So, the Gokarn question has been settled! I trust you saw the massive wooden chariot that looked as if it had stepped out of an animated film? As for the trousers, their utter ludicrousness defies analysis.

Try switching your phone settings between automatic and manual. That may give you coverage. I did this in Spain and it worked. According to the Virgin ‘map’ you should have been okay in Goa although out in the sticks it’s patchy. Also, try the Fresh sim. Being able to send and receive texts is definitely worth it, so maybe if you find a cheapo Indian sim. Apparently, you can call overseas on them for the cost of a lassi.

Just in case you’re missing them, here is a photo of the pigs. They demolished the house we built, so I had to construct another one with the last of the hay bales.