After too many weekends and late-night hours of work, I was taken to the laid-back beach resort of Goa for some rest and relaxation. It was a pleasant change from the hectic, urban life of Navi Mumbai.
Goa is the gorgeous beach province about 10-hours (by bus) south of Mumbai. It’s the resort getaway of choice for Indians and foreign tourists alike. I went with my (all twenty-something year old) co-workers and had an awesome time. The abundance of foreign tourists comprised mostly of Europeans (many with British accents) unfortunately gives it a very non-native atmosphere, but the twist of hippy-ness adds something unique.
Perhaps the most memorable time (although certainly not most enjoyable) was experiencing the ridiculous conditions of a 3rd class overnight train in India. Wow…I wrote about the Mumbai suburban trains before, well the conditions don’t get any better just because it’s an overnight train that travels nonstop for 8 hours. Yes, there were 4-5 people to a 3 seat bench, people sitting (lying only if they were lucky) on the floor, and even more standing squished like sardines in the isles. I certainly didn’t manage to find any sleep with three individuals all vying for space on the floor which I thought was reserved for my feet or the crazed lady next to me who for some reason thought if she kept pushing, I’d somehow shrink. Although for 150 Indian Rupees (about $3.25 USD) it’s pretty much the cheapest way to get from Goa to Mumbai.