India: Goa

Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Mormugao, India

Goa is the smallest state in India, on the southwest coast. We arrived in Mormugao, a port city, about 10 a.m. We had signed up for a “Highlights of Goa” tour arranged through the ship. Our guide was named Geronimo.

Our tour started with an hour and a half drive to Old Goa, also called Velma Goa. In it’s heyday, this was the capital of Portuguese India. There are three Catholic Churches that are UNESCO World Heritage monuments. We were happy to be on an air-conditioned bus—it was scorching hot!

The bus did a drive-by of the Basilica of Bom Jesus which contains the remains of St. Francis Xavier. This was closed due a private event so we weren’t able to go inside. Some were very disappointed.

Within walking distance was the domed Church of St. Cajetan, inspired by St. Peter’s in Rome. Some smart people had umbrellas to protect against the sun. This church was in pretty good shape despite being boarded up for quite some time. Most of the frescos were damaged, but the splendor is still evident.

Then we walked nearby to another point of interest, the Se Cathedral, built in the 16-17th century. It had an ornate chapel and a bell tower. This Cathedral was much larger and even more ornate. 

Back on the bus, our guide realized we were missing two people. There were at least 2 other buses doing this same tour, all people we recognized from the ship, all mixed together at the site. It wouldn’t be difficult to lose your group and they did. The bus drove around until we spotted them.

Next up was a historical house filled with antiques. It was more like a family compound. In one house, they had a large table covered with platters of Indian food, and a large outdoor courtyard with chairs, tables, a stage, and a live, if slightly schmaltzy, duo playing 60’s rock. It was shady but still very hot. The food was excellent.

Our entertainment. They even had a stage area.

Our last stop was a market near the port. It was old and huge. The bottom level was mainly filled with vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables. The upper level had clothing and household goods. Charlie headed for the upper level and bought a pair of shorts and a shirt. The vendors were really helpful and the clothes fit. A couple of kids were hanging around the behind-the-counter impromptu changing area. Charlie kept a close watch on his stuff.

There were street vendors right by the bus selling postcards and trinkets. Charlie bought some of those. You can see who the shopper of the family is by now.

The sunset was gorgeous on the ship.