Living in India is a growth experience. I have lived in Germany, Mexico, and the USA, of course, but living in India is like no other. From my experience, Goa is the most livable part of India for Westerners. The Portuguese colonized it in the mid-1400's, and it did not join India as a state until 1961. The architecture, the names, the way of dress, and the city planning are very much Western in origin. The people are more accepting of foreigners and of other religions and ways of thinking. About 40% of the population is Catholic, and their thinking is more progressive.
Since 2006, I have lived in 3 apartments in 2 different cities. I'm starting to feel very much at home here. Having some close Indian women friends certainly helps. They are my source of real information, like where to shop, how to do things, where to go. Read about it.
My Life in Goa
North or South Goa?
North and South Goa are naturally divided by the Mandovi River. Panjim, the capital, is located here. The city is laid out in the Portuguese manner, with lots of squares, white-washed walls, red tile rooves, and pretty landscaping. It's much different from any other capital city in India.
North Goa is known for hosting individual travelers and backpackers. Calangute is the main tourist beach town, crammed with hotels, restaurants, taxis, shops, and hawkers. Some of the best and worst of Goa is all right here. The famed markets are in the North...Saturday Night Bazaar in Calangute, Friday market in Mapusa, and the Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market. These markets are famed for their wonderful tourists goods, bedcovers, clothes, shawls, jewelry, and on and on. The aging hippies, who came to Goa in the '60's, stayed and set up their shops in these markets, selling their handcrafts. You have never seen so many dreadlocks, tatooes, and body piercings all in one place as here. The vendors are as interesting, if not more so, than their wares. North Goa is busy, congested, and place to be if you like excitement.
South Goa is known for calm, quiet beaches, less traffic, smaller towns, and 5 star hotels. These luxury resorts cater to the charter tourist, and most of these tourists stay at the hotel to enjoy the amenities.The beaches here are quieter and more private. Colva Beach is another tourist town here, much smaller and calmer than
Calangute. It is about 5 miles to Margao, the largest city in South
Goa. There are still good real estates purchases to be made here. If you like it calm and relaxed, South Goa is the place for you.
Goa Rental Agents
I'm still in the process of finding good rental agents. There are lots of them, but I want to find someone reliable and honest. I'm looking around.
Goa Rental Agents
New Delhi Rental Agents
As I travel this year in India, I will be adding rental agents in various cities, especially New Delhi. There is a large American community living in Delhi, but I'm not familiar with them yet. Give me a little time.
