Goa is known as India’s hotspot for relaxation and beach parties. By the time we got to Goa, we were ready for a lot of relaxation — although hold the parties, please. To avoid the wild party scene, we headed to the farthest north beach, Arambol. Turned out that Arambol was

  1. Very chill
  2. Full of families
  3. 90% Russian

Seriously, we quickly dubbed the area “Little Moscow” and got used to standing out in the crowds…although now it was for entirely new reasons. Whereas we had spent the past two weeks as Definitely Not Indian, we now stood out as being Definitely Not Russian.

Besides being unexpectedly full of Russian food options and Russian language signs, Goa did also live up to the more traditional stereotypes — it was calm, relaxing, and full of fun beach time.

Just a cow walking on a beach at sunset. Classic.

We tried the local liquor, which claimed to be made with cashews. Gabby’s before-and-after faces say it all — no cashews, just moonshine.

Enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Goa wasn’t the only beach we visited — we also had time to relax near Mumbai. And by relax, I mean we donned terrifying face masks and pretended to be serial killers.

Plus we played a lot of cards while enjoying the world’s comfiest day bed.

After a few days of amazing relaxation, it was time to return to our respective countries. We parted ways in Mumbai, and flew back to our homes just in time for new years. It was over and out until 2018!