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Goans, is this really us?

 Goans


  Are we really like what this unknown writer     suggests? Love to hear of your thoughts!

By unknown! Let me know if you do!

Being Goan “O these Goans “ exclaimed my Goan friend who lives in Borda, in South Goa. “Are you not Goan?” I asked. To which she replied, “No, I’m talking about these Goans from Goa”. I then realised there were so many types of Goans. The Goans from Bombay who consider themselves a class apart. They love everything Goan but cannot ever think of living in Goa.

They just spend a few days a year in Goa to stock up on their Feni, sausages, vinegar, Masalas. And always tell stories of how much property their family had. And the great summer holidays they spent as kids. Then there is the Goan from Africa. Many have now returned to Goa after the process of Kenyanisation in the 1970’s. They are an affluent lot who were the educated class of artists, lawyers doctors and entrepreneurs.

As an outsider living here I have noticed that in almost all Goan families you will find either a dentist or a lawyer. Or both. Then there is the Portuguese Goan who fluently speaks Portuguese at home. Holds a Portuguese passport but continues to live in Goa. And to show you how different they are, if invited for a meal you will be served “feijoada” or "Pastel de Nata".

The women in these families all learn baking and are excellent cooks. I asked a Goan girl I often meet why she is not taking a Portuguese passport as many seem to be doing this. Her reply was  “ We spent years chasing them out. We should be happy they are gone. Not follow them back!” Honestly, I had never seen it that way but was amused with her way of thinking.

The British Goans are not the same as the Portuguese Goans. But pretty close. Cos many of them have Portuguese passports but worked in the UK before Brexit. They come to Goa more often. They love being Goan and are well travelled and in spite of the best Single Malt within their reach, they still prefer the good old Feni. Goans have left their land and travelled all over the world. Canada, USA, Malaysia, Australia and parts even the Malayalees have not reached.

And many when they return realise that, they had gone too long and someone else has taken their land. I had fallen in love with Goa on my very first trip in the 1980s when the Porvorim water tank was the only landmark on NH66 that told you, you had to turn to take the road to go to Calangute. It’s not the same any more. But Goa is still beautiful. I love GOA.

18 Sep 2024, 17:55

Mena

 

What a beautiful answer! Comparison between two "Generations" ....... Everyone must read A youngster asked his father: "How did you people live before with- No air conditioned vehicle, No Wifi No internet No computers No online shopping No TVs No air cons No mobile phones? No shopping Mall No multiplexes" His Dad replied: "Just like how your generation lives today with - No prayers No compassion No honour No respect No character No shame No modesty No time planning No sports No reading." "We, the people born between 1940-1980 are the blessed ones.

Our life is living proof: While playing and riding bicycles, we never wore helmets. After school, we played until dusk. We never watched TV. We played with real friends, not internet friends. If we ever felt thirsty, we drank tap water, not bottled water. We never got ill although we used to share the same glass of juice with four friends. We never gained weight although we used to eat a lot of rice every day. Nothing happened to our feet despite roaming bare feet. our mother and father never used any supplements to keep us healthy. We used to create our own toys and play with them. Our parents were not rich. They gave us love, not worldly materials.

We never had cellphones, DVDs, PlayStation, XBox, video games, personal computers, or internet chat - but we had real friends. We visited our friends' homes uninvited and enjoyed food with them. unlike your world, we had relatives who lived close by so family time and ties were enjoyed together. We may have been in black and white photos but you will find colourful memories in those photos. We are a unique and, the most understanding generation, because we are the last generation who listened to their parents. Also, the first who have had to listen to their children. And we are the ones who are still smarter and helping you now to use the technology that never existed while we were your age!!! We are a LIMITED edition! So you better - Enjoy us. Learn from us. Treasure us. Before we disappear from Earth and your lives."

 

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