Just three days ago we moved into our new home for the next few months, a lovely little house in the quiet cove of Colomb Bay, nestled neatly between the well-known beach of Palolem and her quieter neighbour, Patnem in Goa. We stumbled upon it serendipitously last week whilst out for a drive on our moped. As the tourist season has yet to really begin here we couldn’t see any signs for houses to rent, so stopped to ask a woman if she knew of anywhere nearby. She quickly ushered us into her garden and around the side of her own home, behind which was tucked a lovely little traditional Goan house. Our house.
It already feels like home, and I didn’t realise just how much I needed it to do so. These past few days have been like a slow unravelling as we gradually find our groove. We wake up and boil water in the tin saucepan we bought, then make coffee with Nescafe and powdered milk, and sugar kept in a little tin pot, safe from the menagerie of insects we share our home with. Lee found two lovely ceramic mugs with Goa written on them, and I drink in the spirit of this place with every sip, feeling it waking me up along with the caffeine.
I take pleasure in the simple things, like sweeping the front porch with a long feathered brush, and making the bed in the mornings, carefully lining up the edges of our patterned bedspread like a chronic OCD sufferer.
Our backpacks have been emptied and tucked away under the bed, their contents folded neatly on the shelves in yet another display of my inner neat freak, and our toiletries are carefully lined up in the bathroom. It pleases me to see our things fit perfectly into place, like we were always meant to be here.
Our office area has been set up, with our MacBook on the desk, and books and photos and my growing shell collection lined up along the wall. The little white cat we seem to have rented along with the house follows us from room to room, and stretches out at our feet once she is certain we have settled for a while.
We are travelling with a movie projector and spend our evenings watching films. The night before last we watched the new Matthew McConaughey movie Magic Mike, with six foot six-packs beamed onto the wall of our living room.
Currently my favourite spot in the house is the ‘sofa’, a handmade mattress we bought from a man on the side of the road. From here I can gaze out of the open front door, across the porch and out into the lush, well kept garden. Lazy days pass by in a blur of green and terracotta as my attention span wanders from the pages of my book to the tropics on my doorstep.
It’s all kinds of beautiful here. Every day there is something new to look at, some new shade of green amongst the palms, or beautifully coloured butterfly previously unseen. As the days pass by I feel more and more that I am not necessarily here to do, but to see. To absorb all that is around me, soak it in, and allow it to settle in the nooks and crannies of my soul.
The power cuts off regularly, leaving you dripping with sweat in minutes as the ceiling fans slowly grind to a halt. Without their constant whir the sounds of the neighbourhood are exposed, and the house is filled with the murmur of nature and families and delicate bells ringing in Puja ceremonies. We can hear the landlord’s teenage daughter giggling through the walls, the constant mewing of our attention seeking cat, and the sea breeze gently shifting the palm fronds. There is movement and noise everywhere, and yet I have never felt more… quiet. More still.
Herds of cows wander freely into the garden and feast themselves on the flowers and grass. Chickens scratch around in the dust, and dare each other to creep up onto our porch, before hurrying off as soon as they realise they’ve been spotted. A black and white dog happened upon our doorway (and the cat’s food) yesterday and has hung around ever since. It makes me happy to share my home with them all.
And I would like to share it with all of you too, so Lee spent hours yesterday learning how to use Final Cut Pro and putting together a little walk-through video for you. It’s pretty great for a first attempt!
So welcome to our home. I hope you like it as much as we do.
50 quotes to lift and inspire
Our lovely little house in Goa
The evolution of dreams
Reflecting on six months of travel
The art of long-term travel
{ 128 comments… read them below or add one }
Gorgeous, Hannah. I can’t watch the video (slow internet) but your description is dreamy. Sweeping my room with a long, feathery brush is one of my favourite things to do every day. How does so much sand, dust, hair, and gecko poo accumulate each morning? Mind boggling.
Enjoy your lovely little nest.
Yes, where does all that dirt come from?! Our cat attacked a gecko last night, so at least that helps on the poo front!
Hi Hannah, nice blog. What a lovely house! Especially that high-tech internet setup you guys have going on there. Seems complex. And that view at the back looks so good. I’d sleep outside 🙂
Thanks Glenn, so glad you like it. The internet here is a bit of a joke – Rookie Travel Blogger Mistake #1: Check the 3G reception BEFORE you rent a house for three months! We only manage to get wifi by tethering the connection on our mobile phone… we live and learn!
Truly stunning guys! Loving following your journey so far. Can’t wait to see more!
Lauren (from Flight Centre)
Thanks Lauren, we’re so happy to have you following along 🙂
Dreamy days. Lucky things you. xx
Thanks Marg, they really are dreamy. Or maybe just lazy…
I look forward to watching your many amazing adventures
Thank you Michelle 🙂
Sounds like it was built just for you 🙂 And I wouldn’t say no to six foot six packs 😀
Haha! Yeah, I think you would definitely enjoy that movie my dear!
This makes me very happy 🙂 so pleased it’s all working out for you! xxxx
Thanks honey, can’t wait for you to come visit xxx
Looks divine.
Have you named the cat and dog?
Ha! Yes, the cat is called Safi and the dog is called Bo 🙂
Great video Lee ! Looks idyllic – and you sound very happy….thanks for sharing x
Thanks bro xxx
Beautiful video Lee, good work!!! Fab post as ever Hannah, really evocative. It just looks like a little bit of paradise. The house really reminded me of Dahab =) I love how instantly the cat and dog have made themselves at home with you…! xxxx
Yes, Goa does have a similar vibe to Dahab, though it’s much quieter where we are. And the animals are a real bonus – I love having them around 🙂
Love! Speilberg had better watch out! Your writing always feels like a page from a beloved book than a typical travel blog- you have the touch:) Looking forward to our Facetime date! xo
What a lovely compliment, thank you my dear. And I’m looking forward to our date too xxx
That beach from your front door, what more could you want?! Looks perfect Hannah, a wonderful place to start your adventure. Particularly liking the giant home cinema and resident cat.
I know, we never dreamed we would get a place as lovely as this, we feel very lucky indeed 🙂
Loved it!! thanx so much for sharing 🙂 🙂 kinda feels like I just popped by – magical 🙂
Ah, that makes me feel very happy 🙂
What a great video! Love that song. And I love what you said: “I am not necessarily here to do, but to see.” Perfect.
Thank you Gennifer. I have always loved that song so it was great to be able to use it in our first video 🙂
Welcome home! It’s beautiful, I love it!! Tyrhone is offically very jealous that you are travelling with a projector, something I told him he could NOT do… Beautiful video Lee, love the music and the changes of speed, what a wonderful memory of your Goan home… Enjoy guys!
Yeay! And there’s a spare room for when you come in December!!! And you told Tyrhone NOT to bring a projector?! It’s a real shame he won’t be coming out here with you. Can’t wait to hang out though 🙂
cool, natural.
Cheers!
This just put a massive smile on my face 🙂
Ah, mission accomplished 😀
It’s absolutely stunning honey-bee! I so wanted to see you guys in the footage! But at least I know there would be a smile upon your face. Your landlords look very sweet and I love your new furry friends. As soon as I started the video I longed to be there… With you… with Sanj, Lee and Priya running around that gorgeous beach of yours… picking up pieces of shell and letting the sun run through our fingers. My mum and Alain are contemplating joining us on our journey to see you in January. So we will start making definite plans very soon. I am so happy for you both… just remember you have both worked extremely hard to get where you are… Enjoy the quiet and ‘Just being’ time.
xxx Love you!!! xxx
Ah, I wish you guys could be here honey. Having you all come out next year sounds amazing though and it will be wonderful to share some adventures with you. Much love to you guys, I miss you all terribly xxx
Thanks Lee for the video!! xxxx
Lee says no worries!
Oops! meant to say ‘Sand’ running through our fingers…. but hey, ‘Sun’ sounds poetic, too!
Yes it does! I thought it was lovely when I read it 🙂
Thank you! This is very inspiring. I’m looking forward to hearing about life in Goa.
Can you supply an approximate rental cost?
Thanks Gregory! The house is costing us roughly £8 GBP a day, or $12 USD. It’s quite expensive for the area really, but the new bathroom and hot water bump the price up quite a bit. It’s worth every penny to us though 🙂
Great video Lee – loved the choice of song!
Hannah, I read your article with a massive smile on my face as I pictured you in your new home enjoying your day. I’m so glad you have settled in so quickly and that you’re enjoying your days so much.
Love to you both xxxx
Thanks so much Rach, feel free to come and make use of the spare room any time! Love and miss you all very much xxx
SO incredible! What a lovely home you two have now! And RIGHT next to the beach? What a GEM! Can’t wait to hear more about your life in India! 🙂
It really is a gem – I don’t think I will ever want to leave!
This looks great! Just stumbled across your blog via twitter – I recently got back from 5 months in India so will thoroughly enjoy keeping up with your travels around the country 🙂
Hi Flora, so glad you found me! I hope you enjoyed your travels in this beautiful country and am very happy to have you following our journey 🙂
Aw, the cat said hello too! 😀 Your home looks very cute. It’s a little Goan paradise!
Yeah, she’s a real cutie pie. I might have to sneak her in my backpack when we leave!
So beautiful!
Thank you Clare 🙂
Your house is so colorful and wonderful! Must feel great to have your own slice of paradise (completely with a cornucopia of animals).
Also, the video was great! Love that song, and I think you guys did a great job for your first video effort!
Thanks Steph, I love that song too and was very impressed by Lee’s first foray into video making! Looks like it’ll be pretty handy having him around 😉
It sounds all kinds of lovely…so happy you are settling in to your new place! Made me wish I had that home here. Not yet, but maybe it’s still to come. Very much looking forward to hearing more about life in Goa – it’s on my must-travel-to list! Enjoy!!
Thanks Rika, so glad Goa is on your list, you will love it here! I hope life is going well in Roatan 🙂
Wow! Great post, I can not wait to visit Goa, I am even more excited if there are herds of cows roaming around. It looks like such a simple and wonderful life there
Thank you Stephen. The cows are everywhere – they wander along the beaches, into shops, and lay down in the middle of the road to take a nap!
Haha Hannah that literally might be the best thing I’ve heard in a long time. I love little random things like that when I am on the road. You guys did a great job with the video especially for a first attempt!
Cheers 🙂
It looks like you have SPACE. This goes against what I’ve learned about Goa, that it’s the most densely populated region in India. And that’s saying a lot! So, Hannah, how does the area feel? Crowded? Really crowded?
Goa is lush and green and open. The hills are covered in dense jungle and there is space everywhere – it doesn’t feel crowded at all. Sure, the touristy beaches get busy in high season, but it is very easy to escape these areas and find yourself a little haven. We are putting together a video to chart our first month here, so you will be able to see a lot more from that 🙂
WONDERFUL! With this simple message from you, I now plan to visit Goa sometime in the first half of 2013! (I hope to do a RTW venture next year.)
Fantastic! Send me an email nearer the time and I will be happy to recommend some great places for you to visit 🙂
Hannah, what a LOVELY place. I can’t watch the video either due to slow internet but I love the way it sounds. You’ll have to give us the details, as we are now thinking of renting a place in India for a few months. XO
Kim, you should take this place on after us – you will LOVE it. It costs around $12 a night, and is a little slice of heaven!
Hannah!!!! I WANT TO! Seriously. I will email you about it.
🙂
What a lovely home you found. And what a lovely video. Can’t believe it’s Lee’s first video project. Really great job.
Thank you Marisol, I was pretty impressed myself! I shall be putting his skills to good use for the blog from now on!
Oh my god Hannah and Lee I love it, the place looks gorgeous. I love keeping up with your blogs. Hope yous are well take care xxx
Thanks Jackie, that is so sweet of you to be following along. Send our love to Hendo, Amber and Robbie xxx
I love the idea of having a projector and watching movies at night, but in a TOTALLY different setting and situation. You sound like you are liberated and living your dream! 🙂
Yeah, that was definitely a good move! It is so nice to chill out in the evenings with a gin and tonic and a good movie. I’m excited to take it around the world with us and maybe even take it into schools and orphanages when we do volunteer placements 🙂
You words are always so elegant and well chosen !! The house and location look ideal, glad to see that you both are having a great time settling in to your new life : )
BIG CONGRATS !!!
Thank you Jeremy, what a lovely compliment. We are definitely adjusting well to our new life 🙂
I watched the video with my boyfriend and it just about had him convinced to travel 🙂 Looks like a stunning place, I can’t wait to read more about how your adventures unfold!
Well that’s wonderful! Hopefully our next video will seal the deal!
Hi Hannah,
I stumbled across your website a while back and got hooked on reading your archives! And now it’s so exciting to see some posts on the actual trip!
The video is amazing and I’ve already watched in 4 times! And I will continue to do so for inspiration whilst bored and exhausted at Uni, so thank you guys for that!
Looks like you couldn’t have picked a better location either! Very jealous!
Jade
Hi Jade, thank you so much for your lovely comment, I’m so glad you have been enjoying the video! I know what’s it like to read blogs for inspiration, so it’s wonderful to be able to pay it forward 🙂
Looks lovely! What I’d give to be able to unpack my rucksack!
Yes, that is definitely a huge luxury of travelling slowly!
hey peeps. it looked effong gorgeous! what a bonus asnd away from the mad tourists too. looks like lees taken a bit of brighton with him judging by that movie. sorry this is just a small note. in bed on the phone about to go to work. been crazy rain and wind storms the past 2 days. i need to get busy on tyhe bathroom. being very lazy. evenings too cosy for work. badf dpelling. cant renavigate to correct. have fun ans speak soon. xxxxxxxxx
Haha, that made me laugh! No worries on the spelling – it’s great to hear from you. We should be getting broadband in the house today so we will have to Skype and catch up properly. Big love to you, Cath, Rhona and Lucy xxx
Your life looks so peaceful. What a lovely house as well.
Yes, at the moment it really is. It’s a welcome break from the hard work it took to get here 🙂
That place looks like absolute heaven!
It is!
Hi Hannah, I found your blog a few months ago and I’m enjoying your posts so far. 🙂 I love the video! You really get a feel for the place, and it is an absolutely beautiful little flat (and the cat is a bonus, haha!). I hope you’re happy there for the next few months & I look forward to reading more about your adventures. 🙂 You write very well, by the way!
Thank you so much for your kind comment Coco, I’m so glad you liked the video! And yes, the cat is definitely a bonus 🙂
What a lovely dreamy home, amazing location and love the video!
Thank you my dear, hope all is well with you and Grace. There is a spare room here with your name on it!!!
Wow, that man of yours isn’t half bad with a camera and editing suit. Love the post and the video! It makes me strangely happy to know that you are there living out your dreams.. it gives me hope 🙂
Thank you so much Jenny, I’m so glad you liked the video. And yes, there is always hope – my hope is we get to cross paths one day soon 🙂
Your house is AMAZING! Soooo jealous. Your own private beach and your house is so clean! Have a fab time! Miss you.
Yeah, it is pretty great, hence why it’s so hard to leave! Feel free to come visit! Miss you too xxx
I’m sure someone has said this in the previous 95 comments, but I’m going to say it anyway. You’ve found heaven.
We certainly did! It really is wonderful here and we are very happy. The cat had three kittens last week as well, so now it is even harder to leave!
I thought she looked pregnant in that video…
You are way more observant than us then! We only figured it out two days before she gave birth, when I felt the babies move as I was stroking her. She looks so skinny now in comparison!
I’m late to this party … busy playing catch-up in between editing. LOVE THE VIDEO!
Better late than never! Thanks for reading Patricia, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the video 🙂
What a great video! And what a sweet wee house. What does something like that set you back?
Thank you Bethaney! Our house is costing us £8 GBP a night, which works out at a little over $12 USD. It’s pricey for the area, but worth it. I think if we come back here again though we will shop around more, as there are actually much nicer houses available for far less money if you know where to look. We met some fellow travellers who are paying almost half what we are.
I really enjoyed the video tour! And the house is so close to the water. Do you get any breeze from the water?
Did I see a copy of “Vagabonding” by Rolf Potts on your desk? It looked familiar.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Daniel! We do get a lovely breeze and when the ceiling fans aren’t on (rarely!) you can hear the sound of the waves too. And well spotted, that is indeed a copy of ‘Vagabonding’ on the desk! I’m travelling with that and a copy of ‘Bird by Bird’ by Anne Lamott, as they were two major inspirations for the life I am now living. We also picked up a copy of ‘Holy Cow’ by Sarah Macdonald for a spot of Indian research, but will pass that one on when we have both read it 🙂
Ah, thank you for the two book suggestions!
You’re welcome – I hope you enjoy them 🙂
Hi:
I’ll be in Goa next month – I’m totally confused as to where to stay. Do you have any beach huts you can recommend, or even just areas in general? Will be there at busiest time of the year… ah well. Thanks for any advice, love the blog.
Hi David, I would definitely recommend south Goa, as the north is a lot more developed and touristy. We are based between Palolem and Patnem, both of which have lots of great places to stay and an abundance of beach huts to choose from. You will easily be able to just turn up and find somewhere. I’ll drop you an email with a few recommendations 🙂
Okay, catching up on your blog now 🙂 WOW I love your house, reminds me of mine in Thailand. In fact I did a similar video tour! Can’t believe your ocean views or your huge bathtub, or the fact that with my goldfish attention span I watched an internet movie all the way through…
Thanks Alex! I will have to go through your archives and check out your video, I’d love to see that 🙂
Hi Hannah,
Just discovered your blog. Your home looks amazing! Such a beautiful home and beautiful scenery!
Hi Michelle, I’m so glad you found me! Our house really is wonderful, so much so in fact that we have decided to stay an extra three months! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
Love it, your little house is perfect! Looks like your having a great time our your recent RTW trip, we leave for ours in 6 months! Maybe our paths will cross! We will be traveling to GOA on our RTW trip, but won’t be there until May 2014 (sounds like forever away)! Will continue to follow your journey! Your 3 girls good luck on the rickshaw run!
Thanks Hannah, it truly has been perfect living here, and taking a few months to really get to know a place has been a gift. And how exciting that you are about to start your own travels! I wish you all the very best, and hope our paths will cross somewhere along the way 🙂
Hi. We are currently in the columb/patnem area until the end of may and would appreciate some house rent shopping tips. The houses we look at all vary widely in price /amenities and there seems to be no logical sense just random numbers. Thanks.
Hi Deanna, I have just sent you an email about this. My house is actually available as we are leaving today, so this could work out perfectly for you 🙂
Hannah, this looks absolutely wonderful. Thank-you for sharing this little insight. I want to come now too! And I can’t even watch the video because of my slow internet. All I know from the first three seconds of the video is that you picked one of my most favourite songs in all the world as a backing track. Using lovely in the title is very fitting. It really looks like a wonderful place.
Thank you Jamie, it really is a wonderful place and I can’t recommend spending time in south Goa highly enough. I hope you are able to do so one day 🙂
Sweet! Good job on the video! I just discovered your site and you’ve got me curious about Goa.
Keep up the good work!
Frank
Thanks Frank! So glad you enjoyed the video, and that I’ve got you curious about Goa – it’s my favourite place on Earth so I can’t recommend it highly enough 🙂
hi hannah
I was looking for some information about Goa and all of a sudden I came across your website.
WOW….its so amazing, it took me almost 2 days to read. i am so impressed …such a young age and you have achieved so much..congrats
I need few tips to find a small place on rent for a month ..pls advise
cheers
Thank you Summit, I’m so glad you enjoyed reading my blog, and thank you so much for your kind words! The best tip I can give you on finding a small place to rent in this area of Goa, is to speak with a friend of mine who runs a local restaurant, and has a few places available to rent. His name is Povi, and you can find all his contact details on his Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-Breeze/244919845583896. I hope you have a wonderful time staying in Goa – it is a very special place and I look forward to going back one day.
that is awesome! brilliant video.. funny and very creative… just discovering your website now and loving it!
Thanks Rebecca – I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hi, that was a nice video. I hope you have a pleasant stay in India.
I first visited India when I was 18. I eventually made it to Goa, and remember looking at the little houses and wondering what it would be like to live there, and if I ever would. It’s cool to hear about your experience there!