Goa-ing Places: Surprising Finds on Two Wheels
While recently giving a presentation on my cycling journeys across different countries, I thought it would be interesting to talk about the unexpected connections to Goa that I’ve come across during my rides.
One such moment occurred during my Nepal ride in May 2022. While walking through the bustling streets of Thamel in Kathmandu, I spotted a hotel named Goa Palace. Intrigued by the familiar name, I stopped to take a selfie with the signboard. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But later, while in Pokhara, I noticed another hotel with the same name and logo. Curious, I went in to ask about the reason behind the name. Fortunately, I met Saran Gurung, the owner’s son, who told me that back in 2000, his father had visited Goa as a tourist and loved it so much that he decided to name his hotel Goa Palace.
On my third cycling trip to Vietnam in October 2023, while riding from Nha Trang to Vung Tau, I had another such moment. When I reached Mui Ne, one of my cycle pedals broke. Luckily, two kind local boys helped me fix it temporarily, and I managed to ride another 20 km to my hotel. The next morning, while heading to a mechanic, I passed a restaurant named Goa. I stopped for a quick photo and continued on my way. A few days ago, I looked up the restaurant on Google and found a contact number. Out of curiosity, I sent them a message on WhatsApp, asking why it was named Goa. The owner replied that he was an Indian who had spent a year in Goa in 2015. When he later opened the restaurant in Mui Ne, the coastal vibe reminded him of Goa, so he named it after the place that had left such a strong impression on him.
Little discoveries like these always warm my heart. It’s fascinating how a small Indian state like Goa can leave such a lasting mark on people across the world—and how those connections find their way back to me on the road.
Locations:
1. Hotel Goa Palace, Kathmandu : https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZXSs3UT6yhMKitoW6
2. Hotel Goa Palace, Pokhara : https://maps.app.goo.gl/9o81N1x3GrR4g6aD6
3. Goa Restaurant and Bar, Mui Ne : https://maps.app.goo.gl/JsLNgVcB75Mia2Q89