Highness in Goa

You know you’re in Goa when……
1. You see all shops shut down by 9 pm except liquor outlets which never seem to close at all!
2. The shopkeeper pulls down the shutters even as you are attempting to enter it...especially if it is time for his afternoon lunch and siesta between 1300 hrs and 1600 hrs.
3. Your travel from anyplace to anyplace in Goa is through lush greenery – for a Mumbaikar, all roads appear similar to the Aarey Colony road in Goregaon (East, which is only one of its kind in Mumbai.
4. You find well-maintained benches to sit down at all intersections – and the locals haven’t vandalized them.
5. You find extremely friendly people all around and what’s more you can speak to anyone in Konkani – it is my mother-tongue!
6. You see everyone sporting the Goa-theme T-shirts – there are several on offer everywhere.
7. You will also find youngsters wear T-shirts declaring the Goan attitude:
“Proud to be lazy”, You said it! Who doesn’t know this place is great to relax-
“ susegaad”, as they say here in Goa, which means laidback attitude!
“Conserve water – Drink Beer” Hey why not Feni, guys? Wouldn’t that have been more apt?
“Girlfriends are like medicines – they come with expiry dates” Perhaps they also come with side effects, huh?

We were in Goa for a week, after paying obeisance at our family deity kuladeva at Mangeshi Temple, it was time to relax, unwind, roam around, soak in the nature, gorge on Goan seafood preparations and desserts, that you can only get in plenty here.

While in Goa, I had the opportunity to read the local newspaper Navhind Times. I was really impressed by the number of articles and letters expressing concern about the need to protect the environment and the greens in that tantalizing state, which has been not yet spoilt by polluting industries. When we, urban citizens speak of progress, we often mistake industrialization to be the only real progress. Don’t we want to preserve some places like Goa, Kerala or Himachal in their pristine beauty?

I appreciate the state’s stand not to join the SEZ bandwagon and preference to control rapid industrialization. Albeit, a little too late – after approving a handful of SEZs which were de-notified subsequently. Not fair for the promoters, though. You need to know your strengths – Goa’s strength is its natural beauty, culture and tourism – not industry.

Goa celebrated what is called the “Sao-Jao” festival on 24th June. Youngsters wearing colorful bands around their heads made of flowers dashed around in motor-cycles all day to take part in the finale which would mean taking a dip in the river or sea, drink beer, partake a meal of seafood and meat and dance away into the night. It reminded us of the Goa Carnaval, held each year in February (we had the opportunity to witness the carnaval in 1988).

Goans sure know how to have fun!

The local newspapers carried some special features about fighting drug abuse and educating and rehabilitating youngsters on the occasion of the International Day against drug abuse and trafficking observed on the 26th of June every year.
Several youngsters who had overcome their drug habit forever and some who were struggling to do so had related their experiences in these articles. It was only ironic that as I was reading these articles, the news of the death of Michael Jackson was being telecast on the telly.

Goa is known to be a place to have fun! But some youngsters need to have the right idea of fun. Drugs provide a false sense of euphoria and well-being which eventually leads to a painful existence once hooked, as I could gather. I do sincerely hope youngsters in Goa learn to have some clean healthy fun. Like reading my humor blog and, of course, my book which is available here!

For some useful blogs/writeups about Goa read these links.
Edwin Fernandes – The susegad era that was
Goan Culture

Finally, a rare Goan delicacy you must carry back for your friends – Bebinca! I did!

There is plenty to get high on when you are in Goa!
One would almost call you “Your highness”…