Visa collection time

It was collection time for the passports on Friday and the reality that we're off to India in less than a month final kicks in.

This time around there were no funny incidents like the random sitting behind us explaining what an official bank statement looks like, and freely showing Hugo and me his bank balance....why?...it was a healthy 9 grand if you want to know.

The route is planned and we're having a look into accommodation for Goa over the Christmas period as I nurse a hangover on Sunday afternoon. We've spoken to a number of people about the best spot and it seems that most people favour the south of Goa around the Palolem beach area (please do feel free to send more info through or top tips to help).

Apparently there is a bar called Fernandes or Fernandos , which rounds up the locals and tourists for a spot of cricket on the beach when the tide is out. No doubt we'll be able to show off our cricketing skills in the sunshine. Let's see if the Hugster can actually get bat onto ball!

The Lonely planet and rough guides are getting a good workout and am absorbing as much info as possible. Here's to the start of a new week and the continuing countdown.........