Thu, May 11: Goa (Mormugao), India

Today we landed in Goa for another day of travel in India.  

We drove toward Margao...

Stopping at a beach on the way.

Margao was a charming town...

Lady picking mangos

Where we visited the Holy Spirit Church.

We then went to tour the Braganca House, a 350 year old mansion with a Portuguese facade.  The house was split into two halve when it was inherited by two sisters.  Descendants of the sisters still live in the two haves. 

The tour was conducted by one of the family members.  We saw a large gallery/hall filled with old furniture and many interesting collectibles, a beautiful ballroom with great chandeliers and a bedroom with original furnishings.  Photos were allowed inside but only with a promise that we wouldn't publish them...so no pictures here.  However, the front facade and gardens were pretty great.

After that we toured a Heritage site (Palaceo de Deo), a 213 year old mansion built by a Portuguese nobleman who was dean of the nearby church.  It fell into decline and was recently purchased by a family who is restoring it.  

The home had a beautiful set of stairs up to the entry...

and was surrounded by lovely gardens.  

We had a wonderful lunch prepared by the owner's wife and served the large covered veranda.

Much of the interior had been refurbished and restored with period pieces.

The windows had screens fitted with very thin pieces of shell that let in the light but maintained privacy.

Since the original builder was a Dean at the local church the house had a small alter right at the entrance.

The rest of the day was uneventful with an efficient ride back to the boat.  Since we are now near the end of our cruise we decided to photograph the ships map of where we have been.