Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
For 25 years, Festacar was my way of giving back to Goa — a festival that brought communities together, celebrating our culture and grassroots traditions. But after a quarter of a century, I felt the need to pause, to celebrate in a different way. That pause led me aboard the MSC Virtuosa, a floating city of lights, music, and discovery.
The ship itself was a marvel. Its glowing LED-domed promenade, buzzing cafés, and vast decks became my sanctuary. For the first time in years, I wasn’t planning, coordinating, or giving. I was simply letting the sea carry me.
Our first stop was La Coruña, Spain. The city greeted me with a rare blend of history and vibrancy. Standing before the Tower of Hercules, the world’s oldest functioning lighthouse, I felt the weight of centuries. Like Goa’s own traditions, this lighthouse has endured — steady, timeless, and unyielding.
In the Old Town, I wandered through cobblestone streets lined with glass-fronted Galician houses. I stopped for pulpo a la gallega — octopus dressed with olive oil and paprika. Simple, rustic, yet profound. Much like Goa’s food, it carried the soul of its land and people.
The journey then took me inland to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination for countless pilgrims walking the Camino. Watching them arrive at the cathedral — weary yet radiant with joy — was deeply moving. Their faces held exhaustion, meaning, and triumph. Inside, the cathedral’s golden altars shimmered with centuries of devotion, filling me with an unexpected peace.
Later, I walked along Riazor Beach. The Atlantic breeze washed over me, and I realized: after years of giving through Festacar, this was my time to receive. The ocean, the culture, the people, and the stories were now filling me with renewal.
As the Virtuosa sailed away that evening, I carried with me more than memories of Galicia. I carried the reminder that travel is not only about discovering new places, but also about rediscovering ourselves.
