Welcome
Hi, welcome to our Yab Yum blog, this is where we try and give you an insight into our business, the ins and outs of running a boutique hotel-cum-beach resort (or is it an
eco-resort-cum-yoga retreat?) in Goa, and the (sometimes) resulting soap opera. Of course we also provide some useful information for people travelling to Goa and India in general.
We even encourage people to contribute to the blog if they have an interesting insight on anything Yab related. Feel free to just
drop us a line.
Enjoy!
Renting a scooter in north Goa
To rent a scooty or not. That is the question.
Yes, ‘scooty’ is a real word in India. In the 90s the first automatic scooter – the Sunny Scooty – was launched. Call it as you like but most on rent are automatic and shifting gears is not required. A scooter could be the easiest way to get around Goa as taxis in the area can be higher in cost than the Indian standard. But is it safe? That becomes a personal question.
Here are some things to consider and keep in mind.
– Have you ridden a motorcycle or scooter before? If you have, things shouldn’t be an issue. Perhaps you’d like the power of a Royal Enfield? Either way, it’s wise to ask for a helmet while renting, as Goa Police could have checkpoints and request a fine. Of course, it’s wise for your safety as well.
– How do you feel about your skills operating a motor vehicle? Do you consider yourself a good driver? Does driving come naturally to you? If not, then perhaps driving is not your thing, maybe a scooter in Goa is not your best option as it can be a pretty full-on experience.
– If you are new to driving a scooter or motorcycle then having a passenger can be hard to manage. And if you have a passenger, it’s best if they don’t wiggle around or have ants in their pants!
– ‘Defensive driving’ is the best method to adopt. Be alert and don’t assume drivers follow the same driving rules as where you come from.
– Watch for speed bumps and potholes. Goa has many semi-marked speed bumps that can sneak up on you if you’re lost enjoying the surroundings.
– Use your horn. Have you seen the trucks with ‘horn ok please’ written on the back? Horns in Indian have so many meanings, they are (sometimes) common and necessary.
Please note that though we don’t directly rent scooters to guests at Yab Yum, our staff can help you find one in the local area. Please just ask at reception if you would like help.
Top 5 essentials for north Goa
For most people, planning a holiday involves compiling ‘the list’ at some point or another. We try and encourage guests to ‘just ask’ if they need to know what to bring or, more generally, just need to know a bit more as to what to expect in Goa.
Here then, just for starters, is our list of essentials for visiting north Goa:
1) Sun cream + linen clothing.
If you don’t cover up you will burn! If you don’t cover up you will be bitten!
2) Mosquito repellent.
Barely necessary in the daytime but use it liberally around sunset. We only bother with Jungle Formula (available everywhere), or local brands like Odomos.
3) A camera (and extra memory card).
You will take more pictures than you anticipate, especially of the sunsets, and especially if you’ve never visited India before.
4) A smile.
Essential. Westerners often feel uncomfortable being stared at. Men staring at women should be ignored, but any other combination should receive a smile in return, you’ll be surprised how it can embellish your holiday.
5) Hindi phrasebook?
Goans largely speak Konkani first, then Hindi, then English. That said, their English is probably better than your phrasebook Hindi, so don’t bother. It’s not like France, for instance, where you should make an effort.
Why don’t we open all year round?
Indian and international guests alike often don’t realize that a beach resort in Goa, in June, July or August, is no place to have a holiday. Don’t believe us? Check out the pictures, we are almost flooded and the sea is as rough as it gets.
