Spice up your life in incredible India -2

Bus ride to Panaji

We boarded an old rickety bus on our way to the state’s slightly sleepy capital, an hour’s drive from Goa. We marveled at the sights as we viewed old structures of houses, with red-tiled roofs. We were traveling for more than two freaking hours, wondering on where the driver was taking us. Turns out that the driver thought we wanted to savor the sights that he took us to the long route, even though our windows were already clouded from the incessant rain. All we wanted was to shop for peanuts and Indian trinkets. We finally arrived but only had 30 minutes to go around.

My Singaporean friend, Belinda, scampered to the Benetton store and bought some because it’s much cheaper than buying back home. I was like, wow, we’ve traveled long miles just to buy Benetton in India.

I left our group and scoured for stores that were selling pashmina and cashmere shawls. I passed by small stores selling nuts for 150 rupees. The stores were similar to that in Ongpin--small, dingy and crowded. I went inside one that sells authentic Indian threads. A lush red and yellow artfully decorated sarong caught my eye. But 950 rupees was too steep for me. I searched and landed in an obscure store selling silver accessories. Inge bought two silver anklets for 150 rupees while I checked a pendant with a picture of an Indian governor. I walked back to the bus while savoring the sights of Panaji as the rain drizzled on my weary face. Majority of the Indian women still wore their saris. Most of the people rode on their motorcycles and bicycles. The place, with its touch of nostalgia, provided a soothing effect on my frazzled nerves.

Back at the hotel, I had my first real aromatherapy massage for 1,000 rupees. It was worth it as Nutan, a 21-year-old masseuse at the fitness center, lulled me to sleep with her mixture of olive pomace oil, rosemary, jasmine and double-filtered KLF coconut oil. Good for the skin and stupendously relaxing as I hummed to the soothing jazz music playing. I even forgot to feel conscious when she asked me earlier to strip naked.

The following night, we headed off to Martin’s Corner Restaurant, a 15-minute bus ride from the hotel. We ate spicy shrimp and chicken to our hearts’ content. My nose and cheeks were all red but who cares? After that, it was Indian dancing all night long. My Indian friend, Seta, felt bad because we haven’t really experienced India--the lavish festivals--or experienced actual marriages where everyone is welcomed to attend--due to limited time. Nevertheless, we contended ourselves with lively Indian dancing and eating.

More shopping in Mumbai

Back in Mumbai, we headed to the only Catholic church in Bandra, St. Andrew’s Church. Fronting the Indian Sea, it is situated in a predominantly Catholic area. We lighted some candles and I thanked God for my good opportunity to visit India.

Afterward, it’s last-minute shopping for us at Bandra. It’s a crazy place, where stalls are placed beside the road while cars and motorcycles zoom past you at a frenzied rate.

We headed to a store selling pashminas in pastel colors with tasseled ends. Prices started at 1,000 rupees. Cashmere in dark colors with hand sewn flower and ethnic designs was sold for 300. My friends were frantically buying while I searched for that one design that would rock my world. No such luck.

Seta haggled for the slippers I was eyeing, displayed near the road. It’s 250 rupee each but eventually the hawker agreed on 150.

"Madam, you might be interested to buy this, too." He was showing me slippers with red tassels at its pointed ends. Ali Baba and his 40 thieves might be more interested to buy these, I thought.

We headed back to the car but crossing the street proved to be one crazy act as cars zoomed from all directions. It’s each one protecting one’s life as we crossed the street. It’s off to the airport for us.

Loving India

Mumbai and Goa are safe and charismatic destinations that fully reward exploration. Despite the British influence, religion still seeps in every facet of the Indian life, which define the nation’s identity. Wouldn’t it be cool if we still wore our baro’t saya every day? Alanis Morissette once claimed that her visit to India had the most profound impact on her. She even wrote a song, "Baba."

Although I didn’t make any spiritual transformation, I feel blessed and enriched in experiencing Indian culture, even just for five days. On my next visit, I’ll definitely visit the Taj Mahal in Abra and pose just like the late Princess Diana near the pond. But for now, any tips in curing a red, puffy nose from too much eating of spicy food?