More Goa adventures – and more food, obviously. We kick off with enormous summer rolls, zucchini fries and a vegetarian laksa, followed by ice cream and a cocktail eaten while sinking into a beanbag. I’m 63. Getting out of that beanbag with any dignity was never going to happen – my plan was to wait until everyone had gone home and roll out onto my hands and knees.
India heads back to London (with a little surprise waiting at the airport) and I carry on solo: dan dan tofu noodles, a feni cocktail (feni is the local hooch, made from cashews – go easy, it’s sneaky) and a very slightly squiffy film, because I know you love those.
It seems the only time I ever paint is in Goa, so I’ve been having a go at a watercolour sketch of India and me – and I’m telling you all so that I actually finish it.
My travel tips from this episode:
- If you can, book your accommodation directly and pay cash – booking sites can add around 20% to the price.
- Pack a little pharmacy. Most beachside towns have no chemist, so it’s a tuk tuk ride just for paracetamol. I bring paracetamol, ibuprofen, Imodium (buy the chemist’s own generic version – it’s a fraction of the price) and a decongestant for flying.
- Always keep prescription medication in your hand luggage, in case your suitcase goes walkabout.
- And yes, I wear factor 50 on my face from the minute I wake up – plus a hat!