The World is a Stage at Arpora

Travel enthusiast Vijaya Das Panicker hits Goa this time and pens down her experiences. Read on to know more...

When you think of a good beach, good food and a place to chill out then the place to head-off to this week-end is Goa – the land of Sun, Sand and Sea, and the UNLIMITED shopping extravaganza at Saturday Night Market.

Arpora, the place that houses the market was the place me and my gang-of-girlfriends chose to spend our mini-weekend break and the whole purpose of choosing this was to shop for some cool summer outfits and chill-out before the actual sunny weather settled in the beach city. But, surprise, surprise we were greeted by RAIN, an unexpected welcome visitor, who made its presence felt with thunder, lightning and the sweet smell of wet earth, which set the right amount of punch to our exhilarated spirit.

Next afternoon, we, equipped with cool pairs of shades said momentary adios to our stay - the Riviera-De-Goa and set off as per our day’s itinerary to the market, a shopaholic’s paradise. But, some speed and action at the next door’s Go-Karting arena had to be tested to spur our zeal for the day. The race made us the Lewis Hamilton and Narain Karthikeyan of the moment as we raced with each other the 10 laps (a ride costs 250-300rupees/10 laps) in total ecstasy. After such an exhilarating experience we entered the market from the second gate for some retail therapy and voila we were amidst a sea of people, jostling to chill-out.

Splurging and sipping on a cool beer (Rs17) we jostled through the crowd and winded through the well-organized, gigantic flea market, which had a bohemian and creative vibe to its ambiance. The market featured goods right from international cigars and watches (Rs.350) to Indian spices, jewelry, western clothes, Indian collectibles, musical instruments, and cottage industry crafts to other Indian products, which represented every tribal area of India. Our purpose of the visit was fulfilled when we saw some hot mini-skirts (Rs.200/skirt) and cool spaghettis (Rs.150/outfit). We were oh so spoilt for choice we didn’t know what not to buy and ended up shopping for everything in the store, including the very flowing sarongs (Rs150-200). And, complimenting our purchase was the ultra-cool accessories, namely the beautiful beads, payals and comfy chappals (Rs200/each).

This is no ordinary market, it had a trance like effect on our senses, what with the central stage featuring some live and heart stomping musical performances that kept us jigging non-stop. The rhythmic performances included classical Indian lounge music, to Rock, and vocalists, and it was all sensationalized with some superb fire-dance acts. If music was the food for the soul than the food stalls enticed our taste buds to try out the World cuisine spread, featuring authentic and delicious wood-fired pizzas, sushi, dim sum, Greek food with Shawarma, grilled chicken, Italian food, and hot, crispy spring rolls. And Nirdosh’s flaming Magic Tequila stall at the lower bar is a place not to be missed and do try out its Sardinian cocktail alchemist. There is also the famous Chocolate Fountain, churning out rich chocolate, waffles, and chocolate covered fruit creations, ending our whole expedition on a sweet note.

So, if it’s a short and sweet break you looking out for then Arpora is the place to be in, where the World is a stage to be experienced.

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