Ashwan beach, Goa

Last updated at 12:28 05 April 2005


I decided that for my 30th birthday I wanted to go to Northern Goa with my friends. Suffering from the January blues, my birthday couldn't have come at a better time.

I turned 30 in a hot country, eating a hot chicken tikka masala with rice and naan topped with a cool beer by the pool. In the evening we partied and danced away until the early hours of the morning.

We stayed in Candalim where the beach was fantastic, but packed. Sunbathing next to a cow wasn't too appealing. Luckily we discovered Ashwan beach, a secluded area of beach, which was captivating.

It was so peaceful with just a handful of people. Just a 45-minute ride, we absorbed the beautiful lush scenery and local village life.

Another magical experience for me was our acquaintance with the elephants. We became familiar with their behaviour by feeding them, playing tug of war with one and washing them as they lazily lay in the river, and in return they showered us with their huge trunks.

The tour involved us camping in a mud hut made out of dung. Not as luxurious as our hotel, but definitely an experience to remember. It took us 45 minutes to actually get into bed because we were too scared to get in, especially after a mouse decided to visit us.

However the next morning we woke up to a spot of yoga outside a historic temple, which was just what we needed after such a rough night.

I truly had the best birthday ever. Would I go back? I'm already planning it for my 31st birthday!

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