What to do in Goa, India for couples

A little confused with so much to choose from? Yes, Goa can overwhelm you with its offerings, but to ensure you get the crème de la crème of this paradise, we have put down a list of incredibly romantic endeavors that you and your partner can do together, while you are in India.

Play with the water goddesses of Goa

Apart from the Arabian Sea, Goa can cast a spell on you with a series of waterfalls and lakes. Enjoy the pristine Dudhsagar Falls by foot or jeep, take a dip in the rapturous waters of the Arvalem Falls and watch the gorgeous sunset at the Salaulim Dam. You can also walk through refreshing streams to see the splendid Dudhsagar Falls do its thing between two neighboring hills.

If music be the food of love on, play on

Woo your sweetheart by taking him or her to one of the most romantic restaurants in Goa—the O’Coqueiro Restaurant, which literally means ‘coconut tree’ in Portuguese. The restaurant is a perfect setting for two—a charming Portuguese ancestral bungalow set amidst lush foliage is sure to stir the romance in your soul. The restaurant serves delicious Goan cuisine and a renowned music band plays a medley of light-hearted music on Friday.

Unravel the natural beauty of Goa together

Embark on an enthralling one-hour trek from Chorla Ghat to the pinnacle of the Vagheri Hills and let the gorgeous terrain intoxicate you with its exotic wild flowers, butterflies and birds. Spice up your romantic itinerary with an ocean trek from Kochra-Shriramwadi to Neuti Beach. Plunge into the waters together from the 20-foot-high rock (6 meters), have a leisurely lunch and then go see the historic Neuti Fort before sunset. Looking for a place to propose? Sonsogor is one of the highest peaks and virgin territory at that. The stunning view of the natural surroundings is the perfect setting to pop the question.

Explore the history of Old Goa

Yes, history can be romantic too. Have a hearty breakfast at one of the wayside cafes in Old Goa, don a comfortable pair of sneakers and explore the charming churches and cathedrals by foot. Go revel in the age old architecture of the Iberian façade and fabulous mosaic work of Sé Cathedral, the wood carvings and beautiful paintings of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the richly gilded altars of Basilica of Bom Jesus, and finally the grand old queen, the Convent of Santa Monica, with its intimidating beauty and miraculous cross at the altar.

See more: 7 nightclubs in Goa, India

Source: Internet

Get to know Philippines' national dish, Adobo

The roots of the Philippines’ most well-known dish are not easy to trace, but we do know a few things about the origins of adobo, and how it’s evolved into the dish Filipinos love today. Read on to uncover the many faces of adobo, and why it inspires such devotion in its fans.

Few subjects in the Philippines raise as many differing opinions as the right way to make adobo. It’s a topic everyone feels passionately about, whether they cook or not. The reason is that a good adobo is a life-changing dish. Everyone wants everyone else to experience the epiphany, but the devil – as they say – is in the details, and the details can be squabbled about endlessly.

How to make Adobo

At its most basic level, adobo is a dish of protein braised in vinegar and spiced with garlic and black peppercorns. Beyond that, there is very little agreement. But let’s backtrack a bit.

We know the Malay voyagers who originally landed in the Philippines used vinegar and salt as a way of preserving food, keeping it edible for longer. In the hot tropical climate on the islands, vinegar appears again and again in traditional recipes, dating back to a time before refrigeration. Filipinos were already preparing their protein in a marinade of vinegar and salt before the Chinese traders arrived.

A simple pork Addobo/ Source Ernesto Andrade

Some of the Chinese traders, who ventured all over the region selling their wares, settled in the Philippines. They brought with them a number of ingredients that were quickly adopted by the locals, including ‘pancit’ noodles, and soy sauce. In many parts of the Philippines, soy sauce came to replace the use of salt in home kitchens, and so soy sauce is still considered a key ingredient of a good adobo in most households.

When the Spaniards arrived, they saw how the Filipinos used vinegar to marinate their chicken, pork, and fish. The Spanish word ‘adobar’ refers to a marinade or pickling sauce. In his writings, Pedro de San Buenaventura labeled the Filipino version ‘adobo de los naturales’ – adobo of the natives. The name stuck.

As each region of the Philippines has its own produce and preferred flavor profile, there are different versions of adobo across the islands. Where seafood was plentiful, adobo ng pusit (squid adobo with squid ink) became popular. In Southern Luzon, where heat and coconut milk are popular ingredients, adobo ng gata (adobo with coconut milk and green finger chilies) emerged. There are countless twists on adobo, and around the Philippines, you’ll find versions that include sugar, liver, potatoes, morning glory, laurel leaves, the list goes on.

Beef cheeks and tendons Adobo

In recent years, adobo has moved beyond its roots as a humble island dish, delighting diners at Filipino restaurant Purple Yam in New York and even the affection of former US President Barack Obama. Up-and-coming Filipino chefs shred the meat from adobo stew to create savory flakes to top salads, or to stuff in sushi. Adobo has featured on shows like Top Chef, and remains the ultimate test of any Filipino cook’s mettle.

Read more: Top dishes you need to try when visiting the Philippines

Home-made Adobo served with rice/ Source Pulaw

At its heart, adobo is a process of cooking, not a recipe. The tang of the vinegar is softened over low heat, intensifying the flavor of the meat, and creating a silky, mouthwatering sauce that is always, always served with fragrant white rice. Adobo’s long journey, its melding of cultures and ardent defenders all come together to tell a diverse and delicious story.

Source Esther De La Cruz/The Culture Trip

What to buy as souvenirs from Philippines

The Philippines is a country with full of culture and history. It is blessed with delicious cuisine, unique shops, beautiful scenery, white sandy beaches, and friendly people. It is a great way to spend a dream vacation. 

Filipinos have a word called “pasalubong.” This means “something for welcoming me back,” and shows the giving spirit of the Filipinos. There are many options available when looking for something to bring back to your friends and family, and they will surely love getting a little taste of the Philippines. Here is a list of popular things to buy in the Philippines.

Dried Mangoes

The Philippine mango is known worldwide for sweetness and silky texture. You can find the best mangoes in Guimaras, Zambales, and Cebu. They preserve it as a dried fruit to hold the full intensity of the flavor. Eat dried mangoes as a snack or use it to top your ice cream. It is chewy and leaves tartness in your mouth.

Chocnut or Chocolate Peanut Bars

Everyone loves Chocnut, especially the Filipino. It is a small candy bar that almost all of us is familiar with. It is a sweet mixture of peanuts, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. You will feel nostalgic after every bite.

The ‘I love Philippines’ T-Shirt

There is no way you can miss out on these perfect Filipino souvenirs. The T-Shirts that say ‘I love Philippines’ is truly one of the popular souvenirs picked by too many people.  Make it a point to wear this T-Shirt at least on one of the days when you are touring here.

Carved Wood 

Around the islands of the Philippines, you will find carved wood in the form of different figures, bowls, ashtrays and much more. Carved wood is such a gift that is both pretty and useful.

Polvoron

Polvoron is a favourite childhood treat, for adult as well. It is a crunchy and crumbly fun-to-eat snack that comes in different flavours. Ingredients are mainly powdered milk, butter and toasted flour. They are moulded into oval or round shapes. Traditionally, polvoron was made special with rice crisps added to the mix. These sweet treats are great anytime. They are also great as gifts or giveaways during the holidays.

Tikog Slippers

Tikog is a grass that grows in the swamp near the ricefield. The locals dry and use it to create handicrafts like slippers or flip-flops, decorations, and adornments.

Tikog slippers is a comfy partner to your feet on any walk. Get trendy with its vibrant colors and good-looking designs. The product earned international recognition with exposure in magazines, websites, and other printed materials.

The Philippine Tea

If you are a tea lover, this is surely one of the things you need to grab. The Philippines tea tree which is known as Carmona Retusa is truly famous and the leaves of the tree are known to be effective in curing cold, cough, fever and lot more too. So, bring home some of this specific tea and your friend and family would appreciate it.

Read more: Taste the most popular desserts in the Philippines

Source Internet