The things you can do in Goa include an Ayurvedic detox cure, panchakarma. I’m now on my fifth day with an unpleasant intake of ghee (clarified butter) before breakfast, a strict vegetarian diet, an hour and a half of relaxing massages of various types and a daily steam bath. I constantly walk around with oil in my hair. Did you know, by the way, that having warm oil running on your forehead is total bliss? Well, at least for me. The cure is overseen by Dr Rohit, who gave a lively introduction to the Ayurvedic principles the other day. He talked about vata, pitta, kapha, hot, cold, air, water, fire, carrots, broccoli, ginger and chilli and how it all fits together.

Before breakfast there is also a 90 minute yoga class with Laura.

I loved the yoga for the few days I could participate. Then I got a problem and had to go to hospital (no, it had nothing to do with the yoga). I waited for two hours in a waiting room where everyone was accompanied by children, parents, wives, husbands and relatives. It became very full. When my name was called I didn’t understand where to go, in spite of everything being very well organised. “There!”, said 25 locals in chorus and pointed to a door. The doctor I met was kind, knowledgeable, patient and pedagogical. But he said I mustn’t do yoga for six weeks. Boring.

Maybe I can make more use of the sun beds and practise no hurry, no worry. Very difficult though for somebody of my disposition to lie still.

Or stroll around the village, little Mandrem Beach, practising no hurry, no worry.

The no curry doesn’t need practising – it happens by itself with the prescribed diet.

And the no hurry no worry can also be practised in another way, but that will be the topic of another post.