Clapping Sound to get some water "Bubbles"...

Bubbling lake

The bubbling lake is more like a pond than a lake. We were able to walk down to it, take off our shoes and put our feet in the water. The temperature was perfect. This site is of interest because of the way that the water ‘bubbles’ when you make a clapping sound. There are also tiny fish that supposedly will eat the dead skin off your feet – that didn’t happen for me but others in the group had a few little bites.

8500 BC petroglyphs and spice plantation

The highlight today for me was visiting the petroglyphs (rock carvings) and the spice plantation. The rock carvings were quite incredible, and even more strange was the fact that there is probably more sitting under dirt that is yet to be excavated. We then walked across the little bridge to the spice plantation. We had a young man climb a tree and pick coconuts for us which he then cut open. Drinking real coconut water is sooo good, and then eating raw coconut is very refreshing. I lost the group at one point and instead followed our drivers who had found a papaya tree and cut a couple of pieces from the tree which they shared with everyone when we found them again.

Lunch at Alila Diwa

We visited Alila Diwa for lunch – a very fancy resort. Again, I personally couldn’t justify the money it would cost to stay there but it was very nice. I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a resort only holiday.

It is also disturbing to learn that many of the fires we see are burning plastic. Water is an issue here, and we have been drinking a lot of bottled water which made me wonder where the bottles go. I was sad to find out that often they are dumped or burnt. Both bad options.

Once we got back to the hotel I was able to squeeze in a quick cocktail at the poolside bar which was very nice. I hope that there will be more time to do that again!

Colva Beach

We visited Colva Beach on the way back and it was nice. Probably wouldn’t go back there deliberately though. I was surprised at how many people were on the beach and fully clothed. The rubbish around here is also disgraceful.

Dinner at The Heritage Village Club

Before dinner we managed to squeeze in a quick drink in the swim up bar at the hotel – it was good to be able to stop for a little bit!

We went for dinner at the Heritage Village Club, the food was great. The accommodation was also nice, although the all inclusive package deal seemed to encourage people to stay at the venue rather than venturing out which isn’t my style.

Back to the hotel in the car because the bus has gone to pick up the Malaysians who were joining us for the remainder of the FAM. We had lots of laughs on the way back, and then sat in the lobby for a drink before bed. I got a triple bailey on ice – perfect end to the day.