The Magic of Goa

If you ever go to Goa to unwind, you are bound to be found lazing around at Curlie's shack at South Anjuna- Dando Beach. In season (Oct-Mar), you can try para-gliding from the hillock nearby, or dive into the beach for some water sports. But, on a blissfully cloudy off-season afternoon, this still is where you go.

On arriving, you may happen to order a vodka-fied Mojito called Vojito (pronounced as वोहीतो). This smooth cocktail of mint and spirit, believe me, is something you shall not regret. Considering you crashed late, the night prior, after having explored karaoke at St Anthony's, Baga Beach, much to everyone's agony (there is tremendous joy in pain sometimes), you may be late. You may have awoken post noon, feeling the day is done and so were you. Therefore, the sumptuous breakfast at Brittos/ Infantaria that you had until then fantasized about, would have become a distant dream. That morning breakfast dream, will also be fulfilled at Curlies. This is when you will happen to look queerly at certain 'goan aunties' right in front of the shack (see pic). No, they are not here to catch fish; they have not come to Dando to stroll by it; neither are they there to make a painted tattoo on your ankle .They are there to make wonderful egg omelettes.

As the sun sets , you will see one of them pour herself a glass of brandy, light a lamp on her stall and drink to the Arabian Sea in gay (happy-wala) abandon. Watching this, you may imagine her dancing to the hilariously contrasting trance beats playing in your background. Merry and laid-back, comical at times, that's Goa.

The lady along with her daughter, son and husband, has been into the business of putting up stalls by beach shacks to sell knick-knacks, since the past 40 years or so. Her stall costed some 60k, which she clearly told me, was out of my reach; way beyond what I could afford in this lifetime. It made me realize, I might be looking like a hippy to her and I started smiling. This tete-a-tete with the hawker woman, really got my pals and me rolling with laughter. She had some 'masti' about her; a sense of joie-d'vivre ; a 'devil-may-care' attitude. She even scared off a little kid, who was bothering her with too many qs. saying ' Don't talk to me--go away '. Riotous entertainment! Sittng a little far away, as we raised our glasses to her, she returned the gesture with a carefree giggle.

The thing is, in Goa, everything goes and everyone is happy. It’s a place for nature lovers, party hoppers, foodies, artistes and adventurers alike. People of all ages and from all walks of life can find a way to relax and enjoy out here. Whatever be your mood, on landing in this state, you are a liberated soul. How automatic is that? And why is it so?----- Goa simplifies everything! Old dim-lit lamps on weathered wooden tables by the beach, seem perfectly romantic and why not! The tingle in the air grows on you. Music is just a swinging step away and at times the buzz of the ocean waves doesn't even let you miss it. There is an unmatchable charm in this minimalism. Goa paces with you, speedy or slow. You are completely in the moment and each such moment seems infinite. From getting drenched in the rain to rolling in the sand, to dancing your socks off and strutting about in torn shorts----- everything goes. 

So if you ever go to Goa to unwind, leave everything on your mind.... behind.... and you will find yourself there ! Such is the magic of Goa.....

My Island of Bliss.....

Peter D’mello is not working today.

Off he shrugs his shoulder and turns around to say,

‘Don’t bother me with frivolous work; it’s time for my siesta.

I will wake up only by evening, ready for some fiesta.‘

When D’mello awakens, the oath is taken.

‘To Kings Beer and Tiger prawns, I hereby surrender

The moment gets jazzed up to the strumming of a Fender

Laughing & Singing & Jiving & Living......

Anchoring my laziness on a hammock of sloth

Under the golden sun I bask

No worries…not a question, I ask

Fixing that golden fizz on merry sands

What happens next is out of my hands......’

I too will move to Candolim

The moment my plane touches Dabolim

The mood may last from dusk to dawn

And the fun might just go on and on

Flying & Swaying & Smiling & Playing

I’m off to Goa and nothing’s amiss

Am soon to reach my island of Bliss!!

(All characters in the above text are fictitious . Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental :-P)