Thursday February 13. Very, very hot today.
We were off on a ship's tour to see 'Crocodiles and Birds' at 8:30 this morning and back on board around 4:00. I should have been suspicious because of the word 'Bird' in the tour description.
I really am having difficulty saying anything exciting and positive about the day. However, I will say it the way I saw it. The day was stinking hot and this place is downright filthy. It is right up there with Viet Nam and Cambodia in regards to filth and litter, you can throw a few other places we have been to on this trip as well regarding filth.
It got to me after a while, standing in filth and our guide telling us how great Goa is and pointing out birds that are so far away it seems pointless to even look. Bird Watchers, or Birders as they call themselves, are themselves, strange birds, it doesn't take much to amuse them it seems. To each his own.
Now to the crocodiles. In our 7 1/2 hour day we saw two crocs for a total of about 3 minutes, behind underbrush and logs, I don't know if anyone got a decent picture, I didn't.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and spoke very good english but would never just shut up! I know his job is to transfer information but it seemed to get to me today for some reason.
We had lunch in a very, very large pavilion structure that we entered through a lengthy wooden bridge that was built across and marsh, a very nice location actually. We ate with about 2000 Italians it seemed. There is a large a Costa Ship that is berthed nearby us. The food was of course, Indian. No comment.
The boat trip on the lake was quite pleasant only as a change from walking in the sun and there was a pleasant breeze with the movement of the little boat. I think I may have heard 5% of the guides commentary because of the motor noise and the two helpers at the stern of the boat chattering. Gee, I am grumpy aren't I?
We were in the shower within minutes of getting back in the cabin, I had to scrub myself to try and get the filthiness out of my mind.
It appears that I only suffered a mild setback to my heat rash today in spite of the heat, [37C]. I tried my best to escape any direct sunlight on me which as you can imagine is very hard to do.
It appears that I only suffered a mild setback to my heat rash today in spite of the heat, [37C]. I tried my best to escape any direct sunlight on me which as you can imagine is very hard to do.
We are here in Goa until late afternoon tomorrow. Hmmmmm.
This giant came in to port just after we did, it sailed that night
Local market.
More, struggling to make a living.
This is the foreshore where we boarded out little tour boats.
Loading spot. The gents used a spot between a concrete wall and a container because there was no toilet before we got on the boats. Jim sourced it out for us.
A 200 meter walkway across this marsh, the most exciting thing today for me.
Somewhat unsavoury and unsafe loading site, but that is what is on offer if you want to go on the tour. This is not North America.
See the crocodile? Neither do I.
That is what kind of boat we were in, covered. In reality, it was quite comfortable.
Fortunately nobody slipped.
Local boy.
The canapés arrived on schedule, before dinner. A cheery way to end the day.
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Apologies for the downer today, I don't think I did a very good job of keeping it upbeat. What you see is what you get with me.
The reality of the situation is just as interesting even when it is not so good....
ReplyDeleteLife is like that... Thanks for sharing the reality of your day here in Goa. Rod.