Dear Readers,

As I stepped out of Goa airport into the tropical Goan air my heart was filled with joy and I could not stop smiling. Even though it was 2am and I was exhausted after both flights, my love for this place gives me such a high and funnily enough it feels like I never left. 

I am writing to you from my hotel room in Panaji, Goa overlooking the Mandovi River. I accidentally booked a flight arriving a day early so I decided to use those 24 hours to get to know Goa Old town and adjust to the new time schedule. I wore a singlet and long flowy pants but was quickly told to cover my shoulders for the old town as it is a sacred part of Goa and out of respect for their culture. Of course I did not mind at all and should have thought of it myself! Just as we like it when foreigners adapt to our culture when visiting it is important we also respect other cultures when abroad. 

Goa was a Portuguese Colony which is why there are so many Catholic Churches & even a Cathedral as well as so many Hispanic names all over the place. The Indian & Hispanic combination I find totally fascinating, just love how such different cultures work so beautifully together. 

Today however I head off to my favourite yoga retreat in the World, Purple Valley which lies further North in Goa. Looking forward to two intensive weeks of practice & studying with my beloved teacher Laruga Glasser and her wonderful assistants, seeing old faces again & meeting new ones. 

Sending love,

Rebecca