Beauty and the Filth

Several years ago, my good friend David Phillips and I were in a restroom in Las Vegas (at least I think it was Las Vegas.) We went to wash our hands after taking care of some business when David shared some useful information with me. He told me that to truly clean your hands you have to wash with hot water and soap for at least two minutes. "2 minutes?!?" I exclaimed. "Yes, that's what they say." 30 seconds went by, and I pondered the thought until we hit the paper towel dispenser. I asked David "Do you really wash for two minutes? That would take forever!" He said, "No, but that's what they say you should do". I've gone to bed this past week thinking about the two minute rule and I've decided that the minimum here should 5 minutes. I wonder what David thinks.

I'm now in Goa. The first thing to mention is that is not nearly as filthy here as in the south. All things being relative, it's actually quite clean. Paloem beach is beautiful. It's off the beaten track, and on what they call the "independent traveler route". I believe that's because it's not built up, and it's a time consuming process to get there. But it's picture perfect- hot, but not humid...clear warm water...palm trees swaying onto the beach. When I spoke to Keith on the phone last night at about 6:30, I said I was going to take a picture while we were talking so he could be here with me. The one above was that picture.

Goa was the place that opens the Bourne Supremecy (or Identity, I can't remember, but it's the second one. They're hiding away in huts at the beginning and then there is a chase scene on some bridge...). Here is the hut we're staying in on the left (with a nice cold shower!)

The food in Goa deserves some mention here. It's truly incredible. Tandoori fish and curry's that words here cannot descibe. If you could be at the table while Marcia and I are eating, you'd get the point ("this is sooo fucking good" or "how do they make this?" or "the nan is so fluffy but crispy." Angie arrives today from Delhi, and after going to this same restaurant twice that we can't get enough, we'll take her there for dinner.