Ah, still that hamlet where time stands still eh. It is good to know. Well, as much as I do have a sort of reverence for the place, it is a bit embarrassing that I have not really explored a whole lot of it. This time I certainly will hire a bicycle and go wandering about. I plan to record footage of the surrounding nature as such, you know, trees and the beach, also of old villas and remnants of the Portuguese influence, stuff of historical interest like the fort, to compile it all into a vacation video. Maybe then chat up some of the old-timers and take an interview or two.

I am looking to find some of the lesser known haunts and places that are off the beaten path too. Perhaps a place where one can strike up ephemeral conversations with like-minded artists if you will (minus the booze and smoke). I have got to keep the expenses to a bare minimum. One of the hostels I will be staying at a later date has bikes on rent. I would like to strike a bargain with the chap who runs the place. I am not sure what to expect. How much does one normally pay, I'd love to know, if one has an idea. I should insist on a long-term rent deal because I will be staying at the place on most of the days.

Some of the bigger clubs (Hilltop, Monkey Bar, Shiva Valley etc.) hold weekly parties. I do not really have an idea who hosts what on which days. Big on the music scene this one. I do wish to avoid indoor venues as much as possible though. The lack of fresh air starts to asphyxiate quite quickly. I definitely want to attend parties (preferably free ones) on the beach or some other open-air venues. Are cops in the area still the buzz-kill and known to crack down on the parties of late? Can one go in with a relative peace of mind?

I would like to get some of the typical t-shirts available in the shops around the streets too. If there's a recommendation which particular vendor to go to, that will be just lovely. I do not sense I am missing out on anything else of major significance, but it is likely that I am forgetting something somewhat important. I am not sure exactly what. Any idea what all the Parvati Records store houses? How could one choose a place to make a spare buck or two as a part-timer at a bar, restaurant, or some other commercial establishment?

Appreciate the response.