Few interesting encounters at Goa

I mentioned in my last post that I would be sharing with you folks few interesting situations I encountered. I am making a special mention of those because few shocked me, few surprised me and few made me happy.

OK, Let me first tell you about the life apart from what we see on the beach. Goa basically thrives on toursis. Saying so, most locals there either have stores, home stays, restaurants, business on the beach to lure guests. They are hospitable, cheerful and in fact speak good English, Hindi and Portuguese. They dont seem to know their native tongue that well. Otherwise, the people are very simple and in their own world. The doctor I visited was a very good example. He was simple, isolated from the hustle and bustle of toursists, the effect on him was zilch.

Speaking about how hospitable locals are; well that's a different story. Hospitality most times are extended only to foreign toursists. Shocking it may sound, but each place we went, we were ignored and treated indifferently. Right after visitng the doctor, it was required to buy medicines, off we went to a chemist. They made us wait for half hour to give us 2 to 3 strips of tablets. Meanwhile, the owner of the shop greeted each foreigner with a "HELLO SIR, HOW ARE YOU TODAY?" He was so excited and full of life each time a foreigner visited his shop.

Even though these toursits wanted to wait in line, they were coaxed to mention what they needed and the service was quick. Each sentence ended with a SIR or a MADAM. Why this indifferent attitude? Were they selling Indian customer their goods at discount that it was OK for them to let us wait? It was as if only foreign tourists are welcome there. I saw the "Athithi Devo Bhava" slogan written in most places. Maybe they should re-write it as "Videshi Athithi Devo Bhava".and "Desi Athithi Ko Bhaga Do"!!!!

It happened at the stores we visited too. It was appalling and embarrassing. I realized how it is to feel lonely and uncomfortable in your own country. Speaking about the foreign tourists, they have got pretty adapted to Indian culture. Oh when I mean Indian culture, it is about pushing your way through the crowd, walking past nudging you and so on :-) Good for us!!!

However a good virtue of people is that they don't cheat. The salesman don't pursue you to buy things Thats a breather. People are helpful, they promptly help you when you ask for directions. Feels good. 

When I was relaxing on Baga beach, getting a tattoo done, a lady who was selling pineapples approached me. Before she could speak, I decided to dismiss her but I just kept quiet. She had a 4 year old kid with her. I noticed that she picked up a slipper that was lying in front of me, approached me asking "Madam, yeh aapka hai kya?" I said it was not mine. Another lady joined her. This one started gushing with excitement saying that one of the guests were enquring about a spierman slipper that their kid lost. They would be here for 3 days and if anyone finds it, to return it to them.

She was happy that she found the pair and was talking to the other lady about finding that couple, and how her help would make them buy her pineapples!!! I was awe-struck. Any normal person would have just kept those slippers for her kid who was barefoot!! Or even if she found one slipper, why would she go in search of the couple, she had better job to do selling her goods!! There are still such people, aren't they?

This aside, there were people who were doing different types of odd jobs, tattoo artists, marketing boys, masseurs, antique sellers all from outside states. A young chanawala coaxed me to by chana masala. And we got talking. The boy was about 10 yeras old and he was from UP. The tattoo artist was from Karanataka, didnt know Kannada though. This is the tattoo I got.

I met two cute kids the next day at Anjuna beach. We were relaxing in a shack when I saw these kids walking past. I called them and they promptly walked towards us. I remembered seeing them the previous day at Baga beach, they were in their same clothes as the previous day, unkept hair, dirty face. The older one was carrying a bag. I asked them that if they were at Baga yesterday and they told yes. I started enquring further, and this was what they said. They dont have dad, they earn money by showing gymanstic tricks, mom does the same elsewhere, other brother and sister do the same. They stayed at Calungute and walk everyday along the seashore from Calungute to Baga and Baga to Anjuna, thats roughly 8 kms. I asked them if they dont go to school, they said that they got a teacher who comes home to teach. The girl recited all the alphabets in English without a blink and also recited "Twinke Twinkle Little Star".......They offered to us show us some tricks, but I said it was not needed and gave them some money.

We have so much in life, still crib and crib. How about these kids?

I finally got a chance to figure out why these people were indifferent towards Indian toursists. Visited flea market in Anjuna beach. We were the only Indian tourists, it were all foreigners otherwise. They were greeted with "Hello Sir, Hello Ma'am". We reluctantly made our way, I was half-minded to retreat, but continued. We chanced upon a shop selling antique Tibetan collections. Bought a brass Buddha, studded with turquoise and coral; for a steal.

As we talked further, came across another shop where we saw a gramophone. Now I wanted to own one for quite sometime and was searching in Bangalore too. As soon as we saw the piece, we couldnt believe our luck. As we approached, the salesman showed the same lack of interest in us, but pleading foreigners to buy a 500 Rs lamp when they were dismissing him. We waited for him to get back, he reluctantly came to us. We finally asked him "Aap Indians par interest kyon nahi dikhate?" He told us "Aisa nahi hai ji. Indians aate hain, price poochte hai aur dhimag kaate hai, kuch purchase nahi karte"

Now we understand why they were wary about Indians. We assured him that we wanted to buy. Bargained and got that HMV gramophone for a steal again. We got a record free, it has an Odissi folk song. He also told us how his dad bought 5 pieces of gramophone and now he is no more, this guy was selling them off. We also got a beautiful compass.

In the end, all was worth :-)

Goa

Something unexpected happened. I just went on an unplanned vacation. I have never planned one anytime though. Off I went to Goa; for 3 days. It was not enough, 3 days is too short.

Sun, sands and beach...perfect to relax and unwind. There were some unexpected twist too. We decided to drive, 600+ kilometers in a day was daunting. Very stressful that the first thing we did as soon as we reached Goa was visit a doctor. He told me that my tonsils was bad and hence no fried food, no cold drinks, no ice cream, no spicy food..........

What else is left for me to eat? Prescribed some 4 odd tablets of different colors and gave me an injection as if one plays dart..Ooouch!! that hurt. So there I was in beautiful goa and cannot eat anything I wanted to. All I did was eat idly sambhar.:-S

The trip was nevertheless fun. What you thought I diligently followed the doctor's advice? :-P So most times I was sick, yet had fun, lots of fun. Its a nice feeling to have fun while you are sick :-S.
Beach walking, clear sky, sands and gleaming water, palm trees, bumpy boat ride and we were shown the shooting spots of Dil Chahta Hai, Dhoom climax, the rock where Urmila danced "Tanha Tanha"

Was amazed at those 16th century churches and cathedrals and the ruins. Spent the evening on a cruise along the Mandovi river amidst nice crowd, goan folk dances and Portuguese dances. Visited few other places, lunched beside the river, got a tattoo which is permanent until it gets worn away :-P, shopped at flea market and got some items for a steal. Here are few pictures.

Para sailing on Baga beach

Fort Aguada. Built in 1612, it skirts the sea shore. It was built as a vantage point to serve as a fort and as a watering station to the ships 'Aguada' means 'Watering place' in Portuguese 

These boats keep ferrying manganese on the Madovi river non-stop to Marmagoa for shipping. 

Bom Jesus Basilica in Old Goa. 'Bom Jesus' means 'Good Jesus'.  The remains of St Francis Xavier lies here. This cathedral was built in the 17th century

The remains of St.Francis Xavier in a silver casket

The Bell Tower

Se Cathedral, built in the 17th century. Its the largest church in Asia. Its a mix of Tuscan and Corinthian style of architecture. It has 1 main altar, 8 chapels and 6 aisles 

The main altar

A beautiful chandelier right above where I sat

Worn out paintings of fruits, trees and leaves. They have almost vanished. These I assume is a depiction of Adam and Eve. I didn't have a guide, so I am not sure

A secret basement chamber in front of one of the altar. I wonder if these cathedrals were used as secret chambers during emergency. Dan Brown could weave a nice story.

The church of St. Francis of Assissi built in 1661. The three tier facade has octagonal tower on each side. It also houses a museum.

 The main altar of the church of St. Francis of Assissi

The church has these engravings of figures, symbols and writings all over on the floor. Interesting.

St.Augustine Tower in ruins. It is 400 years old and 46 mts high. The church is very large but all that remains are ruins. 

The remains of the church, the altars.

Goan folk dance on the cruise.

The colorful neon threw a vibrant reflection on the Mandovi river

The famous Casino Royale

Anjuna Beach, famous for its Wednesday flea market

The Saligao church at night. 

In my next post, I would share some interesting moments and situations that I encountered.  :-)

Woman

Nah!! This is not an attempt at celebrating woman's week. Yes, woman's WEEK, that's what an advertisement mentioned it today on Radio...anything for business.

I keep away from ranting on this space. I believe each one of us have enough problems and issues ourselves to hear about others problems. But I cant help myself. This post could turn analytical and maybe philosophical too. So read it at your own risk, I am not to be blamed.

Woman - Dont expect me to be saying anything unique apart from what has been said everything about woman. The source of life, the inspiration, the destructor......Each one have their own definition of a woman.

She laughs when she is supposed to cry, cries when she is supposed to laugh, takes everything in her stride and behaves as if all is well......is she mad? I mean why doesn't she just cry when she wants to cry??

She feels like crying for no reason. When everything is fine, she feels like breaking down. People around her don't understand why she is feeling low. They either term it as nonsensical or troublesome. Even when she is depressed, she has to cook for her family, take her of her kids and husband, behave as if everything is normal.

There are days when a lady would just go blank, depressed, down, low. Everything hits at the same time. When nothing seems to work, when things are worse even if they are fine, when people around her are insensitive even when they try their best, when everything around is void, when there seems to be no meaning for her being. When there seems to be no sense of anything, when no amount of consoling helps, when everything is irritating, when she throws a fit around for no reason.

But this doesn't leave her helpless, its the state she cant avoid. It comes and goes according to its whims, on which she has no control. She has to live through it.

But why does a woman feel depressed or low even if everything is fine? Its her way of repairing herself. Its her way to rejuvenate. Seems weird, but that's how it is. But if asked why this painful way? I have no answer.

When such a situation arises with your sister, mom, wife, friend please support her and lend her a shoulder to cry. Trust me, it goes away in a day or two and she is all kicking ass then. But when she is low, don't dismiss her saying that she has no better work, don't ignore her, listen to what she has to say, don't blame her. Dont let her mood swings affect you, instead, cheer her up. Just lend her an ear.

Show that she is an important part of your life, show how she makes your life meaningful, be patient and show her how special she is.

We are 'like this only'

Came across these fabulous facts on we, Indians. All the points are so true. I myself can identify with so many points here...And I am proud about being an Indian. Read on and enjoy.

1. Everything you eat is savored in garlic, onion and tomatoes.

2.. You try and reuse gift wrappers, gift boxes, and of course aluminum foil.

3. You are always standing next to the two largest size suitcases at the Airport.

4. You arrive one or two hours late to a party - and think it's normal.

5. You peel the stamps off letters that the Postal Service missed to stamp.

6. You recycle Wedding Gifts, Birthday Gifts and Anniversary Gifts.

7. You name your children in rhythms (example, Sita & Gita, Ram & Shyam, Kamini & Shamini..)

8. All your children have pet names, which sound nowhere, close to their real names.

9. You take Indian snacks anywhere it says 'No Food Allowed.'

10. You talk for an hour at the front door when leaving someone's house.

11. You load up the family car with as many people as possible.

12. You use plastic to cover anything new in your house, whether it's the remote control, VCR, carpet or new couch.

13. Your parents tell you not to care what your friends think, but they won't let you do certain things because of what the other 'Uncles and Aunties' will think.

14. You buy and display crockery, which is never used, as it is for special occasions, which never happen.

15. You have a vinyl tablecloth on your kitchen table.

16.. You use grocery bags to hold garbage.

17. You keep leftover food in your fridge in as many numbers of bowls as possible.

18. Your kitchen shelf is full of jars, varieties of bowls and plastic utensils (got free with purchase of other stuff)

19. You carry a stash of your own food whenever you travel (and travel means any car ride longer than 15 minutes).

20. You own a rice cooker or a pressure cooker.

21. You fight over who pays the dinner bill.

22. You live with your parents and you are 40 years old. (And they prefer it that way).

23. You don't use measuring cups when cooking.

24. You never learnt how to stand in a queue.

25. You can only travel if there are 5 persons at least to see you off or receive you whether you are traveling by bus, train or plane.

26. If she is NOT your daughter, you always take interest in knowing whose daughter has run with whose son and feel proud to spread it at the velocity of more than the speed of light.

27. You only make long distance calls after 11p.m.

28. If you don't live at home, when your parents call, they ask if you've eaten, even if it's midnight

29. You call an older person you never met before Uncle or Aunty.

30. When your parents meet strangers and talk for a few minutes, you discover you're talking to a distant cousin.

31. Your parents don't realize phone connections to foreign  countries have improved in the last two decades, and still scream at the top of their lungs when making foreign calls.

32. You have bed sheets on your sofas so as to keep them from getting dirty.

33. Its embarrassing if you're wedding has less than 600 people.

34. All your Tupperware is stained with food color.

35. You have drinking glasses made of steel.

36. You have mastered the art of bargaining in shopping. 

There's a video on youtube on similar lines - here.

Ways to beat boredom

Yes!! you guessed it right!. I am bored! Did everything, pinged friends online, read blogs, passed comments, did some office work after logging from home, finished house chores...

But BORED. You walk up and down in your room, scan 360 degrees to figure out if there is anything interesting, Nothing!!! To complicate, I am lazy to move out to feed my hungry stomach!!

I am hungry, but lazy to cook, Oh I am also bored!! Weird isnt it? No its not. It happens with any NORMAL human being and I am absolutely, insanely normal :-D

There are some interesting ways to beat your boredom. Its fun!!!

- Watch any song and dance from Indian movies - with MUTE. Just watch the shakes and moves without any volume and see how much fun it is!!

- Go dig your kitchen, count the rice grains in your stock. Improves your math skill

- Make prank calls to your bank's customer service executive. Take revenge. Bully them; just do once what they do always with you. There's no sadistic pleasure than this :-D (Wicked smile)

- Pick your nose. Clear and make way for health paved with boogers :-P

- Fill a large bucket of water using a seive. Grow your wisdom!!

- Scratch yourself. No!! nothing weird. Definitely a feel good factor

- If you have someone beside you, pick lice from his/her head. Hygiene around you, anytime good.

- Try reading a book while the pages face a mirror. Its challenging!!

- Untie all of your shoe laces, tie them back. There are more than 15 ways to tie them!!

- Blog about being bored!!!!

Yeaaayyy!! Here are 10 points. Try them and beat your boredom to death people!!

What are your favorite ways? Share them  :-)

Timeless

 

 

As we walk, 

amongst loneliness, 

lost in time, 

deep in thought;

 

Chasing shadows,

black and gray,

Hazy yet subtle,

clear yet complex.

I am the master.

I am the slave.

I own this beautiful world,

but no place to rest.

As the wind carrasses,

As the palms sway,

As the waves crash, 

Lightning strikes.

Life is so simple,

Life is so beautiful.

Open your eyes,

Open up your mind,

Embrace it with smile. 

PS : These thoughts flowed when I saw that picture. Its not clicked by me; for obvious reason being that I am in that picture. It was shot at Santa Cruz beach, CA. For people who prefer colors to B/W, here is the color version of the picture - Timeless

Life

He was the luckiest child on earth. His mom and dad looked after him with all the care in the world. He was protected from the harshness of this cruel world by his ever protective parents.


He was very very happy, contended and at peace. He spent most of his time clinging to his mother, safely under her shadows, never venturing away from her sight even for a moment. He thought it was only bliss until one day.

He could never forget that unfortunate day in his life when he had to be separated from his parents and siblings. He was angry. He asked "Why me?" But he had no answer. He was jealous of his sibling who would remain with his parents while he would never ever see them again. His parents convinced that it was for his good. The person whom he would be going with had promised them that he would provide the child a better life than the one he had. But he did have a wonderful life right now, isn't it? But what he didn't understand was his parents were struggling to meed their ends meet. They did not want their children to struggle, so they took this tough decision to send this child away so that he could get a better life.

Mom and dad were heart-broken to give away their son, the only consolation was that the gentleman promised their kid a better life, whereas the kid thought his parents forsook him. He was young enough to even know what it meant to be forsaken.

Soon, he was shifted to a new place, from there he was taken to one more home. He got a luxurious room all for himself, he was very happy. He soon forgot his parents and started enjoying his new life. Life was once again fun, no one disturbed him. He had lot of friends who were of his age. They seemed very happy, life went on.

One day, he was taken away and in a jiffy broken and poured to be fried into a pan.



PS : Thank you Neha for prompting me to write on this :-)