Kelwa

This time, it was a drive to Kelwa. A small beach town before Manor, via the Saphale Road, on the Mumbai - Ahmedabad Highway. After leaving Dahisar, the road was pretty much in the good condition other than some slight road work and an overturned truck. The clouds had gathered and it was pretty windy. 

After leaving the highway at Varai, we drove down to Kelwa which was close 30 Kms. The road was beautiful with lush green trees and bright red shoeflowers popping up now and then. It was quite and serene. Would have loved to walk down on this road. 

We crossed the Vaitarna river on the way and then some ghats. The drive was wonderful. On reaching the beach, we had some wonderful local Chinese... I know, its not the place, but what the heck...Munish wanted to have some and surprisingly, it was pretty decent and better than most of the small restaurants who offer the Indian version of the Chinese Food :-). 

We stayed there on the beach for an hour and two and then headed back home. We met some rain on the way and by the time we reached Mumbai, it was on full swing. Yes - the monsoons had arrived. And now, almost when I am writing this post, its raining...my plants have sprung up and are looking so fresh and green. A cup of piping hot tea at my side while  I write about our drive to Kelwa.

Patterns

Two weekends ago, now that sounds like "many many moons ago"!!!! :-), again - to begin again, two weekends go, Munish and me landed at Nagaon Beach, Alibaug. Alibaug is a very popular weekend getaway. Nagaon - a not so popular beach town near Alibaug and hence we had a great time... The weekend was spent in utter laziness with almost nothing to do :-). The resort we had put up at was full of coconut and palm trees, along with chikoos and mangoes, a small pool, table tennis, carrom board, a wonderful hammock..where we spent my afternoons snoozing away under the coconut tree and wonderful wonderful food. :-) To sum it all, it was short and sweet.

We would walk on the beach for hours...noticing the small crabs, the sea shells...trying to stay put in the shore...carving a small hole for themselves just so that they do not get carried away by the waves...the reflection of the trees, of us...on the watery beach... the sweet salty air...and the wonderful fried fish cooked by the village lady...the feeling yet lingers.

We tried capturing some of the patterns ..on the beach..patterns made by the sea and the sand and the sea - shells!!!

Tips for single female travellers

My friend and me decided to go for a short break to Goa during the long weekend of Ramzan Id. My husband decided to stay back since he was busy with work. So, both of us headed towards destination Goa.
There were a few very important takeaways we had from this trip. So I've decided to distribute this "gyaan" to my "few" :-( readers... free of cost :-) :-P

1. Book travel tickets (works out cheap :-P)
2. Book hotel rooms (based on tips given by your friends / colleagues / family - wudnt want any surprises )
3. Pack your sunscreen (very important - wudnt want to be looking like a turnip when u come back)
4. Pack comfortable clothing (wudnt want to attract undue attention parading like a model in a strange land)
5. Pack comforable footwear (floaters - no point packing sneakers / heels for a beach place)
6. Pack a hat or buy one when you get there
7. Get a local map
8. Get some references for eating joints
9. Get some references for shopping
10. Do not ask geeky / nerdy looking tourists to click your photograph for you
11. Do not try and do a superman stunt on an unknown terrain
12. When in Goa, eat what Goans eat :)
13. Do not carry professional cameras (unless there is someone else to tag on to whenever  you want)
15. When in Goa, try Fenny (I did - didnt suit my pallette)
16. Avoid mingling with foreigners
17. If people offer you something free, think twice
18. Get your own vehicle...(you wont have to depend on a "friendly" driver, driving you around)
19. Do not opt for tourist buses or tour operators.

and the most important thing,

Go without a plan.... :) let the trip surprise you....dont go rushing from one place to other... just relax, sit on the beach, close your eyes and feel the breeze  :)