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Goa off the beaten path, Whole Goa in One Day!

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Usually when we talk about Goa we refer to warm sea, pristine beaches, clear and sunny sky and lots of tourists from around the world relaxing and enjoying together with their family or loved ones. However, this time when I was in Goa for nearly two weeks, my Russian friend came up with an idea to further explore Goa in one day away from the beaches. She came across one Russian travel agency operating in Goa “tvoy Goa” and there we saw a tour package of Complete Goa in one day. In no time, we booked with the agency.

Their office was in Candolim, where we stayed. The place is a mini Russia in itself. The office was also giving a complete feel of a Russian office. Everything was written in Russian; receptionist, managers and all employees were Russian. It was strange and funny that to see India, I was with a Russian tour agency with my friend and her mother. They were accepting fees in US Dollars but I am glad that for me they accepted Indian Rupees as well.

Whole Goa in One Day!

The Complete Goa in One day package included a visit to Temple of Sri Mahalasa, Dudhsagar Falls, Spice plantation garden, Lunch, and Old Goa in the respective order.

Our Russian guide greeted us as soon as our trip started. After 2-3 minutes of talking, she realized I am a non-Russian and her quick question was “vse govarit po russky?” (Does everyone speak in Russian?) We all responded with yes, and she was surprised with my presence and my Russian language. Throughout the way, she was introducing the group to Indian culture, some common myths and beliefs about the Indian society and I was there to help if she needed clarification. The bus became a platform for intellectual discussion on Indian culture with everyone participating and asking questions out of their curiosity and observations.

Passing through the serene roads accompanied by the green trees and zigzagging through the Goan territory, we reached Sri Mahalasa temple. It was like seeking blessing of the goddess Mahalasa, Mohini avatar of Vishnu, before continuing with journey. The temple was shifted from the Velha conquistas (Saxty/salcette) to avoid destruction during the forcible Christianisation of Salcette, Goa.  The temple boasts a magnificent deepastambha and a holy pond. Visitors cannot go with swimsuits inside and need to cover their sleeves up to the half-length and legs up to the knees. Footwear need to be removed outside the temple. Taking picture of the front view of the temple is not allowed. However, you can take pictures in the other areas of the temple.

mahalasa-temple Whole Goa in One Day

deepastambha mahalasa-temple Whole Goa in One Day

The next stop in our trip was of course, Doodhsagar falls. I would say this was the main highlight of the trip, and it is not in Goa, :P but in the adjacent state of Karnataka. Last time I came here when I was studying in Bangalore. We trekked along the railway tracks and the view was much better from there. You could actually see the fall very close on a height! The name Doodhsagar came from Sanskrit. It is made up of two words, Doodh (milk) and sagar (sea) so you can guess why it is called so.

Private vehicles cannot go up to the waterfall. We had to get down and take a safari jeep provided by the administration whose fees was included in the tour package. As soon as you get down from the bus, number of local people will come to sell bananas and tomatoes to you for feeding the monkeys. I have fed monkeys a lot, it is quite dangerous and I do not find it exciting anymore. However, I bought it because my friend wanted to. I was unaware of the fact that feeding monkeys was illegal there and we cannot take any eatables inside. At the entrance of the protected area, government officials started checking our bags, though they were not so strict. They were asking politely and as polite was the response from all the fellow Russian tourists, “no, we do not have any bananas.”

From that point, it took another 45 minutes to reach the falls through unmetalled roads and crossing rivers that filled water up to our feet in the jeep. As soon as we got down, I was surprised to see everyone taking out bananas and feeding the monkeys. I was laughing because I thought only Indians do such things, breaking the rules! Probably it is the effect of extra freedom, which Russians enjoy now, after the 74 years long strict soviet rule!

After getting down from the jeep we still had to make our way to the fall, which required crossing fast-flowing mountainous rivers with the help of the rope and climbing small rocks. It was not as difficult as it sounds; people belonging to all age groups were doing it smoothly. Helping my friend and her mom cross all the hurdles, I started helping fellow tourists to cross whether I knew them or not. Girls, boys, men, women, babushki (grannys) and kids, I cannot remember how many people I pulled and guided or lifted to make them reach safe place. It was a bit strange for me, as men in Russia have to serve the army compulsory for one year; I assumed that it would be very easy for them, but I felt as if it was something new for them, and I had to guide them and pull them the same way.

Doodhsagar-fall The next stop in our trip was of course, Doodhsagar falls. I would say this was the main highlight of the trip, and it is not in Goa, :P but in the adjacent state of Karnataka. Last time I came here when I was studying in Bangalore. We trekked along the railway tracks and the view was much better from there. You could actually see the fall very close on a height! The name Doodhsagar came from Sanskrit. It is made up of two words, Doodh (milk) and sagar (sea) so you can guess why it is called so.  Private vehicles cannot go up to the waterfall. We had to get down and take a safari jeep provided by the administration whose fees was included in the tour package. As soon as you get down from the bus, number of local people will come to sell bananas and tomatoes to you for feeding the monkeys. I have fed monkeys a lot, it is quite dangerous and I do not find it exciting anymore. However, I bought it because my friend wanted to. I was unaware of the fact that feeding monkeys was illegal there and we cannot take any eatables inside. At the entrance of the protected area, government officials started checking our bags, though they were not so strict. They were asking politely and as polite was the response from all the fellow Russian tourists, “no, we do not have any bananas.”  From that point, it took another 45 minutes to reach the falls through unmetalled roads and crossing rivers that filled water up to our feet in the jeep. As soon as we got down, I was surprised to see everyone taking out bananas and feeding the monkeys. I was laughing because I thought only Indians do such things, breaking the rules! Probably it is the effect of extra freedom, which Russians enjoy now, after the 74 years long strict soviet rule!  After getting down from the jeep we still had to make our way to the fall, which required crossing fast-flowing mountainous rivers with the help of the rope and climbing small rocks. It was not as difficult as it sounds; people belonging to all age groups were doing it smoothly. Helping my friend and her mom cross all the hurdles, I started helping fellow tourists to cross whether I knew them or not. Girls, boys, men, women, babushki (grannys) and kids, I cannot remember how many people I pulled and guided or lifted to make them reach safe place. It was a bit strange for me, as men in Russia have to serve the army compulsory for one year; I assumed that it would be very easy for them, but I felt as if it was something new for them, and I had to guide them and pull them the same way.

This day gave me an unforgettable moment as I lost my slippers in an attempt to support my friend and save my mobile while crossing the river with the help of the rope. From that point, I walked barefoot throughout the trip: in the jungle, in the garden, on the streets and in the church. The result was red feet due to excessive acupressure by mother earth!

Our next stop was spice plantation garden. It was like a forest where you could see spices growing. It is an interesting place if you want to know a little more about the common spices that you include in your food daily. However, for an Indian there is not anything new. :) Nevertheless, it is a good concept to introduce foreign tourists to Indian spices and their richness. We were provided lunch in traditional Indian style on Banana leaf; tea and Goan feni (local alcohol) was served right on the table. I was having a friendly conversation with the guide when a group of girls came and occupied seats next to me, everyone was curious to know what was there on their plate. It was interesting to see that whenever we had free time, the conversation took a spiritual and intellectual turn. No matter if you visit Goa or Varanasi, if you came to India you will not go without taking some spiritual lessons from this ancient country.

spice-plantation-garden-goa This day gave me an unforgettable moment as I lost my slippers in an attempt to support my friend and save my mobile while crossing the river with the help of the rope. From that point, I walked barefoot throughout the trip: in the jungle, in the garden, on the streets and in the church. The result was red feet due to excessive acupressure by mother earth!  Our next stop was spice plantation garden. It was like a forest where you could see spices growing. It is an interesting place if you want to know a little more about the common spices that you include in your food daily. However, for an Indian there is not anything new. :) Nevertheless, it is a good concept to introduce foreign tourists to Indian spices and their richness. We were provided lunch in traditional Indian style on Banana leaf; tea and Goan feni (local alcohol) was served right on the table. I was having a friendly conversation with the guide when a group of girls came and occupied seats next to me, everyone was curious to know what was there on their plate. It was interesting to see that whenever we had free time, the conversation took a spiritual and intellectual turn. No matter if you visit Goa or Varanasi, if you came to India you will not go without taking some spiritual lessons from this ancient country.

In the spice garden you can see elephants, ride on them or bath with them as elephants splash water on you from their trunks. Interesting, isn’t it? My friend and I decided to take a ride on the elephant. It was for 600 rupees each (not included in the package) for a quiet small ride.

Our last stop was Old Goa where we visited some of the most magnificent churches of Goa and Asia. Cathedral of St. Catherine is the biggest church in Asia. The cathedral is known for its Golden bell, which is biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. Once sounded, the vibration of the bell can be heard as far as 14 Km! The church belongs to 16th century, which was the time when Europeans started forced Christianisation of India. We also visited Basilica of Bom Jesus, which has the relics of the Apostle of India, St. Francisco Xavier. He is known as the most successful catholic missionary in the world in the history of Christianity.

cathedral-of-st.-catherine-goa In the spice garden you can see elephants, ride on them or bath with them as elephants splash water on you from their trunks. Interesting, isn’t it? My friend and I decided to take a ride on the elephant. It was for 600 rupees each (not included in the package) for a quiet small ride.  Our last stop was Old Goa where we visited some of the most magnificent churches of Goa and Asia. Cathedral of St. Catherine is the biggest church in Asia. The cathedral is known for its Golden bell, which is biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. Once sounded, the vibration of the bell can be heard as far as 14 Km! The church belongs to 16th century, which was the time when Europeans started forced Christianisation of India. We also visited Basilica of Bom Jesus, which has the relics of the Apostle of India, St. Francisco Xavier. He is known as the most successful catholic missionary in the world in the history of Christianity.

It was evening already and our guide gave us options whether if we want to visit a museum or want to go back home. All of us were filled with excitement and emotions, but we were tired. We decided to return, my feet were red, with impressions of stones and rough surfaces of forest, roads and grasses. Nevertheless, I did not care, as I was lost in the bliss that Goa gave. Our guide on the way home was telling more about Indian mythology and I was lost somewhere. My friend was cutely sleeping with her head resting on the window and her mom was smiling. There was silence in the bus, not because we were tired, but we were saving the memories of the day. Thanks to Goa, thanks to tvoy goa and thanks to the guide Elena for making the day perfect!

Tvoy goa (Your Goa) is a Russian tour agency operating in Goa. Eh! you would be thinking that I am crazy. Nevertheless, the rates were reasonable, probably because it was not a British company! You can get further 5% discount if you book from their website. Children get additional 50% discount and payment can be done after the trip. Tourists, whether they have been to India or not, often have some myths about Indian culture, Indian society and religion; here is the list of top ten myths about India compiled by our Russian journalist from St. Petersburg. It is our personal recommendation for you and clear your doubts about India. :)

Your Turn!

Have you ever been to goa? Where did you go and what did you do? Share your experience, your views and tips in the comments below. Our team of international journalists would love to have discussion with you. And do not forget to share and follow us on your favourite social networking site :)

Sanskar Shrivastava is the founder of international students' journal, The World Reporter. Passionate about dynamic occurrence in geopolitics, Sanskar has been studying and analyzing geopolitcal events from early life. At present, Sanskar is a student at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture and will be moving to Duke University.

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Discover the finest tours across Morocco: an adventure oasis

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Morocco is a North African country renowned for its contrasts and many wonders. Its territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Moreover, it boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years and a culture that intertwines Berber people, Arab heritage, and French influence. 

If you’re in search of Morocco desert tours that allow you to explore and experience unforgettable adventures in the country, the options are as diverse as its landscapes. You can immerse yourself in the impressive urban landscape of Fez, savour the exquisite cuisine of Marrakech, relax on the coasts of Essaouira, and, of course, journey through the Sahara Desert via various tours, which will also invite you to explore numerous cities and towns of Morocco, and indulge in unique activities. If you’re keen to discover more about the desert tours that Morocco has to offer, this article will introduce you to some of the finest.

Tours from Marrakech to the desert

From the vibrant city of Marrakech, you can find numerous tours departing towards the desert, promising to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the most popular Marrakech desert tours is the trip to the Zagora desert, which over two days allows you to explore the High Atlas. 

Here, you can admire landscapes of breathtaking beauty and visit Berber villages that reflect their culture and origins to the teeth. Upon arriving in Zagora, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels at sunset, followed by a cosy night under the stars in a traditional camp. 

If you’re seeking an even deeper and comprehensive experience, you can also undertake three-day tours from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, which give you the chance to explore the popular Erg Chebbi dunes, as well as including visits to historic kasbahs, fertile valleys, and allowing you to observe the interesting local life in the oases.

Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Merzouga is also the perfect starting point for a Camel trekking Morocco, thanks to its spectacular sand dunes. Through this activity, you can experience nomadic life, trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes, known to be the highest in Morocco. 

At the same time, you can opt for a one-night camel excursion, where you’ll enjoy the sunset in the desert, a traditional dinner around a campfire, and a night in a Berber tent. Then, upon awakening, you’ll witness the tranquillity and beauty that can only be offered by the sunrise in the desert. 

For those more adventurous individuals, there are also options for multi-day trekking, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit numerous nomadic communities and explore the unique geography of the desert. Ultimately, camel trekking tours are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty and simplicity of the Sahara Desert.

Tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert

Fez, the impressive imperial city steeped in history and culture, is another starting point for embarking on a Sahara desert tour. It’s a typical two-day tour that takes you from the antiquity of Fez through the Middle Atlas mountains to the entrance of the desert

Along the way, you can see cedar forests with wild monkeys and the dazzling Ziz Valley. Then, once you’ve reached Merzouga, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a camel ride to the desert camp, where you’ll spend the night. 

On the other hand, tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert also often offer the possibility of visiting local villages and markets, providing you with an authentic insight into desert life. Finally, you’ll have the unforgettable experience of sleeping surrounded by the immensity of the dunes and under the stars of the desert sky.

Whether it’s exploring ancient Berber villages, trekking across towering sand dunes, or experiencing the tranquillity of a desert night under the stars, these tours promise an adventure like no other. Book your Moroccan adventure today and create memories to last a lifetime.

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Discovering Valencia and the Valencian Community: an unforgettable holiday experience

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Valencia, with its Mediterranean charm and a rich history seamlessly intertwined with modernity, stands out as a unique tourist destination in the Valencian Community and one of the main attractions on the entire Iberian Peninsula. Explore everything you can do in this wonderful region, where magic, natural beauty, and culture offer a wide range of options for enjoyment.

Spain is one of the most tourist-oriented countries in the world. Its extraordinary natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, excellent tourist services, and a wide range of entertainment options make it one of the most visited destinations in the European continent. Among the regions and cities that contribute to Spain’s international tourist significance, Valencia, and the entire Valencian Community undoubtedly take the top positions, always preferred by both national and international visitors.

Transport: Essential for your adventure

The first thing to organise before travelling to Valencia is the transportation within the city. Fortunately, there are excellent options to meet all types of needs, preferences, and budgets. A good idea is to use Uber Valencia services, with a broad network of vehicles available from any part of the city, at any time, without restrictions and at quite reasonable prices. It is an efficient, practical, and modern means of transportation accessible through their corresponding mobile application. Who doesn’t know about this extraordinary transportation service in these times?

However, if you enjoy immersing yourself in the daily lives of the city’s residents, you can purchase Valencia bus tickets and explore the city using this comfortable and cheap form of transportation.

The Municipal Transport Company (EMT) Valencia is responsible for providing public transportation services in the city, with high-quality buses perfectly equipped to ensure maximum comfort. Their routes cover not only Valencia but also reach nearby towns such as Alboraya, Alfara del Patriarca, Sueca, Burjassot, Tavernes Blanques, Moncada, Vinalesa, and Sedaví.

Drinking water from the taps

An interesting and significant feature is that Valencia tap water is entirely suitable for human consumption; in other words, it can be consumed directly from the tap without any sanitary risks. Tap water in Valencia undergoes strict quality controls to ensure its potability. Competent authorities constantly supervise the water supply to ensure compliance with the highest standards set by the European Union. Controls include periodic tests to determine the presence of possible contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, harmful residues, and heavy metals. Being in Valencia, you can be confident that tap water is well treated and will not pose any problems.

Shopping: Exploring the best stores

In addition to its fascinating beaches, beautiful tourist sites, modern architecture, historic centres, stunning landscapes, nature, gastronomy, festivals, traditions, and exciting nightlife, Valencia shopping tours are another interesting attraction to explore in this wonderful city.

The majority of shops and shopping centres throughout the Valencian Community are open every day, including Sundays and holidays, ensuring that you can shop whenever your heart desires. Shopping is a relaxing activity that also provides the opportunity to find items and products that may not be available in your hometown.

Valencia boasts stores of the finest trendy brands, modern shopping centres, and complementary services, making any shopping spree an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Valencia and the Valencian Community offer a truly enchanting experience, seamlessly blending the allure of its Mediterranean charm with a rich historical tapestry and modern vibrancy. From efficient transportation options like Uber Valencia to the exploration of the city’s daily life through bus rides, the journey is as convenient as it is immersive. Moreover, the assurance of safe tap water underscores the city’s commitment to quality living. In addition, the vibrant shopping scene, coupled with Valencia’s myriad attractions, ensures that every visit becomes an unforgettable adventure. So, embark on this unique odyssey, where history, culture, and contemporary life converge to create memories that linger long after you’ve bid farewell to this captivating corner of Spain, you won’t regret it. 

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Cheapest place to buy a house abroad

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Buying a house or making investments in development projects was always a great way to access a better life. This can be seen in foreign lands, where families and investors find great opportunities to live or invest —and profit of—. The dominican republic real estate is one of the best ways to do so.

Buying property oversea

Nowadays, many people find that the best way to invest in the real estate business is to look oversea; there are incredible countries and opportunities to get our money’s worth. Between the best places, we can mention the Caribbean shore and, in Europe, the Spanish peninsula —between many others—. These places are beautiful and the respective real estate markets are strong.

Nevertheless, the people who have most success in this area recommend getting a great assessor in property law & investment from the country in which we want to make our investment. The cost of doing so is marginal, but it can help us to avoid any inconvenient or delay in the process.

Which are the best options to buy abroad?

Spain

According to the specialists, Spain can be one of the most attractive places to live and invest. There, the opportunities are bigger and more lucrative, as this country contains some of the most exclusive cultural and historical sites in the world, and is one of the most selected destinations because of his great landscapes and beaches.

The real estate law is especially hard, and requires the listing of a professional that can resolve the different aspects of the purchase. Even more, if we want to invest in an urban project, they bring comfort and security to the process —they are guaranties of the success of our investment—.

Even though the spain real estate business can be complex and overwhelming for someone who doesn’t know the law —many taxes must be pay and there’s an abundance of documentation that must be presented to avoid any inconvenient—, it remains one of the best options to buy abroad.

The Caribbean shores and Dominican Republic

Across the Atlantic, one of the most lucrative and safer investments out there remain in the Caribbean shores; in the Dominican Republic real estate business. If we want to buy a house to live in or if we want to put our savings in a safe and profitable financial instrument, there’s no better place.

Effectively, this country is much cheaper than Spain. This is one of the most important reasons why so many people choose to live there. In the Caribbean, we can find many affordable properties and developments of ever-growing performance in a market of great demand.

There, we can find many properties close to the most incredible shores in the whole continent; even more, the prospect of growth in this market, over the years, will give us a profit over our investment that can’t be match.

Many specialists recommend investing in the Dominican Republic real estate. Then also indicate the benefits of hiring a property law advisor that can provide knowledge and experience in the matter. The cost of doing so is relatively low, and it betters our chances to buy a cheap house abroad.

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