A Goan summer is usually one that’s
packed with heat and a lot of complaints that come with it. It’s an ideal time
to take a break, for those with families as well, given that their little ones
are usually bang in the middle of their summer vacations. For those in the
legal practice too, May usually heralds a break from the usual grind. It’s no
doubt then, really, that this time of year brings out the wanderlust in most
locals, and sees them discover unfamiliar (and rediscover familiar) terrain.
Café quizzes a few Goans, just back from
their vacations, on where they went, and what they took away from their trips:
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I recently visited Central Europe – that
cauldron of culture, music and avant garde design had always caught my fancy.
The vibrant streets of Munich with its street cafés, beer mugs, BMW and Bayern
Munich; the grandeur of Vienna, its imposing architecture, the iconic Ferris
wheel and life around the Danube; and the castles and churches of Prague. But
what took my breath away was Salzburg – charming and full of culture and colour;
no wonder Mozart chose to be born there! Innsbruck near Munich is also a must
visit. What I took away with me from the trip was the amazing clarity and
punctuality of public transport. Language handicaps notwithstanding, you can
get around the places if you follow Google Maps… and of course, Sachertorte!
Harshvardhan Bhatkuly
My wife and I chose to travel to Spain
and Portugal for a break in May, because we felt that the two countries had a
lot to offer to tourists, and they seemed to be the most like Goa. Well, we
weren’t disappointed! The weather was great, the food superb and the people
were lovely. It reminded us a lot of home. I would recommend it to anyone
looking at prospective travel destinations.
Jonathan Costa
For our vacation this year, we were
looking for a destination that was easily accessible and offered ample scope
for rest and relaxation. We chose Khao Lak in Thailand. It’s gloriously laid-back
and charming, and far from the tourist hubs. Ironically, it reminded us of
South Goa (which is home) – except that we were in vacation mode! The short break
in Bangkok on our way back was an added treat, as we tried some amazing
restaurants and street-food.
Siddharth Savkur
My cousin, who’s based in Canada, and I chose to visit Greece. We visited
Mykonos, Santorini and Athens and each of these locations were beautiful and
took my breath away. The cobbled streets in the town of Mykonos, the partying
at Paradise Beach, the blue-domed churches in Santorini, the magical sunset at
Oia and the heady mix of history and edginess of Athens; each left me with memories
for a lifetime. I have left a piece of my heart back in Greece, and would love
to go back someday to visit the lesser known islands and explore them like a
local!
Edra Godinho
