Houses of Goa, Porvorim..

Say hello to the street with Houses of Goa

The first house you see as you drive towards the road...

There is a store and a museum of sorts upstairs...

Short doors, cute patterns...

The narrow lane with houses on either side...

What a cool Red door, right?

Aaaaaarggghh.. the windows and door seems to scream.. 

Notice the spiral on top?

This house had a cute red gate, and a slope that led to the door...

The Star of Lakshmi in front of a house

Isn't that gate cute?

The tile work & bright yellow door...uff

Perspectives.... the swing outside the library

Funky gate and house

What a gorgeous house.. 

If you look atop the building, the wall is made of bottles...

Continuing my tradition of travelling around my birthday, this year too I was all set to pack my bags head out somewhere exotic/new/exciting.. Where did I go? Goa... Yep, a certain someone planned the trip and I was whisked away from the airport on a fabulous road trip... For someone used to travelling by train/flight/bus this was different and so much fun... Taking short breaks, enjoying the sights and sounds along the way, singing along to music, chit chatting about everything under the sun,moon & clouds.. Added bonus was I got to experience the crazy monsoons in Maharastra & Goa... Verdict- loved it... cant wait to do more such trips.... 

On my birthday, we infact stayed in the room cos it poured non stop through the day. Think we stepped out only for dinner, that too cos of a zomato goof up.. On the 3rd or 4th day, while having breakfast, digging into pancakes and hash browns, we were trying to figure out where to go.. Somewhere interesting, we can walk around and not worry about the rains too much. The weather was erratic- it would pour like crazy and then take a break for a few minutes, and rinse repeat... Plus neither of us wanted to do the usual touristy things. While talking to a friend who was from Goa, and doing some digging around on the net, I found "Houses of Goa" which sounded fun... 

Off we went, in search of this street that is known to have houses that were all of different shapes and sizes, some crooked and tall, while others had funky entrances, windows and doors. Located in Porvorim, it took us about 35- 40 mins to get from Calangute... The drive was beautiful, lush greenery, little traffic and ofcourse awesome company :-)

As we got closer,  we were headed downhill when we spotted the wonky looking house right in the middle of the road and knew that had to be the place. Parked the car and walked around a while, enjoying the architecture, the bright pop of colours on one aspect of each of the houses before making a beeline for the tiny store in the narrow tall wonky house. 

There is also a museum put together by Gerard da Cunha.. The museum is the wonky building that I mentioned above and it looks like a triangle cone from some angles and a ship from another.. We did meet him at the Mario gallery as well later.... 

We then drove around a while, just along the roads to see where they took us before we made a turn and got back to where we began. That is when I spotted Mario's gallery [ situated right next to the House of Goa street]. I was curious, and we parked once again but this time rains began, and we made a dash for the gallery... More on that in the next post... 

What do these houses remind you off? Have you been here? 

Location

Houses of Goa

Opp. Nisha's Play School, Torda | Salvador do Mundo, Porvorim, India

Interesting Encounters on the train -1

Train journeys are so much fun, especially if like me you travel alone.  You can sit reading a book or plug in your headphones and tune out the world. Another awesome thing about train journey is the opportunity to observe the world around you, the people who are waiting on the platform, the hawkers, the passengers, and the railway staff..

Many a times I tend to reach ahead of time, and will sit/stand near the train watching people around me. Some have a calm energy while others are nervous and fidgety, some prance about while others worry where their seat will be, and then there are those who are on the phone giving running commentary as they walk towards their compartment, down to the crowd related details and what they drank or bought. It is quite amusing, and entertaining. 

Decided to do a series on this.. Here is the 1st one from a recent trip.... 

This time, I was on a passenger train, an overnight one at that. Since it was a last minute booking, I got the absolute Last Side Upper seat, and well the train was full, so I had no choice. I was used to upper berth, just dint like the last one cos it is right next to the loo and the door, which people tend to keep slamming every few seconds. Sigh..

I settled into my seat, and dug into my box of salad that I had picked up earlier that day. I looked around and noticed a family of four make their way in-2 small kids, and 2 big suitcases. They settled in and no sooner did the TT come bearing news that they had been upgraded to A2. Poor guy had to lug the bags down 4 compartments while his wife sat with the kids and then they all left. Soon after came another family, a large one of about 9 members [ yes, i counted] included 3 kids- 2 girls and a boy.  I figured one guy was the kids' uncle, cos they were close to him and kept asking "mama for the phone"... One girl was whining to her mom that she had tamil exam the next day and dint want to go to school. 

The boy kept running up and down, bare foot that kinda got me telling him to wear his footwear as the train was dirty. They were all from Tirunelveli, and kids were going bonkers over the mobile phone that the uncle was holding out. There was another Malayali family in next compartment who got close to this lot and during dinner time they all shared food. [no I did not eves drop, they were loud enough to be heard and seen]

Around 9pm, at the station a girl hopped into the train with her father and took the seat next to mine. She was going to her college [Ayurveda college] at a town near the final destination. She asked me where I was from, where I was headed and how come I was alone [sans family]. 

This girl and the older girl from the other family started chit chatting with me.. They were both amazed that I was travelling alone and that too for a holiday where I was gonna be alone. 

Girl1: [from the earlier family] asked - unga daddy irukkara neenga pora edathula ? [was my dad waiting for me at the destination]

Me: no no, nobody is there

Girl 1: Then you have friends who are there?

Me - No, it is just me

Girl 2 [the other one travelling alone to college]- From Chennai you are going all the way to a place to be alone.. ? 

Me - yes. I do this regularly and enjoy it

Girl 2- Your daddy lets you go alone far away?

Me - Yes.. I don't need his permission anymore.. 

Girl 1's mom - You really travel alone?

Me - Yes i do :)

Girls and the mom - wow, first time naanga ippadi oru ponnu paakkarom [ first time we are seeing a girl like this].. they then share this ingo with their spouse/family who then smile at me and say "enna kannu, yen ma thaniya pora.. [why child, why are you going alone?]

Me - Pudichirukku [Cos i like it]

Girl1- *continuing with puzzled look * So, who is there where you are going?

Me- Nobody I know.. I go spend time on my own and come back to chennai..

The entire lot smiled and just shut up.. guess they were lost and dint know what to make of it.. 

# I realised they were unable to wrap their head around this concept of a girl travelling alone to do a holiday alone and was happy about it.. 

Ever had any such instances? 

The blue blue skies in Leh

A few days back a friend pinged and asked how my Leh trip was, how much did it cost, how many days, etc etc.... She went on to ask if there was good wi-fi signal there, and that made me chuckle. Cos once you are up in the hills, mobile connectivity is dicey, leave alone wifi. Told her the same and she gasped, asking how we survived there for ten days with no connectivity...  

I told her the blue skies and long stretches of roads, the local people, food, activities kept us busy and we were all happy to be lost in the hills. Well, here are some of the blue blue skies that came along with us during the Leh trip... 

And then there is the other group of people who ask me "Why did you go to Leh, Ladakh?", "What is there to do there?" 

To them I say "If you are looking for botanical gardens or zoo or maybe a whole bunch of churches, temples or beaches like Goa, then dont go to Leh.. Leh is all about the hills, what you see beyond the horizon, the endless stretches of roads, the monestaries, the few palaces and the millions of other sights that will leave you breathless.. It is not a destination you go expecting a zillion fun activities, but then it is fun if you like being in the middle of nowhere, walking aimlessly following the snow capped mountains, or sitting by the river/lake freezing your butt off and clicking pictures... " 

For me it is the sheer joy of being away, away from the city, away from the craziness of daily routine, an opportunity to experience a new town, meet new people, try their local food, enjoy their culture and to just unwind ..

What is your kind of holiday? Have you been to the Hills? What did you think of them?

Thursday Challenge.. Feel the heat..

The theme for today is "HEAT (week 2 of 2)" (Hot, Glowing, Fire, Smoke, Heat Distortion, Curling Iron,...) 

Here is a shot of the trees that stand tall after the crazy forest fires that took over the entire Yosemite National Park area.... 

Thursday Challenge.. As the day breaks..

Theme for this week is "OPEN SPACE (week 1 of 2)" (Square, Courtyard, Mall, Field, Meadow, Clearing, Forest Opening,...)

Clicked this enroute to pondicherry.. we had stopped for a break, and i noticed the sun was just rising... it was a beautiful sight.. :-)

Thursday Challenge- A day in Pondicherry with me - 4- The Roads

A day in Pondicherry with Me- 3- The Museum

A day in Pondicherry with Me- 1

A day in Pondicherry with Me- 2

Ah, it had been one fabulous day, well, a few hours actually. All I did was wander about, read a book, have some breakfast and explore the town that I was so familiar with. I did not call my uncle/aunt to enquire what they were upto, heck I did not call anyone. 

It is so exhilarating being on your own. No agenda, nobody nagging you, above it all, it gave me a sense of being free. Not that am in shackles otherwise, but you get the drift right? I have always been one to enjoy my own company, I can go for hours without meeting/talking to someone else and it has always bothered me that people assume am alone and lonely, ergo must be miserable/sad. Nope. Honestly speaking there have been very few circumstances where I have felt lonely, and that feeling passes as quickly as it sets in. 

I did do a spot of shopping, picked up some knick knacks for the family and friends. Thats about it. While walking around Pondicherry town, I did manage to observe a lot more than I have done on my earlier trips. The roads were pretty barren, considering it was a week day and early hours. Made it all the more exciting for me :) 

 Inside the Bharathi park..

Along the beach..

Thursday Challenge- Memories

The prompt for this week's Thursday Challenge was "GROUND (1 of 2 weeks)" (Things on the ground, Soil, Garden, Lawn,...)

Clicked this near our gate, on the road. Reminded me of grandpa, he used to step out every morning and pick up all the flowers that had fallen down... Bring home a handful and keep them for Gods, here and there.... 

For other Thursday Challenge posts, visit here 

Thursday Challenge- Bright and sunny

The prompt for this week's Thursday Challenge was "SUNNY (1 of 2 weeks)" (Bright, Sunrise, Sunset, Sunshiny, Sunlit, Cheerful, Happy,...)


Clicked this at the Chennai airport while waiting for the flight that was to take us to mumbai. I had a 7 year old for company and he was full of questions and chatted away nonstop... :-)) 

For other Thursday Challenge posts, visit here

Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai

I was wondering what other new places to visit, when a friend spoke about how the mills in Mumbai had all become malls, and one of them was the infamous Phoenix Mills... Story goes that the Phoenix Mills was erected back in 1905 to manufacture cotton textiles. Owned by the Ruia family., it was intact listed in the Bombay Stock exchange as well. But then sometime in 1938 during the British government rule, quite a few workers were fired. This led to a protest in 1939 that lasted for a few months. Business was affected tremendously and eventually the mill became just a loss making business. The management in turn chose to redevelop the land and this began with the establishment of the Bowling Co. Workers were unhappy with the management's decision, alleging that it was illegal. 

And today that is where you find the Phoenix Mall, also known as High Street Phoenix. The mall is spread across 3,300,000 square feet. Apart from shops and restaurants, cafes, the campus also has a five-star hotel, a multiplex, commercial space and a residential tower.

The mall is divided into three zones- The Palladium, SkyZone and Grand Galleria.  This mall is also where the country's first Big Bazaar was opened. 

[image courtesy: mumbai.mallsmarket.com]

                                                [image courtesy: www.uppercrustindia.com]

Friend of mine raved about the Palladium, saying it was one of those places I should visit. Well, lets just say it is meant for those who are into high end brands, especially international fashion labels. While I must have spent about half an hour walking the length of the place, it sure wasn't my kind of place. Too much bling everywhere..lol.. I did check out the Food Hall on the top floor , it was far bigger and better than the one in Bangalore. I ended up buying some cheese that friend wanted and a pretzel to nibble on.

The second building is where you find familiar brands and quite a few small eat outs including Subway, Coffee Bean & Tea leaf,etc... Well, it is one of those places you either feel right at home or want to run away from. No guesses which category I belong to.

But must say while it is sad that the Mills went down, atleast there is something in its place standing tall, as a landmark. 

The Phoenix Mills Limited

High Street Phoenix

462, Senapati Bapat Marg,

Lower Parel (West),

Mumbai - 400 013 

Tel: +91-22-43339994

Thursday Challenge- spreading some love

The prompt for this week's Thursday Challenge was "WARM" (Sunny, Pleasant, Warm Colors, Food, Drink,...)

Almost looks like is laughing away, enjoying the wind on his face,not to forget the warm sun [maybe the lady had the AC on for a while].. I clicked this while in a traffic jam in #mumbai... Me, my friend and her son couldn't take our eyes off this cutie pie.. He was happily moving from one window to the other.. #love #dogsarefamily #travel #destination#Experience #travelblogger #oneplustwo#igersChennai #instaclick #nofilterneeded#adoptdontbuy #pets #petparent #dog

For other Thursday Challenge posts, visit here

Thursday Challenge- Flying high, up in the sky...

The theme for today's Thursday Challenge is "FLIGHT" (Bird, Insect, Jet, Airplane, Seeds,...)


Clicked this few years ago at Pulicat.. it was such a sight to see those flamingoes and the colours as they took to the skies... hope to do a repeat trip, sometime soon...

Thursday Challenge- Barriers- Bhima Gateway,Hampi

The theme for today's Thursday Challenge is "BARRIER" (Wall, Fence, Gate, Door, Stanchions,...)

In Hampi, as you drive around, you will stumble upon a few of these gateways, giant stone structures along the way. one such is the Bhima's Gateway. It is a classic example of the Vijayanagara military architecture style. 

The most interesting feature of the gate is the design. You cannot drive through the gate straight in, you need to enter and turn immediately. There is a huge wall like structure right inside the gate. You turn right, left and then once again left to go around this obstruction to reach the exit at the north. It acts as a blind spot for the invading army, they are caught unawares. Also heard it is difficult for the elephant mounted forces to do surprise attacks as they find it difficult to manoeuvre these sharp turns.  

Inside you will also find  a huge carving of Bhima with a flower called Saugandhika, another of Draupadi as well.  It is quite a fascinating element in Hampi...

For other Thursday Challenge posts, visit here

Thursday Challenge- Colours

The theme for today's Thursday Challenge is "MULTICOLOURED" (Kaleidoscopic, Rainbow, Clothes, Toys, Flowers, Paint,...)

This was one of the homes we visited in karaikudi and i was in love. i was so ready to move in bags and all, and make this my home. it was not only large but was so beautiful. the windows, the doors, the corridor.. we walked into this long corridor flanked with windows on top, with natural sunlight streaming in and lighting the place up in various hues of blue, green and yellow. WOW, what a sight it was~ 

Thursday Challenge- Empty..

The theme for today's Thursday Challenge is "EMPTY" (Vacant, Abandoned, Hollow, Empty Container/Chair/House,...)

Thursday Challenge- Treats in Chennai

"TREATS" (Candy, Chocolate Bar, Cake, Pie, Ice Cream, Comfort Food,...)

Mini donuts - light fluffy airy delicious little bites

A spice based cake with thin custard poured on top... Heaven in every spoonful

Thursday Challenge.. In the Dark...

"NIGHT" (Dark, Low Light, Twilight, Evening, Shadows, Long Exposure, City Lights,...)

This photograph I clicked from a moving train, the train that was taking me to Goa... It was pitch dark outside and all I had was my mobile phone for company...

The beautiful Beach in Goa, forgot which beach it was.. I remember walking in the evening and saw the sky turn a funny shade of blue- almost indigo....

Skywatch Friday... Over the ocean yonder..

It was one of those plans that fell into place before you could blink our eyes twice.. Well, that is a bit of exaggeration, but nevertheless it was a trip that happened without too much drama..  A bunch of us decided we should do a trip... The gang had planned an earlier one, but few of us couldn't go [last minute] and this time the troops were playing it down and keeping it low.. 

None of us squealed about it to anyone. Some did share the news, well God bless their understanding families. Some of the others had to cook up stories, some just said "work"... It went to such an extent that one family left the day before and were there ahead of the rest of us..ha ha... 

Since I have been there numerous times, I was given the task of finding us the place to stay at.. After a bit of debate, it was down to 3 of us who took the decision.. Hotel Atithi it was!! I have been here for lunch earlier, and remember it being fairly close to the beach and being a nice property, it would be a good bet. 

We had decided to scoot Saturday morning and be back Sunday evening.. Reached the hotel around noon, checked in and waited for the souls who had landed earlier... And thus began our trip... 

Here are a few pictures from the Hotel.. The view was fabulous[we could see the ocean not so far away] a huge field of sorts, a small lane with a temple where there was quite a bit of activity happening.. The rooftop restaurant looked very inviting, and then there was a pool right on top.. Wow what a view!! 

For more beautiful skies, visit Skywatch Friday ...