Finally here!

But let me tell you first how I got here...

I took first a bus to Helsinki 11th January at 8AM from Turku, after which a (delayed) flight to Istanbul. With only 1 hour to spare in the schedule it was obvious that I would need to run to catch my next flight! I cannot find anything bad to say about the service with Turkish airlines; food was excellent and you could even choose which main course you wished to have. Upon arrival there was a person who escorted us through the airport directly to the next flight to Mumbai.

Flight to Mumbai was again with Turkish Airlines with continually exceptional service and free gifts! You gotta love those:) I arrived to Mumbai 4.15AM the next day, tired but happy to have reached my connection. I must have looked a bit dazed as I was interviewed for 15 minutes at immigration. Rest of the Europeans sailed through without any efforts. To my huge surprise I received my luggage also, another thumbs up to Turkish. Then the painful 8 hour waiting time at Mumbai airport. My best tip for surviving in there is to follow the crowds, prepare for atleast 4 security checks; before and after flights and after changing terminals. Note that you cannot use credit card at the airport cafes, they only accept cash. Remember to add an address tag to your handluggage without writing an address to it, this is only for security purposes and will be stambed before entering the plane.
After the staggering wait it was only 55 mins flight to Goa with Jet Airlines. Once again with your preferred meal choise.

Dom Pedro's

Goa airport is small and very easy to navigate, you cannot really get lost there even if you wanted. The weather was promising/ hot 34C and Viltsu was there to greet me with our hotel's "General Manager" who is a walking information office along with other various duties around the Dom Pedro's hotel. Prices seem to be higher than ever earlier in Goa as our small apt with a/c cost 1500 rupees/night. We will move Saturday for a cheaper accommodation without a/C which will cost 800 rupees, fair price for high season when you can divide it between two persons.

Indian mosquitos are slightly sneakier as their Finnish relatives. You cannot hear them coming and you will only notice the bite after it's already too late. Luckily also the repellants seem to be more efficient, most probably consisting of chemicals not allowed within EU. I will stock my suitcase with this stuff when I head home...

Majorda beach is only 500 meters away from the hotel, and it has a long strech of restaurants open all day and probably all night long. The sunset is absolutely beautiful, especially accompanied by Pina Colada which has become my absolute favourite here. It is made with fresh coconut milk and pineapple with a generous amount of rum. No need to take many.
We have made friends with one of the restaurant owners who is also trying to be our real estate agent. We had the most lovely tandoori red snapper dinner in his restaurant yesterday evening, and are definately going there again.

14.1.2011 Margao – Colva

Today was the most horrific day since arrival; we rented a motorcycle and drove to Margao city in search of a internet connection and sim card. Everyone can imagine the Indian traffic, so I was mildly said scared but happy that Viltsu had previous experience from his Nepal tour. Main trick is not to show mercy and just drive as grazy as everyone else. Try to keep to the left side of the road, if that is not possible you may choose whatever lane!
We also witnessed an apparent road rage fight on Colva's main street which blogged the traffic for atleast 15 minutes.

Jesus bike

Kimi Raikkonen

I am writing this now at Colva beach, half way to the hotel. We are waiting for the "siesta" to end so we may continue the hunt for wifi connection. tbc...

Susegad!
(Goan word meaning simply easy living:))