There is just something so special about being in Goa. It is so relaxing and laid back and the food is the best in the world!
Goa days mean sun, sand, and pool! I had spent the day in the pool soaking up the sun immediately after arriving yesterday and could not have asked for a better start to my Goa vacation. It was nice having all of the family in one place as well. Loud, chaotic, and amazing!
Today was a very chill day. I woke up late and immediately went for a dip in the pool outside of our room. The resort we were staying at Haathi Mahal was very nice and a good place to spend time with such a large group. The place is set up with a hotel but also villas which we were staying in. There was one big pool and many smaller jacuzzis. Although here the jacuzzis are not heated since it is so hot outside. Bubs joined me which was so fun to hold her in the water as she splashed around kicking up the water shouting “water water”. She is too cute and lucky for me she lets me hold her for long periods of time.
For lunch today we ate at the same place we had dinner at yesterday - Mike’s place. It was right next to the hotel and they served good food. Plus they always have live music and the ambiance in general is very good! I loved the Goan cuisine they served too! Today I ordered the fish rawa fry and prawn curry. Fish and prawn rava fry with recheado masala is my absolute favorite and I am on a mission to eat it everyday! The fish and prawn curry with rice are too good as well. My mom used to make really good Goan food so there is a lot of nostalgia behind the food. I desperately need to learn!
Afternoon came and the whole Saldanha clan headed to the beach for sunset. Everyone just walked on the beach but I decided to go for a run. I love running barefoot on the beach. The cool air whips through my hair and I like the feel of the compacted sand under my toes. It spices up my usual run. It is so freeing to run along the beach and is definitely one of my favorite things to do.
The big dinner celebration kicking off Sonali’s wedding was tonight. It was held at Joe's River Cove which I had been to last year when I came. The restaurant was only a 5 minute drive away but due to the fact everyone was dressed up, an entire bus was hired if you can believe it! I was told there were 100 people coming so a bus was needed. I think it's hilarious that we have to hire a whole bus for my family.
The venue was not closed off but a huge chunk of the restaurant was reserved for Sonali’s wedding party. There was live music and dancing as well as an open bar and buffet. Immediately after arriving, I saw Gabby and ran right up to her as I had not seen her in many weeks. Twas a sweet reunion.
Today was Divya’s birthday so we bought a cake and sang to her with all the Saldanha's gathered round. This was one of the first times since 2013 that I had been in the same place as all of them. It doesn’t happen very often since we all live far apart and have busy lives.
I danced the whole night away. I had so much fun! The band was very good and she knew how to engage the crowd. She sang many of the classics from the chicken dance, YMCA, Follow the leader, and even the macarena. Some of the dances the singer was even leading which made it even more fun!
I ate at the buffet and stuck to Goan food of grilled fish with rice and curry. I love the availability of seafood here! To drink I had mango juice with white rum. It was all sugar and I loved it! The rehearsal dinner was a good opportunity to meet all of Sonali’s friends and have everyone in one place. It was so much fun to hit the dance floor especially with grandma who loves to dance!
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