Met a guy in South Goa… He had puppy like.. expressive eyes, a dense beard, and a slim build. He looked rough, dressed unpolished, and spoke with a funny edge… He smiled and laughed the sweetest. He was close with his dog, slept out in public every night… Smart, curious, spontaneous with his words… Almost didn’t belong there, but seemed at peace with it… He’s the kind of person you meet and feel like documenting….. or or or the life brought him there….
Places I liked in Goa..
17 days in Goa…. Mostly stuck to one spot and explored it locally… 11 days in the north, staying in Anjuna, and 6 days in the south, staying in Palolem.
Bar, Food n More
North
Elephant and Co. Anjuna– Lovely cocktails.. Vibe, good music. Go for the bartender’s recommendations… worth it. I enjoyed the Tidal Waves cocktail.. it’s feni-based, starts off spicy… gets better as you go. Also tried.. Coconut Drop and Half a Stamp.
Mojigao Assagao– The better Artjuna.. good burgers, lovely walk around the resort.
Darlings Chapora– Interesting pizza.
Moto Cafe Chapora– Hard biker-themed café, good for pre-drinks with interestingly dressed crowd.
1240– Live singing most nights, lovely vibe… Our first night there was with Rum n Colas playing… we got really lucky.
The Shed Anjuna– Good Fridays here, plus they have darts…
Pappi Chulo Hostel– Good vibe, good for pre-drinks..
Paulos Bar, Chapora– Tiny Rock Pub… Old Monk and coke, a drunk man keeps stumbling against the gate.
Aram Bar– Good spot for pre-drinks, with an interesting feni drink.
Burger Food Truck Anjuna (right outside Charvi Reemz)- Good burgers, open till late. The host, Joe, is a local with good recommendations on places to visit.
Curlies Anjuna– Open till late. Decent food and right next to the beach, with techno gigs most nights.
Burger Factory Morjim– Great burgers and shakes.. good vibe.
South (Palolem)
Cantine Indienne– They have live music every Thursday, good dosa and fried rice, and you can bring your own alcohol.
Karma Cafe– Good spot for breakfast (aloo paratha, chai) and a good place to work or write. You’ll find a lot of people journaling in the afternoons.
The Mill– Loved the Vietnamese iced coffee here. The place has a great vibe.
Pahadi Roots– Old Monk and coke, good food, and open mic stand-up every Tuesday.
Spots for rides
North
Local village roads, even the ones near the city, are pretty.. around Assagao, Anjuna, and Vagator.
Around the Guardians Cliff – Great Sunset 5:30–7:00pm
South
Nagorcem Road – Explore around this area after 4 PM, stay off the highway. (BIKE)
MDR49 Road – Skip the main highway when heading from North to South. Take this route instead and avoid the highway after Sirlim. (CAR)
Beaches-
North
Mandrem – Quiet, no shacks, good sunset.
Morjim – Good for swimming, good sunset, Burger Factory…
South
Cola – hassle to reach, didn’t like the food at the shacks, but the view and beach were nice. If you can stay there, it’s a must visit.. just settle in and skip going anywhere else
Palolem – Only at Night, enter via Silver Star Resort. Open sky reflects off the water… on good days, you might see stars too.
Galgibaga – Clean, empty, no shacks.
Stay
Charvi Reemz, Anjuna (9890476980)- Affordable, swimming pool, good food spots nearby, and close to the main connecting road.. easily accessible to everything.
Funky Monkey Hostel, Anjuna– Good vibe, tasty food (especially breakfast), fun activities, a common area with lots of greenery and sunlight..
Bibhitaki Hostel, Palolem– Host is interesting, and the place has a nice vibe.