Day 607 - Cruising to Old Goa

Along with Paul and Hannah, a couple we met from the UK, we ditched the idea of a 150 rupee (about $6) bus tour and made our way by our our steam to Old Goa. While this involved taking 6 different local buses during the day, the rides were a more lively experience than sitting on a tour bus all day. In fact one of the highlights of the day was a detour through a small village where the bus negotiated tight turns along the bright red, dusty, clay road.
Old Goa is famous for all its Catholic Cathedrals, a reminder of the Portuguese settlement - seeing devout Christians and quaint churches has been one of the most interesting aspects of travelling throughout Goa.

In Old Goa though, most of the churches are imposing structures with impressive but almost creepy statues and carvings inside. However the buildings themselves were amazing - you always get a certain feeling when you walk through huge wooden doors and glance up at the towering ceiling that seems like it goes on forever.

The ruins of the St Augustine Church were by far the most interesting - this church built in 1602 was abandoned in 1835 and all that's left is the jagged edge of a crumbling tower and some walls complete with coloured tiles and carvings. After making the return trip back to Colva in the mid day heat we headed straight for spicy curries for lunch, before meeting Peter for another evening on the beach.

Adlibing Goa's Cathedrals.