There is something about Goa that lifts your spirit. I went for a weekend with my IIMC buddies. The plan was to celebrate the birthdays of two of my friends. Birthdays on the beach, what could be better!
All of us got together after years - maybe six since we graduated. And one thing is for sure ... friends are forever :), when you meet them, even though it is after many years, that connect is still there, that happiness and excitement of the college years, those fun memories, you are transported to a time when life was beautiful, innocent and carefree, no responsibilities and there was humour in every word and affection in every action. The beauty is that you relive those moments every time you get together, which is what makes friendship so wonderful.
Bagah beach was amazing... that vast expanse of ocean in front of me, the waves rolling by, the infinite stretch of the horizon. I love the feel of the water as the waves playfully touch my feet, and call out to me to come closer. A child excitedly builds her sand castle, and the kid in me wants to go and help too :). What is it about sand and mud that is so much fun to play with it... maybe the earthy feeling, makes you feel one with the ground beneath us. I love playing around in the sand, the soft, warm feeling beneath my feet. I walk into the waves, love the spray as it touches my face, I dive in, and the next thing I know, I am completely in the water, bobbing with the waves myself. The sun is about to set on the horizon, and the whole sky is turning a deep orange red. What a splash of colour. Breathtaking. God must be a painter. Words cannot describe the beauty of this place, that moment. As I walk along the beach, along the waves, they come touch me and go as if to tease me to come back in and play. I breathe in the fresh air, fill my lungs and feel rejuvenated all of a sudden. I thank God for just being there, for His creation, and for giving us the chance to be a part of it, appreciate it and enjoy the simple things in life. The sun bids goodbye slowly, leaving a pink and gold hue while it steps out and makes way for the night sky.
The night ... a beautiful starry sky... stars all around me, from one end of the horizon to the other. I try to make out the constellations. And as below, so beneath, the beach comes alive with twinkling candles, giving a delightful romantic feel. I could fall in love here.
Next morning and the rest of the gang arrives. The excitement is amazing :), endless chatter, loads to catch up on. Breakfast calls, and we walk the fresh morning roads to an awesome place called Infantaria. The food is great, and all we could ask for, topped off later with my favorite of all - Nariyal Paani! A packed day follows with playing on the beach, frisbee, throwball, lounging around on the sand and getting wet in the water. I have a decent tan by now.
The evening follows with a yummy dinner and the most awesome of all - Mago's Strawberry Vodkas! This is the first time I got to know what it feels like to have a "buzz" in your head. "Kuch to ho raha hai".
The next day we come back to have a sumptuous lunch at Zanzibar, followed by some super energetic jet skiing at top speed! All thanks to Vinay who got me on one. And then for the most breathtaking trip of all - Chapora fort.
Chapora fort - the backdrop in Dil chahta hai. As you climb up the fort, you spot the hues of the sunset. Higher and higher and finally on those old stone ledges, as you gaze down at the expanse of ocean in front of you, the spotless beauty of Vagator beach, the coconut trees swaying in the wind, you are on top of the world. Stand under a coconut tree and look up all the way to the top.. look at the coconuts so comfortably nestled between the leaves that reach out as if to shelter whats below, and all of a sudden you feel this comforting sense of being at one with nature. Trees have that effect on you, there is something very solid, unwavering, something that has stood the test of time, braved seasons and years and has matured into that being that is strong and tall and will protect you. The breeze is cool and refreshing that high up and I just don't want to leave the place, but its time to go, lest it gets dark.
And so comes the night again with its party and festive atmosphere, back to those strawberries - that Zanzibar has specially ordered for us, back to that candle lit beach, that soft sand, and I fall asleep listening to the sound of the waves. This is a holiday I will always remember!
