MY VACATION IN GOA

On 4^th January 2011, we began our departure to Goa at 9 am local time. We were altogether twenty seven people. We were guided by Fr. Valerian D’Souza (Director of SJEC), Sister Isabela, Ms. Prajwal D’Souza, and Ms. Sharika Kapali.We rented a tourist bus (Shree Mookambika).

Our journey to Goa was very comfortable because along the journey to Goa we sang together the cheerful songs. Our journey to Goa was about seven hours. We arrived in Goa at 6 pm. We had our dinner at Jhony bar and restaurant on Benaulin beach. During our holidays we were stayed at St. Don Bosco’s convent.

We had a precious holidays in Goa. Goa is a beautiful city with many beautiful beaches. It’s located in southern part of India.The people who live here are in a general way along the coast line. The capital of Goa is Panaji.

Second day on 5^th January we visited some places like Dona Paula beach, the view in the morning in this place was very beautiful. This beach is an attractive beach in Goa. It has a mysterious past. It is said that the spirit of the Dona Paula, daughter of Viceroy in (colonial India) haunt the beach. It is said she threw herself off the cliff when she was refused permission to marry local fisherman Gaspar Dias. My Indian friend said that through the story he knew, her soul is sometimes seen emerging from waves on a moon lit night. That is why this beach was named Dona Paula. We had lunch at a restaurant on Calangute beach. Then we visited Aguada Fort, it was built by Portuguese in 1612 AD. This fort was built to protect Goa from any external enemy attacks from the sea and a part of the fort has been transformed in to central jail. On the way back in the night we pay a visit Mae de Deus church. It is located in Saligao, Goa. It is well lit and superb sight especially at night. It was built in 1873. We were very enjoyed because we had dinner at O Coquero restaurant.While we ate our dinner, we were entertained by live country music.

Third day on 6^th  January we visited St. Francis Xavier church in old Goa. It was built in 1884. In this church St. Francis mortal remains are kept. Nearby this church there is St. Catherine Chapel, where in this church people believe a cross grow up slowly. Furthermore we visited The Archaeological Museum of Goa, which was set up in 1964. In this museum there are many pictures which painted. And there is a statue of Portuguese visionary Alfonso Albuquerque. It made from iron, about 2 meters in height. Furthermore we visited the church of St. Augustine. It was built in 1835. The soaring 46 meters height bell tower still remains. This site located in old Goa, on top of holy hill, Panaji. After that  we visited Miramar beach in Panaji. Furthermore in the evening we visited paradise boat. We enjoyed Indian dances performance on this boat.

Fourth day on 7^th January we visited Calangute beach again with our Indian friend Criel and Niveditha Prabu. It is located 16 km from Panaji. Calangute beach is popularly known as the queen of all Goa beaches. Something which still impress in my mind is me and my friend, we had parasailing on this beach. We spent our time here till evening. Then at night we had dinner at Sweet Chilly restaurant.

Fifth day on 8^th January we returned to Mangalore (St. Joseph Engineering College) safely. I was very enjoyed because it was my first experience I ever had in my life had a gorgeous vacation in Goa. I thank to my Lord Jesus because of his amazing grace this vacation well passed, I gained more experience about Indian culture in Goa and one thing which very important was we all safe when we returned.