Goodbye Goa, Hello Maharashtra

We left the hotel at dawn along small country roads in search of NH 17. Finding NH 17 was again a confusing task. We would ask directions and everyone would reply that NH 17 was straight ahead.

Straight ahead? Roads in India usually lead to a fork or a spoon with roads going in all directions like the arms of Shiva and nary a road sign in sight. Only later would we realize that straight ahead meant continue on the road you are on and follow the trucks. Then and only then can you be 60% certain that you are headed in the right direction.

Needless to say, after many turns and backtracks, we found NH 17 and maneuvered our chariot out of Goa along a lush, forest road into Maharashtra. Upon crossing the border, we were stopped by two border officers wearing well pressed uniforms reminiscent of the loyalists’ regalia from the Spanish Civil War. We presented our rickshaw documents (ownership documents, proof of insurance, registration, and pollution control certification) and we were sent on our way relieved that no rupees were exchanged.

Posted at 06:00AM Jan 02, 2007 by D Bums Comments[0]