I live in Goa, advantages and disadvantages of Goa, blog about India

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Goa

Gather 'round, folks, as I regale you with tales of my escapades in India's tiniest state, Goa! Picture this: I've been kicking back in this tropical paradise for over three years, soaking up the sun and dodging coconut trees. I've made it my mission to uncover all the quirks and perks of life here, one beach at a time. After packing my bags and saying goodbye to Delhi (where I survived for over two years), I set up camp by the Colva Benaulim beach. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it!










Admit it, at least once you've fantasized about ditching everything to live in a tropical paradise, where palm trees are your neighbors and the beach is practically your backyard, right? Or maybe you're plotting your great escape to retire in a blissful, exotic haven? Or perhaps you're just so done with your job that you're ready to hibernate somewhere sunny for a bit?




In this blog post I will try to show you all the pros of living in so called paradise as well as its cons which you may think they don't exist. You can judge yourself if life in a place like Goa is just for you.


1. Variety of beaches, beach shacks, and other attractions

Welcome to the land of endless sandy stretches and sun-kissed fun! This state is like the buffet of beaches—there's something for everyone, whether you're an Indian tourist, a non-Indian tourist, or just a tourist in denial. Goan beaches are the ultimate playgrounds for relaxation, socializing, and pretending you're an Olympic athlete. Fancy a romantic sunset stroll or an early morning jog that makes you question your life choices? Or maybe you prefer to ride a bike along a shore that seems to stretch into infinity? Swimming, diving, and water sports are all on the menu too. Each beach has its own personality: some are as peaceful as a cat napping in the sun, while others are as lively as a squirrel on espresso. The choice is yours—pick your perfect sandy spot for holidays or a new address.





Plus, there are a ton of beach shacks with vibes so chill they could put a penguin to shame, serving up scrumptious seafood and Indian specialties that won't break the bank. You can chow down at sunrise, swing by for a midday munch or a cheeky beer, then kick back and take a dip. Each shack comes equipped with beach beds where you can sprawl out like a sunbathing starfish :


In Goa there are also plenty of tourist attractions like: Anjuna flea markets on Wednesday, Night Market in Arpora, visiting Dudhsagar waterfall, going on a tour around southern and northern beaches, going by cruise on Sal river, sightseeing of the capital of Goa or Old Goa.

2. Nutritive food, healthy life in the harmony with nature

Aside from the delightful munchies you can snag at those charming little shacks, you can also score a cornucopia of health-boosting veggies and mouth-watering fruits like mangoes, grapes, pomegranates, bananas, dragon fruits, jack fruits, melons, and more at your friendly neighborhood greengrocers'. Most of these goodies are fresh off the vine and blissfully free from pesky chemicals. You’ll feel like a superhero munching on these top-notch, healthy treats!





In lots of spots or down by the beach, you can snag fish and prawns fresh off the boat—talk about seafood express! Meanwhile, other stands are practically giving away sugar cane juice and coconut water for peanuts. Stick to a good diet and keep active, and you'll be so healthy that doctors will start sending you "We miss you" cards. In Goa, I’m not even sure what a doctor looks like because I'm hardly ever under the weather!





If you're dreaming of living in harmony with nature, Goa is your paradise! Picture this: you, in a cozy beach hut or a house wrapped in palm trees, with the ocean serenading you and birds auditioning for "Goa's Got Talent" right outside your window. It's no wonder folks are bending and stretching in yoga poses all around—whether on the beach or their terrace, the setting is so perfect even your downward dog might start wagging its tail!














In Goa, it's like time decided to take a vacation too. It slows down, takes a nap, then suddenly remembers it left the stove on and speeds up, only to chill out again. Deadlines and schedules? Never heard of 'em! Life here is as laid-back as a cat in a sunbeam, and nobody's in a hurry to get anywhere. You can kick back, relax, and wave goodbye to city worries. Who knew simple tasks could be so complicated?


Here everything what you need to survive is within walking distance: variety of local shops, restaurants, chemists, cafes, beach shacks, and entertainment places. There are also plenty of dental offices, doctor offices and beauty saloons. You feel you finally have more time for daily activities which makes you more motivated and inspired.
The rat race doesn't exist due to lack of corporate companies and the character of the place. People focus more on socializing and enjoying themselves rather than working and beating the competition. It doesn't mean that people don't work here or don't want to make money, people have a different approach to work issues and time.







3. Life is a Breeze Here

Forget the city hustle and bustle! Here, all you need is a trusty pair of flip flops, a comfy dress, a breezy top, or a pair of shorts. The weather's as predictable as your favorite sitcom rerun, so wave goodbye to those endless shoe styles and the four-season wardrobe circus. Socks, jackets, sweaters, and coats? More like relics of a bygone era!

Makeup? Who needs it when it's hotter than a jalapeño out here? Plus, a sun-kissed glow does wonders for your look, as long as you're not auditioning for the role of a lobster. The humidity is like a free spa treatment for your skin, keeping it as moisturized as a well-watered plant. And if you're in the mood for a massage, just stroll over to the beach shack—no appointment necessary. Paradise found!









4. Friendly atmosphere and people

No matter where you wander, you'll bump into cheerful folks ready to chat your ear off with delightful small talk. The vibe here is so positive, it’s like being wrapped in a cozy blanket of good vibes. Sure, a few people might try to sell you a souvenir or two, but that doesn’t stop them from being as friendly as a puppy at a park. Feel free to say no to buying that questionable street food; nobody’s going to chase you down the street. People just flash you a smile, and that’s the norm around here!










5. Entertainment

In Goa, the entertainment options are as abundant as coconuts on a palm tree! Karaoke bars, live music joints, night clubs, and casinos are all ready to rock your socks off. If you're a party animal or a trance music enthusiast, head north to places like Baga or Calangute beach, where the beats never sleep. But if you're more of a chill-out-on-the-beach-with-a-coconut type, the south is calling your name with spots like Colva beach or Palolem beach. Alcohol in Goa is as cheap as chips, which is why Indian tourists flock here like seagulls to a picnic. Especially those from places where partying costs an arm and a leg (looking at you, Delhi and Mumbai) or where alcohol is as rare as a snowstorm (hello, Gujarat). Goa has night clubs that won't break the bank and exclusive clubs that might require you to sell a kidney. Choose wisely!








6. Climate and weather is rather friendly

Goa might have a reputation for being hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna, but fear not, dear tourists! The weather is actually quite friendly, like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. You'll spot plenty of senior citizens chilling here, perfectly acclimated to the Goan vibes. If you're not a fan of turning into a human popsicle, just dive into a beach shack or lounge in the shade. The beach comes with a complimentary sea breeze that keeps things cool and prevents you from melting. Plus, air conditioning and ceiling fans are practically the national pastime here, offering sweet relief during the day. As the sun sets, the locals emerge like nocturnal creatures to catch the sunset and enjoy dinner, with shops, bars, and restaurants open till the wee hours.

The pre-monsoon period, from March to May, is when Goa turns up the heat, hitting a sizzling 35/36 °C (95/97 °F). But hey, it's not as scorching as other parts of India. The heat makes a comeback post-monsoon in October and November, with temperatures reaching 34/35 °C (93/95 °F). Winter, from December to February, is all about hot and sunny days. And let's not forget the monsoon season, starting mid-June and wrapping up in October. Sure, July might have you thinking you're in a water park, but it's worth it for the lush, blooming nature and a well-deserved break from the tourist hustle. Just wait patiently for the rain to take a breather.






Let's Dive into the Not-So-Perky Side of Goa

1. Power Cuts Galore Ah, Goa! Where the power cuts are as frequent as the waves on the beach. If you're a digital nomad or just someone who enjoys a cool breeze from the AC, these outages might make you want to pull your hair out. Thankfully, these hiccups are usually brief (just a few minutes), but brace yourself once or twice a year during monsoon season when a two-day blackout can make you feel like you're living in the Stone Age. Solution: Get yourself a power inverter! It's like a superhero, but it won’t save you from the long power cuts.

2. Bureaucracy, or as We Call It, the Paperwork Maze Bureaucracy in India is like a never-ending treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you find frustration. Extending your visa or dealing with other paperwork? Get ready for a rollercoaster of office visits, phone calls, and questions that make you question your life choices. You might even have to travel to Mumbai for a resident card. It's a unique experience, thanks to some clerks who think they're auditioning for a power-abusing movie role. But fear not! The online reservation system is here to save the day... eventually.

3. The Quest for Specialists and Shops Need a wizard to fix your computer or a magic shop to find quality electronics? Welcome to the quest! Specialists are as rare as unicorns because most have galloped off to places like Mumbai or Bangalore. But don't worry, make a few friends, and you'll soon discover the secret network of helpers. And for those hard-to-find items, online shopping is your trusty sidekick, ready to deliver goodies to your doorstep.

4. Job Hunting: The Ultimate Challenge If you're not an English retiree, a remote worker, or running your own empire, finding a job in Goa might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The lack of work permits adds an extra layer of fun to this adventure.

5. Monsoon Season: Love It or Leave It Monsoon season in Goa is like marmite; you either love it or you don't. For some, it's a refreshing break from the heat and tourists. For others, it's a cue to escape to Europe. Raincoats become your best friend, and the beach looks like it's taken a day off. But fear not, there are sunny days in August and September where you can frolic on the beach or visit permanent shacks. Places like Palolem, Colva, and Baga stay lively, so there's always something happening.

During this rainy extravaganza, Indian tourists flock to Goa, making it a prime time to snag hotel deals and soak in the lush, green scenery. Riding a bike or scooter through the rain-soaked landscape is like starring in your own adventure movie!

To sum it up, living in Goa is like sipping a piña colada on a sunny beach—pretty darn delightful, even if there are a few pesky seagulls around. Sure, those seagulls might be a big squawking nuisance for some, but hey, the living standards here are climbing faster than a coconut tree climber! With more folks flocking here like it's the latest beach party, the future's looking brighter than a Goan sunset. So, if you're pondering a move to Goa and have some cash to keep the party going, just shout a big, enthusiastic YES to Goa!