After the initial COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, we decided to go on a holiday. The period was challenging, confined within our homes, and unfortunately, we were struck by the virus, including our two-year-old daughter. Being so young, she couldn’t articulate her experience verbally. With a fever reaching 104 degrees Celsius, her only means of expressing pain was through tears.Thankfully, through God’s grace, we all recovered within a month.
With travel opening up again, we eagerly sought a respite from our daily grind. Opting for a trip to Goa, our main purpose was to visit the temple we had planned to take our daughter for prayers after her birth. While Goa undoubtedly provides an abundance of delights – from food and alcohol to serene beaches.Personally, I could revisit Goa annually without a hint of boredom; it remains my cherished holiday spot.
Residing inland, we yearned for our daughter to view and experience the coastal atmosphere, a vast stretch of water. Having frequented Goa during my own childhood, I relished playing in the water and constructing sand castles. It was a joy,I hoped she could also discover.
Embarking on a journey with a toddler poses its challenges, demanding careful consideration of essential items to pack. Taking note of everything required, we assembled our luggage for a planned five-day trip during the Christmas week in Goa. Despite multiple visits to Goa, my prior experiences were limited to summer holidays, and this marked my first opportunity to immerse myself in the festive Christmas atmosphere in the vibrant state.
Compiling a list of places to visit and activities to indulge in, we encountered a few popular tourist spots still closed due to lingering COVID restrictions. With a building sense of anticipation, especially with our little one in tow, the day of our trip finally arrived. Adorning masks and taking necessary precautions, we reached the airport. After a thorough security check, we entered the airport, where, while waiting in the lounge for our flight, we excitedly pointed out the planes on the runway to our daughter. Thrilled at the sight, she had previously seen planes in books and flying in the sky, but witnessing one right in front of her was a whole new experience. The sheer size left her amazed, evident in the delightful expression on her toddler face.
Persistently expressing her desire for the plane, we tried our best to reassure our restless little one that we would soon be boarding. As the boarding announcement echoed through the airport, standing in the queue heightened her impatience. Inside the plane, despite showing her our seats and explaining the upcoming flight, it became evident that her “wanting the plane” wasn’t about being inside but having the plane to play with. Tears welled up as her innocent demand clashed with the reality of the situation. Finding amusement in her innocent request, I chuckled. When the airhostess inquired about our well-being, we shared our predicament, and my husband even asked if they had a miniature model of the aircraft for her to hold. Unfortunately, the flight was fully occupied, leaving our daughter in further distress. As the plane prepared for takeoff, we diverted her attention outside the window, and in that moment, the desire for a plane was momentarily forgotten as she marvelled at the unfolding scenery during the ascent.
After a brief pause, she resumed asking for the plane, but the allure of the bright golden sun and clouds captured her attention once again, causing her to forget about it. As she gazed, she eventually drifted off to sleep, granting us a moment of relief during the journey. Upon reaching the hotel, her curiosity peaked about our destination with luggage in tow. The sight of a tall, festively adorned Christmas tree at the entrance delighted her, igniting a desire to explore the gifts beneath it. Steering her away, we headed to our room. Placed on the bed, she transformed the spring mattress into a makeshift trampoline, displaying her enthusiasm. Allowing her some playtime, we took the opportunity to plan our next steps after freshening up.
Having rented a car, we explored the planned destinations, and as evening descended, we brought her to the beach. The vast expanse of water left her momentarily speechless, thrilled by the prospect of getting closer. While I revelled in her initial excitement, it proved short-lived. As we neared the water and the waves lapped at our feet, she hesitated and opted to stay ashore, finding comfort in playing with her toys in the sand.
Despite our persistent efforts to encourage her to join in the water play, she remained adamant in her refusal. I felt a profound disappointment as one of the main reasons for choosing this destination was to witness her enjoyment of the beaches. While my husband and she engaged in sand play, I decided to take a solitary stroll along the shore. Each time the water caressed my feet, it stirred a unique sensation, triggering memories of visits with my parents and brother, moments I cherished. Observing the lively crowd and the enjoyment around me transported me to a different world.
After concluding my walk, I approached my daughter and asked if she wanted to play in the water. We reassured her that we wouldn’t leave her hand if she felt uncomfortable and that she wouldn’t be forced. After some consideration, she agreed and tightly held our hands. As the first wave approached, she closed her eyes, savouring the sensation. Gradually opening her eyes, she embraced the following waves, quickly transitioning from hesitation to pure enjoyment. Witnessing her joy filled me with happiness. Each time a wave retreated, she eagerly exclaimed, “Wave, come back to me, come back,” and when it approached, her happiness was evident. When it was time to leave, she resisted and tearfully expressed her desire to play longer. We promised to return the next day, and her anticipation for beach time overshadowed interest in other planned sites. Every evening during our stay in Goa, we made sure to take her to the beach, fulfilling her newfound love for the seaside.
Observing her delight, we felt a deep sense of contentment, realising that the purpose of bringing her to Goa was fulfilled. Together, we embraced the joys of watching sunsets, writing on the shore only to see it washed away by the waves, building castles, splashing in the water, and capturing moments through photographs.
We relished the Christmas party hosted by the hotel, featuring delectable food and lively music, while our little one joyfully ran around, thoroughly enjoying herself. Our visit to the temple for prayers was a serene experience, and indulging in seafood added a unique touch to our trip. The happiness reflected on our faces throughout the journey. Now, whenever we mention a beach trip to the little one, her excitement remains unwavering, and she continues to thoroughly enjoy these beach outings.
These moments turned into cherished memories, and each time we glance at those pictures, we discover ourselves reliving those invaluable experiences.