Goa As Seen From My Eyes

 

8th July 2016- It was 1320 hours when the plane landed at Dabolim airport. As we stepped out, cool breeze flowing added more to the excitement. The place welcomed us with refreshing gentle wind filled with aroma of wet sand. What else could have one asked for.

As the cab drove us to the hotel, we were entranced by the captivating view of the Arabian Sea. Both sides of the road were covered by coconut trees with wind stirring their branches. As we crossed Mapusa, roads became narrower with bars, taverns, hotels and restaurants constructed with beautiful facade resembling Portuguese architecture. Equally, enchanting was to see lanterns hung at the entrance of the colourful houses. The drive involving transfer from airport to the hotel was rejuvenating that guaranteed a trip loaded with excitement.

 

It was monsoon and the entire state was wet and looked surreal. The clouds were partly covered by the grey lining. Though Goa is known for beaches, yet it is a paradise for nature lovers during monsoon. The entire place comes out alive covered with shining green lining of flora.

In retrospect, through this post, I would like to recollect some memories and time spent in Goa.

Early morning walk to Calangute- Though it was monsoon and cloudy. Yet we planned to visit Calungate beach early morning to try our luck to watch sunrise. Completely oblivious of the fact that sea can look equally beautiful without glistening sun rays; we set out at 5:30 AM. The street was empty and we could only hear chirping of birds and swishing of trees while walking. As we reached near Calungate beach, we could hear the whispering of waves as they crashed upon the shore. The marvellous view left us speechless and spellbound. The sea presented its super gorgeous avatar of majestic deep blue ocean engulfed with fluffy batches of cloud .The sky had become black and nature was at its best. Dark clouds appeared on the horizon. Birds were flying up; some seeking shelter as they sensed that it is going to rain while others were flying high in elation. Mesmerized by the splendour of Mother Nature, we sat with legs folded when few drops felt on us. Soon it started raining. We kept constantly looking at the rising waves galloping in harmony .The sea presented contrasting shades with water looking crystal clear from the horizon while looking blue near the shoreline.

Early morning view

After spending an hour and when it stopped raining, we started walking back towards our hotel. Whilst coming back, I saw an old man cleaning the front of his house with broom. He looked like an owner of a house dressed in normal t-shirt and lowers. For a moment, I felt like talking to him out of curiosity and thought of a reason to start a conversation. The urge to have morning tea hit all of us and we started searching for a tea joint. As we couldn’t find anyone, we decided to seek the man’s advice. Anxiously, I approached the man if he could help out in suggesting some good tea joints during early hours. The old man, who was in late seventies, engrossed in cleaning the nearby area surrounding his house, lifted himself up to greet us. Let’s call him “Uncle” as his identity needs to be anonymous. He was a simple man who lived alone in a small cottage and shifted to Goa from Mumbai post retirement. Though startled at first, seeing four strangers approaching him, yet he talked to us in great humility. On being asked about nearby tea joints, he mentioned about one tea hawker who comes early morning & sells tea to joggers at Calungate beach. The conversation went to another level when he started discussing about his childhood memories, family and how he and his family members moved out of Goa in pursuit of better employment opportunities and education for their kids. However, home is where the heart is. He came back to his native place after retirement to spend the old age in peace & solitude. He even suggested us to savour typical Goan cuisine at Infantaria or Souza Lobbo as they are famous for Goan delicacies. He even suggested us to rent either a bike or any vehicle and explore the state and its beauty His house was typical Goan that had a courtyard with coconut trees. The outer walls of the house had gone pale losing their actual paint. Armed with rusty gate that rustled while opening, the façade was simple and clean. The time passed on when we saw, from far off, a lean guy riding a bicycle coming towards us. Finally, we had tea. While sipping, the tea seller asked about our base. He felt ecstatic when we told him that we are from North India. Soon we left for our hotel and, as routine; he too headed towards the beach.

Later afternoon, on uncle’s recommendation, we planned for a lunch at Infantaria to satiate our taste buds. It was another task to locate the restaurant. But we managed to reach our destination with the help of localities. It was worth listening to his advice as the food was delicious and scrumptious. The ambiance was good and the courteous staff added to another plus point for suggesting someone to visit the restaurant if they visit Goa.

Soon we left for Baga beach. It was partly cloudy and we enjoyed riding on rented two wheeler vehicle. As we reached Baga, the sky became clear and the rays welcomed us. Baga was packed with different sets of people of different age groups. I sat on the sparkling sand, dunked my toe and watched how families were enjoying the meals at shacks. Few strands of hair crossed my face by the soothing breeze that lifted my spirit.  Few mothers were strolling with their kids & infants. A toddler, holding her parent’s hand grinned as her toes wiggled in the warm sand while walking. I gazed how, one of the kids, overjoyed when he soaked his feet in the retreating waves at shoreline. Equally, amused was the group of students who were thrilled getting drenched by wild crash of waves.

View at Baga Beach

 

 

Few yards away from the shoreline, was the group of small kids engrossed in building sand castles. Flock of birds stood on the shore watching the sea. The blistering rays on the rising tides sparkled amidst the majestic sea.

Next day, again we visited the beach. The clouds, galloping the sky, were covered by orange lining. Few joggers enjoyed the running while others wandered murmuring the songs. A man came to feed stray dogs. He was a regular visitor and dogs encircled him. 

A man strolling early morning

Whilst coming back, the hawker seeing all of us started waving his right hand so that we could recognise him. As he approached nearby, we again bought tea and some snacks. He started discussing about his hometown and shared few places worth visiting. He even asked about our duration of stay and whether we will visit beach next morning.

Post breakfast we strolled through streets of Panjim. On the way, we crossed many churches. On reaching few miles of petrol pump, we heard sounds of bells. Alas!!! Those were church bells ringing that were soothing to ears. It was quite peaceful & we stopped for a while.  

 

Resuming our journey, we saw many paddy fields and farmers working assiduously on patches of land. A female farmer caught my attention that punctually got up and started drumming brass plate indicating other workers to discontinue with their work and have lunch. In unison, they all followed and sat together where they enjoyed their lunch. Completely devoid of necessities, yet they were smiling and sharing their meals. Soon we resumed our journey and reached Panjim. 

 

The streets of Panjim offered another magnanimous view. We were immersed in the enchanting beauty of silent & quaint streets of Panjim. Once we reached the main market, we enquired few residents if they could suggest us some places for long drive. We met a group of teenage girls who suggested us visiting Malla, the place where “Ek Villian” was shot. Completely oblivious of the place they suggested us to follow them as they were driving on two wheeler vehicles. The road was elevating covered with rich flora and fauna. The dew drops on the leaves added to the beauty. The houses were colourful that indicated indelible influence of Portuguese culture. They left for their home once we reached at the top of Malla. We thanked them for helping us. We got stunned when we looked down on reaching the top point. The view of Goa looked miraculous. 

Silent street decorated with luscious trees

 

Colourful streets

 

Houses indicating Portuguese architecture

 

The sounds of bells, which we heard during morning while driving, were still reverberating in our minds reminding us to visit Church. A visit to Goa is imperfect without a visit to church. Later in the evening, the same day, we visited The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim church. Built in 1541, the church still retain its charm painted with bright white. While visitors were busy clicking selfies, we explored the church. The church bell hung on the central belfry was the main attraction.

Panjim Church

“As” they say- ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END… Now it was time to return to our home after spending few days. We headed towards the airport vowing to sea, air, trees and roads to visit again to discover what else the state has to offer. Before I end this, I want to state my experience…….

My experience of contact with goan people was extremely enriching and delightful. Being simple, they are always ready to assist and provide handful suggestions. 

Few clicks

Swishing trees

Man walking along the shore

Though we couldn’t experience sports activities on account of heavy monsoon, yet I brought back bunch of memories. The conversation with uncle, the calm demeanour of local, the beaches and visiting them for the first time will remain intact. I don’t regret choosing to explore nature and new places over sport activities. For I met a bunch of nice & helpful souls, experienced panoramic view.

Should you have any experience worth sharing related to your visit to Goa, please do share...