I’m trying to think. This may be the first time in my life that I’ve lounged around a resort area with nothing to do for so long. I’ve been to lots of dive places where there was lots of down time, but of course there was diving and related behavior for a couple of hours. I’ve been shorter times to resort areas. But I’ve been hanging out in Goa for, oh, what, 8-10 days? Something like that.
After Vagator in N. Goa, I went to a beach area called Benaulim, near Margao, and stayed there for about three days.  It was, as I expected, about what it’s generally like along this stretch of beaches. It’s a little less scenic than Vagator and the beaches north of it, but quieter. I did nothing but sit in the shade most of the time and read a book. I had a scooter there and rode around. That’s about it.
Then things slowed down. I came to Palolem. That was four days ago. I’ve read two books and, until today when they left, hung out with another Polish couple. I walk up and down the beach a little, swim a little, eat very well, knock back water all day and have a couple of beers in the evening, and that’s about it. I didn’t even get a scooter. Maybe I’ll go to another beach soon. Oh, decisions decisions. I don’t like anything right now more stressful than deciding what I want for lunch.
I’ve spent most of three months needing to “do” something, have a reason to move on. I’m looking forward to more interesting things, probably pretty soon, but it was becoming like too long in a great museum. I was becoming oversaturated and unappreciative. It’ll be time to go when the ability to have a lot of fun that way returns.
Meanwhile Goa is climbing, I think, on my list of places to winter. It’s real easy here, I’m telling you. Right on the beach, it’s barely India. You can escape dealing with the hardships and difficulties, not to mention observing the real hardships and difficulties Indians have. There is an extensive ex-pat community, so you can have all the contact with Westerners who aren’t fresh off the boat you want. Or you can meet the new people constantly coming through. There isn’t much to do, though. I wonder how it would feel after a few months. I guess there’s no reason to only stay put.
I kind of don’t think Palolem is where I’d like to stay a whole winter. The beach isn’t that clean, and it’s not quite a scenic as the north. This has a lot of development, that is, an almost endless string of beach shack restaurant/bars. There are other beaches close by that are quiet again. I think I still like the north better. It’s prettier and the beach is better, and I can go find the crowd if I want.
I’m trying to think. I’ve been told “that’s what you’re good at, Butch.”
Usually it’s best if I don’t go through that, I think. LOL. I end up thinking too much about what I’m thinking. It’s a long story, but it’s not that good for me. That could be another problem with renting a place and staying for a while. I might drive myself crazy, if I haven’t already. Hard to tell from the inside.
I’m babbling.
Best wishes to you all.
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