Our day started with another farewell. Johnny and Marion left today and we had a farewell breakfast with them at Sea Front. They are going home to wrestle with the aftermath of a massive water leak through their home, a nightmare we know only too well having experienced the same thing while staying here over Christmas and New Year 2010/11.

A few more pix from last night in Palolem and the room decor we find after the room cleaners have visited!

After that we spent the morning on the beach. It was hot and the sea was calm but it got windy as the day went on.

I left about 115 to go back and shower off before going to my hairdresser’s housewarming/blessing party for their new house. Janet and I went together. Such a lovely place and a lovely party. We were there for the last hour of the puja – the blessing – which takes about 4 hours. During this time the Hindu priest leads the couple and the family through a series of prayers, rituals and offerings culminating in an extended family ceremony with fire, incense, firecrackers, singing, fruit and vegetable offerings at the family altar. Everyone brought a household gift – we gave a set of teacups. It was absolutely lovely and the house is beautiful.

We were very much welcomed and made to feel a part of it all, given seats inside. There must have been at least 60 people inside and outside the house where a canopy had been arranged. After the ceremony, there was a vegetarian feast for everyone which was really delicious. It was so nice to be a part of such a local event. Such colourful outfits and flowers.

Tonight Bob and I ate dinner at Roundcube on the beach. It was really nice. Didn’t need much food after the party.