The grass is always greener... in Goa

Being in Goa last week was like living in a parallel universe. We were no longer grubby backpackers trying to travel the world on a budget - but instead, two wedding guests staying in a five star hotel in a beach location that looked like a photoshopped postcard. Our ugly rucksacks were nothing but an embarrassment that didn’t really fit in with the green scenery.

For those of you who came to my wedding (sorry, our wedding), you’ll already know that a north Indian, Hindu shaadi is a dizzy whirl of henna and dancing and drinking and laughing, all leading up to the big day when the guests dance their way to the ceremony to the beat of Indian drums ahead of a white horse carrying the princely groom; these musical flashes of colour simply a preview of the jewel soaked bride that is yet to arrive.

If you’ve never been to an Indian wedding, perhaps Isma’s photos of our Kunal’s big day can give you an idea of what they’re about. Having a massive pool party the day before is not the norm!

An Indian wedding on the beach was a first for us too, and it was unbelievable. I hope I never forget the smell of fresh flowers slowly surrendering to the snake of black smoke coming from the ceremonial fire, flames dancing in the breeze. I hope I always remember how the sun gradually began to sink into the sea, turning the tropical, silver sky into a golden hue, as if it were changing into an evening dress in preparation for the wedding cocktail.

The day after the wedding we realised that as much as we had needed a few days away from the cars and the cows, we now started to yearn for the very things that had slowly driven us crazy: the five minute discussions to negotiate a fifty rupee discount, the days being punctuated by cheap masala chai breaks, playing Russian roulette with street food. We basically missed India.

Hotel miniature toiletries in hand, we put our backpacks back on and left our family and the safe Goan bubble for a ten hour night train that would take us to Fort Kochi in Kerala, ready to get back to our adventure…

Once we arrived in Kochi, it took us all of five minutes in a room with nothing but a ceiling fan to combat the sweltering south Indian heat to start moaning about the lack of air con, the lack of power showers and snug bath robes and fluffy towels and plush pillows and… oh it’s too hot to even type...

Guess what I found out in Goa?

1. The bride is considered the Hindu goddess of fortune, Lakshami, and the groom her consort, Lord Vishnu.

2. Portuguese rule in Goa lasted four and a half centuries, until 1961. Nowadays, only the very elderly Portuguese educated populations speak Portuguese; the official language in Goa is Konkani - the local dialect.

3. Goa is India's smallest and richest state with 0% poverty. Its primary industry is tourism, not surprising with its white, sandy beaches and warm weather. Every year, this beautiful state attracts millions of tourists, both Indian and foreign.