A Welcome Escape

After a long time I had set up my morning alarm for 6 o'clock and that too on a Saturday. The reason was that we had to start early for our weekend trip to Kashid. This was going to be our first outing after our honeymoon to Goa and a much needed outing. Both of us were looking forward to it as it would give us the chance to be alone with each other since the return from Goa. None of us had been to Kashid before and it seemed to be a great weekend getaway location from what we have heard from people who have been there.

Let me give you a brief about Kashid. It is a beach town located just 135 km from Mumbai and 30 km from the famous Alibaug. It has a 3 km stretch of beach beautified by its white sand, blue sea and greenery all around. Just 15 km away is the famous fort of Murud-Janjira. This 900 year old unconquered fort sits on an island in midst of Indian Ocean. We were looking forward to visit both of these locations.

As we started from Mumbai, it was still dawn. We witnessed an amazing sunrise while crossing Vashi creek and with the fresh morning breeze the early sun rays soothed and refreshed our mind for the 3 hours journey ahead. The roods were virtually empty owing to the early morning hour and we made out of Navi Mumbai and Panvel in a considerable time. The roads were in pretty good condition and it was a pleasant change from chaotic everyday Mumbai driving. After Alibaug the road towards Kashid ran beside the sea shore, going up and down the hills and giving us a breath taking view of the sea. I thoroughly enjoyed driving. Although we went astray quite a few times making lot of U-turns but we still made it to Kashid while it was only 10:30 am.

The first view of the beach and we knew that it was going to be a great weekend. The place was full of tranquility and calmness. We checked into a descent resort in the vicinity of beach. It was a little hot to hit the beach, so we spent some time in the resort reading, eating and sleeping a little before going to the sand close to evening. The beach was gorgeous as described by others. The sand was pure white and sea was amazing with white foamy waves painting a startling picture with the sun setting in background. We walked a little hand-in-hand, collected some sea shells, drank some coconut-water and just sat witnessing the nature's beauty at its best. As it got dark we spent rest of evening sipping some vodka and watching a movie on my laptop which I had brought along for the specific purpose. The food that was served in dinner was delicious and after savoring it we slept full-on through the night.

The next day was scheduled for Janjira fort. We took our own time and lazily got ready, checked out and headed straight to Murud town. Being Sunday, the town was thronged with tourists who had come for a day-long trip. The beach at Murud was as beautiful as Kashid, although a little crowded. The Janjira fort was situated around 1 km into the sea built on an island. The way to get there was through boats which presented another exciting part of the trip. As we landed on the door of the fort, we were mesmerized by the enormity of the fort. Spread across 22 acres, it used to house close to 500 people, almost the size of a village. Although the interiors were in ruins it gave a rough picture of life of its residents some hundred years ago. The decrepit Raj Darbar, mosques, schools, ponds, cannons etc. were mesmerizing. Lothika was quite fascinated exploring the lanes and passageway inside the fort. We spend close to an hour there but still more than half of fort was left unexplored.

After landing back on the shore, it was time to head back. Unwillingly, we started our journey back to restart the monotonous daily schedule of the week. But it was a welcome break and the freshness, tranquility, serenity and calm of the place recharged our body and soul to face the hectic, chaotic and express Mumbai life.

First Lohri

Ours is a Hindu family and like every Hindu family, the first festival of new bride in the family is of large significance. In our case it was the festival of Lohri. So it was decided to throw a big party for all the known people in Mumbai. Accompanied with drinks and north indian food of puri, dal makhani, jeera aalu and paneer we had a bonfire in the outdoors of our society and danced. People showered blessings on us and everybody had a good time.

Honeymoon Travails

The other day we were going thru the blogs when Kshitiz realised that we havent mentioned our honeymoon anywhere at all. I know, I know - honeymoon is a private,shared pleasure, but dont worry, I shant be revealing the juicy details to you, they shall be held dear in my memories, for years to come....

We landed at goa airport around mid-day and were driven straight to the place we were putting up at by a very nice driver. I say nice driver coz not once during the entire 45 mts journey did he speak to us, pointing out the sights. He left us in peace to enjoy it by ourselves. And I sure did enjoy it.

We were heading towards South Goa and the route is so scenic that I didnt mind that we didnt speak at all. Kshitiz and I held hands as we passed quaint houses, fishermen mending nets, swaying coconut trees, long groves of brilliantly colored flowers, all the trappings of functional, age old 'kuan's and picturesque locals going about their business.

We finally arrived at our resort in Colva and were ushered promptly to our room, which was so so marvelous - all the privacy a honeymooning couple need coupled with every comfort of a duplex , lush green gardens right in front and our very own private beach.

As we spent our days roaming thru Goa on a rented bike and trying out stuff like parasailing, I gradually realised all the different facets of the State that is Goa. North Goa is populous and can boast of many facilities for the tourist, but South Goa is tranquil and as it is less crowded, the beaches have maintained their pristine white sands and a clear blue sea. However, north or South, Goa is a lot of fun. And the best part are the people and they way they treat you. I freed myself to enjoy as I have rarely done before.

We went to Anjana beach on a wednesday. As we started to move down the dirt track to the beach, we came upon colourful stalls displaying all sorts of trinkets. Thats when we realised that we were in the famous wednesday flea market at Anjana. Oh What luck!!! After spending the entire day at the beach, we browsed thru the stalls, buying gifts for everyone.

On the last evening, we visited the boat casino - Caravella, that Goa is so famous for. drinking, playing dqancing, all-you can-eat buffet, it was the stuff great evenings on the town are made of. And this is where Kshitiz suddenly decided he needed a new hobby - collecting matchboxes of different places.

:)

We flew back to Bombay the next day. We had to wait almost 5 hours at the airport and quite frustrated by the time we boarded, but nothing can dampen spirits than are high on seven glorious days of beach-combing, flea market visits, trying out new cuisines, checking out the old lighthouse, standing on the deck of a boat enjoying the sights of a twinkling evening sky (and nights filled with a little naughty fun between the sheets)....

I have to go back once again, and again, and again, and again, and again........ its addictive.