He's living life on his terms. For this I applaud him.

Easy to live life on our own terms when you have money.

Btw, did I ever told you your avatar is awesome?

nope

Money + no kid, no wife, no debt

Zik means well. He is trying to encourage OP to experience more.

People travel in different ways, with different goals.

I know people who only stay in walled resorts and never leave the resort complex, who feel they have really been to whatever country the resort is in.

I know people who only stay in hostels, and spend their entire time with the other people in the hostel, mostly drinking and carrying on.

I know people who go for mid tier accommodation, and pack in as many local tours and experiences as their guidebooks list.

I know people who get 1 year visas, rent a local apartment, get a job, get a gf, and become part of the community for the length of their stay.

There are all kinds of travelers. What is important is not what kind you are. It's that you travel in the first place. So many people never leave their country of origin.

You don't need 500K to travel. And no, I was not bragging. No wife, no kids, no debt ? Right. And ? Is it a crime ? Some people love to have them all. I don't. You can travel with 10k to 20k a year. Many do that. Some are freelances, some others have online business or work in hostels or bar or fields while on the road. It is doable.

Life is not easier because you have 500k. You can be unhappy with money. I'd rather be unhappy rich than unhappy poor ofc, but I'm not on the road because I have money. Plus, shall I recall to the gypsies at the back of the class that I have this money because I sold my appartement and that I sold my appartement because my father died ?

Do'nt you think I would prefer not have those 500k and have my father still alive instead ?

World is huge and I have all my life to travel. So I didnt go to Raj because I was sick ? No big deal, I will see many others things while on the road. Raj will not vanish, it will still be there when I come back some others times.

What counts is that I've not just been a big mouth. How many talk about traveling around the world or doing this or that and always find excuses not to do them ? At least I didnt open my mouth for nothing. I said I would quit everything and travel, and that is exactly what I'm doing. So whatever Im at the hilton, in an hostel, airbnb, or guest houses, doesnt change anything. I've stepped up out of my comfort zone, leaving my job, my friends, my gran mother, and am all by myself in some foreign lands with no intent to go back.

Tried to connect with some couchsurfers to be hosted but got rejected so far. I have no reference so it might not entice people to host me.

lol

I agree with most everything else you said, but this is just pure lol. Life is immeasurably easier with 500k. You don't have to worry about having a place to live when you have 500k. Or having something to eat. Or having car issues. Or having decent clothes. Or feeling forced to work a job you hate. Or having any medical issue short of a catastrophic accident / illness. Or lots of other things.

Doesn't mean it's a guarantee to be happy. But life is a hell of a lot easier with 500k than without it.

I agree on that point. Not having to worry about money is a big plus in one's life.

I am really enjoying your blog. Sorry to interrupt, but I think you are missing the value in the most important lesson here.

Most things are doable if you are healthy enough to do them. Take care of yourself.

Yup health is key. Already discussed about it.
I'm learning while traveling. Am still a baby and have a lot to learn
Thanks for reading the blog !

Life in Agonda and Palolem

Sweet life in Agonda and Palolem. Life in Goa is cool. None of the Indians I’ve been talking to stated any will to move from Goa. “Why would I leave ? It’s so cool here !”.

And actually they are correct. There is no stress in Goa and definitely things are different from Bénarès. No aggressive touts here, no “boat ride ?” fifty times a day or “want some hash ?”, no pollution or filthiness. Weaterh is warmer too without being humid, which was a concern.

I chose to stay in South Goa, wilder and more laid back. All “hippies” (or what is left from them) and tourists go to the Northern part. This is where you have all the trance parties. After being so sick in Varanasi I had to be in a more relaxed place, hence my choice to stay here in the south.

I chose Agonda because I read that beaches were awesome and life very laid back. True statement. Everything is so quiet here. Agonda looks like a beach village with one main road with shops on all sides and the long stretch of beach. Very large with light brown/yellow sands and emerald waters.











As we are in the end of the high season, it is even more quiet than usual. Few tourists and that’s exactly what I was looking for. Prices are not high now and I first paid 16€ for my bungalow before switching for a second place which cost me only 10€ a day. Both being 10m from the beach.

Coming from a city where violence, anger and bitterness are keys, it was quite startling not to have to deal with any of those. And so refreshing.

After a while, I switched to Palolem even more in the south. First time I got there was when I rented a bike in Agonda. Before deciding to move or not there I wanted to have a look at it. Clearly the atmosphere was different. While the beach was still beautiful, there were more people. Not crowded tho but still more activity. At first I didn’t know if this was what I really wanted, but after 5 days in the very quiet Agonda, I made the switch and with no regret.

Life in Palolem is very laid back as well, but you feel less lonely since there are a bit more of people. Indian tourists and some westerners. More activity on the beach and the ‘city’ of Palolem is also a bit more active. Nothing too overwhelming tho which is very nice.

Some pics of Palolem beach :









First time I got to Palolem during that afternoon visit and while I was reaching my scooter to get back to Agonda, I heard a voice call me :

Hey, how’s the been your day ?

Turned my head and saw a white 40 years old female. Kind of former hippie, seated on the ground eating her breakfast. Blonde hair, thin, not really my type. Still chose the polite route :

Fine thanks, I’ve just come here to have an idea about the place.
Where are you coming from ?
Agonda
Nice but too quiet for me ! she said
Yeah, I can relate, hence my visit here
What about having a breakfast tomorrow morning at 10 ?

I was quite surprised by the ease by which she proposed me to join her.

Well, I’m not sure I will be here tomorrow. I still have to pick an accommodation.
You can come to sleep in my place if you want.

Now it was getting weird, and I didn’t really know what her intentions were.

Well, thanks. Still have to look for a place tho.
So, tomorrow at 10am here for the breakfast ?
Can’t say I’ll be here. I’m gonna come for sure but can’t say when
Here, take my card. You have my cell and email
Thanks !
No problem, and enjoy your day ! she said

I went back to Agonda and spent a couple of days there where I met 2 guys from South Africa. Really nice dudes. They live in Johanesburgh and we spoke about their country.

What are you doing here ? one of them asked me
I’m starting a word travel in India
Awsome ! Have you thought about visiting South Africa ?
It’s on my list. Actually I thought about starting there at first before coming here.

He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote something on it.

Hit me up when you come, I’ll show you the city
Thanks buddy, I will.

They were there for 3 or 4 days before going back to SA.

Then I came here in Palolem in a very nice bungalow 20m from the beach. I have all I need here, it’s very relaxed and I only pay 10€ roughly. I wouldn’t like to put more than 20€ a night and the 10-15€ range is ideal.

When I arrived in my guest house here in Palolem I met a Portuguese guy, Francisco.

Where are you from ? he asked
France, but am also Italian. Which side do you prefer ?
Haha, both ! What are you doing here ?
World traveling, starting with India
Gimme five, man ! he said (which I did)

Then he continued :

I used to work in an office in London. Have been doing this **** for 15 years before deciding to throw it all out of the window
What are you doing now ?
I’m a photographer. I travel the world as well.
Oh nice !
Here, take my card. You have my cell and email. If you need anything hit me up !
Thanks, that’s cool

I spend quite some times speaking with locals as well. When I have a drink in a café and that the waiter is bringing me my drink, my usual is :

Are you from Goa ?

Simple yet effective ice breaker. Either he is from Goa and I ask him questions about it, or if he’s coming from another state and is here for work purpose then I question him about the place he’s coming from and various questions about India in general. So far they’ve always appreciated that a westerner gets interested by their life, and happily share stories and tips.

Life here is Goa is very relaxed. Wake up in the morning and have my Cappuccino, or black coffee, or a Chai (depends on my mood) with some nice masala omelet, or double omelet sandwich with brown bread toasts. Wander along the beach and have a swim, relax, hire a scooter to discover the back country, get back to the beach, lunch some indian food or sometimes just some fruit on the beach, have a nap there to the sounds of the waves, another swim, do some business on the internet, walk along the beach, take some cocktain in early evening, go diner, go to bar and speak with locals or tourists, go back to my bungalow, relax, and sleep.

You see, not much stress here. I just enjoy life, with no hassle, no worries. At some point I will hit the road again and do some sight seeings but for now this life is what I enjoy. How long am I going to stay here in Palolem ? Couldn’t say. Couple of days u to a week I think. Then ? Don’t know. Won’t go to the north because too much crowded. Still a shame since this is where the Old goa and its churches are. But 2 hours taxi ride to see a couple of church and stay in some overcrowded beach… hmmm, not sure. Besides and since I plan to keep on moving further to the south, going back and forth from south to north is not very convenient. Something I’m learning while on the road. Next time I will start with north Goa and make my way to the south. But starting directly to the south doesn’t make it releveant to go to the north to get back to the south.

Anyway there was still St Anne's church in Agonda, but unfortunately it was closed.


So I’m considering either going straight to Kochi (13 hours by train from here) and start exploring the Kerala and its backwaters, or go to the Kernataka first which might be quite interesting but a real pain in the ass in term of transportation. So I don’t know yet.

What is certain is that being here in Goa really refuel both my body and mind and allow me to focus on my online activity. I have this blog but also consider starting some online business to sustain me while I’m on the road.

To finish, I’d like to say that I read everywhere that India wasn’t famous for its beach. I strongly disagree. Goa’s beaches has nothing to be ashamed of compared to some Thailand’s beaches and I find the ones here way more interesting and beautiful than some of Koh Samui’s (been there 1,5 year ago).

Other thing to mention is that everyone talks about Goa for his beaches but riding on bike allowed me to see many various kinds of landscape with tropical settings of course but also very arid and Mediterranean ones too, or ponds and rivers or hills.








Oh, and I love those goan houses of every colour ! Here a green one :




Don’t know at what time this article will be published but now it’s 9:30am. Have just finished my my breakfast and am writing this while drinking a wonderful Chai. After that I’m gonna head to the beach and probably rent a scooter to keep on exploring the areas. It’s already warm here and sun is shining.

And you, how’s gonna be your day ?

Is this rhetorical or you really wanna know?

Like being inside a bubble. Far, very far away from the world's problems

nice updates op, keep them coming

+1

Definitely envy OP.

Hopefully doing something similar next year. Want to see how it goes for OP first though.

What specific things are you wondering about? There's quite a few well-traveled 2+2ers around who can shed light on various aspects of extensive travel.

If you want to know how to travel spending far more than $9 a night on accommodation, I'm your man!

I'm not budget traveling anymore guys : I am now, in a bungalow less than 10m away from the beach, and it costs me 13€ish a night (1000 Rs).

Pictures of the beach!

Pics will come on due time

Weird.place now. Dont click that much with it. I'm in some kind of indian's beach version of Bagdad Cafe. There is Nothing here besides the beach. No man's land. Will not stay 1 week here.

Sounds scary.

Are you describing Goa in general, or just the spot you're staying in Goa?

Hello there !

No, just this lattest spot. However, things changed a bit. I've learned to appreciate the place, I will discuss about it in a next article.

No I love Goa, this is so relaxing and people are so nice. Tough to live to be honest. Time is like suspended and you feel like being in a cocoon. I like this feeling, it changes a lot to what I've been accustomed to in Paris. Seriously if one day I go back to France this will be because I HAVE TO. No reason to go back. Can be dificult to be alone and totally free because you can feel lost in your life but I've been handling this possible issue quite well so far.

KOLAM BEACH AND PATNEM BEACH NEAR PALOLEM

Kolam beach, hidden gem near Palolem. As is Patnem beach just a 5 minutes walk froml Kolam.

While staying there and enjoying the place I wanted a small change of scenery so I decided to walk a bit to the extreme south point of the Palolem.

Since the moment I came here, I've been meeting quite some westerners traveling around the world. A dutch quite nice lady who has been on the road for 2 years now, a cool mate from Oz visiting India before going to Nepal and Europe, and 2 jewish dudes from Israel. Goa is like a turning point where globe trotters can meet. It was fun to meet all those people and I realize how many we are to hit the road.

But back to the topic of this article. I decided to walk a bit with the idea to be surprised finding some new places. So I walked for maybe 10 minutes until I reached the 'end' of Palolem beach. There were some stairs that I climbed and eventually found myself on a little road leading I don't know where. I elected to keep on walking this way, not knowing where it would take me.

Blessed be the Lord since I found myself in a stunning little creek. At the time of the video I didn't know what the name of this place was, but after I finished to shoot it and indian male came and tole me that this place was called Kolam Beach.

This place is pure paradise and I stopped there to meditate a bit. This is the 1st footage of the video. Here are some pics :







Then I kept on walking and stumbled upon a nice little cafe overlooking the sea. Had some great times there. The manager tried to sell me one of his appartement and for a very good price actually, but I refused since that I'm feeling real fine where I'm staying in Palolem beach. But clearly this place deserves a shot and who knows, maybe I will go there if I return one day.

A very charming little creek where it's good to spen some times. Very peaceful place :










I've made a quick video about this place and this is the second footage (I blended both videos in one). Hope you will appreciate.







Then I kept on walking and stumbled upon another quiet beach called Patnem. On my way between Kolam and Patnem I could find myself in some gorgeous surroundings :







Reaching Patnem was really nice. A very small beach village with a very local flavour. Few indian shops and something more authentic than in Agonda more tourist oriented. Don't get me wrong, those shops there in Patnem are tourist oriented too, but I don't know, there is some special local flavour which makes the place feel like being more local. Indians are living there and you see many famillies living their life, doing laudry, enjoying some chai, or just sitting on the road reading the newspapers.

The beach by itself is quite wide and way less crowded than in Palolem (which is not that crowded). Westerners who come there do it to enjoy peacefulness and calm.










There were some indian kids playing cricket on the beach and I stayed there for a while just looking at them :





Then I decided to go back to Palolem and was delighted by the landscapes I could see :









Eventually I climbed until some peak point and could see Palolem beach awaiting for me for a good cocktail on the beach :




*********************

Life is so sweet here in Goa, it is pure heaven on earth. You're free to go to the beaches of the north, where all tourists go and all trance parties are. But if you come to south Goa you will have a better vibe of what local Goa is. I don't regret my choice to focus on the southern part of this State and I hope that I can transmit to you a bit of the local feeling here.

Leaving Goa is not going to be simple. Life is too cool here and you have plenty to see and do. You can also just enjoy your days at the beach, cafe, taking some nap, then take another swim and end in one of the many good goanese restaurant enjoying some excellent Goa fish curry or vindaloo.

Life's good here and I'm grateful to Life (with a big "L") to allow me to live those sweet moments.