The sun and the rain leave distinct impacts on Goa's sands, but neither deters tourists from coming to Goa, especially to Vagator, which is today the hub of things good and not so good, as it is sought-after by most travellers.
Despite the monsoon breaking in Goa, Vagator was brimming with tourists during the extended weekend, with visitors plodding around the village, seeking spots beyond the beaches and restaurants -- those that had not shut down for the off-season, and glad for being open as the cash counters kept jingling.
Vagator and Anjuna, despite the Supreme Court ban on music after 10 pm, have turned into popular night spots with a number of nightclubs hosting some of the finest DJs from India and abroad, and Indians flocking to these venues regularly.
NIGHT CLUBS FROM SOUTH ANJUNA TO ARAMBOL
Parties were first clustered around Vagator, and slowly started mushrooming in South Anjuna, and gradually moved to Morjim and now, Arambol.
In the beginning, entry was free for the parties, but now, the fee ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 during the rains.
Partying and being part of a rave is not for all, with some tourists looking to discover places where solitude is still available at a premium and that can be discovered by those venturing to Chapora jetty.
“We have some of the best DJs from across the globe playing during the season, but with the rains, you have Indians from India, who are glamourous to tourists visiting from other states of the country,” exudes Suresh, whilst trying to convince a couple to step into a nightclub.
Partying and being part of a rave is not for all, with some tourists looking to discover places where solitude is still available at a premium and that can be discovered by those venturing to Chapora jetty – a place that makes most visitors feel being in the humdrum of tourism without the sights and sounds.
FEELING OF CALM ON THE JETTY
Chapora jetty is a place that draws locals who love angling during the rains, and the solitude catches the eyes of tourists for whom a holiday is not all about noise, drugs and drinks.
“This is the most peaceful place during the rains. With all the boats sealed for the rains and locals opting to angle, the sunset over here gives one a different dimension to life,” admits Rukmini who spends six months of her retired life around the jetty.
"I try to convince my family to come here during the rains,” says Rukmini.
Like in the season, Chapora Street remains bustling once the sun sets, with foreigners on long stay mingling around, with many seating outside Vijaya Laxmi Bar – the one place that has been serving the spirit of Goa for many years.
VIJAYA LAXMI BAR EXUDES THE SPIRIT OF GOA
“I come in early because I prefer to retire home early. I have been coming to this place for the last 30 years, and this is part of home. A lot of youngsters from the country come for a drink as night falls and the conversation is interesting,” says Larry from the UK, whose current interest is his country’s performance in the ongoing UEFA Euro Cup.
“England is surely going to win the Euro title this year and when they do, come here for a beer on the house,” promises Larry as the tempo of the matches pick up momentum.
DON’T LET THE COWS MOO AT YOU AT NIGHT
The rains draw cows and buffaloes onto the road, cutting through grazing grounds, and the areas around Vagator, Anjuna and the surroundings are no exception.
“Lots of tourists accidently bang their bikes on cows sitting on the road at night and mishaps are plenty,” discloses Anyssia as she rents a vehicle to a lady from North India.
"The black cows are especially difficult to spot at night, and we normally advise tourists hiring rent-a-bike or car to be careful,” she says.
As the sun sets, night clubs start playing their music. Traffic snarls make their appearances, ladies can be seen puffing outside nightclubs, the ladies on food carts start preparing omelet pao as the extended weekend sets in with the rains.