A Portuguese aristocrat girl falling madly in love with a local Goa fisherman (a love story), then choosing to take her own life by jumping from a cliff when their relationship was forbidden (a tragedy), and centuries after mesmerizing, or haunting, tourists or locals as she emerges from the sea amidst the moonlit waves, wearing nothing but a pearl necklace (a myth) — this is the story of Dona Paula. Well, at least the version that adds a romantic flair to its namesake scenic tourist destination in the suburban district of the capital city Panaji (or Panjim) in Goa, West India. I never really saw the statue of Dona Paula when I arrived at Ashwin and Aki’s place along the Dona Paula Bay with my VSO co-vol/CS buddy Rajie and our Goan CS host Warren, nor did I hear the tale about the statues watching over the Mandori and Zuari Rivers as they unite with the Arabian Sea. However, even when there is already a proven historical account of the life and existence of Dona Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior, I don’t fault the townsfolk or the tour guides if they choose to tell the romantic story instead. While the Dona Paula Bay and its natural beauty can’t be denied, a love story and a little mystery add to its charm, right? 🙂
If you’ve ever been to Macau, it’s almost impossible to miss the Macau Tower, standing tall against the historically quaint but rapidly urbanizing special administrative region. Located in the south side of Macau Peninsula, Macau Tower is among the most popular tourist spots and, of course, the most photographed as well. Coming from the Taipa district where our CouchSurfing host Darren lives, the Macau Tower and the Sai Wan Bridge is always a sight to behold, same way on the way back, day or night. As Leah and I cross the Zhujiang River estuary through the Governador Noble de Carvalho Bridge, I tried to hold my breath and made a wish. I don’t remember what it was anymore but I guess it must have come true, coz so far, it’s been really good. 🙂 Maybe it was to go bungee jumping at the Macau Tower next time!
Reblogged is a series of blog posts on my life in India coming from the weblogs I set-up. It’s an attempt to put the stories all in one place! The post Safdarjang Tomb: from Mistake to Majesty was originally posted on April 6, 2012. I visited Safdarjang Tomb with my VSO co-volunteerJulie on March 17, 2012.
It’s Saturday! Yey! I’ve been waiting for Saturday to arrive since I planned on going around Delhi, or at least being able to be at another tourist spot or two! Julie, a co-volunteer asked the day before (was it?!) if I would mind if she’d come along. Of course, I said not! It was actually better to have someone with me, walking around in a foreign city!
Like the Philippines, India was also colonized by different countries, one of which is France with Pondicherry as its known territory in the sub-continent. Pondicherry is a quaint coastal town-state in South India, reachable via the airport or major trains stopping at Chennai and about 3-hour bus/car drive. It is in Pondicherry where I first got introduced to South India (since I only passed by Chennai, it didn’t count) and to many things French. While no longer a territory of France these days, many of the structures remain especially when walking down the French quarter (which is the popular tourist area). One can still see and feel the legacy of France in Pondicherry and surprisingly, the way it has completely merged with the Tamilian culture and way of life. Walk down the Bay of Bengal’s beach or promenade and you will see Tamilian men in their lungis (wrap around “skirt”) and hear them conversing in French. The church services are in Hindi, Tamil and French. Even the streets have kept their French names. And, the food was awesome! The very reason we went to Pondicherry was to have a taste of French and Tamilian cuisines and Pondicherry provided us that — breads, steaks, desserts! Pondicherry is also home to several Ashrams of gurus and its close to Auroville, a commune serving “the Divine” — if in case you’d need food for the soul! >
Monsoon season in Maharashtra is said to be one of the best times for this West India state, primarily because it is gifted with natural beauty that comes alive and vibrant during the months of June to September. Marathi monsoon masti is [my] catchphrase for rainy season fun in Maharashtra. Together with some couchsurfers, I organized a river rafting trip to Kundalika River, about 2 hours or so from Mumbai. One couchsurfer had a car while Sravan, my neighbor couchsurfing friend, brought his bike, with me as its passenger most of the time. I can’t remember how long the river rafting ride was exactly but it’s a long river trail. Kundalika River, at least the water rafting part, would be longer than the Davao river rafting section, where I did water rafting for the first time. I think Kundalika River will have between class 3 to class 4 rapids — which means, get ready for a fun ride! 🙂 Don’t worry, actually falling into the water while paddling your way out of a whirlpool is a legit excuse to bathe into Kundalika River’s waters! And if you missed that chance, you can always go in at the calm section of the river. Best to go during rainy season as the water levels at Kundalika River will be higher and, if you’re lucky, rains add up to the fun and excitement of river rafting!>
Life is short so take a leap of faith. Let’s wander, explore and discover. Come and journey with me.
The Diarist Wanders 