Susegad - the Goan idea of 'relaxation', of approaching life in laid-back fashion - is something that we in other Indian cities sorely lack. It might be cliché, but when I went to Goa a week ago, I found myself surrendering to the idea of 'susegad'.

I didn't know what time it was, and I was in no hurry to get anywhere. I spent lazy afternoons with a beer and a book, watching the relentless ocean waves. I admired the charming Portugese architecture and wondered at the quaint names of several churches and bars (La Dolorosa). I walked along the beach and petted several lovely dogs (Goa's dogs are clearly used to tourists!)

I went from the frenetic, touristy North Goa to the much calmer, more pristine beaches of Agonda in the South. I swam, and I lay on the beach in the comfortable knowledge that I could wear whatever I wanted without stares. There were plenty of other tourists everywhere I went, but (perhaps surprisingly) there weren’t so many as to be distracting. I breathed clean air and I felt the (relatively) clean sand beneath my feet.

Of course, I ate: a dazzling variety of dishes. Fluffy poee(Goan bread) and fiery xacuti (a Goan curry), breaded and fried prawns, kingfish melting off its bones... I am often scornful of seafood in Delhi, but I have to admit that Goa fulfilled everything my Mallu heart could desire.

My favourite was a dish of butter garlic squid that was light on the seasoning, but that didn't really need it - it was sunshine in a bowl.

It’s difficult not to lose your heart to Goa- just be warned, you can’t get anything done in a hurry there!