A BLACK CHRISTMAS

Many of you will know that Adam, myself and the kids spent Christmas in Goa this year, along with Adam's Mum, Dad, younger brother Cameron, sister Inga and Cameron's friend Andy.

On arrival at Mumbai airport we were promptly informed that our flight was overbooked and that we would have to wait 3 hours until the next one. After much debate we managed to land an upgrade to Executive Class with a free lunch and use of the Executive Lounge. Don't suppose we'll get that again in a hurry - not with 2 small kids at least!

Here Freya is enjoying the full stretch of her Executive Class seat! Just a shame the journey only lasted an hour! Personally I was most taken with the TABLECLOTHS we were given when our in-flight meal was served! (You can tell I don't get out much).

The men in the family made the most of the super-duper massage chair in the Executive lounge.

I, with my more pessimistic approach to life and Indian bureaucracy, was initially frustrated with the inefficiencies and lack of apology from Indian Airlines. However, Adam's Mum was right all along in suspecting that God might be in it! Had we made the first flight we would not have met up with Cameron's friend Andy. He was meant to be meeting us at the airport having come straight from London that morning. With his London flight significantly delayed he would have arrived to find us gone and also to discover that his flight was not, as we thought, the same one as ours anyway! Instead we were all still at the airport and Adam was able to help sort out a new ticket for Andy on the same flight as us. Lesson learned. God was in control and we all got quite a good deal in the end (even if it did take 10 hrs door to door -about the same as driving to Goa as it turns out!).

After an eventful journey we finally arrived at an airport that was displaying more 'Christmas Cheer' than anywhere else in Thane! It's hard to know who was more excited by the Christmas tree, the kids or yours truly. . .

Home For A Week

Leoney Resort, Small Vagator. I'd definitely recommend it. Significantly more luxurious than other places we've stayed in India but well worth the treat for Chrismas! We had no complaints and thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The kids (that includes Adam, Cameron and Andy) really enjoyed the swimming pool. Alistair was in up to 4 times a day and learned to swim really well without his armbands! One time we got back from a day out, climbed out of the car and before we knew it Alistair was in the pool, clothes and all. The problem was easily solved - he just took all is clothes off and continued swimming!! Our 'cottage' is on the far left. It included a four poster bed which was a bit of a treat too.

The said swimming pool with Inga and Alistair enjoying a dip and Andy and Alistair doing some acrobatics (of which there was a lot!). The children's pool at the edge was perfect for the kids to muck around in without needing too much supervision. Adam and Freya are realxing in the background.

Small Vagator beach just 10 minutes walk from where we were staying.

Panaji (Panjim)

"Most travellers bypass Panaji on their way to the beaches, but this is a grave mistake. With the narrow winding streets of its old Portuguese quarter . . . (it) is one of India's smallest and most pleasant state capitals" Lonely Planet, South India, 2005

Goa is a former portuguese colony with a distinct character, quite different to Maharastra State where we live. Of course it is a huge tourist destination now too, so the place feels very different. It was nice to be a tourist and blend in with the travellers for a week, enjoying different food and clothes. (But also useful to pull out the Hindi card when needed - mostly to avoid a rip off (!) but also to enjoy conversation with the locals).

On Christmas Eve we decided to see Panaji for ourselves. We only had a taster, but enjoyed wandering the streets a little bit. The Portuguese influence is very apparent in the architecture, street names, doorways . . .

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

Originally consecrated in 1541 and once visited by Portuguese sailors as a first stop, thanking God for a safe crossing. English, Portuguese and Konkani mass is held here every day.

"Mummy, Mummy, Santa Claus!"

Really quite bizarre, but Alistair was certainly very excited to see (several, very skinny) Santa Claus' on the streets of Panaji! He managed free gifts from at least 2 of them, including these Santa hats.

Christmas fever taking over on Christmas Eve - men selling Santa hats on the central reservation!

With Roman Catholicism a major religion in Goa, Christmas is celebrated by many. I'm not sure if this is the way to do it (?!) but it made me feel more festive and put a smile on my face on a hot and sticky Christmas Eve far removed from my childhood memories (Jim Reeves, open fire, stockings. . .)

Christmas Eve Curry

Do I need to say anything?! Adam and Andy amusing themselves while waiting for our Christmas Eve meal at the 'Delhi Darbar' in Panaji. This restaurant was recommended to Morag by her dentist in Edinburgh and was indeed a great choice!

Curries all round, enjoyed by all, including Ali and Freya. The atmosphere was great with the place nicely decorated for Christmas and a full house. We were lucky to get a seat when we did as the queues had formed by the time we left.

A truly Goan Christmas!!
The doorman at the restaurant and Santa Claus (again). The question is, who wins the prize for the best moustache?!

Christmas morning

Our own living Christmas tree, complete with decorations, beside the swimming pool. There was also a huge nativity scene in which Baby Jesus (who looked about 16 but heh) was placed at midnight on Christmas Eve and the lights put on.

My own very happy memories of waking on Christmas morning to find a stocking at the end of my bed were re-lived through Alistair and Freya this year. Especially Alistair who really understood and was excited by it all. Freya was just excited but had no idea why!!
I feel compelled to add that, when asked the question "Who do we remember at Christmas?" Alistair did say 'Baby Jesus' and, despite all the brainwashing to the contrary, did not say Santa Claus (Phew).

But heh, 'Granny Santa Claus' can't do any harm!

I really like this photo of the Black men on our porch enjoying the vibe on Christmas morning. A bit early for some but we were all happy!

Christmas Afternoon

After a late 'brunch' at what became our favourite haunt, and a relaxed start to the afternoon, we wandered down to Small Vagator beach. Being in a cove it is more picturesque and interesting than some of the Goan beaches. Although quite rocky underfoot all (except myself I'm ashamed to say) went into the sea and had a great time. Ali and Freya also enjoyed the sealife, including crabs and a small octopus! Not a bad way to spend Christmas afternoon.

Sunset on an Indian Christmas

A fantastic day, topped by a beautiful sunset and a lovely meal at 'Le bluebird', a French restaurant serving all the things we can't get in Thane - blue cheese, steak, good wine, lovely desserts . . . now I'm dreaming.