Yes, there really were steaks walking on the beach and it didn't make my mouth water this time.

For starters, after yesterday's amazing feat of going IN the water, I repeated it today. In fact, it was even better. Ant and I had read about this place called Paradise Beach which was conveniently located near a freshwater lagoon. After a 5-10 minute walk, we found both beach and lagoon. It was beautiful. When we reached the beach at 9:30-10AM, there were few people in site. In fact there were more cows on the beach than people.

I went in the water, which was teal and green, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of the water lapping on the shore, palm trees, and hills. This was of course ruined by the hawkers and touts who come over offering sarongs, beads, coconuts, pinapple, cold drinks, and "something to smoke." However, after Ant bored them with his incessant questions (this seems to be his preferred method) they generally go away and pester other people. So we had our silence back, briefly.

Ant had gone exploring into the lagoon while I waited near our stuff. While I was waiting for him I heard this massive GRRMOOOOO!!!! What the FUNK was that??? With that the biggest brahmin bull I've seen yet came through the foliage and onto the beach in search of his cow bitches. He sauntered along, making sure we all knew he was there, and proved his supremacy over the beach. We were there with HIS permission. He settled in next to part of the lagoon while his cows promptly admired him.

In the mean time, other travelers came over and were unimpressed by the cold water, and went back to the Arabian Sea, 150 meters away. After letting my body soak for a long long time, I finally realized it was time to drag myself out of the blissful water so I could feel my thumbs.

I have this thing about swimming. I like being able to see the bottom of the water I'm in otherwise I bug out a bit. This makes swimming in the ocean very difficult. Or maybe it's the years and years of watching Shark Week on Discovery with my bro Nick. I don't know. So my going from tranquil little lagoon to open Arabian Sea waves was a big step.

We put our stuff down out of the path of the walking steaks and I dipped my toe in. Ok, it was really warm. There were only 3-4 other people in and after a few minutes I was in up to my chest, riding the waves!!! Somewhat anticlimatic, but it was a big deal for me. Ant was proud of me and so was I.

Afterwards, we wandered down the path and went to one of the MANY restaurants along the water. This place kicked ASS. The food was great. THey even had the best avacado sandwich I have ever had, and I've had a lot.

Speaking of food/drink, there is something I am going to miss terribly when I leave India. Maaza. Maaza is a mango nectar drink that is sold as a soft drink here in India. It's owned by Coca Cola, so they can't be ALL evil if they make this stuff.

Anywho, back to today, we sat watching the sunset from the little patio of our room. What more can I ask for a laid back day??