The course was intensive and lasted the entire morning, making me feel the price
paid was worth it. We had an instructor and three helpers who helped where needed.
It wasn’t about the poses or whether you could touch your toes but what’s best for
you and your body, and three days later, I could already feel a difference.
In the evenings, I sauntered to the beach to observe the spectacle. Each night, the
beach transformed into a venue where people were involved in a large array of
activities, from yoga to fire dancing. On one side of the beach was a drumming circle
where people danced, each to their own rhythm, and on the other side, the Hari
Krishna were chanting and drumming. Others were sitting in the lotus position,
staring into space. Several stands sold feathery earrings, handmade flutes and
jewellery. Restaurants placed tables along the water’s edge, and a general air of
festivity prevailed.
The Peace Garden (where I stayed in a hut out back), had a popular restaurant/bar
area offering nightly music and it was not necessary to go far to socialise. One could
plonk yourself down upon one of the various cushions and, soon enough, a
conversation would start. The best part of this type of socialising was that one could
exit the group at any given time without offending anyone.
Arambol – Panjim (Panaji) - 35 km
Eventually, I packed up and headed along the coast to Goa’s capital, Panjim. Being a
former Portuguese territory, the town still has a distinctive Portuguese feel and
features tiled-street names.
On arrival, I popped into Probyk, a bike shop, as my bicycle needed TLC. Chatting to
staff, I was offered a room at a hugely reduced rate in a guest house. The next two
days were spent in absolute luxury while my bike was cared for by the professionals.
The old quarters, where one could find a whole plethora of colourful old Portuguese
buildings begged to be explored. A person could be excused thinking you’d been
transported to the streets of Lisbon.