Wotae: 23.10.2018
The plane in Goa lands on time and I squeeze past many people as quickly as possible, because someone is waiting for me here. At the baggage counter, I already doubt whether my backpack is there. Almost last, the red stopper finally appears. Anni is already there and waits exhausted in the reception hall for me. I am so happy and can enjoy the beach vacation much more this way.
Outside, the driver from the hotel is already waiting and loads our luggage into the taxi. The journey begins, to the north of Goa, and the trip seems to never end. As soon as we turn off the main road and get the feeling "we're almost there," we end up on the next main road. Even in India, there is left-hand traffic and it is definitely warm, too warm in the car. The driver confirms to us that we are almost there and then it takes another 20 minutes. Abruptly, he stops and we have actually arrived. Our resort 'mamagoa' is awesome. Right on the beach with small, brand new, beautiful bungalows with air conditioning and everything your heart desires. The best accommodation since my previous trip!! There is a beach bar, hammocks, many palm trees with coconuts, and the sea is constantly roaring. A real oasis!
In the afternoon, we try to withdraw money in order to pay for our accommodation. A very difficult endeavor. The hotel provides us with a driver who is supposed to take us to the nearest ATM. After a 10-minute drive, we reach the supposed source of money. But the ATM doesn't spit out any money! The next two also strike and I fear it's because of my credit card. So, back to the bungalow and get Anni's card. This time we drive in the opposite direction and check 6-7 more ATMs. The same result everywhere. No money for the tourists. Impatient locals want to be let in front and we witness live how the ATM spits out money for these people. On our city tour, we see several tourists with the same problem. Fortunately, our driver is very relaxed and after a certain time, he is also amused by this spectacle. We return to the hotel with 10 liters of water and then go bathing in the Arabian Sea for the first time. The water is as warm as a bathtub and certainly about 28 degrees. We take a stroll along the beach until we start looking for food. Fresh seafood and fish are served to us. Simply prepared but INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS! A worthy end to the first day.