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We were struggling to find a route from Hampi to South Goa - our next stop. The train didn't run on the day we wanted and the only bus was 10 hours and ran overnight. We wimped out and booked a taxi. It was supposed to be a 5-6 hour trip by car. However we had gone for the cheaper car option - about the size of a Corsa and no A/C. We set off and the first 3 hours weren't too bad. It then got hotter and hotter and the traffic got heavier. After a lunch stop (4hours in) the driver said we had another 4-5 hours to go. There was mutterings of revolt on the back seat. We pressed on with the road initially OK. Then the toll section ended and the pot holes began. The driver was weaving all over the road just to avoid the worst of them. It was through a national park that was quite scenic but the back seat passengers were now in open revolt. We then began our descent from the plain down to the coastal strip - around hairpin bends with our driver trying to overtake at the worst possible moment. Ken and I were also checking the map and were doubting the drivers navigational skills - the route he was taking us miles was miles out of our way. We started correcting him and took over navigation - he slowed right down and it was quite apparent he had not been this way before. Eventually we reached Patnem our destination - after 9 hours of travel.
Next day, we went down to the beach - it was an awesome sight - palm trees, an expanse of sand, surf, blue sky and a few nice cafes and restaurants. Ken decided he was not going to move! We took a walk to find a German bakery run by Nepalese - they made some very good cakes! That proved to be the pattern of our stay - lazy days and visit to the German Bakery - apart from a game of golf!
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