A day that tested patience, melted us under the Goan sun, and still gave us memories worth keeping
A Late Start & a Morning That Went Wrong
Our Day 3 in Goa started a little later than planned. We stayed in bed longer than usual, enjoying morning bed tea made from the sachets provided in the room. Sitting in the balcony with warm tea, the slow Goan morning felt peaceful—until reality knocked.
A sudden call from our friend came in: “Are you ready?”
We weren’t. At all.
We replied honestly that we were just planning to bathe, cut the call, and rushed to get ready. In that chaos, I went looking for one particular pair of sandals I had planned to wear that day—and that’s when panic quietly entered the room.
They were nowhere.
I searched every corner. Asked my brother. Asked the other couple travelling with us. They searched their rooms too. Nothing. These sandals weren’t just footwear; they were a gift from my mother. Old, not branded, but deeply personal.
They had been carefully wrapped in newspaper, placed inside a paper bag, and tucked under the sofa in the balcony corner. Still—gone.
The Missing Sandals & an Unexpected Lesson
We went down to the reception and explained everything. The staff asked for a description and a photo. I described them as black wedge sandals with a wooden-colored sole. After scrolling endlessly through my phone, I finally found one picture and shared it on WhatsApp.
They assured us not to worry and asked us to have breakfast while they searched the room thoroughly.
But worry doesn’t listen to reassurance.
I barely ate. Everyone kept comforting me, saying the sandals would turn up. After breakfast, we returned to the reception, only to hear the words I was afraid of: they hadn’t found them.
They checked corridor cameras. I sat on the sofa in the reception area, tense and silent. After about 20 minutes, they called us again and showed a paper bag on camera. I immediately confirmed—it was mine.
The cleaning staff had mistakenly taken it as trash.
By then, the garbage had already been transported.
The senior manager and hotel manager spoke to me personally, apologising repeatedly. They offered compensation—free dinner for four and discounts for others. I declined immediately. No dinner could replace a gift from my mother.
Later, one receptionist gently suggested transferring money if I told them the brand. I explained it wasn’t from a brand at all. She showed similar sandals online priced around ₹1000–1500. I just looked at her and said I didn’t want the money.
Some things are close to the heart for reasons money can’t touch.
I told them clearly—please don’t punish the cleaning staff. I had wrapped it so thoroughly that it was easy to mistake it for trash. It was nobody’s intentional fault.
By the time we stepped out, it was already 11:30 AM. We decided to let go and move forward.
Aguada Fort: History Under a Blazing Sun
Our first stop was Aguada Fort, about a 30-minute drive away. The car was parked near the entry gate, but from there, it was all walking under harsh sunlight.
Tickets were ₹30 per person. After some walking, we reached a shaded water tank area and paused for water. Then, more walking uphill until our tickets were checked again and the fort opened up before us.
We crossed a bridge over a large waterway and climbed narrow stairs, following the crowd. Soon, a massive lighthouse-like cylindrical structure appeared. A square pathway circled it, offering views of the sea, roads, and the fort’s exterior walls.
Inside the fort, we saw the famous reddish-painted freshwater reservoir, once the largest of its kind. After exiting through another section that showcased pictures and details of Aguada, we rushed out. The sun was unforgiving.
Across the road, coconut water and lemon water felt like pure relief.
Lower Aguada Fort & Candolim’s Quiet Beauty
Our driver suggested visiting Lower Aguada Fort near Candolim Beach. The walk this time was gentler, shaded by plants. We climbed down wide red-brick steps and reached a circular structure with large windows all around.
We clicked a few quick pictures and ran back to the shade. A vendor nearby sold kaccha aam with salt and fresh fruits—simple, refreshing, and perfect after the heat.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Awe & Silence
Next was the Basilica of Bom Jesus, about an hour away. The approach itself was stunning—clean roads, massive cathedral structures on both sides, and an old-world charm.
Outside, candle sellers crowded us, but we skipped buying any. Inside, the church felt surreal—brick walls, golden altars, angels, pillars, and rows of chairs. It reminded me of the cathedrals described in Ken Follett’s “The Pillars of the Earth.”
For the first time, I saw a church so closely—something I had only seen in movies before. A staff member stopped people from lighting candles inside, and I silently thanked myself for not buying any.
We exited quietly, skipping the documentary screening.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi & Time Slipping Away
Across the road stood the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The walk was long but beautifully maintained with greenery and clean pathways. From afar, the white structure with a faded red roof looked majestic.
Unfortunately, the gates were closed. We clicked pictures from outside and decided to head back—it was already 3:30 PM.
Dona Paula: Views, Crowds & Hunger
By 4 PM, we reached Dona Paula, famous for movie shoots. Parking was far, so again—walking. Cafés and houses lined the way until we reached the viewpoint.
Tickets were ₹50 per person. The bridge stretched over the sea, fenced on both sides. Climbing up to the viewpoint was crowded, but after waiting patiently, we managed to get a corner spot with sea and mountain views. Worth it.
Hunger hit hard. We tried a café—no service. Settled for lemon juice from a nearby shop and finally headed back to the taxi.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church & Dinner Relief
Around 5:54 PM, we reached the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, standing tall amidst crowded markets. White walls with subtle blue accents, staircases leading up, and a calm presence despite the chaos below.
The church was closed, but we clicked pictures and moved on in search of food. That’s when we spotted La Pino’z Pizza. Pizza, garlic bread, and Coke never felt so comforting.
A Temple Visit & Ending the Day Gently
On the way back, our driver stopped at a beautiful Maruti temple, as promised. We removed our shoes, climbed the steps, and took blessings—ending the day with unexpected peace.
By 9 PM, we were back at the hotel. After freshening up, we stepped out again for dinner at Amrut Family Restaurant, sticking to familiar vegetarian food—dal makhani, paneer sabzi, rice, and roti.
Later, we shopped for swimwear for the next day’s water adventures and finally returned to our rooms, exhausted but content.
Tips from Day 3
- Goa afternoons are extremely harsh. Sightseeing is best done early morning or evening.
- If you’re a pure vegetarian, hotel food is more reliable than random eateries.
- Wrap personal items carefully—but label them clearly.
Day 3 ended quietly.