The considered analysis is: Goa is ok (although if you're coming here on a 2 week package trip from Europe you need your head examined. Or you might be a member of my extended family!)

Currently twiddling my thumbs in another internet cafe thinking about what lowbrow stuff is suitable for everybody's consumption. Nope, couldn't manage it! Frustratingly, I can't get to Hampi (site of some ruins or something..) until Tuesday which gives me far too long to explore Panjim and Old Goa. Maybe I'll use the time to sort out the photo album. Or maybe not! Better idea might be to seek out somewhere to watch PoTC. Is it as disappointing as number 2 people?

So anyway, I've spent 5 nights at the beach. 3 at the superbly titled 'Cocohuts' in Benalium, a place Beth astutely suggests sounds a bit too much like cough medicine. Cocohuts and it's owner Savio and staff were very friendly though and quite relaxed, which was probably what I needed after 3 weeks of constant travelling. The crowd of mainly Indian tourists up the road at Colva was less pleasant though. Too many people and too much litter on the beach. C'mon people - make some bins! or invent the concept of dustbinmen! Cocohuts is also incorrectly placed by the '05 Lonely Planet which is turning out to be fairly inaccurate on occasion regarding prices, maps etc. Only the important stuff I suppose. Still, if anyone wants a copy I'm happy to sell mine when I get back although it's quite soggy now due to the rain.

The last 2 nights I spent with an Indian homestay (Maria and Frances) near Palolem beach which was cool because it meant I got to chat with some non travellers. Also, elections are currently taking place in Goa and there's some odd behaviour consisting of a complete ban on alcohol (alcohol + election = fights apparently..."It was the drink, honest!") and massive group canvassing of houses. And they've got those trucks with people on megaphones blurting out what are no doubt very important messages. Added to the brazen use of the car horn, which already normally occurs, makes this all a little chaotic and noisy. On the subject of elections, today I wandered into Panjim's library to have a little sightsee when I encountered masses of Indian officials preparing the polling booths for tomorrow! Armed with my Digital Camera they must have thought I was from Reuters. Yeah right, more like bonusprint!

I have to go now since the internet cafe is playing Vengaboys/z. Something about the wheels of steel and New York to San Fransisco. Aaaargh.