How I found my new purpose in India
Chapter 7: Just arrived in Goa—and it turns out, my baggage came too.
Welcome to Chapter 7 of Love at First Flight, my round-the-world travel memoir.
In this chapter, I recount the first days of my global expedition. Here, on Goa’s shores, I realise that, even far from home, I’m still the same nervous wreck.
You can read chapters 1 to 6 here.
India has a unique, irresistible energy, people told me. ‘Go with the flow,’ they said.
Ready for whatever this country had in store, I couldn’t wait to explore the beaches, food and yoga in Goa—the first taste of my dream journey.
Arriving in Goa
Heaving my enormous backpack onto my shoulders, I made my way through the airport and into the dry February heat of Goa. Dozens of taxi drivers shouted for my attention.
Spotting a man quietly holding a sign with my name on it, I breathed a sigh of relief. Booking this private transfer had been worth every penny.
We sped toward my accommodation on Ashvem Beach. Looking out at the foliage and dusty streets lit by the afternoon sun, I realised the culture shock I’d feared wasn’t hitting me.
Goa’s touristy vibe and the signs in English seemed surprisingly familiar—though seeing cows meandering in the road made me smile. I was really in India now!
I couldn’t wait to settle in, join my first yoga class and sleep in a teepee. The adventure had begun.
The resort
It was like finding an oasis.
Sandy paths branched out from an open-air communal space, curving around palm trees. Huts made from natural fibres dotted the grounds, blending beautifully with the gardens.
At the rustic reception, signs proposed creamy lassi and a $6 dinner buffet of Indian specialities. Nearby, cushions lay invitingly on a bench, perfect for curling up with a good book.
Around the corner, a red wooden yoga platform, strung with fairy lights, awaited evening candlelit classes and sunrise sessions by the sea.
The receptionist casually mentioned the resort’s ‘star’ resident: Rocky the rooster, a friendly bird who loved to have his feathers stroked and would close his eyes in bliss. I couldn’t wait to meet him.
A staff member guided me along a winding path, as seagulls cawed overhead and waves swooshed onto the shore. I inhaled the sea air, mingled with the spices of masala chai brewing nearby.
The tent
Pulling aside the pink patterned sarong serving as a door, I entered the teepee and smiled.
Inside the cream canvas walls was a cosy double bed, a bedside table and a makeshift wardrobe with coat-hangers.
Sunlight streamed through a small opening at the top, past the palm trees overhead, filling the tent with a golden glow.
My new home was small, simple and the perfect haven for my first few days. I could feel my tense shoulders relaxing already.
But my sense of calm didn’t last long.
My first meal
That evening at the resort’s open-air buffet, I sat next to an older woman. With a big smile, I revealed it was the first night of my round-the-world travels, hoping she’d share my excitement. Instead, she asked:
“So, why are you doing this trip? Do you have a specific goal or purpose?”
I paused, suddenly self-conscious.
“Not really. I was… planning to explore the world. It’s been my dream for ages.”
Her eyebrows furrowed:
“Oh, right.”
My answer clearly hadn’t satisfied her. Suddenly, I felt ridiculous—coming all this way, spending so much money and setting off on this journey without a clear objective.
The joy of arriving here quickly faded, replaced by a cloud of doubt. This wasn’t the start I’d imagined.
My stomach tightened. I pushed my plate away, wished the lady a good evening and left. Deflated, I returned to my teepee, berating myself for coming here without a proper goal.
Sleeping in the teepee
That night, lying in bed, I stared up through the opening of my tent at the stars above.
I was really here. I’d made it. I had no clue what lay ahead—hell, I didn’t even have a purpose. But here I was. Gradually, I drifted off to sleep.
In the middle of the night, I jolted awake to the sound of rain.
Sitting bolt upright, I leapt out of bed to shield my belongings from the imminent downpour. Water was about to rush in and I was powerless to stop it.
How stupid to think staying in a teepee was a good idea! Of course it rains in India!
But I didn’t feel a single drop. Confused, I looked up.
No rain. Not even clouds. Stars glinted down from a clear sky, framed by the silhouettes of palm fronds. Yet I kept hearing the whoosh of water.
Then it dawned on me. It was the sound of the waves crashing onto the nearby beach.
As my heart rate slowed, I climbed back into bed, amused by my overreaction. Closing my eyes, I slipped into a deep, restful sleep.
A new day in Goa
On my first sunny morning in India, determined to leave behind my grey corporate life, I chose clothes in blue, yellow and red—like my vibrant new surroundings.
My accessories had transformed too; liberated from deadlines, I no longer wore a watch. Colourful beaded bracelets, dangling earrings and a bright embroidered bag from Thailand were my way of embodying the free-spirited, boho style I admired.
Tucking into a tasty omelette for breakfast, I tried to read a travel book gifted by my flatmate. But I couldn’t focus on the flavours or the prose. The woman’s question from the night before—and my midnight panic—rattled in my mind.
Clearly, I’d inadvertently packed my anxiety for this trip.
It was true what they say:
Wherever you go, there you are.
Instead of over-thinking, I resolved to make the most of my first days in Goa.
Settling into serenity
In the spirit of my wonderful, aimless adventure, I filled my hours with nourishing new routines: reading, journalling, sipping tea, cuddling Rocky the rooster and practicing yoga by the sea. Each session on the sand worked a quiet magic on me, soothing my restless thoughts.
One morning, after a yoga session that left my body buzzing, followed by a breakfast of fresh exotic fruit and masala chai, I felt the urge to explore.
Emerging onto the beach and breathing in the salty air, I began to walk.
Drifting along the coast
With my sandals in one hand, I hiked up my tiered maxi skirt to shield it from the waves lapping at the peaceful shore.
With each step, my bare feet sank into the wet sand, leaving a trace of where I’d been. The hot Indian sun warmed my pale skin. I might get sunburnt, but I didn’t care.
Listening to the calming Arabian Sea, I scrunched the sand between my toes as I roamed. No destination in mind, my only plan was to see where the day would take me.
I felt like one of those meandering cows—and it was bliss.
Discovering somewhere new
After nearly an hour wandering along the coastline, I stumbled upon wooden shacks playing chill-out music and serving cold beers—a lively contrast to the tranquility of Ashvem.
I had accidentally arrived in Arambol, where I’d soon spend two weeks doing a tai chi, qigong and chakra healing course.
Vibrant street markets and vegetarian restaurants lined the dusty red roads, all infused with an undeniable hippie vibe.
Smiling, I pinched myself, realising I was actually here. In Goa. And it was even better than I had imagined.
Magic Park
Spotting signs to somewhere called Magic Park, I followed them, intrigued. I discovered a rustic open-air centre and an eclectic crowd of friendly faces. It advertised ‘designer’ huts, vegan refreshments, and a wide variety of yoga classes and workshops.
Charmingly rough around the edges, even the outdoor furniture appeared handmade. I liked it immediately. This was my kind of place—a space to relax and be yourself without judgement.
For me, it truly felt like magic.
Finding my place
Maybe I didn’t need to know exactly what I was searching for or why. Simply being here, open to each day, was enough.
I was laying a new foundation, brick by brick: one that was authentically me. I was on this journey for myself and that was all that mattered.
A month in India might be exactly what I needed: a chance to loosen my grip, trust the experience and let the waves carry me to whatever awaited.
Even if that meant attempting—and probably failing at—tai chi, qigong and chakra healing. I was putting myself out there, trying something new, and that was enough purpose for me.
Curling up on a bench in the heart of Magic Park, feeling safe, happy and free from worrying about what anyone else thought, I napped in the warm afternoon sunshine.
✨ Enjoyed this chapter? Tap the ❤️ to help more readers find my story. Have you ever been to Goa or is it on your list? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
To read my advice on how to plan the perfect solo trip to Goa, click here.
Stay tuned for the next chapter about how I navigate my first ever chakra healing workshop and bravely attempt tai chi!
Thinking about taking a career break to travel the world? Drop me a message—I’d love to chat about your plans.
This is beautiful! I would have felt the same after being asked a forward question in what seemed an abrasive way. I love how you came to your conclusion: “Maybe I didn’t need to know exactly what I was searching for or why. Simply being here, open to each day, was enough.” I love that - and it’s a wonderful reminder to me, not only for my travels but perhaps in every day life. I would love to go to India! Such a dream for me! Happy I found your newsletter here! I subscribed and can’t wait to follow along hearing about your brave adventures!
Such a lovely read!