I have my first book contract – updating the southern state of Goa for Foder’s guide to India. Hence, we will be going to Goa and Delhi the end of August and into September. They’ll be using my writing and photos. I was planning to go there anyway so this is an awesome opportunity.

    I was fortunate to make contact with a 20-something Goan who lives in Boston now but was raised in Goa. His parents are doctors – dad is the Dean of the medical college, mom is a Western-trained cardiologist and the director of a traditional Ayurvedic hospital, so if Allen has any medical issues we’ll be in good hands. 

     My young Goan friend is also connecting me with a former freedom fighter who was instrumental in kicking the Portuguese out of Goa in 1961, and is now the chief of police. Another local we will meet is a retired six-term Governor of Goa and a descendent of the Goan Maharaja. His wife is also of “royal” blood via another Maharaja lineage.

     Can you believe it?

     The only potential downside is we will be there during the end of the monsoon. It’s sure to be wet (Biblical rain?) but some travelers who have been there during the deluge prefer it — it’s green, not crowded, accommodations are plentiful and available at off-season prices, cooler temps and little chance of sunburn. To wit: today it’s 113 degrees in Delhi, but 82 in Goa. Of course, there is that 100% humidity…..

     Will keep you posted on this great adventure.