rob2ozoverland: Palolem Beach. Yoga class and Indian Cookery Lessons, Cafe Life

The 1km long beach at Palolem is regarded as the best beach in India. It is curved and takes over 20 minutes to walk the length in one direction. I picked up a lovely golden tan without sweaty sunbathing, by just walking in both directions every day. Breeze on my back, or face. The shallow slope of the beach, with the sound of surf in one ear and the swaying palm trees on the other. Firm sand is not so hot to walk upon, the sea edge being the best. Children playing in the water, or building sandcastles. This beach is also a place that the hippies discovered years ago. Fortunately local legislation forbids the building of modern buildings. Huts and home stays are the favourites for accommodation.

As I was staying in such a relaxing place I had time to do some Indian cookery lessons and to do yoga in a very basic setting. Meeting people who ran courses in laughing yoga, writers, people recovering from illness ans simply some very interesting people with uplifting back stories. There was lots of time to meet and talk with people in chai shops, cafes and restaurants. Palolem is a favourite place for older people and long stayers, owing to the cheapness and simplicity of it all. It is so non-commercial compared to other parts of India. Life is conducted in slow motion ! It is probably the happiest time that I have spent that I can remember with all the smiling and gracious people contributing towards that. There is time for everything here. A siesta, read a book, a chat with interesting people in a chai shop, great restaurants to eat at in the evening and to consume a range of freshly caught fish. What more does one need? Sheer bliss.