Tom's India Excursion

Dance Stage, Big chill 07

Just coming to the end of an awesome 4 days in Northern Goa. After an early start from Panjim me and Paul travel north to Arambol which acts as a base for the 'Big Chill' Festival.

Arambol is beautiful, everything you'd expect from a Goan beach resort. From my room at the Blue Finn on the north end of the bay i have a unbelieveable view of the beach. A thick forest of palm trees lines the shore, restaurants and shacks litter the beach and the water itself is perfectly warm.

The Blue Finn

The best decision i've ever made was in Arambol. To hire scooters! After a shakie start were cruising the bumby back streets of Goa. I suddenly identify with all those spotty 16yr olds outside 'Maccie D's'. We spend hours racing around, stopping at deserted beaches and soaking up the atmosphere. For the price of a cheap pint in the UK (Rs 150) its well worth investing!

Main stage, Big Chill 07

The Big Chill lasted 2 days, over three stages. The first thing that struck me was the amount of effort that went into the aesthetics. The main stage area was overflowing with every colour you could think off and elaborate 5ft wicker men climbing the palm trees. Some of the musical highlights included Hexstatic, Tom Middleton and Coldcut.

Hexstatic, Big Chill 07

Fire dancers, Big Chill 07

On our final day in Goa me, Paul and Nic (a guy we met at the Big Chill) formed a motorcycle gang and ride the 10 miles to Permen. On the way back Nic took a speed bump too quickly and wiped out. He joined the many other tourists we'd seen over the last few days with bandages from scooter injuries.

All in all i've loved the little part of Goa ive seen, the festival was much needed and much enjoyed. I've vowed to return! Tonight we head to Kochi, in the heart of Kerala