Surprised in Goa...

For a Palolem loyalist, Varca is Goa can be a bit of a dampener. The beaches are just as beige, the sky is just as yellow and the water is just as clear but if you look closely that infectious vibe is missing. Palolem is quite something. It’s vibrant, active and once the sun sets, the beach shacks make sure you still have plenty to do. Like gorging on grilled and barbequed sea food, listening to live music and watching the grey waves emerge regularly from the black canvas. The semi-circular beach is enveloped on both sides by two hillocks that sparkle during dawn as the sun slowly peeks out from the east. Yes, Palolem is quite something. Having the image of that colourful beach plastered in our mind when we walked down to the Varca beach from the Club Mahindra premises, the sun was ready to leave for the day. Having decided to relax with some goodies at a beach we were a little surprised to find only two of them there. Unlike the lit-up shacks that line Palolem from start to st