Siolim sodium

Started at 8am today. Off to Siolim fields which is normally a flooded marsh.   Farmers up to their knees in mud were ploughing with pairs of bullocks to prepare for rice planting. The monsoon wasn't good this year so the planting is late. The early morning mist was beginning to lift.

After a good morning birding we relaxed at the apartment for a few hours till 3:30 when the heat is beginning to drop. Walked through to our hotel of the last 4 years and took their free bus to Baga beach. From here it is easier to catch the bus to Mapusa because one is guaranteed a seat!  The one hour journey cost 15p. Travelling later in the day has advantages because there are fewer people about. The market at Mapusa was calm and ordered. Helen ordered her varifocal specs for a tiny fraction of the Uk price. 

Then Norma went to Poshak department store and bought a kurta (long shirt). Back by motor rickshaw in the dark.