A warm holiday on the beach of Anjuna, India

After spending a majority of my time inland and away from the oceans I though it was time to switch that up and spend holiday traveling along the coastal waters of the Arabian sea.

Where else would I want to spend a holiday vacation than with family. But what about when I am on the other side of the world, literally. I keep saying this to myself but it’s sometimes hard to take in. So here I am in on the west coast of India sipping coconut juice from a freshly hacked coconut with a straw. The sun is hot on my skin and the golden sands are close to unbearable until you reach the water.

drewmanity-arabian-sea-goa-india-palm-trees-market

The drive into the beach city of Anjuna, Goa, India with markets along the way

Where is Anjuna beach? Anjuna is one of  many beaches located in the state of Goa India. It’s rather funny how i got here. I was sitting on my flight from Mumbai next to a woman from England who married a man from Dehli. They moved to Goa about ten years ago and since then have been living here in Goa. When she asked me where I was heading I told her straight up where ever I hear sounds the best.  She told me “well if it’s ok with you I’ll have my husband pick us up and we will drop you off near Anjuna beach, as we like that beach.” I nodded and thanked her.

Does this go under the context of hitchhiking? Sounds pretty dangerous, I would never have done this two years ago, but find myself doing a bit more trusting and hitch hiking through my travels. There is always exceptions, and dodgy situations of course you should avoid. But overall using your gut works too.

After the plane landed he picked us up I got to know a little about their life and share some funny travel stories and an hour later they dropped me off , the man even negotiated a deal with a taxi to take me all the way to the beach. A sweet deal. I offered money, however they said spend it on your self and enjoy your holiday. What great energy they just gave me. I am grateful for such an amazing journey and meeting people like them.

So here I am reflecting on the past four months of India, And thinking about the next 4 months of my life. Day dreaming of what is next.

drewmanity-arabian-sea-anjuna-goa-india-beach-cow

Cow basking in the sun

drewmanity-arabian-sea-anjuna-goa-india-beach-december

A hike up the mountain looking north onto Anjuna beach

drewmanity-arabian-sea-anjuna-goa-india-beach-lowtide

Low tide lava coral anjuna beach

drewmanity-arabian-sea-anjuna-goa-india-beach-cows

Cows on the beach

drewmanity-arabian-sea-anjuna-goa-india-beach

A hike south takes me away from the beach with beautiful views

drewmanity-arabian-sea-goa-india-beach

The sandy beaches of Anjuna

 

Going Away to Goa, India

The western beaches region of Goa hosts 1.5 million people. Although Goa is India’s smallest populated area and is the smallest state, it may pack one of the biggest punches when it comes to tourism and summer parties. Unique mixes of Indian and Portuguese architecture and culture attracts double the population in annual visitors. Goa seems to be the ideal bucket-list-hammock-swaying-dream getaway for most people in the daily grind from big cities as well as travelers just passing through India. The Airport in Goa provides a smooth landing from almost any major city in India for a quick getaway. Rent a motorbike and cruise the shorelines stopping off at popular or hidden beaches. Goa has plenty of options from tiki hut style beach bungalows ranging from a few US dollars a night, to luxurious hotels with all the amenities you can imagine. Whatever your fancy, be sure to sip on fresh cut coconut and lay on a straw mat out on the golden sands as you enjoy the tides of the Arabian Sea, the richness of the sun, and the ever so slight cool sea breeze on your skin.