Anjuna Flea Market and Old Goa

The Anjuna Flea Market is a relic from the days of the 1960's hippies, who sold belongings in order to stay longer. It still hangs onto its image, with its cheap guest-houses, long beach and backpackers hostels. It has a haphazard charm, with the Flea Market, on a Wednesday, which is sprawled out over a number of acres. Lots of alternative options are readily available, such as yoga, ayurvedic massage, reiki, paragliding. There are also a number of retreats. Vagator 2 miles up the coast is the rave centre. "drink as much as you like" for 12 pounds, women get in free. Its streets are deserted until late afternoon the next day, as you can imagine. Russians are the largest group these days. Many traders speak Russian. Indians are amazing linguists.

In the 16-18 century Old Goa's population exceeded London, or Lisbon. Portuguese traders and missionaries first settled in 1510. However cholera and malaria outbreaks forced the abandonment of the city. There is still a strong Portuguese feeling in architecture, religion and food today. India marched in and took the Portuguese colony in 1962. Many fine old churches and a cathedral, give a feel of colonial grandeur. It was very busy on my visit,as the feast day of St Francis Xavier was being celebrated by devout Goans. To modern eyes the interiors look gaudy.

 OLD GOA

                                                             

                             Cathedral of St Francis Xavier and other churches in the city