Goa is the smallest state of India and one of great beauty. Many come here to vacation because of its beauty and great beaches. Its population is 1.5 million. Portuguese is the main language spoken here. Hinduism is the main religion (about 60%) with Christianity about 30%.) Tourism is the main industry followed by mining (boxite.) Goa is divided into north and south by the Mandovi River, the longest river in Goa.
There are five major towns in this state. Education is free and children start when they are six years old. Rice, fish, and curry are the staple foods for the Goan people.
Our ship docked in Mormugao, one of India’s best natural harbors. There were several choices about excursions today. Nothing was near the port, so everything took about 45 min. to an hour to reach. We did not go to old Goa where there were lots of old Basilicas to see. Instead we chose to go to an old Goan home and a working organic spice plantation (farm.)
It took about an hour to get there going through many little villages in the country on the way.
The home is called Menezes Brganza’s House and is 400 years old.
It is still held by the same family who offer a tour of their home. Our guide was a 92 year old woman who was quite proud of all the antique items throughout the home. It was large and beautiful. One of the interesting things upon entering the home were the two gun holes in the thick outer wall directed toward the entry door. We guess they needed such protection in the past. After the tour, they offered us snacks – mainly Indian food.
It was a good thing we had that late morning snack because it was another 1 1/2 hours to the Savoi Plantation where we would have lunch (but not until we had a welcoming snack and 45 minute tour of the spices.) Again, we passed through more countryside which was a contrast to the bustling city of Mumbai. One of the things we saw in a little town was a tuk-tuk which is a two-seater motorcycle taxi (like a tricycle with 3 wheels) with a driver in front.
Kinda cute!
Upon arriving at the plantation, we had to walk up a little hill to get to the entrance. This was hard for many of the passengers with walking problems – and in the intense heat. The buildings on this plantation were on three levels (terraces) on the hillside. There was no air conditioning and everything was very primitive (bathrooms and washing stations.) We were relieved to have a cold drink waiting for us. We chose the Indian local beer – Kingfisher. They also had little Indian snacks and little bananas served right off the tree bunch.
We then went on the tour of the spices – not at all what we thought. It was like going through a mini rain forest with the trees and plants all intermixed together.
Our guide was very enthusiastic about the various spices. He took leaves off plants/trees and had us guess what spice it was. It was not as easy as one would think!
We saw (and smelled) nutmeg, cardamom pods, mace, cloves, nutmeg, coriander and many others. My favorite was the cinnamon – which was the bark of a tree.
We returned for our lunch which was an authentic Indian meal served on a banana leaf. There were two kinds of rice, several curries, fried fish and shrimp, different veggies and condiments, and several little desserts.
It was an OK meal, but not that great. Could be we were too hot to really enjoy it.
After lunch they brought up their “gift shop” for us to make our purchases. Many of the items were their spices and oils. There was a great variety.
It took us about an hour to get back to the ship, and almost everyone just napped. The day’s outing was supposed to be a 5 1/2 hour trip. Ours was almost 7 hours, and we were the last bus back to the ship before it departed about 15 minutes later!
In retrospect, the best part of the day was seeing the countryside. The “plantation” was an overstatement of what it was. Everyone had visions of a Tara like environment, and Tara it was not! And the heat was overwhelming. We enjoyed the old home more than the spice farm.
After dinner we went to the entertainer, but were so tired, we left after about 15 minutes and went back to relax in our cabin. We have never appreciated air conditioning as much as we did today!
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