardens. Wandered around the gardens and even some saw dolphins in the river.

We walked on and throught the busy markets of Panaji finally heading back to the Quarterdeck for a few well earned drinks.

We decided that going back to Majorda beach by bus would be too much so got a taxi back. Stopped off at the Pentagon for an excellent dinner before turning in.