Goa...Goa...Gone

I'm sitting and listening to the waves.
The open-air restaurant sits, framed by palm trees, at the edge of the Arabian Sea.

I've finished my book, the 3rd in a series...the story is over.
I watch as the only Indian family left on the beach plays in the waves.
I've taken the last sip of my watermelon juice.
I watched as the last of the sun seems to have hidden itself behind the clouds.

I've been to Panji, Maradem Beach, Congulate beach, Baga Beach, Margao, and Palolem Beach - the last is where I still find myself, though time is running out.

Lonely planet said this is one of the most postcard perfect beaches in India.
The guy at Baga beach said there was nothing to see here.
The kind women on the beach lured me to their "shops" and told me they hadn't made a sale in 2 weeks.
The Tuk Tuk driver told me the last bus was at 5pm.

I've come, I've seen, and now it's almost time to go...

You know when  you're a kid and your mom tells you to get out if the pool, cause it's time, cause she said so, cause your lips are blue...?

I arrived after an epic 1.5 hr Tuk Tuk ride through rain and darkness, after two bus rides, after a plane and a taxi ride with and Austrian and four more local buses.
I arrived to find the place I wanted to stay was closed for the season - like much of Goa.
I arrived and happened upon a guy who happened to have a guesthouse with good wifi.
I arrived in my room 15 minutes before the interview.

I came to Goa and it was pouring down rain. I guess it had been raining for 5 days straight.
I came to Goa , lucked out and got two sunny days.
I came to Goa because my friend Pegah insisted on it.
I came to Goa and wish I had brought Patrice with me.

I'm glad I came.
It really is beautiful here - and peaceful in the off season.

I'm not ready to go...to leave Goa...not just yet. 

But it's almost gone.

After the 14 hr night train I will find myself in Kerala and on to the next adventure...
Goa will be in the rearview mirror.

But not yet.
Goa is not gone yet.