Sunday 13 May 2012

Festival Ready & Vix's Adventures In Goa - Part 4




The sun's shining, the first of the festival tickets have arrived and it's time to dust off my headbands and embrace the day-glo.


Our 50 year-old weeping willow was a casualty of the storms that battered Britain in April and it's due to be chopped up tomorrow (rain permitting). In the meantime it does make for a somewhat picturesque backdrop.

Ready for the final instalment of our Goa trip?


 Much as we love Arambol we knew the last week would fly by if we stayed put, so we packed our bags and moved on. Don't you find that time goes much more slowly if you move around from place to place?


Our first stop was Anjuna, famous for a weekly flea market and (in the 1990s) for being the epicentre of Goan rave culture. Although the market's as popular as ever the alternative party scene has long gone and at the end of the tourist season Anjuna goes back to being the sleepy village it once was before the beautiful set discovered it.


The beach isn't any great shakes by Goan standards but the traditional village architecture is stunning.

Anjuna Village Church

The £6 a night guest house we stayed in backed on to the forest and was constantly under attack by marauding monkeys.



After three nights in Anjuna we moved on to Candolim, slap bang in the middle of package tourist central and somewhere we'd not visited in years.


From December through until mid-March you can hardly see the sand for sunbeds and you're constantly hassled to buy crap from hawkers or visit a beach shack, but at the end of the tourist season it's a totally different story.



We caught a tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) from Anjuna with no plans and knocked on a few doors until we found someone willing to rent us a cheap room. It only took a couple of minutes to find a quiet village house just behind this cricket pitch for a little under £4 a night.

Our favourite place in Candolim used to be Bob's Inn, a hippy hang-out since 1957. We hadn't visited in years but were recognised immediately and showered with free drinks, nibbles, fruit from the garden and fresh flowers for my hair. It's packed with antiques, curios and trinkets bought from the local flea markets and a hoarder's paradise.


Bob's Inn hit the headlines in 1996 after it was rumoured that one of the regulars, Jungly Barry, was actually Lord Lucan. There's a shrine to him (and some of the other deceased hippy regulars) in the bar.


It's crazy to think that there's a branch of Domino's only a few yards away from this serene water buffalo.


Thanks for your lovely comments about our trip pictures.

I'm working on a post answering any Goa-related questions you've asked (please feel free to ask more) and I'll try to get it up later this week.

Floral headband and psychedelic maxi skirt (made by me), neon fringed tube top (50p, Cancer Research), Shiva pendant (50p, car boot sale)
Hope you've had a brilliant weekend and the sun's shone for you.
See you soon.

76 comments:

  1. I know I keep saying it, but we have to get to Goa with you guys one day. It just looks amazing. Hasn't the weather been fab here in the Midlands? Hope it lasts. Xx

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  2. you and jon make such a stunning couple. goa definitely agrees with you two. i love your way of life - so inspiring. xo janet

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  3. Gorgeous as always. The photos remind me of my college days when a fav prof had grown up in India and I used to dream of going so often I could close my eyes and feel the afternoon heat. And you carboot finds this week inspire me too!

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  4. Stunning as always it looks like the weather has warmed up for you! You must have been memorable for them to reconise you after years! xx

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  5. wow that top is so vibrant and lovely and the hairband is just gorgeous.

    That church looks amazing. xx

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  6. There is a resemblance to Lord Lucan, you have to admit, but I'm unsure an aristocrat from England would have settled into life in Goa.

    C
    xxx

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  7. Love the photo taken in the curio/vintage shop. How fun that they recognized you too.
    The skirt's fabric is especially gorgeous!

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  8. I can't wait to go travelling! Looks like it was another amazing trip for you. I'm off to Peru in June and with no Glasto this year I don't think there's going to be a festival season for me! But I'm sure I'll be living vicariously through your experiences! x

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  9. Wowwwww how do you find all these amazing places? Rooms for 4 or 6 clams a night? It almost sounds to good to be true. Anyway glad you had a great time and thanks for posting all these photos. Also--love that floral headpiece.

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  10. Duncan and I have been looking at your Goan photo's and keep thinking how amazing it looks. Call me wimpy though, because I would be a little bit scared going to India. Since O is only 3 years old, it would be a mama, papa littlie trip, and I am just not sure its the place for kids (Duncan HATES package holidays though, he would rather stay at home than have 7 nights in Spain on a package deal lol).
    Looking forward to your Goa / India Q&A.
    VB
    xxx
    PS have to find a way to send you a pic of my sister, she may remind you of someone lol

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  11. Just all looks amazing - and so relaxing :)

    No Latitude for me this year - instead we're doing some smaller festivals on a day basis - wasn't sure about how my ankle would cope if Latitude was a mud-fest again this year :(

    However we're planning lots of trips away in our new toy :)

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  12. Looks wonderful, a perfect holiday.
    Love that top, and the flower headband looks gorgeous on you.
    xx

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  13. Amazing pics again! I`m drawn to the market picture,it looks so colourful.
    Great outfit today, bet you are excited for the festivals!
    Dx

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  14. The Indian market looks fascinating. Just begging to be rummaged through! What an interesting bar that sounds too. There is a resemblance to Lord Lucan definitely. I love a good real life mystery! :)

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  15. The idea of 'knocking doors ' until you find a room is so romantic!
    Your posts have sold Goa to so many of us, the quiet beaches, unspoilt and traditional buildings, open markets, beautiful food...I just want to be there now.
    I'm glad you have an answers post lined up, and any sadness regarding the end of the Goa posts will be appeased by the forthcoming festival posts.

    A very pretty outfit, I've got a feeling you won't need your flamingo festival poncho at all this year. That tan won't fade before your next Indian trip!

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  16. That fringed top is amazing! You look amazing!

    Love & Lollies... Jessa

    Caked Vintage Blog

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  17. Your poor storm battered tree :(
    You look wonderful in that pink top and the floral headband! You must be gagging to get a festival by now.

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  18. ahhh you two look so perfect together! I love the neon top, you almost look like you're in a tropical rainforest rather than back home! Can't wait for your q'n'a post on Goa-I want to know how long it takes to get there! much love Amie xxxxxxxx

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  19. Wonderful :) I love your skirt in the hippy bar photo. What a fantastic hangout place

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  20. Oh vid, I do love those pics of goa. Your top is lush!!!!
    XO

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  21. It's been a lovely weekend thank you!
    I actually do think there is a Lucan resemblance! You look like you had a great time, Goa looks like a wonderful place in the untouristy bits

    You look stunning too! Love the bright pink! xxx

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  22. Its amazing how much a place can change once the tourists have gone! I cant believe how cheap it is to stay there too - fabulous! I can see why you keep going back :) x

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  23. It's been a gorgeous sunny weekend! I do love your non-touristy Goan pics :-)

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  24. I feel all chilled and laid back looking at the photos, that part of the world has a fascination for me but I've often thought that I would be out of my comfort zone there. But I think you may have changed my mind. Maybe one day, I shall make sure I ask you for travel advice :D Looking gorgeous btw, ♥

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  25. It must have been an amazing feeling walking back into a place after so many years and being recognised and welcomed so! Sounds like you've made some amazing friends on your travels!

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  26. I wanna go to Bob's Inn!!!!
    Love LOVE these pix,it's all so idyllic and wonderful........thanks for sharing,sweets!
    And YAY for festival season!!! Woohoo!What's up first?!
    Yes! Skype tonight!!!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  27. How hot do you look in that pink top!!!

    ∞ © tanvii.com ∞

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  28. I love the photo of you and Jon at Bob's Inn, you look so happy. Thanks for installment 4, it has been great.

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  29. Bob's Inn has certainly got a lot packed into it, you could spend hours looking round it!

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  30. I've very much enjoyed your series of photos on your trip to Goa. It sure looks beautiful and oh so interesting. Sorry to hear about your tree. So sad to see and old tree taken down.

    Loulou

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  31. The headband is gorgeous and compliments the rest of the outfit so well. You look summery and ready to enjoy the glorious weather!

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  32. You look like a flower princess.

    That beach photo has knocked my socks off. Talk about unspoiled/unspoilt ? paradise. *sighs*

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  33. You look like a flower princess.

    That beach photo has knocked my socks off. Talk about unspoiled/unspoilt ? paradise. *sighs*

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  34. what an amazing trip!! as much as I love being home again it reminds me too how much I love to be a wandering gypsy hehehe Love the pictures you guys look happy and sun kissed!! ~Great times ~wishing you a wonderful week ahead ~Love Heather

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  35. Ah i can`t believe your awesome adventures! Such a shame about the willow tree though.
    I love your pretty headband and the fringe top and skirt combo)
    Can`t wait to see the post about Goa Q&A - how long was your flight?

    >'.'<

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  36. Ah i can`t believe your awesome adventures! Such a shame about the willow tree though.
    I love your pretty headband and the fringe top and skirt combo)
    Can`t wait to see the post about Goa Q&A - how long was your flight?

    >'.'<

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  37. Such Beautiful pictures! You look stunning with that flower headpiece!

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  38. You look beautiful in your music festival gear! Especially the flowers and I love the bindi too.

    Also love those Goa photos - I am thinking of another trip early next year by myself again, you sure know how to make a girl get itchy feet!

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  39. oooh I feel warm and sunny on this damp Monday morning and everytime I look at your pics feel so homesick for sand between my toes and a sundowner on the beach!! But Anjuna just makes me think of being 19!!!x

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  40. Those beautiful sandy beaches....sigh! You both look so contented in all your Goa photos. xxx

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  42. How could you and Jon ever be forgotten? Lol that's just wonderful to be welcomed back so warmly! I must remember that about making time go slower if you move around.

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  43. Your love for Goa just shines through with your warm words and wonderful pictures. You and Jon look gorgeous. Bob's Inn looks amazing and so does that beach with no one it just the way i like it ;-)dee xx

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  44. I love the photo of you and Jon at Bob's Inn, what a fabulous place! And how wonderul to be remembered and welcomed back!
    You could be a travel writer, your descriptions and photos tell a beautiful story about Goa and its culture.
    You DO look festval-ready, Vix, relaxed and chilled and be-flowered! Can't believe it's almost that time again, where is the year going?
    Hope you're getting that poor old weeping willow chopped up as we speak, lots of lovely logs for your wood pile though! xxx

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  45. I love that they remembered you, how lovely! You look lovely too, adore the neon top!
    Sophie
    x

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  46. enjoying all your posts about your vacay and loving how beautiful you look in everything!

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  47. So great pictures!!

    Take care and have a nice day :)

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  48. Ahh I just love seeing these picture :D I love that the flea market are selling Nightmare Before Christmas totes which is an odd sight in that setting!

    I love the way you and Jon do it, no pre-planned accommodation, just pack your bags and hope for the best - I can imagine that it makes it so much more exciting! xxx

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  49. Hi Vix

    Lovely photos too bad it is the last set! I really enjoyed them -
    Can't wait for your Q&A on Goa -
    Lovely outfit you are wearing, i especially love your neon top -

    Nice and warm as well in Montreal -

    Take care lovely

    Ariane xxxx

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  50. Well aren't you looking so pretty in pink! I love when you wear these beautiful flowers in your hair, you look so ready for summertime fun! The picture of you and Jon in Bob's Inn is a treasure to remember this trip by and you are both celebrities there I'm sure. Your tan tummy is so sexy Vix but that big smile tops any I have seen on you! Talk to you soon!
    XOXOX
    Krista

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  51. Did yesterday's comment save? If not, this sounds wonderful, I love the fact they remember you!

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  52. More brilliant pics - lovely. Linda xxx

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  53. Wow such a great glimpse into Goa. I am always so fascinated to see what you get up to whilst there Vix, it sure is a completely different culture and full of so many interesting aspects, both new and old alike.
    Looking forward to seeing your festival season, you always manage to rock the most vivid and mermorable outfits xxx

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  54. Thanks for sharing, VIx; I have really enjoying these recent posts and it is lovely to see such a happy couple :)

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  55. amazing photos!, so wonderful places and so nice that you were welcomed back!
    And love your festival style, fabulously summery, colorful and floral!!
    besos

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  56. Aaah, you two! April seems to be the perfect time to go to India... I can't believe it's so wonderfully empty. xoxo

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  57. That's a great snap of you and John. You look fab with the flower head dress, like a happy and free spirit.

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  58. Agree it's a great pic of you and John. Is there really Dominos in India? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised really.
    x

    ***Ta-dah! Tuesday tomorrow - link up your amazing makes, fabulous finds and outrageous outfits!***

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  59. Fantastic. I am always so inspired by your adventures and attitude to travel.

    Festival ready then? No Glasto so where are we going this year? xx

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  60. Your headband is glorious! I think that you and your wonderful husband are the most adventurous people I know. I think it's rubbing off on this crone.

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  61. Part Four?? You spoil us!

    You & your hubby make such a cute couple- bet you'd be fabulous festival company!

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  62. You look especially lovely in this pink. I'm off to investigate Lord Lucan!

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  63. That wreath is gorgeous! Pink is my favorite color! =)

    http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

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  64. I can't wait for summer festival season, jsut hoping the summer weather arrives soon too! I love the colour of your neon tube top! Yet more beautiful pictures of Goa.

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  65. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos of Goa and beyond. I agree - the photo of you and Jon in Bob's Inn is a classic.
    Yay for up and coming summer festivals - can't wait to see photos of you two enjoying those!

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  66. Vix!!!! It's been too long, really enjoying these holiday pics xxxxxx

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  67. Wow such a fabulous post......love the village church & market as I already see a purse I like! You & Jon look so happy in that pic(love your outfit), pretty nice maxi skirt you made & the orange fringe is fabulous!

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  68. Just loving the pink top and festival crown!
    Sad to hear that you lost a half century old tree; I hate when that happens!
    I would love to know how the locals in the more under developed areas feel about the tourists. Are they curious about 21st century gadgets, clothes, etc?
    xo, A.

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  69. Amazing pictures, and you look beautiful in those flowers!

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  70. What a shame about the tree. I expect there'll be a few like that after the winds we've had.

    Another wonderful set of photos and descriptions. The church is just beautiful. And predictably (!) I love Bob's Inn. Is that Goan Port I see?

    You look gorgeous, absolutely festival-perfect. The headband is splendid! xx

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  71. Looks absolutely awesome. You should publish an e-guide to India (but then again you probably don't want the whole world knowing about your favourite gems of places!). xx

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  72. You look gorgeous! I have enjoyed all of your travel photos so much, I'm sad for them to finish, haha.

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  73. You look gorgeous! I have enjoyed all of your travel photos so much, I'm sad for them to finish, haha.

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  74. I really enjoy looking at your photos. you are very generous to share chick x

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix