Abandoned by Friends, Not by God

Life has a way of teaching us lessons in the most unexpected situations. This is my story of an unplanned solo adventure in Goa—one that began with betrayal but ended in self-discovery.

A Solo Journey Begins

I had planned a solo trip to Goa, eager to explore its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and laid-back culture. My journey began on a train, heading towards Thivim Railway Station. From there, I had mapped out my route—taking a bus to Mapusa and then another to Anjuna Beach, where I had already booked a dormitory in a hostel.

Everything was going as planned until I met a group of three travelers—two boys and a girl from Delhi. They were also heading to Goa, and in casual conversation, they suggested that we could share accommodation to split costs. At first, I was hesitant, as I had already secured a place to stay. But the idea of having company on the trip sounded appealing, and the possibility of saving money seemed like a good deal. So, I made a spontaneous decision—I canceled my hostel booking at Anjuna and decided to go with them to Baga Beach instead.

Trust Misplaced

We booked a cab together, split the fare, and reached Baga Beach. The energy of the place was electrifying—tourists walking along the shore, beach shacks glowing under fairy lights, and the sound of the waves blending with distant music from bars and clubs. I felt a rush of excitement, looking forward to a great experience with my new companions.

But just when I thought things were falling into place, reality hit me hard.

Once we arrived, one of the guys suggested that we split up to look for a hotel, thinking it would be easier to find a budget-friendly option that way. Trusting them, I agreed and started searching on my own. I walked into multiple hotels, checking prices and availability, determined to find a decent place within ₹1,000 per night. After some effort, I finally found one that fit our budget. Relieved, I called them to inform them about the place.

Their response shook me.

"Actually, you can find your own stay. We're not coming with you."

For a moment, I was stunned. Had I just been used? I had given up my secure booking in Anjuna only to be left stranded in an unfamiliar place. The realization hit hard—people I had trusted without a second thought had abandoned me without hesitation.

Lost, But Not Hopeless

Standing alone in the middle of Goa’s most happening beach, surrounded by strangers who were lost in their own worlds, I felt an overwhelming wave of loneliness. Everyone around me was dancing, laughing, and enjoying their night, while I was stuck questioning my own decisions.

But then, I took a deep breath.

What’s the worst that could happen? I asked myself. Would I have to spend more money? Would I have to adjust a little? So what? This was my journey, and I wasn’t going to let one bad experience ruin it.

Determined, I took out my phone and searched for hostels near me. A name popped up—Amoura Beach Hostel. It had good reviews, so I called them immediately. Fortunately, they had availability, and I booked a bunk bed for just ₹400.

A Silver Lining

When I arrived at the hostel, I was pleasantly surprised. It was clean, had RO drinking water, air conditioning, and well-maintained bathrooms—far better than I had expected for the price. After placing my backpack in the dormitory, I decided not to let the night go to waste.

I stepped out and, to my delight, found that Baga Beach was just a short 200-meter walk from my hostel. The moment I reached the shore, I felt all my worries wash away with the sound of the waves. The sea stretched endlessly before me, its dark surface shimmering under the moonlight. I took a deep breath, letting the salty breeze fill my lungs.

I sat down on the sand, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the ocean. The waves had a calming effect, as if nature itself was telling me that everything was going to be okay. At that moment, I realized I didn’t need anyone else to make my journey special.

After a while, I grabbed some dinner at a nearby shack and made a video call to my family. Hearing their voices and sharing my experience with them made me feel much better.

Embracing the Nightlife

Even though it was 11 PM, Baga Market was still alive as if it were only evening. Shops were open, streets were packed with tourists, and music played from different corners. I strolled through the lively roads, capturing videos and soaking in the experience. People were openly drinking at restaurants, bars, and even on the streets. Goa’s nightlife was truly an experience like no other.

After exploring for a while, I returned to my hostel, feeling grateful. The day had been unpredictable, filled with both disappointments and unexpected joys. But more than anything, it had taught me something valuable—people may abandon you, but God always has a plan.

Lessons Learned

This experience made me realize that trusting strangers blindly is not always a good idea, but it also taught me that being alone doesn’t mean being lost. When things don’t go as planned, you can either break down or adapt. I chose to adapt, and in doing so, I found something even better than what I had originally planned.

Sometimes, life’s unexpected turns lead us to places we never knew we needed to be. And in those moments, all we need is faith—faith in ourselves, faith in the journey, and faith that, no matter what, we are never truly alone.