March 12th to 27th, 2009.
This time, Martin really enjoyed his stay enjoying the heat. The Don Joao was so
calm and relaxing and Martin really got a good tan and training, using the pool
for up to 3000 meters a day. And of course, he saw his sponsored kids three
times while there. Martin is looking forward to his next trip in
December/January.
First impressions on the second visit:
Arriving in Goa, one of the India provinces, is typical for the Indian culture
all over the world. Lots of rubbish and filth all over the place and a crazy
driving culture, where the horn plays a very important part. But they try to
clean it all up once a year. Not so in Egypt where Cairo grows 4 meters on its
own filth every millennium.
Weather:
This is the dry season with temperatures in the 30ties. Not to bad on the
beaches where there always is a breeze of sorts.
The people:
What makes a trip in addition to the country is the people you meet and Martin
met many persons from all walks of life. Indians are very friendly and peaceful.
Little crime, no drunkards and no fighting and screaming in the streets, but you always take your precautions anyhow.
There are lots of them. The there are 1,2 billons. Just 100 millions less than
China.
Commercialization:
One of the nice features of Goa is the lack of commercialization. You are not
charged for everything all the time. The trip taken to the jungle was free of
it. You paid for the trip, accommodation and food. Paid for your beers, drinks
and water bottles.
Recommendations:
Dental treatment is some 15% of Norwegian prices and the quality is very good.
Check out what a crown on your tooth costs in Norway and then in Goa, and you
can pay for your holiday as well. Martin did and found that a 5 crown bridge
cost 14% of what it costs in Norway. Martin is back for the
third visit this year. He leaves
Norway on December 25th, 2007.
Back to the beginning.
