In the vibrant city of Antwerp, Belgium, two friends had embarked on an unforgettable journey to the mystical land of Goa, India. Their tales of sandy beaches, lively parties, fellow travelers, and the pulsating beach life had captivated the hearts and minds of everyone in their close-knit community. The promise of adventure and exotic experiences stirred the souls of their friends, and soon enough, plans were hatched to set sail for this faraway paradise.

But before the excitement could truly begin, the practicalities of making such a trip a reality had to be tackled. Jobs were sought and work was done diligently, all in the pursuit of gathering enough funds to afford the plane tickets and expenses for this once-in-a-lifetime escapade.
The days of anticipation turned into weeks, and suddenly, the departure date was upon us.
With a mixture of exhilaration and nervousness, our group of friends found ourselves at the airport in Amsterdam, ready to board a plane bound for India. The hours in the air were filled with bubbling excitement and thoughts of the unknown that awaited us in this exotic land. India, with its rich culture and diverse landscapes, was a world apart from the familiar Northern European surroundings we had grown accustomed to.
As we touched down at the bustling Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Bombay (now Mumbai), the reality of their journey hit us like a wave. As we disembarked from the airplane, the rich tapestry of scents and aromas from another culture enveloped our senses, immediately signalling that we had left Europe behind and entered a world of vibrant difference. The tropical air wrapped around us, the temperature hovering at a balmy 30 degrees Celsius or more, making us aware that we were far from the cool European climate we were accustomed to. As we queued up for the border check, the police officers here appeared entirely distinct from those we had encountered back in Antwerp. Sporting distinctive moustaches and dressed in light-colored uniforms, some of them carried bamboo sticks that measured at least a meter in length. We navigated past the stern officer who meticulously examined and stamped our passports, stepping into the bustling main hall of Bombay Airport.

The airport was a frenetic melting pot of humanity, where people of diverse backgrounds and cultures intermingled. The sensory overload was overwhelming – the cacophony of voices, the incessant traffic, the colorful shops, the myriad of impressions, and even the cows and other animals roaming freely amidst the chaos.
However, amidst this whirlwind of chaos and sensory overload, we did feel a sense of adventure and exhilaration. We knew that our next leg of the journey would take us to Goa, the very place that had captivated our dreams for so long.
After departing from the airport, we instinctively gravitated towards the more seasoned travellers who seemed to know the lay of the land. With their guidance, we embarked on a mission to secure a bus to Goa, nourishing food, refreshing drinks, and a place to rest before our journey continued. Following their lead, we ventured into the bustling streets of Bombay, a maze of colorful markets, aromatic food stalls, and the rhythmic chaos of city life. The prospect of our impending adventure to Goa was made even more exciting as we explored the vibrant streets, eager to savour every moment of this exotic experience.
We embarked on the arduous but thrilling bus journey to Goa. It was a ride filled with anticipation and wonder as we gazed out of the windows, taking in the ever-changing scenery. We passed through bustling villages, lush green landscapes, and winding coastal roads that hinted at the paradise that awaited us.
As the bus rolled closer to the destination, the excitement grew stronger. We could hardly contain their anticipation, knowing that the golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and the unforgettable experiences of Goa were just a few hours away. This was the beginning of an adventure that would shape their lives and create memories to last a lifetime.
Peter Goa 2000
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