Monday, December 12, 2011

bogmallo beach

My boyfriend %26amp; i are off to the bogmallo hotel on march 22nd ( can%26#39;t wait) %26amp; have up graded to a deluxe room, %26amp; i wondered if the rooms have hairdryers in them as i don%26#39;t want to pack one if possibly.....

Also can any of you guys reccommend any unmissable trips... I have read about the elephant trip where you bath them?? %26amp; that sounds quite interesting %26amp; unforgettable, but can you arrange it yourself or do you have to book it with your holiday rep?

I have been to goa before but just lay on the beach for the whole 2 weeks, my boyfriend has never been %26amp; we would both like to do something more interesting.....

thanks

bogmallo beach

You can bath the elephants at the spice plantation near Ponda. Don%26#39;t book it with your holiday rep it will be much cheaper just to get a local taxi driver to take you there. I wouldn%26#39;t book any trips through your rep, it%26#39;s much cheaper to do them yourself. I%26#39;d also recommend the trip to the waterfalls though I don%26#39;t know how much water there will be in March as we went in November.

bogmallo beach

We first went to the falls in an April and whilst not as much water as in November still well worth the trip.


Yes you will get a hairdryer in your room. There are pool towels that you can take to Beach ,so do not take any.

Have fun

Steve


Hi Lizzy2069,

Just got back from Bogmalo Beach yesterday,as previous replies there are hairdryers in the rooms,also fantastic view over the bay from all rooms, its worth tipping the pool boy on your first time round the pool or on the beach, and he will set your favourite beds up daily for you without prompting, the hotel is very nice but they are now trying to stop anyone bringing in food or drink to the hotel, with large signs around the site, they also advise that food bought and consumed off the hotel premises,could pose serious health problems for you, this is crap as we all know, but they would obviously like all the profits to themselves, totally ignoring the goan people trying to make a living around the beach.

The trips is again as advised use the taxis they are cheap reliable and the money goes to goan people not FC and other overseas companies.

Please say Hello to Rahul,Martin, Rahul 2,and Belinda at the Full Moon Bar, just at the bottom of the stairs to the Beach, and Simon at the Lovely Jubbly Shop what a character, he%26#39;s lernin cocknee just tell him Graham says Kushti to him !!!


Try not to drink from the wells!!


lizzy ,

well bogmalo is a nice palce to come to relax , oh yes hair dryer available. well for any tailoring and shopping there is a shop next to post office i think they are called shameem, please confirm it if its right!! they are authentic jewellers in the village trust them only, plus taxi and very trusting people except few.if you contact.spice paltation really good , betty trip very exciting to be on.

any thing else plz buzz me.

nick


hi we will be at bogmallo beach resort from the 14th maybe see you there. jim n pat

  • AJAX in .net
  • Shopping, please advise

    Hi,





    I%26#39;m leaving for Mumbai on Sunday 9th March and have 2 full days there with my 6 year old daughter while my husband is working. Are there any suggestions as to where to shop for clothes (men, women %26amp; kids), home decor (linen) %26amp; shoes especially? Womens shoes are top on my list as but need to find shops that sell large sizes as I use a UK 7 1/2. We will be staying at the JW Marriot near the Gateway to India. Any help on names of shopping areas and how to get there would be most appreciated.





    Thank you.



    Shopping, please advise


    gcanfen, I sent you a reply to your email. Here%26#39;s some additional information:





    Linking Road is perfect for shoes, i think you will get large sizes as well. I went with my friend recently, she has broad as well as long feet, and she could find some that fit her. I wrote a post called ';gotta love linking Road';, it has photos of the kind of stuff you can buy on the streetside shops, take a look:



    …blogspot.com/2007/11/gotta-love-linking-roa…





    Gandhi Market is big on emboroidered and sequinned stuff, plus there is footwear there also. it is a covered market, and can get a little claustrophobic.





    If you are at JWM, Linking Road is only 20 minutes away.





    - Deepa



    Shopping, please advise


    Hire a car with a chauffer and tell him to take you to infinity mall (andheri ,lokhandwala)





    Inorbit mall at malad also hypercity malad.







    You will get every possible brand or designer clothes there.There will be no more places you would need to go to shop :).





    Lokhandwala is a good place to shop if you dont mind a crowded place.




    Home decor/linen - expensive stuff at Atmosphere. Mix of high to mid to low priced stuff at Pride (Bandra). Several shops on Linking Road also. For natural fabrics, Fab India.




    The malls are quite Westernised. Not sure if you would want to shop there, since you%26#39;re coming from KL.




    Just went to the inorbit mall at malad .Lovely salwars and chani cholis at ritu kumars store at inorbit http://www.ritukumar.com



    Ritu kumar Special Indian Wedding Dresses Lehenga Choli Sarees Bridal Wear



    There are many designer stores like Sheetal,Ritu Kumar,Satya Paul,Be: and Jashan.



    There are also stores for shoes like Catwalk and Regal.



    There are also stores of artificial jewellery like Twinkles and Sasha



    mouthshut.com/review/Inorbit_Mall-75414-1.ht…



    indianbabyblogs.com/2006/november-2006/inorb…




    nacho, gcan sent me an email saying she wanted inexpensive stuff, she wants to do street shopping, so that%26#39;s why i said the malls dont make sense. not suggesting you don%26#39;t know what you%26#39;re saying.





    - deepa




    Just like to mention that Lokhandwala Market is a good place and on weekdays not very crowded. These days, you get most of the stuff that you get in Linking Road in Lokhandwala (though ofcourse, Linking Road has more variety)

    Help with itinerary - first time in India

    Thanks for previous info.





    I really couldn%26#39;t find any group tours, so I%26#39;m now planning to do the tour on my own. I have tried to figure out what can I fit in 2 weeks and come up with the following itinerary:





    Delhi - 2 nights (flight to Varanasi)



    Varanasi - 2 nights (flight to Khajuraho)



    Khajuraho - 1 (or 2) night(s)



    Agra - 1 night



    Jaipur - 2 night



    Jodhpur and/or Rathamboren (is it worth to visit?) or something else (any recommendations?) - 2-3 nights



    Udaipur - 2 nights (flight to Delhi and back home)





    What do you think? Do I miss something that is a must? Is it too rushed? Is the above the best order to do them in? Do I need to book from home or can I book transportation and accommodation while I travel in India? would it be wiser to use some travel agency (any recommendations and ideas about the price)?





    This will be my first trip to India so all comments, suggestions, tips are much appreciated. Hotel recommendations are most welcome too! I am not fussy as long as its clean and safe and in a nice neighourhood as I%26#39;m female traveller on my own.





    Thanks!





    Help with itinerary - first time in India


    Thanks Michel! I have always travelled by myself but I%26#39;m not sure if I should join an organized private tour this time. www.travinfoindia.com sounds great! Do you have have a rough idea how much a 2 weeks tour should cost?






  • engine oil
  • Helicopter to Havlock Island

    Does anyone know how I can book this and if it still runs from Port Blair?





    Thank you



    Helicopter to Havlock Island


    Helicopter from Port Blair to Havelock is available only on Saturday and in return its only on Monday. Its not a daily service.





    Atleast to my best of knowledge there is no provision to book in advance, and even in case if you are able to trace out their Phone Nos. they are not professional. We had been in Sep. 2007 and wanted to use it, we were five of us and they assured only four seats because some Government officials were expected to travel so they holded additional two seats for any last moment requirements. After visiting the Helipad and making calls after few hrs there was no proper response so we dropped it.





    Surprising even the Tourism Information Counter did not have sufficient knowledge and we were directed to wrong government offices at 2-3 places before arriving at the Helipad which is the right place to book it.





    Try checking the schedule at the below link, however www.and.nic.in is the official website for Andaman Islands





    http://www.and.nic.in/heli/heli.PDF





    But if you are able to get thru the Helicopter its worth every penny and cheaper. The journey from Port Blair to Havelock by Sea is 3-4hrs one way (depending upon the Ship) and you dont have choices much and it was a boring trip in my view at it only travels at 10 nautical miles per hour. Atleast i did not enjoy it (after travelling in speedup boats and tourbojets in Thailand %26amp; HongKong). Imagine spending 4hrs to travel 50kms.





    If your schedule fits the best thing would be to reach the Helipad once you arrive at Port Blair and reserve it.



    Helicopter to Havlock Island


    if you have luggage more than 3.5 kg then not.



    its still runs from port blair. they don%26#39;t give tickets to foreigners. this is the telephone of the office 0091-3192-233601

    Best Location in India for a Beach Holiday

    Hi





    I would like to get people%26#39;s idea of what they think is the best location in India for a beach holiday. (Sitting by the pool and eating and drinking all day)





    And also if you have a favorite hotel.



    Best Location in India for a Beach Holiday


    Any ideas.





    I have found the following areas:





    Goa



    Kerala



    Tamil Nadu



    Orissa

    Greenshore apartments

    Hi

    anyone know if the pool here is accessible for kids or if they havce a separate kids pool. My children are aged 7 and 5.

    Anyone know of any other apartments that have a childrens pool ?

    Thanks

    Greenshore apartments

    Hi

    Try Jasmine Palace which has a great pool, also Thushara has a quite clean pool.

    Ian

  • hosting services
  • 5 weeks to go-a few questions

    5 weeks from now will be on our way for 2 weeks at the Highland Beach at Candolim, have a few questions that you good people may be able to answer.





    Tickets-booked with 1st choice 9 months ago but with 5 weeks to go when are we likely to get the tickets?





    Coffee-Mrs loves good coffee, is there anywhere that serves anything aproaching Costa%26#39;s/Starbusck%26#39;s coffee???





    Cricket- love the game, am i likely to see this being played on the beach, and would it be the done thing to join in???





    Music- any bars/clubs in Candolim/Calangute that play 70/80%26#39;s music, most definitely not into Goan trance and current dance music!!!





    Sport on tv- any where that is likely shows Premier league football(sunday evening) and the Calzage fight at 8am sunday Goan time??





    cant wait to go!!!!Going to eat a curry at least once a day!



    Rob%26amp; Fran



    5 weeks to go-a few questions


    hi rob



    we booked our hol with first choice and were off in 3 weeks tommmorow not that i%26#39;m counting! rang first choice yesterday and was told that our tickets have come in so expect them anytime from 3 weeks on,



    can%26#39;t help with anything else as this is our first trip



    hope you have a fab trip



    nickie



    5 weeks to go-a few questions


    Hi Rob %26amp; Fran





    Tickets should be with you 2-3 weeks beforehand.





    Cafe Coffee Day seems to be the equivalent of Starbucks over there. There%26#39;s one towards the Candolim/Calangute border, not too far to walk from where you are.





    The Indian guys tend to play cricket rather than football on the beach so you would probably see a game or two. As for joining in, if you ask I am sure they would be happy for you to participate.





    The music varies from place to place, beach shacks quite often play music from that era (my era too!) but don%26#39;t know about the clubs as I%26#39;m not a clubber. Foxy%26#39;s restaurante on Highland Beach road had the right music but we weren%26#39;t too impressed with the food although it seems busy enough.





    For football, the Sports Bar on Candolim beach road is the place, next door to Inferno restaurant. Not sure about boxing though, they tend to be closed in the mornings. The Highland have TVs in the rooms though so you may be lucky there.





    Have a great time.




    Cricket is certainly played in hotel grounds by staff at all possible opportunities! I have joined in ( to my embarrassment ) at several places including Dona Sylvia, Taj Exotica ( they are REALLY serious there). 2 years ago the ODIs took place in India and England played India in Margao at Easter. The roads were gridlocked, high security at Taj Exotica where Indian team were staying ( except Tendulka ). Some of ex-England lot were staying at Leela ( Gower, Atherton, Hussein, Botham ), pressumably as commentatots/journalists.



    Never had any decent coffee in India in 14 years but just about everything else makes up for that. Take coffee bags if you have in-room kettle.



    Enjoy!




    hi rob and fran we had fabulous coffee and cake to die for in a coffee shop in mapusa market.(friday in manic)also our taxi driver took us to a place where the locals and taxi drivers go also fab coffee cost about 10 rupees each.little guy served us up stairs best coffee we tasted.but if you don%26#39;t take sugar it was already in.also we have milky coffee at the beach shacks and it.s ok. take a couple of cd%26#39;s that you like and the beach shacks will play them for you.have a great time.we going back nov 2009 all been well.Barbara




    I%26#39;d agree that Coffee Day is the place to get decent coffee (there%26#39;s also one in Colva and another in Panjim). You can buy ground coffee or coffee beans in Margao market, and I%26#39;m sure in places like Mapusa as well (they grow coffee in Kerala, I think) - I always bring some back and it%26#39;s really good. Generally the coffee you get in the hotels is horrible. It%26#39;s Nescafe, but I don%26#39;t know what they do to it - it doesn%26#39;t taste of anything, but has a caffeine kick like a mule!




    Thanks all for your help as ever is there nothing you people don%26#39;t know! Im sure I can do better than Englands cricket team!!



    Only 4 weeks and 6 days now,but who%26#39;s counting!

    Marari Beach Resort - Smelly beach and Insects?

    Hi - I hope someone can help - I have two questions on Marari Beach Resort:



    1) Are the rooms secure from insects - ie concrete ceiling not thatched? I hate insects in my bedroom, don%26#39;t mind them elsewhere (can cope with bathroom etc)





    2) Is the beach out front one that you can actually use or not because it is too public?





    Thanks really appreciate the feedback.



    Marari Beach Resort - Smelly beach and Insects?


    Marari beach resort one of the well maintained resort in Kerala. They have private beach for the resort it is not open for General Public



    Marari Beach Resort - Smelly beach and Insects?


    Thanks very much.




    I%26#39;ve stayed twice at the Marari Beach Resort and loved it. Dont worry, the rooms are very clean and well-maintained. The beach there is, in my opinion, one of the best in Kerala. Wide swathes of beach and clean, clear surf. Beautiful!



    If you can, try to get a Pool Villa at the Marari. You get your own private pool attached to your room which is just fantastic. So if you dont want to trudge down to the beach, you can always flop into your private pool, anytime of the day or night.




    We%26#39;ve just come back from Marari Beach and were really disappointed with it. It stinks and not surprisingly because the locals poop on it. The only place they don%26#39;t and that%26#39;s because of the security guards is just outside of the resort. The minute you walk either side of it it%26#39;s everywhere. They do it regardless who is watching and when they%26#39;ve finished they just leave it uncovered and walk into the sea to wash their bum. How people can then swim in it is beyond me. It looks a beautiful beach but this just spoiled it for me.




    Thanks for that, really helpful - understand the problem now!




    Kerala is not really a beach destination. You should eb going there for the backwaters, Periyar and the beautiful Fort Cochin area. Go to Goa for a beach holiday!!




    this is for Shirleybrocoli or anyone who has seen the same thing .



    The problem with the locals using the street/beach as a public toilet , is this common ? Will I see this kind of thing in Cochin city itself...I know it happens but I was under the impression it was mainly in the country .



    Don%26#39;t fancy the idea of eating or drinking streetside only to have someone do that close by .




    We travelled all over Kerala and Marari beach was the only place we saw em pooping. I%26#39;ve heard other people say it goes on in the cities but we never saw it. We%26#39;ve just booked to go back to India, I know, didn%26#39;t think I ever would but my husband still wants to see the the main sites in India, the Taj Mahal etc and really it%26#39;s now or never. We%26#39;re doing 3 nights in Nepal as well but staying well away from any beaches.




    Thanks for that shirleybrocoli...the thought of enjoying a meal and then that happens was quite horrid .

    Going to Goa, just some questions :)

    Hi





    First of all I would just thank you all who contributes to this forum at Tripadvisor.com



    Great site to dig up some information about where to go/where to stay! A big thanks to you all!





    Me and my boyfriend is going to Goa for the first time on a two weeks holiday from the 18th of March. We%26#39;re staying at the Sea Breeze Inn, does anyone know if that%26#39;s a ok hotel?





    We%26#39;re both animal lovers and would love to go on a tour watching the tigers, elephants, all in all the beautiful wildlife that India has to offer. Does anyone have any good recommendations which tours to attend?





    Also, how is the nightlife in Goa/Calangute? If someone can recommend some good bars/clubs in the area it would be great!





    Thanks in advance!



    Going to Goa, just some questions :)


    Hi,





    There are loads of tours you can do, you will be scouted on the streets, But it will be best to book through your hotel as they should use people with the relevent insurance ECT.





    Sorry do not know the Sea Breeze, But if like what happened to us last year the allocated hotel is a complete dump, then there are plenty of hotels, I could recommend the Villa Goesa as a plan B. Just remember that you are in india)and the standards are different, not worse (well some) just different.





    I have heard that the best nightclubs have been shut down due to being raided by police, so cant really help you. There are loads of beach shacks that serve up food and drink till late and for a very good price.. We are fans of %26#39;Buckingham Beach Shack%26#39; if you go tell them Mo %26amp; Sara from London sent you... but there are other bars... Callengute beach leads onto baga beach so you can find loads of places, there where a few bars and clubs but like i said things have changed a lot recently...For a nice meal try Hot Plate, the seafood is the best I have ever tasted in the world.





    You can message me if you need more info.. if not make sure you post your pics!! I am so jealous I have to wait until April to go this year!!



    Going to Goa, just some questions :)


    hi



    loads %26amp; loads of little bars in %26amp; around calangute/candolim/baga (all the resorts join eachother %26amp; short tuktuk/taxi ride away) you wont be short of somewhere to have a few, dont really do clubs any more but titos is the main one i can think of in baga.



    sorry dont know the hotel, but the majority rated 3 star by uk operators are quite basic by some standards but as you dont spend much time in your hotel its doesnt really matter %26amp; if you really hate the place just ask to be moved.



    you%26#39;ll have a great time.




    Tito%26#39;s is a good club, you will also find Mambo%26#39;s more or less nect to it and afew bars one of which is still open until about 6:30am s when you finish at Tito%26#39;s or Mambo%26#39;s you can go in their. Tito%26#39;s if i remember is free but the other two places their%26#39;s entrance fee for men.




    Hej, vi har precis kommit hem från Calangute där vi bodde på Sea Breez Beach. Alltså inte er hotell men de är mkt lika.





    Så här tyckte andra svenskar om ert hotell





    Fördelar:



    Städning samt byte av lakan och badlakan varje dag



    Mycket trevlig personal



    Skötsel av pool och trädgård varje morgon



    Stort rum



    AC samt takfläkt



    Tv



    Kylskåp



    Nära till huvudgatan



    5 minuters promenad till stranden





    Nackdelar:



    Internet saknas



    Myggnät badrumsfönster saknas



    Tvättservice usel (tvätten var skrynklig och fuktig samt fortfarande smutsig)



    Rena badlakan stinker



    Handdukar saknas (endast 1 badlakan/person)



    Handduk för golvet i badrummet saknas (stor halkrisk)



    Inhemska killar kommer och badar i poolen



    Myror tar sig in från balkongen (glipor under balkongdörrarna)



    Filtar/täcken saknas



    Garderob med möjlighet att hänga kläder saknas



    Hylla i duschen att ställa schampo, duschtvål osv. saknas





    Här kommer mina synpkt igen, hotellet ligger i en livlig del av stan vilket ni kommer märka. Den stora fördelen är att ni bor nära resturang Oriental som är jättefin med härlig mat. Det kommer kosta ca 100 SEK före enn fantastisk middag.Jag tror ni ska önska andra våningen, vi bodde så och trivdes.





    Elefantutflykte kan ni fixa själva, att ha en taxi hela dagen kostar 8000 rupees (efter prutning). Vi åkte med resebyrån till elefanterna och tog egen taxi till kryddplantagen Tropical vilket var bättre än att åka med resebyrån.





    Ha det!


  • engine oil
  • albuquerque villas

    does anyone have a website address for the above? i have one from their business card,www.albuquerqueholidayvilas.com but it comes back unknown



    thanks



    albuquerque villas


    the address is www.albuquerqueholidayvillas.com, you have mis-spelt villas. The web site is running are they are beautiful villas too.



    albuquerque villas


    I have recent email from Tony Albuequerque, 03/03/08 saying they have recently hosted their website. Same address as above

    trips from south goa

    does any one know what trips are on offer from the south of goa,do they do the tarj mahar,what sort of prices are we talking!

    trips from south goa

    hi steve

    i dont know of any trips, but am also interested... just booked a 2 week trip departing 15th from gatwick. where abouts are you staying and when?

    hope you have a great time!!!

    trips from south goa

    Trips from the south of Goa will be largely the same as trips from the north - it%26#39;s a very small state - spice plantations, Anjuna market, Hindu temples, Old Goa, Panjim.

    You can go to the Taj Mahal, but it will take two or three days out of your holiday to get there. Despite Goa being very small, India is very big and you%26#39;re looking at a flight to Delhi and then train or taxi to Agra, a stay overnight and then back again.


    Pompey Steve - ask GoanJock for ideas or search threads. A trip to see the Taj Mahal would cost you £200/£250 plus, each, but its easy to organise with a local Travel Agent. In Goa itself, we visited Hindu monasteries and temples, Catholic churches and deserted beaches by buying a map then taking a taxi for the day/half day and getting him to stop as and when we asked. The driver got lost, had to keep asking the way but they were fun days out. Try a night at Arambol in the beach huts, about as far north as you can go. Or go diving/snorkelling from Baga Beach. I don%26#39;t think Old Goa is as interesting as the tour reps make out but that is somewhere else to visit. There are waterfalls and spice plantations and Wildlife Sanctuaries around and about. Try a train trip to Karnataka for fun. A night or 2 at the Wilderness Nature Resort is good (http://www.wildernest-goa.com/)if you like walking and nature. Have a great holiday. Cheers from an ex- Havant girl.

  • excel
  • Body washed up on Anjuna beach

    How sad to just here on the news of a young girls body washed up on Anjuna beach 2 weeks ago is now suspect to assault/murder......



    Lets hope this is a rare case, my condolenses to the family who l believe are from Devon.



    Be vigilant all you single female travellers



    Body washed up on Anjuna beach


    Sorry think that might be Agouda beach SERETA



    Body washed up on Anjuna beach


    Everyone should tread carefully on this matter with regards to commenting on it - there%26#39;s lots of information relating to it on %26#39;oheraldo%26#39; , %26#39;goan voice%26#39; %26amp; other news websites - read all that %26amp; I%26#39;m sure there%26#39;s more than me will think that there%26#39;s more to this story than meets the eye.





    Andy.




    This was posted last week by another TA and TA removed it for some reason.




    My sister told me of this story in the News of the world paper a week yesterday, searched GOOGLE, and picked it up.



    I thought i read Anjuna, or maybe she was last seen in a cafe there with indian boyfriend.




    Hi



    This is a url to Mail on Sunday .



    Report fairly accurate from what we read out here.





    mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/…





    Here are report in today%26#39;s (TUESDAY) Goa Herald





    Mystery over death of British teenager deepens



    BY HERALD REPORTER





    PANJIM, MARCH 3 — The police on Monday continued to grope in the dark over the circumstances leading to the death of British teenager Scarlet Eden Keeling, 15, whose body was found lying on the Anjuna beach early February 18 morning.



    The teenager’s mother, Fiona Mackeown, who suspects foul play in her daughter’s death, today moved the SP North’s office for a second autopsy on Keeling’s body, which is being preserved at the Goa Medical College and Hospital morgue at Bambolim.



    When contacted, SP North Bosco George, confirmed to have received an application from the girl’s mother and said he would move for a second autopsy on the teenager, who Anjuna police maintained died due to drowning.



    Today afternoon, Mackeown, along with her advocate Vikram Verma, addressing national, local and British media at Anjuna, said Keeling, who made friends easily, was on her first visit to Goa.



    Advocate Verma, who addressed the conference for the most part of it, revealed, “Keeling was enticed by one Julio, 25, to live in Siolim and I am given to understand they were in an intimate relationship.”



    Even as Verma and Keeling’s mother didn’t directly accuse Julio to be involved in her death, the former said, “According to Indian law, even consensual s##x with a minor girl amounts to rape. The youth had given Keeling an impression that he was well off and made her a job offer in Finland to entice her. It is now learnt Julio is not what he claimed he was.”



    The advocate said the police from day one had faltered in investigating the case. Even as a man had identified Keeling’s body on the day she was found dead, the police never took the trouble to see who she was and sent the body to the mortuary as an unidentified female foreigner, he added.



    At the mortuary, the post-mortem on Keeling’s body went on for five hours, a fact that is to be noted down, Verma pointed out and explained, “Normally, in a case of drowning (or death due to asphyxia) it takes on an average two hours to conduct the autopsy, but in Keeling’s case it went on for five hours, implying there was much to be read into her death.”



    The police, the advocate said, had lied by saying there were no injury marks on the body contrary to the autopsy report which has indicated several abrasions, one being prominently visible above an eyelid of the teenager.



    Meanwhile, the girl’s mother said she had lost trust in the Anjuna police, but mentioned she had full faith in SP Bosco George.





    oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=496%26cid=2







    Anjuna cops lied: mother



    BY HERALD REPORTER



    PANJIM, MARCH 3 – The death of British teenager Scarlet Keeling, whose body was found on the Anjuna beach on February 18, have left behind many questions to be answered by the Anjuna police.



    According to the teenager’s mother Fiona Mackeown, Keeling was found dead on the beach wearing just a bikini top, which had also been pulled up to reveal her breasts. Witnesses at the site have corroborated this fact, she claimed.



    The mother maintained the police had lied to her saying Keeling was found wearing her swimwear. She stated she had believed in the police because the statement was made by the men in uniform.



    To make matters worse for themselves, the police seem to have taken Keeling’s death lightly as they failed to pick vital clues from the death spot. On February 21, Ms Mackeown found a leather sandal, shorts and the panty worn by her daughter which the police failed to stumble upon, thus bringing to light their negligence in the case.



    From day one the Anjuna police maintained that there were no injury marks on Keeling’s body, while the post-mortem report shows several abrasions. Why the police failed to mention the injury marks to the teenager’s mother was best known to them.



    The mother in a press release has stated that a British tourist had seen her daughter being sexually assaulted hours before she was found dead.



    She maintained that the tourist, who was shocked, had confided to two of his colleagues on the intensity of the assault and had expressed his helplessness in defending Keeling. The man immediately left Goa fearing for his life, she stated.



    If what Ms Mackeown has said is true, then this man and two of his friends to whom the former “confided” the events of the night may provide the police information on what exactly happened the night when the teenager was allegedly killed.







    oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=494%26cid=2






    lets hope the truth comes out in the end.This is not good for tourism SERETA




    Hi Sereta,



    It appears that the Goan Government agree with you regarding the effects on tourism from their latest press release.(Below) Its just a pity that it takes international coverage of an event before the wheels start turning in the correct sort of direction.





    There are an increasing number of European Tourist deaths here in Goa that rarely get into the international press.Some of these deaths are when someone is just found,but whatever the circumstances the police never seem to find suspicious circumstances.





    As unfortunate what has happened is perhapps it can serve as a wake up call that Goa has changed.It now longer consists of only the tradition laid back friendly Goan.People from all over India and of different types of background have now come to reside here plus the seedier parts of Eastern European culture have reared their heads and made it their play ground which is being emulated by locals.Hippies are named and blamed for everything but no mention of the highly organised side of things.





    Goa Herald Wednesday March 5th





    Govt breaks silence on Brit teenager’s death



    BY HERALD REPORTER





    Says it would get to the root of the incident





    PANJIM, MARCH 4 – Increasing adverse publicity - both national and international - over the death of 15-year-old UK teenager at Anjuna today prompted the state’s tourism ministry to break its silence assuring that the government will leave no stone unturned to get to the root of the incident and ensure justice.



    While sympathizing with the victim’s family, the Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco has assured the family and the tourism industry that investigations are on and in the right course.



    A communiqué to this effect was also issued by the tourism department to the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) who it is learnt have been seeking an official stand of the tourism ministry on the issue.



    It is also learnt that he department is receiving large number of inquiries from various quarters.



    It fears that a threat is looming of cancellation of bookings from the UK over the recent incident.



    Herald understands that the tourism ministry is in constant touch with the Home ministry and simultaneously allaying growing apprehensions and concerns from the tourism sector.







    oheraldo.in/pagedetails.asp?nid=559%26cid=26






    Hi,





    With this Direct Statement from the Chief Minister of Goa plus the Times on Lines blunt Article it looks like the wake up may have started.





    timesonline.co.uk/tol/…article3485043.ece




    Hi Bruahy....



    Well that was an interesting article to read.Sounds like a full investigation now.



    Oh and how awful that a young 34 year old man has now been found dead dying of pulmonary and cerebral oedema ( whatever that is ) His bloods have been sent of for testing.



    All the bad things seem to be happening in Anjuna ( said the man was found in a guesthouse there ) SERETA




    The Daily Mail has this story today. Whatever happened it is such a sad loss of life.

    Weather In Goa -October 25th for 2 weeks

    Hi can anyone advise of the weather in Goa around October 25th? I know we only predict the weather but just a rough idea before I depart with £2500 would be most helpful



    Thanks



    Weather In Goa -October 25th for 2 weeks


    Weather in October should be warm, not particularly humid. You may get the odd shower, but nothing drastic.

    Where is weather ok mid to end of May?

    India is on my radar and one of several possibilities for a trip in late spring. Unfortunately, I%26#39;ve read that May is peak summer heat, and then the monsoons come. I can get a reasonably priced flight into Dehli leaving around the 15th of May, and we%26#39;d have just over 2 weeks. Are there any places that wouldn%26#39;t be too unbearable then? Traveling when it is beastly hot is not my favorite.





    We%26#39;ve never been to India and don%26#39;t necessarily need or want the typical tourist itinerary. We want to see the real culture, some history is interesting, we like active outdoor activities, we aren%26#39;t looking for a luxury trip, we don%26#39;t want a resort experience, and are more than willing to go off the beaten path. I guess we should also comment that we are 60. Thanks.



    Where is weather ok mid to end of May?


    Yes, May is going to be very hot all over India. You could go to a hill station, but there too it would be just about pleasant and nothing better. And, you will have to travel by rail/road to get to any hill stations.



    I think I could recommend Ooty in the South. This is about 3-4 hrs drive away from Coimbatore or about 6 hrs from Bangalore. In the North, you could travel towards Simla. There are other smaller hill ststions too.



    What I%26#39;m essentially saying is that weather may be bearable only in hill ststions in India during May.



    Where is weather ok mid to end of May?


    I would strongly recommend that you pick a different time to visit India. Unless you come from an other warm country like Mexico, you will find India unbearably hot. April 15 is where I draw the line.



    The only way would be to hire a car with A/C, go to hotels with A/C and pools, sightsee in the early morning and in the very late afternoon, and travel during the hot hours.




    Did u say offbeat? There is something that I can recommend. How about camping along a thick forest in the prestine hills of Uttarakhand (near chamba, 50 kms away from rishikesh near a small hamlet called Thangdar). The places that u can cover from there are haridwar, rishikesh, shivpuri (rafting?), Rajaji national park (elephant reserve) chamba, Uttarkashi, yamunotri, gangotri, dev prayag, Jim corbett(tiger reserve), dehradun, tehri dam, barkot, mussorie, dhanaulty, kempty falls...basically the entire of uttranchal...the camp is equipped with host of adventure activities and nature treks (my fav destination for summers, not touristy at all and yet very close to so many popular ones)







    There are several hotels as well near by just incase u do not feel comfortable in camps





    The only sore point wud be around 9 hr drive from delhi to Thangdar





    Shud u need ne more info, feel free to write a mail.





    cheers




    Thanks for the replies which more or less confirmed what I was coming to as a conclusion. One problem is my job and when I can get away. India will probably have to wait until I can get away at a more favorable time of year. Thanks.

    Phoenix Park

    Just a couple of last minute questions I wondered if anyone could help with.





    Are the safe deposit boxes in the rooms or in reception?





    Does anyone know how much it costs to upgrade to a room in the new building?





    And finaly, does the hotel provide pool towels.





    Many thanks



    Phoenix Park


    Icsee you have managed to change hotels and i assume that you have changed to the phoenix park when are you traveling as we may be there the same time. We are travelling this saturday and we are there for two weeks. we would be very interested in any replies that you get. My aunt stayed at the phoenix last year and loved the place.



    Phoenix Park


    Hi we came back from the phoenix park on the 21st.january, some safe deposit boxes are in the rooms and some are at the reception.Our safe was in our room but you can choose to use the ones at reception. The new rooms had just been finished so not sure how much the would cost to upgrade but they looked fab. The hotel also provides pool towels and also lets you take them to the beach. We were there for 3 weeks and loved everything about phoenix park we will sure be returning.



    have a great time





    Bev




    Think we%26#39;ll just miss you, we go 7th March. Yes we did manage to change, we were booked in the Magnum but after taking advice decided to change. We%26#39;ll probably have a look at the room they give us and then decide wether to upgrade or not.




    we will be back before you we are back on the 2nd I will try to find a little more for you when we are there unless we find out in the meantime. I work nights and this is my last shift tonight and I have one more sleep after that and then we are off cannot wait.




    Silvie





    Have a great hols and enjoy all that lovely food. Look forward to reading your report when you get back. Travel safe.





    Goangrasshopper.




    Hi, I love red wine.



    We arrive on the 8th, two Welsh couples, not sure where you are from, promise we wont talk Rugby.



    We requested on booking of a nice room as we are celebrating our Pearl Wedding, should have fruit and flowers or cake ?.



    Have been told from people who were there xmas the rooms in the old block they had, were big rooms, and overlooking pool,and very nice,that sounds good to me.



    Thought i would just mention before you part with money.




    Hi Taffy,





    Please feel free to talk rugby LOL. Might be a whole different story by the time we arrive.





    Any ideas where we can watch the last matches? perhaps if we have a whip round we can get the hotel to put it on in the bar for us?





    We%26#39;ll keep our eye open for you and raise a glass to your wedding anniversary.





    Pam %26amp; Gary




    We had room 2201 and the safety deposit box was in the wardrobe. It is free however you have to pay a 2500 rupee deposit whichis returned when you return the key.





    The hotel does provide pool towels however there are a number of signs requesting for them not to be taken from the hotel





    We didn%26#39;t pay extra so therefore did not get a new room, they looked fine but the addtional nightly amount makes it an expensive holiday




    hi red wine returned yesterday really enjoyed our holiday. The hotel was much better than our last hotel with a decent matress as some of them can be a bit thin. Bedding was very clean. Any problems that you have go straight to reception they are very good and will do the best to sort it.



    If you arrive early as most of the flights do book in and go straight for breakfast. Breakfast consists of (the chef is at the top of the steps) eggs cooked to order, Fruit juice(it always look empty but it is not)toast, jam, marmalade, there is always a hot selection and sometimes there is bacon. you also get rolls and cake. If you are really daring there is an indian selection sorry we didn,t try it.



    If you want a very careful driver we can give you a driver who is stationed outside the hotel.




    Hi Sylviebabe



    Did you stay in the New or old buildings, what did you think.



    Heard that some rooms did not have sink or bath plugs, did you find this.



    Which beach shacks do you recommend.



    We go on Saturday.


  • engine oil
  • Restaurants to try

    Just got back. Everyone has there favourites.

    Restaurants to try

    Whoops.

    We found Cecelia%26#39;s, Little Palms and The Stonehouse nice. But opposite the Stonehouse is The Octopus Garden. Exceptional food and fresh garlic bread cooked for you as you sit down.

    Restaurants to try

    Ive been to all those restaurants, do you still have to book for Cecilias ? Stonehouse i use a lot, but am sometimes irritated by the lack of service. Stonehouse has a good atmosphere. I think little palms can be a bit hit and miss, and lacks ambience. Would recommend their chicken lollipops though. And the staff are very attentive. We discovered new restaurant other end of candolim called Rising Waves, run by Sam from the Bistro. Best to book. excellant food and prices. Roll om next saturday, back there for 4 weeks.


    Whoops, typing error back there for 3 weeks


    Recently tried Stonehouse,after seeing recommendations on TA. Was very disappointed,had to wait over an hour for the food-when it arrived it was cold.The place was severely under staffed and the food was not of a very good standard. Would not go back there again


    Try the Mermaid which is opposite the whispering palms it is that busy if you want to guarantee a table book in advance. We had an excellant fillet steak and the strawberry pavlova is to die for.

    we also enjoyed just chinese which is not far from the mango grove. We had an excellant meal and the owner is only a young man but very nice and good service and good food is his main criteria.

  • ittwit
  • Mosquito repellant - name of product

    Hi





    Could anybody please help with a name of a ';local'; brand of mosquiteo repellant with the ';sufficient amount'; of DEET. We need a procuct suited for both children and adults.





    Thanks in advance;-)



    Mosquito repellant - name of product


    Name of repellent usually mentioned on here is Odomos which is readily available I believe (going myself in 4 1/2 weeks).





    Not sure about whether it%26#39;s suitable for children but I%26#39;m sure someone who knows for sure will be along shortly - would be quite interested to know that myself actually!



    Mosquito repellant - name of product


    Yes, very safe to use on children. Not everybody is a fan of odomos but I have no problems with it and rarely get a mossie bite.




    Odomos always seem%26#39;s to get poor reviews on here from what i have read. I would personally(and am) stick to some good quality repellant bought back in europe with 50% deet such as AUTAN, JUNGLE FORMULA or EXPEDITION. Not sure what you get in Denmark but its probably the best bet.




    autan with deet worked for us not 1 bit between us




    We used Odomos. 2 adults and 2 children. Bought it in resort very cheaply and didn%26#39;t have a single bite between us. I%26#39;ll be using it again.




    Odomos does not contain DEET, and it doesn%26#39;t work for all people - me for example. Just seems to make me more attractive to mozzies. I use Jungle Formula tropical. I think they also do a children%26#39;s version. Autan is also very good.






    I am a great fan of Odomos. Have used it for 8 years, and only been bitten on the bits of skin I missed putting the cream on! It%26#39;s only c. £1 per tube, I%26#39;d definitely give it a go, and it says on the packaging it%26#39;s suitable for children.




    Like LondonGoa.girl, Odomos doesn%26#39;t work for me. I use another local brand called Good Knight ~ cheap and very effective.




    I agree with MadaboutGoa, the GoodKnight spray was great, worked on me, smelt pleasant, spread easily and after I started using it I got no more mossie bites. But don%26#39;t forget to use the plugins in your rooms.






    ODOMOS or Good Knight.





    I prefer good knight it smells niced and fresh and goes on easy.





    Most people use the odomos which can be bought at the pharmacy or super markets

    havelock in early

    Hi,





    We plan on visiting Havelock with our 2 kids (5 %26amp; 3) this summer. We will be there June 26 to July 5. Is that a good time to visit? Please advise.





    This is our third family trip to India, so we have some experience traveling (mostly to beaches) and dealing with health issues in country. However, I am a little concerned about traveling away from the mainland with little kids. Does anyone have any advise on traveling to Havelock with children? Thanks!



    havelock in early


    july is rainy season in havelock.bring some raincoats and medicine against fever.you will get 50% discount in accommodation in resorts at havelock



    havelock in early


    I would recommend to avoid Andaman Islands between June-September as it rains a lot further the beauty/clarity at Beaches is not good especially when you do things like snorkelling. Last year I had been twice during March %26amp; August and i know the difference much better.





    Ecoandaman: In another post you had mentioned that Ferry tickets are given three days in advance, last time we went to collect the tickets in Advance but they said they do not issue in advance so had to go early at 5.30am.




    Now they issue tickets in 3 days advance, but only from port blair. From Havelock you have to get the ticket on the day of travel.

    Exchange Rate

    Hi





    Going to Goa in 6 weeks can anyone tell me what the exchange rate is like. I was there at Christmas and it was terrible i think it was 65 rups to the £. Has it got any better?





    thank you



    Exchange Rate


    Showing as 80.18 today with the site I use which is xe.com - that%26#39;s the best it%26#39;s been for a bit I think.





    Hope that helps.



    Exchange Rate


    Hi



    Calangute 2100 Monday 3rd March 79.30 on the street.




    Think you must be mistaken StellaLiverpool





    We were over there in December and the lowest we got was 75.





    T%26amp;J




    We were there in January and got 77 first week and 76 the 2nd.




    hi have a look on the reuters web site.




    The rate is creeping up slowly. Got back last night and it was around 78/79 to the pound. It was around the 76/77 mark when we first arrived.




    Katie did you have a good time?

    what to wear on a night

    going to goa in two weeks , five of us for partners 40th , when we went to thailand we just had tshirt and 1/4 shorts on .. is this ok for candolim ... is there a dress code in the bars ........





    thanks



    what to wear on a night


    No dress code that I have seen, Tshirt and short will be fine.



    what to wear on a night


    Came back from Thailand 3 weeks ago and wore same clothes on an evening in both Thailand and Goa.