Goa Streets - Issue 19

Thursday, March 14, 2013 | Vol. No. I | Issue 19 | Price Rs. 10 | Pages 28 | www.goastreets.com

Gen-Y’s Music Groove • pg 3 Homes of Great Goans • pg 10

s Plu ete pl / com par ty d/ e foo ghtlif ni ide gu

The 300-buck Adventure • pg 12

The Rise of Feni From village brew to connoisseur’s delight deligh

Lusofonia 17 • Diving into Shipwrecks 22 • Chastity Belt 24

Vrundavan Hospital , Mapusa , Goa provides quality healthcare services covering cardiac, orthopedic surgery, Trauma and Critical

Colors of Music by Directorate of Art & Culture.

Mahashiv at Old Go ratri festivities a.

Colors of Music

The Phoenix Foundation Big Band from Germany playing at Nuns & Roses event in Panjim

In association with

Pt. Anuradha Pal performing on International Women’s Day

Goa The News & Entertainment Weekly

Name:________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________ Mail or drop this coupon to Goa Streets, H. No. 133, Mae De Deus Vaddo, Sangolda, Bardez, Goa 403 511 Winner of lucky draw gets a free dive with Goa Aquatics

For more details contact: 8975879394

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Mar 14

Thursday EDM Night With DJ Lasker At Cape Town Cafe @ 8 pm +91992325638

Tardy Thursday

With DJ Herry Terry At Club Margarita, Colva @ 8 pm +919823259008/+918322789728

Thursday Night Live @ Sol Bar and Restaurant

John Gueizelar with Chrystal Farrell and Smoking Chutney Featuring John Gueizelar (vocals), Chrystal Farrell (vocals), Benoy Rai (guitar), Sancho Menezes (keyboards), Colin D’Cruz (bass) & Bosco D’Souza (drums) At The Sofala, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +918326714141

Ladies Night

With DJ Nix & Paul on acoustics At The Park on Holiday Beach, Calangute @ 8 pm +919823827828/+918322267600

Silent Noise presents

Love, Art, Music with DJs Ozgur Kurt, Small & Bazooka At Catalyst Club’s and restaurant @ 8 pm +919822584968

Thursday Retro Night At Cafe Mojo Pub & Bistro @ 8 pm +918322426666

Bollywood Madness With DJ Aggie At Radisson Blu, @ 8 pm +918326726666

Silent Disco

With DJs Mr. E & Flakey At Alpha Bar, Canacona @ 8 pm. +919823593484

Thursday Night

With DJs Yuri & Brandon At Cafe Mambos, Baga @ 8 pm +919822765002/+918322279895

Thrilling Thursday

With Lavina At down the Road, Panjim @ 8 pm +918087649050

Gen Y and their musical tastes If you hate it, you may be an old fogey

By Vincent Kola

F

olks of the older generation who grew up listening to Dire Straits, Eagles, Led Zeppelin and Def Leppard may cringe when they hear the present generation swooning to the sugary tracks of Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson or the overkill of Justin Bieber. What great music we listened to in our times, they brag!

What rubbish are the kids of today listening to!

Lady Gaga! Aarggh!

But are the youth of today, tagged Gen-Y as the millenial generation, really incapable of choosing between good music and the mediocre stuff?

Just the way the world is full of diversity, music, too, has its different avatars and evolving genres. If you’re no spring chicken and you think yesterday’s music is good and today’s isn’t, take a long look in the mirror and try to remember your younger self and what he or she thought of the old fogeys who criticized you for loving Zeppelin.

Have you become that fogey?

Why not enjoy the new revolutions? And by the way, a lot of the young ones dig your old tunes, so why not give theirs a chance?

Talk to young Goans about their tastes and chances are you’ll be surprised by their nuanced, open-minded view of music. Here’s a sampling.

Wellington Vaz, a young bass and lead guitarist for a band called X-friends, is a hard-core heavy metal lover who appreciates both old and new.

“I love metal and classic rock. I just love Iron Maiden, I think they are the best in metal, they have been playing for three generations now!

They recently played at a concert in India. These guys are a living symbol for Rock and Metal.”

A student of Dempe College, Wellington takes his praise for older music even further. “They no longer have proper solos in a track. Metallica would have four solos in a single song as in ‘Fade To Black’. Today we don’t have such ground

breaking bands that could script history.

On the other hand, I feel Coldplay is a very creative band in the alternative genre. Chris Daughtry and Linkin Park brought in a whole new dimension to the rock alternative rock scene by introducing rap into it. And the band ‘30 Seconds To Mars’ has a little bit of the true Rock.”

Samuel Pinto, a drummer with The Streetlight People, a Goa-based bluesrock band, also has a hearty appreciation for all the music that preceded his notvery-long life.

“I like listening to Jazz, Blues, Rock and Alternative Rock. There is some

turn to page 5

music & nightlife | 03 Music taste of Goa’s Gen-Y

Thursday Night: Newton & DJ David At Kamaki, Baga @ 8 pm +919823276520/+918322276520

Mar 15

Club Night

With DJ Rinton At SinQ beach club, Candolim @ 9 pm +919552100700

the low down | 06

Friday Techno Garden Party At Hill Top, Vagator @ 4 pm +919822151690/+918322273665

food review | 07

Electro Night

Travel Bar

Mar 16

At Micasa, Ashvem @ Sunset

Another Saturday Night With DJs Ashton, Anish & Pawan At Cafe La Musica, Baga @ 7 pm +919923447137

feature | 10

Saturday Night Market

Houses of illustrious Goans

At Arpora @ 6 pm

Saturday Showtime

feature | 12 How far can Rs. 300 take you?

At Cafe Mambo, Baga @ 9 pm +919823186694/ +919822765002

Melting Saturday With Guest DJ At Butter Lounge, Patto Panjim @ 8 pm +919822126262

what’s on | 13 Everything there is to do

Mar 17

Electronic Nights

At Sporting Heroes rocks, Morjim @ 7 pm +9183222106135

cover story | 14

Reggae Sunsets

The lure of Goa’s famous brew

At Teso Waterfront, Siolim @ 4 pm +918888554271

Dance, Party, Entertainment and Amusement At Hill top, Vagator @ 4 pm +919822151690/+918322273665

sports | 17 Lusofonia: Will Goa make it?

Bikini Brunch

At The Park, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm +918322267600

fiction | 18

Upto Mar 30

Love on a bus

At Cafe Mangii, Panjim @ 11.30 am to 6 pm +919370898848/+918322230773

Happy Hours

satire | 21

adventure | 22

Tale of a Statue

Scuba diving

Upto April 30 Every Monday

Tamarin Restaurant Rodden & Anselm play acoustic guitar and flute with a popular play list At Tamarin Restaurant, Calangute @ 7.30 pm

Every Sunday

sex | 24 Chastity Belt

give back | 26 Caritas Goa

Tamarin Restaurant “Richard Goes Solo” with his retro 60’s & 70’s set At Tamarin Restaurant, Calangute @ 7.30 pm

Every Thursday

Tamarin Restaurant Maxie - Bosa Nova and Latin sounds with guitar At Tamarin Restaurant, Calangute @ 7.30 pm

Up to May 25

Silent Noise with Barney Trouble and Others

Break-free from your routine schedule and that too on a Saturday evening At Neptune’s Point, Palolem Beach, Canacona. From 9 pm to 4 am +919822584968

Saturday Sundown

At Martin’s Corner, Betalbatim @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +918322880061/+918322880413

Upto May 28

Retro and All Time Hits

With DJ Aggie At Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 pm +918326726666/+918326726677

Up to May 31

Beer, BBQ & Blues

Veeam & the Highway Stars to perform live.

At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim, Candolim.

From 8 pm to 11 pm +918322479446/ +918325625693/ +919890651163/ +919860182932

On-going

Souza Lobo

Oldest restaurant on Calangute beach with live music in the evenings.

At Calangute Beach @ 8 pm +918322281234 Mon: Nelson & Leo Tue: Just Leo Wed: Lui one man band Thur: Nelson and Leo Fri: Just Leo Sat: Victor & Sol Sun: Valentino

Fernando’s Nostalgia

Goan soul in Goan food At Raia @ 7 pm +918322777054/ +918322777098/ +919822103467 Tue: Brian Bones Thur: Evergreens by Cedric Live Fri: Jazz/swing/ Retro by Tania & Andre Sat: Oldies but Goldies by Friendly Brothers Sun: Nostalgic Moods by Saxy Aggie

Fort Aguada Beach Resort At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 7.30 pm +918326645858 Mon: Haydn & Natasha Tue: Mac Dorado Wed: Haydn & Natasha Thur: Flying Colours Fri: Shine on Duo Band Sat: Anslem

Pickled Mango

Multi Cuisine serving culinary delights from around the world. @ Resort Rio, Arpora @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm Mon: Karaoke time with Bonny Tue: Music by Jus’ Leo n Zie Wed: Grill Nite with Music fever Thur: Rock n Retro by Country Joe Fri: Dance your blues away with Party Creation Sat: Rio Festival with Crossroads band Sun: Live entertainment with Hyden and Natasha +918322267300

Music & Nightlife 5

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Alfama Restaurant

The Chef’ speciality restaurant with a Goan Portuguese Cuisine At Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula @ 7.30 pm Tue: Cotta Family Wed: Emilliano Fri: Trio Orlando Sat: Trinity.

Sun: Cotta Family

Zeebop

Specialized in Sea food At Utorda Beach @ 7.30 pm 0832-2755333 Mon: Frankston one-mand band Tue: jimmy Jazz Wed: Brian Bones Thur: Newton & Nezz Fri: David Boggie Sat: Disco Nite

Shivers Garden

Restaurant & Sports Bar At Candolim @ 7.30 pm 9860698281 Wed: Bingo Nite Sat: Dance Nite & Live football broadcast Sun: Sunday Roast (2 pm)

Night By Night Every Monday

Monday - Corporates & Cocktails

At Café Mojo, Panaji @ 10 am to 11.30 pm +91 9850980091/+91 9860010061

Every Tuesday

Tuesday – Country Rock

At Café Mojo @ 10 am to 11.30 pm +91 9850980091/ +91 9860010061

Retro & all Time Hits

Retro hits played by DJ Aggie At Radisson Blu Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 pm onwards +918326726677, +91 8888061199

Tuesday Night

With the electrifying Miramar.

Free entry At down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji @ 10 pm onwards. +91 8087649050

Every Wednesday Karaoke Nite

With DJ Tony At down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji @ 10 pm onwards +91 8087649050

Graeme Hamilton

Progressive and Minimal Tech Tunes With DJs Brett, Jeff & Eldrin At Alpha Bar, Canacona @ 8 pm to 5.30 am +91 9823593484

Retro Revolution

Retro, country & slow rock with the Valentinos, Elvis on guitar & Edgar on keyboards At down the Road, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji @ 9 pm onwards +91 8087649050

Rock n Roll

Relive some of the best moments of Rock n Roll At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm +91 9820820254

Karaoke Night

Live Filipino Band performance At O’ Goa, Hotel Fidalgo, Panaji @ 7.30 pm 2226291

Every Friday Trance Party

At 9-Bar Vagator @ 5 pm Beer, BBQ n Blues Friday Nights Featuring live entertainment by Veeam and the Highway stars.

Unlimited beer coupled with set menus containing BBQ options starting @ INR 650/- per person for a package that includes, food, beverages and entertainment.

Friday – Old School

At Café Mojo, Panaji @ 10 am to 11.30 pm +91 9850980091/ +91 9860010061

Every Friday/Saturday DJ Nights

At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt @ 10.30 pm. 3011125

DJ Sindhiya Performing Live At Club Margarita, Colva @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +91 9823259008, 2789745

Every Saturday Saturday Shuffle

At Café Mojo, Panaji @ 10 am to 11.30 pm 9850980091/9860010061

Motels Night At Club Cabana @ 9.30 pm 9158257000

Three man band

Performing Live At Jazz Inn, Cavelossim, Mobor @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +91 9422437682

Live music by Neil, Ignatius & Grayston At Joet’s Bogmalo, Vasco @ 8 pm.

9860765337/2538036

Wednesday Nights

Saturday Karaoke

Featuring DJs David and Ashley At Kamaki, Baga @ 7.30 pm +91 9923093408/2276520

DJ Roy Yod Live At Saturdays, Varca @ 9.30 pm to 1 am 6695066/6695025

Ladies Night

Shooter for all the ladies, music by DJ Joel At Cafe Mojo, Panaji @ All day +91 9850980091/ +91 9860010061

Every Thursday

Ladies Night Thursday @ The Park, Holiday Street, Calangute 2267600/+91 8805028194

Karaoke session with KDJ Pierre At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm 9820820254

Sexy Saturdays

Featuring DJ Joel, DJ Navin and DJ Pierre.

Entry fees Rs 500 per couple.

At Hype, Tito lane, Baga @ 10 pm onwards.

9822379000

Every Sunday

Smooth Sundays

With jazz and funk music played by Mac Dourado.

At Soul Souffle, Verna @7 pm. +918322782100/+919764694321

from page 3 real quality in that music,” says Pinto, a student of Journalism at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa. He is very particular about his tastes. “I really look up to artists like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, who were the founders of Heavy Metal music, and Deep Purple. Even today we do get some good music like Robert Randolph playing the blues, Pearl Jam is still hot and so are the Foo Fighters. It’s just that there are fewer takers as preferences have changed over the years. And so has the music.”

As she sits in the food court of St. Xavier’s, earphones plugged in and a novel in hand, here’s what Sonia Fernandes has to say about music.

“I love listening to country western music. I love the sound of the fiddle and country guitar …

Don Williams, Kenny Rogers and Zac Brown are few of the people I listen to. I would like to say I have developed an interest in this genre over time. As a high school kid I would listen to Hip Hop, Pop and Rap. I think it’s mainly because of the peer pressure and also because there is all that hype created.”

She feels youngsters like these artists for the images that have been created by the record companies. Boy bands and artists like Maroon Five, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and others are projected as cool and the kids connect to these images.

Wellington Vaz has his own likes and dislikes, but when it comes to playing for others, he’s not immune to the preferences of the market.

“In college we play only classic rock and heavy metal. As a performing band we go with the audience requirements. Youngsters love listening to pop and electronica now.”

Some savvy young musicians frown at the commercialisation of music, lamenting how record labels have influenced the course of musical history and trends.

“What is happening now is that the record companies are producing for artists only for money.

There’s no real creativity and talent.

Just the hype,” says Samuel Pinto.

“They cater to a particular audience and this section of the crowd is large.

Today it’s more of a market. Record companies are producing mainly for money and are hence investing only in the hyped-up and mushy artists.”

Joshua D’Cunha says the kind of music he listens to depends on his

mood. He stood with his Dr Dre headphones perched on his head as he pondered, “My all-time favourite would be reggae. What I don’t like about the music of today is the variations introduced in pure genres. For example, the Reggae-Tonga which is a mixture of reggae and a bit of the jumpy Latin music.”

He, too, appreciates both the old and the new. “The old belonged there. It catered to the audiences of that particular era. Some marvellous music is being produced these days, but now there are so many divisions that a line cannot be drawn between genres.”

So as music television and the powerful record companies push their pet bands to the teenybopper market, many young listeners initially go through the teen ritual of adoring this ‘trendy music’. At some point, many begin to turn away, towards the classics of earlier generations and the vast branches of music ― soul, rap, grunge, alt-rock, jazz, trance, chillout and more ― finally choosing their groove for adulthood.

But the journey of music never ends, and these Gen-Y travellers will see even more changes in the skies of music ahead. Music, that immortal organism, will keep looping into itself as well as evolving forward forever. 

6 The Lowdown

I

t’s a little bit like parenthood. You have these tiny bundles who grow and grow and suddenly you realize that the precious little person you raised from infanthood is something else – sure, still a child, but one who’s intellectual capacity now rivals yours. Something like this has happened with cashew feni. For decades and even centuries it was a backwater brew often relegated to the back of the liquor cabinet. And then suddenly it was something else – a connoisseur’s favourite at the top of any list of the things that most make Goa Goan! Sure, there’s still a long way to go before feni brings in the big bucks or takes its place alongside the world’s great spirits. But there’s no denying feni has come of age (in more ways than one). On these pages we explain how this extraordinary transformation came about – and also provide you with a tip or two on how to enjoy your own feni!

Also, dear reader, please take a look at our in-depth story on how Goa is expecting to host the all-important Lusofonia Games just eight months from now. Unfortunately, preparations to do so are woefully inadequate. We outline the problems and issues. We’ll let you decide if you think Goa can be ready in time. When you do decide, we invite you to log on to www.goastreets.com, and at the end of the story, vote!

feedBack

As many of our readers know, we set out to accomplish two main goals. We want to provide comprehensive party/ nightlife/events/food listings so that both Goans and visitors

Was delighted to read this personal account and analysis of the Hugo Chavez years in Venezuela by Steve Gutkin. Very good and evocative piece, Steve. http://goastreets.com/goa-news/hugo-chavez/ - Vivek Menezes Superb!

Whatever I’ve seen of Goa Streets till now (and I’ve become an avid follower) has been impressive. Once again, great mag, and it’s good to see something so good coming out, from Goa or Jhumritalaiya or New York, makes no difference.

- Vidyadhar Gadgil It is a fine publication, Vidyadhar, and it should keep getting better.

- Victor Rangel-Ribeiro Congrats on a piece well written and which was an eye-opener in many ways for me.

- Veena Patwardhan Your article about Chavez was riveting. I am certain that there are few people who could write such an intimate and insightful article about this man, and it revealed a character that few especially in the US - could possibly know. Just my two cents, but wanted you to know how much I enjoyed the article. Thank you for writing such a great piece!

- Leah Roberts

to Goa will have a complete picture on everything there is to see, do and eat in the state each week. At the same time, we’re providing fun-to-read, world-class journalism, with stories on a wide variety of topics. This week, be sure to check out our stories on two different kinds of adventures – one on how to enjoy Panjim on just 300 bucks, and the other on the joys of scuba diving. Think about it. Two-thirds of the planet is covered in oceans. Isn’t it time you found out how the creatures in that part of the world live?

We hope you enjoy our piece on the homes of great Goans, as well as our story on the musical tastes of Goa’s Generation Y. As always, sex columnist Acaricia May dispenses her sassy wisdom, and we bring you lots of good reading on food, art and culture. In this vein, we’re trying out something new in this edition – with a couple of pages featuring a short story and poetry. We hope you like it! If you do, let us know by logging onto our website or Facebook page, which, we are very pleased to announce, is about to cross the extraordinary threshold of 10,000 “Likes.” That’s in addition to the nearly 1 lakh YouTube hits for the Goa Streets Flash Mob. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out!

Goa Streets. Way ahead!

The Goa Streets Team

Loved your article about Chavez. What a history and whiplash for Venezuela.

- Allegra Alessandri Pfeifer India lacks a leader like him.

- Natesh Chandra He proved that Socialism does work and there are people and countries who say NO to uncle Sam right into his eyes.

- Rajiv Kishore I read the piece as coming with the usual dose of strong US-bias, specially against Third World leaders who have the guts to stand up to the lone surviving global empire of the day. Which makes me think: does a “free press” really have to toe the line of national policy (or self interest) so strongly? Can it really claim to be “free” if it does so?

Forget the “duality” in Chavez’s persona, isn’t there always a duality in all our writing, specially journalistic, which talks about “coup attempt and subsequent rise to president” (interesting, the word elections is not mentioned here!), the attempts to explain away his popularity, comparing “deeply-flawed socialism” with “crony” capitalism (again, an interesting choice of words) and so on...

I don’t think the dominant media of the West would ever understand what makes an individual at the other end of the globe think of the just-dead 58-year-old leader of a tiny country. Or why the Third World finds its heroes in people like Thomas Sankara, Sukarno, or even the Robert Mugabe of another era and Julius Nyerere.

Despite all their many shortcomings....

- Frederick Noronha

Thanks for all those kind words. Frederick, I appreciate your perspective. I’m someone with a deep attachment to Venezuela and Colombia.

Between the two neighbouring countries, I lived there for 11 years. I was privileged to know Chavez, as well as many people who suffered under his rule. My friends include people who lost everything, were forced into exile or who were silenced because of their opposition to Chavismo. At the same time, I would never underestimate or disparage the hope Chavez gave to many, many people.

In my years covering Chavez, I spent time in his home village trying to find out who he was. He grew up poor in the village of Sabaneta, dreaming of one day becoming a professional baseball player. He never forgot a face or a name, and he wrote notes to each person he met along his ascent to the top, making them all feel special. We all felt a sense of awe when this poor kid from the ‘barrios’ came to power through the ballot box - something no one ever thought was possible. What ensued cannot easily be put into neat categories of good or bad. I saw the hope and jubilation first hand, but also the suffering. I was there to bear witness, not sit in judgment.

- Steve Gutkin The Tiatr piece was very informative. Would love to attend a Tiatr some day soon. I didn’t know this theatre form was experimenting so much.

- Salil Chaturvedi

FOOD

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Mar 16

7 www.goastreets.com/food

Photographs by Arun Pavaratty

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

“Picnic” For Lunch & Dinner Menu At Green Acres, Panjim @ 7.30 pm +918322420049

Mar 17

Brunch “A la carte”

At Bardo, Ashvem @ 12 pm +919890167531

Brunch Buffet

At Villa Blanche, Assagao @ 10 am to 3 pm

Mar 31

Gastronomic extravaganza At Goa’s Grand address At The Dining Room, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim +918323011125

Mar 6 to Mar 31

Lunch & Dinner Menu

With Multi Cuisine At Tito’s Retro Club, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm +919822765002/+918322275028

Lunch & Dinner Menu

With Multi Cuisine At Souza Lobo, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +919822120516/+918322281234

Lunch & Dinner Menu

With Multi Cuisine At Horizon Grill Restaurant, Candolim @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +919822466682

Lunch Menu

With German Cuisine At Lila Cafe, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 3 pm +919822150533/+918322279843

Travel Bar

A welcome break from multi-cuisine hell in the tourist belt

Mexican Prawn Cocktail

By Goa Streets

Time 11am-12 midniht non stop food service, open everyday.

Home delivery: 0832-2411959 & 976415986 Caterin Service Contact: Mr. Roland Rodrigues @ 989042440

Lunch & Dinner Menu

With Chinese, Malaysian & Thai Cuisine At Pan Asian Bowl, Panjim @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm +919923499429/+918326455549

Dinner Menu

With Italian Cuisine At Tuscany Gardens, Candolim @ 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm +919922914663/+918326454026

I

t’s easy to miss the Travel Bar, not because its location is anything but perfectly convenient – right in the heart of the CalanguteCandolim beach belt. The reason you could pass and not notice it is precisely because of that locale. With so many restaurants crammed into the stretch, at some point they all seem to meld into some kind of generic, multi-cuisine, grab-the-tourist blur. And when the restaurant pretty much looks like nothing from the outside, all the more reason not to take note.

Stop. Look. Do take note. Not all beach-belt joints are created equal.

And Travel Bar is a beneficiary of this discriminatory creation – better than the vast majority of the establishments on the same road that offer every cuisine under the sun but none done well. First, the menu does not go on for two dozen pages. The selection is good, but fortunately, also finite. It is “multi-cuisine” in a finer sense, drawing inspiration from great culinary traditions rather than trying to be all things to all diners.

The Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna – black and white sesame encrusted seared tuna served with stir fried vegetables – hints at Japan without calling itself Japanese. The Prawn Cocktail, on the other hand, is labelled “Mexican.” With fresh prawns, avocado, jalapeno peppers and a sprig or two of cilantro, it does evoke a south-of-the-border (the U.S. border) vibe. turn to page 9

8 Food Dinner Menu

With Multi Cuisine At I 95 Restaurant, Calangute @ 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm +919881301184/+918322275213

Break Fast, Lunch & Dinner Menu At Santa Lucia, Siolim @ 7.30 am to 11 pm +919890451579/+918323162444

Lunch & Dinner Menu

With Multi Cuisine At Joecons Garden restaurant, Benaulim @ 12 pm to 11.30 pm +919822110511/+918322770077

Lunch & Dinner Menu With Multi Cuisine At The Upper House, Panjim @ 12 pm to 11.30 pm +918322426475

Lunch & Dinner Menu

With Multi Cuisine At Terry’s Restaurant, Betim @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +919823028448/+918322411961

Every Thursday

Seafood Night Market

Feel the pulse of a Grand Goan Carnival with special stalls with tempting fresh seafood, artefacts jewellery, clothes, pottery, and a lot more.

Rs. 1800 + taxes per person Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 7 pm to 11.30 pm +918323011658/+917709004914

Every Sunday

Sunday Family Brunches Get in Rhythm with Ashley Live At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panaji @ 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm +918326633636

Champagne Sunday Brunch

Enjoy brunch with French champagne with food from five interactive and live stations dishing out Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian Cuisine and desserts.

Rs. 2200 + taxes (includes buffet, champagne, wines and select drinks) At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 1 pm to 4 pm +918323011658/+917709004914

Baga, Calangute & around A Reverie

Serves continental cuisine. Popular dishes are seared fillet steak tournedos, smoked Australian duck breast, insalata caprese, basil oil, baby bocconcini, smoked tuna, chicken liver pate.

At Holiday street, Calangute @ 7 pm to 12 am. +919823174927 /+919823505550

Fiesta

J&A’s

Italian alfresco restaurant specialised in country style Italian cuisine & Pizzas.

The restaurant recommends prawns and zucchini soup, Tuscan-style beef stew, Carpaccio and slivers of raw beef.

At Baga @ 10 am to 11 pm +919823139488

Bhatti Village

Specialised in Indian, Goan Food At Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +919822184103

Copper Bowl

The copper theme is reflected in the restaurant’s furniture, lamps, bar details and even the crockery.

It offers Multicuisine menu.

At PousadaTauma Hotel, Porba Vaddo @ 12 pm to 10.30 pm +918322279061

Amigos

This Specialised in Indian, Goan and Seafood which open throughout the Year At Nerul Bridge, Nerul From 12.30 pm to 4 pm, 7 pm to 10.30 pm +919822104920

Based on contemporary European style of cooking. Signature dishes lobster au gratin, herb ricotta ravioli and death by chocolate At Saunta Waddo, Baga @ 11 am to 11.30 pm +918322279894/+918322281440

Anjuna & around

Le Poisson Rouge

Artjuna

A French alfresco Restaurant by Gregory Bazire offer imported wines Chile, Argentina, South Africa and Italy. House Speciality includes king prawns, roasted black pomfret, Goan sausages crump and kingfish. At Baga, Calangute @ 7 pm to 11 pm +91 9823850276/ +918323245800

Mamma Mia

Italian cuisine with a blend of Italian imported ingredients and local organic produce. At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 12.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322267300 Set up in an Old Portuguese house surrounded by a beautiful garden.

The café serves up chilled café au lait, milkshakes, sandwiches, juices and baked goodies, homemade dips, iced lattes, blended coffees and more.

At Monteiro Waddo, Anjuna @ 9 am to 6 pm +918322274794

Baba au Rhum

Is a Coffee Shop At Kudachwaddo, Arpora @ 8 am to 4 pm +919822078759

Alcove Restaurant and Bar

Specialised in Chinese, Goan, Italian, North Indian, seafood, At Ozran beach, Anjuna @ 8 am onwards +918322274491/+918322273349

Basilico

It’s a best place in North Goa for Italian Food At D’mello Waddo, Anjuna @ 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322273721/ +918323953744/ +919822599130

Villa Blanche Bistro

it is set in a tropical garden of a restored Portuguese house and one of the few restaurants serving breakfast all day.

At Socolwaddo, Assagao @ 9 am to 5.30 pm +91 9822155099

Nilaya Hermitage

Specialises in Mediterranean cuisine using plenty of fresh sea-food and home grown organic vegetables. Also has a variety of Goan cuisine specialties and serves Indian curries upon request.

At St. Joseph School Road, Arpora +91832 227 6792

Thalassa

Greek and Mediterranean food by the sea.

At Vagator beach @ 4 pm to 12 am +91 9850033537

Blue Tao

Specialised in Italian, Seafood, Organic Food At Anjuna beach Rd, Anjuna From 9 am to 11 pm +918975061435

Candolim

Susse Cafe

A fine-dining restaurant specialising in European and fusion cuisine.

Restaurant offers seafood dishes prepared in fusion and Goan styles.

At Candolim @ 12.30 pm +91 9011379804/ +91 9822089818

Angaara

Multi cuisine, Tandoori, Goan, north Indian, seafood At murrodwaddo, Candolim beach From 9 am to 12.30 pm +918326647601/+918326647604

Banyan Tree

Specialised in Thai food, An open airy Restaurant surrounded by lush green lawns At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm 10.30 pm +918326645858

Bomra’s

The food has a distinct Burmese soul but draws on and fuses influences from nearby regional cuisines of China, India, Laos and Thailand.

At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 6.30 to 11.30 pm +91 9767591056

Barbeque and Grill

Specialised in North Indian, seafood, Grills, Live entertainment Seafood Bazaar is on Monday and Wednesday At Fortune select Regina, Candolim @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323988444

Beach House

Specialised in Goan, Portuguese, Seafood At Vivanta Holiday Village, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918326645858

Wok & Roll

A multi-cuisine restaurant which serves Japanese, Thai, Pan-Asian cuisine.

The restaurant recommends: Honey glazed pot roast pork ribs, Thai garlicpeppered prawns, deep-fried prawns tossed in garlic, black pepper and colourful bell peppers.

At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 12 pm +91 9049022348

Stone House

The restaurant started in 1989 by Christopher Dsouza serves multi cuisine.

Christopher recommends: Seafood salad, tzaziki with papadam, Swedish lobster, and chicken stroganoff At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 10 am to 12 pm +91 9890392347

Addah

It’s a sea view deck on the beach.

Specialised in Indian, Barbeque At O Hotel, Candolim From 7 pm to 10.30 pm +919890800073

Café Chocolatti

It’s a Coffee Shop, At Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim From 9 am to 7 pm +918322479340/+919326112006

Panaji & around Caramel

It’s a Bakery & Confectionary At Vivanta by Taj, Panjim From 10 am to 10 pm +918326633636/+918326633646

Global Shore Restaurant

Global Shore Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant and we specialize in Goan Seafood/Chinese/Thai/Indian & Tandoor.

At Hotel chandrageet, Porvorim +91832 2414125/+9193731113205

Food Review 9

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Tamari

Serves Chinese, Thai & Japanese cuisine (Sushi) in fine style.

At Vivanta, St Inez @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +918326633636

A’tona Bar and Restaurant

Specialised in Goan and Portuguese food At Carina Desa, Betim From 7 pm to 11 pm +919823129239

Baba’s Wood Cafe

An Italian wine bar and restaurant with pizza oven and homemade gelato. Wide choice of pure Italian dishes with beef fillet and fish always on the menu. @ 6 pm - Monday to Sunday.

Closed on Tuesday At Mala, Fontainhas, Panaji +918323256213/ +919923414098

Ritz Classic

Known for Goan fish curry rice and seafood. Very popular for lunch, especially with the Panaji office crowd.

At 18th June Rd, Panaji @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326644796

Pan Asian Bowl

Chinese, Malaysian & Thai cuisine. Some of the finest Asian food in Goa. At Miramar, Panjim @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm +91 9923499429/ +918326455547/ +918326455548

Viva Panjim

Cafe Mojo

Arguably Panjim’s best pub. Innovative, fun and lively.

At Salida Del Sol Hotel, Panjim All day. +91 9850980091

Down the Road

Pub and a Multi Cuisine restaurant, often with live entertainment.

A favourite Panjim hotspot.

At Old Patto Bridge, Panjim, @ 11 am to 11 pm. +91 9823173757

Barbeque

Beach Front Grill enables a guest to choose from a display of seafood, Meats & vegetables and have them cooked to his/ her liking.

At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7 am to 11 pm +918322454545

Mum’s Kitchen

Among the best upscale Goan cuisine in Panjim, drawing from Goa’s Christian and Hindu traditions.

At Panjim-Miramar Rd @ 11 am to 11pm +91 9822175556

Chulha

Indian Street food and Tandoor At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim @ 3 pm to 11 pm +918323011504

Goan cuisine& seafood. Linda and Michael’s place has long been a favourite for those in search of very tasty Goan food.

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 12 pm to 11 pm +918322422405/ +91 9850471363

Goenchin

Cantina Bodega

A Pastelaria

Pizzeria, bakery & cafe. Owner Vandana utilizes her expertise earned from her years as a top pastry chef in New York City.

At Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts, Altinho, Panjim @ 10 am to 7 pm +91 9011662233

Tea Cafe

Cakes, Coffee and other goodies. A newcomer to the Panjim cafe scene.

At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 11 am to 7 pm +918322223050

Antonio D’silva

Specialised in Goan food, strictly for the sausage lovers.

At velha, Panjim From 6 am to 9 pm +919822184433

Upper House

Goan and continental cuisine.

One of the tastier and more elegant restaurants of the capital.

Good bar, too.

At Panjim @ 12 pm to 11 pm +918322426475

Little Chocolate Box

Specialties include cupcakes (red velvet YUM), cakes (themed and otherwise), chocolates (of course) and brownies.

At Kranti Nagar, Alto Porvorim Email id: lcbee91@gmail.com +919822984224

Fantasia

Fast food & snacks, plus lively bar in the heart of Panjim. Check out the live music.

At Panjim @ 9 am to 11 pm +918322226684

City Pride

Specialised in Seafood At Opp. Vivanta by Taj, Panjim From 11 am to 11 pm

Specializes in Chinese and Thai cuisines.

Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items are available.

At Mandovi Apts Panjim 12.30 pm to 11 pm +918322227614/ +918322464877 Bakery & Confectionery Gateaux, Pastries and Cookies. Chocolate and strawberry flavoured the mousses are soft and melting, a treat for the kids. Its maska all the way At Hotel Mandovi, Panaji From 9 am to 9 pm +918322426270/+918322426273

Margao & around

Gavin’s Restaurant & Pub

Specialised in Goan cuisine, Goan Curries, Cafreal At Verna, around a kilometre off NH-17 +919822177179

Fish Grill

Serving seafood in European and Goan style. Meats and vegetarian food are also available At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 11 am to 11 pm +918322871303

Peppers

Known for steaks and other meat dishes At Pajifond, Margao @ 11.30 pm to 11 pm +91 9822133506

Shandong

Asian-cuisine restaurant with fine dining ambiance At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm 6726666

Upper Deck

Coffee shop offerings traditional coffee along with light snacks and drinks.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ all day 6726666

Martin’s Corner

Joint popular with celebrities and just about everyone else. Serves Goan cuisine.

At Betalbatim @ 11 am to 11 pm +91 9822166996/ 2880061

Casa Sarita

Offers a blend of Indian and Portuguese culture. Signature dishes include chouris pao, prawn curry & Goan fish curry.

At Park Hyatt, Cansaulim @ 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322721234

Fernandos Nostalgia

Goan Cuisine in a favourite landmark restaurant featuring very good food and a great collection of “nostalgic” antiques At Raia, Salcete, Margao @ 11 am to 11 pm +918322777098/ +918322777054/ +91 9822103467/ +91 9822151296

Spice Studio

Goan dinner. Elegant outdoor restaurant in a well-appointed resort in the South.

At Alila Diwa, Majorda @ 7 pm to 10.30 pm +918322746800

Lucio

Specialty restaurant serving GoanPortuguese cuisine.

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326726666

Cafe Mardi Gras

24 hrs cafe serving seafood, Goan, North Indian, Coffee & snacks At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ All day +918322871303

Morjim & Around Marbella

The restaurant is located beachside, with full service extending to the sun bed area.

Complete with lounge music giving the place a relaxed, creative, beach vibe.

At Morjim. +91 9158881185/ +918326450599

Sublime-Fusion Restaurant

Sublime is set in the charming beachside, offering innovative and eclectic cuisine.

At Vithaldas Waddo Morjim. +91 9822484051/ +91 9923608674

Canacona Canacona

Multi-cuisine serving breakfast, Lunch & dinner At Lalit, Canacona @ 7.30 am to 11 pm 2667777/2667711

Corta’s

Goan cuisine beach shack restaurant At Lalit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 11 pm.

2667777/2667711

VeriFeni

Bar offering a variety of cocktails, Exotic fenitails, wines, beers, spirits, liqueurs and cigars.

At Lalit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 12 pm 2667777/2667711

Gazebo

The poolside sunken bar with A Polynesian theme.

At Lalit, Canacona @ 12.30 pm to 12 pm.

2667777/2667711

Sirocco

Fine dining restaurant serving Mediterranean Cuisine At Lalit, Canacona @ 5.30 pm to 11 pm +918322667777/ +918322667711

from page 7 Is that to say that each of those dishes were perfect during lunch on a recent lazy afternoon? Nope. Perfection seemed to be within reach, but missed the mark when the promised “seared” tuna arrived cooked through. Thankfully, it wasn’t overcooked and was still tasty. But a promise is a promise.

What makes us order one dish over another? Obviously, ingredients and one’s own mood play a big factor. But sometimes so does word choice. Perhaps this explains our decision to A hearty, homeorder the Sexy Fig Salad of cooked-tasting fresh greens, feta cheese and bacon, with citrus dressing.

Italian pasta You cannot put those ingredients together and fail. sharing the Yes, this one worked well. culinary stage But there’s one way Travel Bar could perhaps elevate with creations this creation a notch or two: Slightly warm the cheese and with names like bacon, and then juxtapose it Jamaican Jerk with the cool greens.

Next came the Spaghetti Chicken, Cozido Bolognaise. Think about a (Portuguese stew) grandmother’s kitchen in Bolgna, Italy. Rich and meaty, and Moroccan it tastes like something she might cook. Which in Chicken legs. itself is a feat – a hearty, home-cooked-tasting Italian pasta sharing the culinary stage with creations with names like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Cozido (Portuguese stew) and Moroccan Chicken legs.

Travel Bar’s ambience is a testament to a little secret many successful restaurateurs know: You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your establishment shine. The feel is upscale bohemian (if that’s possible), with wooden tables, stone floors, bold colours and the canopy of an almond tree (yes, most of Travel Bar’s seating is outside).

We didn’t order dessert at lunch in the interest of bulge avoidance, but we are told that a wise choice for those with the sweet tooth – or disinterest in waistline maintenance – is the chocolate fondue with ice cream.

As mentioned, Travel Bar draws inspiration from various cuisines, but it would not be incorrect to call it a Mediterranean restaurant. It would also not be incorrect to call it a good one.  Food: Good, wholesome, tasty Mediterranean Ambience: Harmonious, casual and creative Price: Expect to spend around Rs 500/person, without alcohol Where: On the main Calangute-Candolim Road, Opposite Tarcar Ice Factory. Phone: 0832 2275788

10 Feature

Menezes Braganza house at Chandor Photograph by Pantaleao Fernandes

T

By José Lourenço

he house of Charles Dickens in London has been converted into a museum.

Albert Einstein’s house in New Jersey has been designated a US National Historic Landmark. And we all know of Graceland, the Memphis memorial to Elvis Presley. All around the world, the houses of great achievers and statesmen are preserved to acknowledge their greatness. What we do to the homes of illustrious Goans in Goa? Abbe Faria, or Abade Faria, the legendary discoverer of hypnotism, was born at his mother’s house in Candolim.

It now functions as a home for orphans, run by the government of Goa. A plaque stands on the outer wall of the house

stating ― “Here was born on 31st May 1756, the creator of scientific hypnotism, Padre José Custódio de Faria, known to the world as Abade Faria.”

The house of his father in Colvale has collapsed, its stones carted away. Alfred de Tavares, a Goan based in Sweden, tells of another house in France, where the Abbe lived. “Back in the 1960s, in Nimes, France, I saw a plaque, commemorating the house where Abade Faria once lived.”

Isabel Santa Rita Vas, a playwright who has co-produced a documentary on Abbe Faria, speaks of yet another house―” Behind the collapsed Colvale house there is still another house standing, which belonged to the Farias, too. It has an inscription on it calling it the Chateau Abbe Faria. It is in a terrible state of disrepair, but it is a beautiful house sloping down to a lower level that leads to a river.”

Feature 11

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Francis Newton Souza, hailed as one of the greatest artists from Goa and founder of the avant garde Progressive Artists Group in Bombay in the mid 1900s, settled in the US after 1967. His father was from Assolna and mother from Saligao. The maternal house is now undergoing renovation, under new owners.

At the edge of the village of Cuelim, near the hill of the Chapel of Three Kings, stands the ancestral house of the Braganza Cunha family. Tristão de Bragança Cunha, the most famous son of this house, is remembered as the Father of Goan Nationalism for his efforts in the independence movement to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule.

The house is a two storied edifice with Rococo curves at the left gable and a modern porch added on at the right. The large arched entrance gate is flanked by twin turrets.

Dharmananda Damodar Kosambi, a prominent Buddhist scholar and Pāli language expert, was born in Sancoale. He was the father of the illustrious mathematician and prominent Marxist historian, Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi. Their house is now an ashram run by the Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation, where meditation retreats and other events are held.

The house of Mario de Miranda, Goa’s beloved cartoonist, stands proudly in Loutulim, close to the church. Mario passed away in 2011, but the palatial house is in good condition, having been

Many houses of great Goans have been adapted for reuse as heritage houses, libraries or schools.

But as many are ignored and languish away, awaiting ruin as torrential rain pours down every monsoon. Documentation and restoration of these important houses is badly needed.

cared for lovingly by Mario and his wife Habiba. “The house was in bad shape when we returned to Goa after Liberation.But we gradually restored it, even bringing back the original furniture,” said Habiba.

The house of the late Pai Tiatrist, Joao Agostinho Fernandes, at Modsai in Margao, is in bad shape.

Crumbling walls, damp floors and cracks indicate that this home of the pioneering tiatr writer and producer needs

urgent restoration. It’s now inhabited by Fernandes’ humble but gregarious granddaughter Sharmila and her family. Promises of help from various government bodies remain just that, promises.

Cris Perry lived in a little house in Borda, now empty. A musical clef sign adorns the metal grille of that verandah, a mute symbol of the genius that Perry

showered upon the Konkani music scene.

The house of Jose Inacio Loyola, the founder of the Partido Indiano, a political party supporting local rights, is in Orlim.

It now houses the Convent of St.Pius X. A portrait of Loyola and his brothers hangs in the library.

The father of the game-changing Goa Opinion Poll of 1967, Joao Hugo Eduardo de Sequeira, popularly known as Dr Jack de Sequeira, hailed from Bambordem, Moira in Bardez taluka. It is an old house of the Indo-Portuguese style, with oyster shell windows and a large tiled roof with a country tile cornice at its eaves. The roof unfortunately caved in some years back.

The ancestral house of committed freedom fighter, crusading Konkani editor/journalist & dedicated teacher Felicio Cardoso, in Seraulim has been renovated by writer and activist Soter Barreto. He has installed a library and offered its facilities including a conference hall to research scholars and for seminars.

Many houses of great Goans have been adapted for reuse as heritage houses, libraries or schools. But as many are ignored and languish away,

awaiting ruin as torrential rain pours down every monsoon.

Documentation and restoration of these important houses is badly needed.

Otherwise, like many great houses of the past, these too will crumble away, living on only in grainy photographs and a hazy memory in our collective Goan mind. 

The Great Panjim Adventure On 300 Bucks

By Sanket Sharma Keeping in mind that the best things in the world are free, you can make do with the rest with very little. As little as Rs 300.

Here is how you can enjoy the capital city of Goa with just three hundred rupees!

8.am, Rs 300 Get down at Panjim bus stand, catch a local bus to go to Kala Academy, have breakfast (Tea/coffee, egg patties/ samosa, omelette), all nominally priced.

After a light breakfast, take some time to stroll around, enjoy the architecture of this premier arts institution in Goa, designed by Charles Correa. Visit the art gallery inside, there is no entry fee.

There is also an adjoining jetty, where you can view the Mandovi river and throw a fishing line.

Breakfast: Tea/coffee= 6 Pattie/samosa= 7 x 2= 14 Omelete = 20 Total expense= Rs 40

9.30am, Rs 260 Once you leave Kala Academy, you can set out for a walk in the city. Walking is one of the best ways to explore Panjim, and with enough trees flanking the streets, the sun is not a problem. If you are sensitive, carry an umbrella or sun screen and a bottle of water. Stroll past the Inox multiplex into the Panjim Municipal Market. This complex is well designed, the ground floor occupied by the vegetable and fruits section, along with a few grocery stores, while the top floor is occupied by shops of various other kinds, right from electric shops to tailors. A giant mural by the great Goan artist Mario Miranda adorns one wall.

Grab a quick drink at a stall, that will fuel your walk ahead. A delicious full glass of chikoo shake should cost you Rs 20. Walk straight down 18th June Road, which is lined with shops and you will reach the Panjim Church Square.

Total expense= 35 (milk shake 20 + water bottle 15)

You don’t have to be rich to have a blast 10.30am, Rs 225

After a 20-minute walk in the heart of the city from the market, you will reach the glorious Panjim Church, a marvellous structure. You can take the steps to the top and enjoy a top view of the whole city.

While up there, look east, you will see the area called Altinho (meaning an elevated place).

trying not to break the bank, it’s best to stick to a ‘small’ rum or beer. A local feni won’t be out of the question. Everything is economically priced, with a beer costing Rs 50. Light snacks like french fries or roasted papad are also cheap.

12.30pm, Still Rs 225 Climbing down from Panjim Church, take a little walk towards the west, where you will reach Cafe Tato. One of the oldest eateries in Goa, you can sample the best local food here at economical prices. You can either have a thali for Rs 80, or a plate of mushroom bhaji and mix bhaji, along with a plate of puri or pav. And a glass of cold drink to cool you off.

Bhaji= 25 x 2 + 50 Puri = 15 Cold drink= 15 Total expense = Rs 80

1.30 pm, Rs 145

After lunch, you can head back towards the Church Square, and browse through Singbal’s Book Store. Spend a few minutes there and then head uphill to Altinho.

2.00 pm, Rs 145

The climb up to Altinho is quite a workout. So you might want to take a motorcycle trip up and walk back. You can hire a local ‘pilot’ who will charge Rs 20 to take you up the hill to Sunaparanta, an old Indo-Portuguese house turned into an art centre, where you can enjoy a lot of diverse art works by upcoming as well as established artists. They also have a Cafe and an amphitheatre. Leafy canopies cover this great hub for artists and art lovers. Have a cuppa tea and enjoy the works of art.

Motorbike = Rs 20 Tea = Rs 20 Total expense = Rs 40

4.00 pm, Rs 105 On your way back, find a bus stop. Take a mini-bus to Miramar beach, a place that is underrated in a few ways. On the days when it’s not so crowded, you can have enjoy a nice peaceful walk along the shore.

On the opposite side of the river meeting the sea, you will see Betim, all the way to Candolim, and even spot the Aguada lighthouse. Sundown is wonderful to watch from Miramar beach. While at the beach, try out the local Sev puri at the numerous stalls that line the edge of the beach.

Minibus = Rs 5 Sev Puri = Rs 20 Total expense = Rs 25

6.00 pm , Rs 80

Sunset is a great time to get a drink.

Although drinking at any of the local bars will be economical, a local bar like Arcangela is a great place to settle for the evening. You can easily catch a bus from the beach that will also drop you right outside the bar. It is situated at the Dona Paula circle, bang on the left. The bar serves you local as well as some high-end brews. Since we’re

Bus= Rs 10 Beer = Rs 50 Roasted papad = Rs 10 Total expense= Rs 70

7.30 pm, Rs 10 After a relaxing drink, take a walk down to the Dona Paula jetty which is just 5 minutes away. The view from here is spectacular. After walking on the side walk for some time you can relax on one of the benches and enjoy the lights of the evening and the stars, while enjoying the sound of the sea. Don’t forget to climb the stairs to the hilltop viewing point boasting one of the best vistas in the state. Take a bus and head back to Panjim city.

Bus = Rs 10

8.00 pm, Rs 0

13 Thursday, March 14, 2013

Mar 14

Film Screening: Aleesha

(Konkani with English Subtitles, 2004) Directed by Rajendra Talak At The International Centre Goa Dona Paula @ 6 pm +919765404391/+918322452805

Mar 15

Friday Health Talk

By Dr.J.S.Parwana At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 6 pm to 7.30 pm +919765404391/+918322452805

Mar 16

Gastronomic Picnic At Green Acres, Tonca, Panjim @ 7.30 pm

Mar 11 to Mar 16

Workshop on “Basic Jin Shin Do Body Mind Acupressure 40 + Hours” At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 10 am to 5.30 pm +919820695272

Up to May 1 Yoga Classes

At Art Escape-Resort, Benaulim From 7.30 am to 8.30 am & 5 pm – 6 pm +919881568756/+919323590051

Every Tuesday Zumba Fitness

Learn a variety of rhythms including salsa, merengue, samba, flamenco, reggae and more from Zumba fitness instructor Cecille Rodriguez. At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim From 6 pm to 7 pm +918323011603/ +918323011604

Every Thursday Aqua Zumba

Zumba in the water. A water-based workout for cardio-conditioning and bodytoning At Grand Hyatt Goa, Bambolim From 10 am to 11 am +918323011603/ +918323011604

Every Friday

Free Swimming Guidance

Organised by Walter Macarena At International Center Goa, Dona Paula from 5 pm to 7 pm +919822911161

Every Sunday

Tailoring Classes

Near Holy Family School, Porvorim From 3 pm to 6 pm 919765731003

Everyday

Yoga for the Body, Mind & Soul

By Ms. Hoor Girglani Monday to Friday At International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 8 am to 9.30 am 5 pm to 6.30 pm +919765404391/+918322452805-10

Want to be Fit & Healthy

Presented by Calburn Fitness Solutions in association with the ICG At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. +919811511595/ +919823578880

Tuk Tuk

Dolphin Sighting Trip

Four to five hours trip includes Bbq, Free beers and soft drinks. Also offers No See – No Pay policy as far as dolphin sighting is concerned.

Sinquerim – Baga beach stretch +91 9822182814/+918326520190 or Email: johnsboattours@gmail.com

Cooking Classes for foreigners

Detroit Institute +91 9822131835.

Taengs Cookery Classes Margao. +91 9822585944

Fatima Menezes E Moniz

Fatima’s Ballroom Dance Classes Margao. 2786191

Maxie’s Guitar and Dance Classes Panjim. 2230178

Cooking classes, Raia. 2776035

Osler Furtado Dance Classes

Water Park that boasts of 5 pools, a variety of slides, flumes and other interesting features.

At Splashdown Waterpark, CalanguteAnjuna +91 9637424023/024, 2273008,

Cynthia Dsouza Cooking Classes

Simply Ballroom,

Monday & Friday

Museums

Vandana’s Bakery Classes

Martial Arts, Fitness, Health & Self-defence Trainer: Vincent Rosario, Introductory Fee: Rs. 400 per month At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm +919823696138

Ethnographic museum that preserves its universality in its collections of artifacts representing the culture of ancient Goa. At Goa Chitra, Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim @ 9 am to 5 pm +91 9850466165/ 6570877, Email: goachitra@gmail.com

Meena’s Cooking Classes

Big Foot Cross Museum

Panjim. 9822131835

From apparel to jewellery, bags to accessories, everything at Tuk Tuk is handpicked from across India.

At A104, Pereira Plaza, Opp.Hospicio, Margao @ 10.30 am 1 pm & 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm +919049017182

Taekwondo Sessions

Spice Farms

Sahakari Spice Farm

Guests are entertained by folk dances, elephant rides, art of climbing the tall betel nut palms and swinging from one stalk to the other. Lunch in earthen pots and banana leaves.

At Ponda Belgaum highway, Curti.

Call: +918322312394 or Email: info@sahakarifarms.com

Tropical spice plantation

Elephant rides, authentic Goan cuisine, mini bird sanctuary and a boat to row or paddle.

At Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda For reservation call: +918322340329 or Email: tropicalspice@rediffmail.com

Savoi Plantation

Offers traditional Goan Saraswat cuisine served in mud pots and banana leaf plates along with seasonal fruits grown in the plantation. At Ponda For reservation call: +918322340272/ +919423888899 or Email: savaiplantation@rediffmail.com

Water sports Scuba Diving

Attractive corals, coloured and beautiful, shells and fishes all invite exploration.

At Scuba Diving India, Alfran Plaza, M.G. Rd, Panjim @ 9 am to 5 pm. +918326711999

Barracuda Diving India

Pool parties and underwater celebrations among other water sports activities.

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At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 6 pm 2777034, info@ancestralgoa.com

Goa Science Centre & Planetarium

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Entertaining shows on wonders and magic of night sky @ planetarium.

At Goa Science Centre, Miramar, Panjim @ 10 am to 6 pm 2463426

Casa Araujo Alvares

Goa`s first automated sound and light museum. A 250 year old mansion showcasing traditional inheritance.

At Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 5.30 pm 2777034

Courses LANGUAGES

Alliance Francaise

Learn French courses, Panjim 2420049/ +91 9922813950

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14 Cover Story A traditional ‘Bhatti’ being operated

Feni used to be something you stored at the back of your kitchen cupboard, taken out to pay workers at the end of a hard day and served neat in a coconut shell.

Now it’s asked for at the most happening parties attended by the bold and the beautiful.

The Heady Rise of Cashew Feni

Stomping the cashew apple

How it V went from backwater brew to world-class beverage

By Joseph Zuzarte

isit the hills and villages of Goa and you may well come across the distinct smells of cashew feni being distilled in makeshift ‘bhattis’, or distilleries, the old, traditional way – crushing cashew apples with your feet and distilling the juice in an earthenware pot.

Now contrast this scene with upcoming plans to invite a select group of feni connoisseurs to try out the latest Goan Treasure – the world’s most premium feni fetching Rs 3,000 a bottle.

Yes, something extraordinary has happened in the world of feni. How it went from a village curiosity to one of the most sought after beverages in this part of the world – to the point where connoisseurs now engage in intense debates over quality and aroma – is a story of inspired vision and deep devotion.

Cashew feni is unique to Goa, the only place on earth where it is distilled. The

peak cashew season in Goa is beginning now and goes through May. “What I like the most about cashew feni is that it has an identity of its own, it is linked with the people of Goa and their traditions, the people are proud of it. I don’t think any other place in India has that,” explains Shatbhi Basu, a leading cocktail consultant based in Mumbai.

And now, adding to the sense of excitement, Goan cashew feni has a Geographical Indication certificate – providing it with invaluable trademark protection, though critics lament more hasn’t been done to capitalize on the GI designation.

It wasn’t always this way.

Feni used to be something you stored at the back of your kitchen cupboard, taken out to pay back workers at the end of a hard day and served neat in a coconut shell. Now it’s asked for at the most happening parties attended by the bold and the beautiful.

Printed and published by Marisha Dutt for and on behalf of Free Voice Media Pvt Ltd at Gomantak Pvt. Ltd. Plot no. 4/4A, Corlim IDC, Tiswadi Goa, 403 110. Editor: José Lourenço. Regd. Office: 711/32, Green Hill, Socorro, Porvorim 403 501. Editorial Office : H. No. 133, Mae De Deus Vaddo, Sangolda, Bardez, Goa 403 511. (R.N.I. registration no. applied for and under process).

Cover Story 15

Thursday, March 14, 2013

To be sure, there’s no evidence that feni sales have risen substantially.

Lots of sales go unregistered, to the point where, according to the Excise Department, excise collections have actually decreased over the years.

Industry executives believe sales, however, have remained more or less constant, while exports are just in a nascent stage. Many Goans, especially young ones, look down on feni as some kind of substandard drink. They’re not to blame, because most of the cashew feni sold in taverns and bars across the state is adulterated hooch, which can kill your liver and perhaps you along with it.

or wines. So Valentino started sourcing and bottling good quality cashew feni from around Goa. He then packaged the bottle in an attractive wrapping and thus was born the Big Boss brand of cashew feni.

When Goan want to impress a guest – especially fellow Goans who’ve left the state and come back to visit – they often open up a bottle of Big Boss.

What’s changed is perception – and the palpable sense of excitement that permeates cashew feni in Goa. The world of pure, genuine cashew feni is alive and well, even if you have to look for it. When you dine in decent restaurants, chances are when you ask for cashew feni, they will pour a measure of Big Boss. For many years it was the only safe, reliable brand of cashew feni. A new entrant is Cazcar, which is also pure cashew feni. There are others, too, offering quality cashew feni. A good place to buy topnotch, non-branded cashew feni is at the many spice plantations which have opened their doors to tourists, as well as a number of local taverns.

It all started when the Portuguese brought cashew plants from the newly discovered colonies in South America, some four centuries ago. The locals here were probably already distilling coconut feni from the toddy of coconut trees, and a similar distillation process was used to make the first cashew feni, probably around 200 years ago.

Nobody really knows when cashew feni started being adulterated on a large scale, but the ‘fake’ cashew feni trend probably began in the mid-1970’s when the first ‘desi’ tourists started flocking to Goa in large numbers, and started tanking up on the local brew. With cashew feni produced only on a limited scale, unscrupulous entrepreneurs began adulterating it.

Then something amazing happened. One man saw an opportunity in the interest in cashew feni shown by visitors. That was Valentino Vaz, owner of the Pedro Vincent Vaz Group, which markets and distributes various national and international liquor brands in Goa. A connoisseur of cashew feni, he was convinced cashew feni was as good a drink as the best whiskys

However, Shatbhi Basu says the strong flavours of cashew feni tend to overpower other ingredients when used in cocktails. “I use it more like a liqueur, because it has a strong, aromatic taste. Instead of using it in cocktails, you can use it to flavor a martini or something like a gin-tonic. You can make your martini or a long, tall, cool glass of a gin and tonic and add a little cashew feni on top to give it that flavor.” She also likes the fact that cashew feni has different variants, like a first distillate, urrack, a second distillate and so on.

Francis Gracias, former cocktail specialist with the Taj Group and now manager of the fine dining restaurant Susse Café in Candolim, authored a small book, ‘The Goan Feni Cocktails’ back in 1987. “You need to cultivate the taste for cashew feni. Only when you drink it over a period of time you can do that. It’s an indigenous drink with its own taste.” A tip: the bouquet should be fruity, and not acidic.

Largely a passion, the distillation of cashew feni is both an art and a craft. Bicholim-based Pratapsing ‘Appasaheb’ Rane is one of the biggest landlords in Goa. In the late 1970’s the cashew bug bit him and he decided to get into cashew farming.

For years he would sell the cashew apples to other distillers, but he was never happy with what their results.

Not being a traditional ‘bhaticar’ (distiller) himself, he was unsure about turning into one, but finally made up his mind to do so. “I started doing feni on an experimental

turn to page 16

16 Cover Story from page 15 basis only last year, to see what I could make,” he says modestly. Located in Latambarcem, in the midst of one of his cashew plantations, the small distillery makes completely organic, pure cashew feni, which he then sells in bulk to others who bottle it up or sell it directly to the bars. He uses the traditional pot-still method, and makes sure only the ripe cashew apples which have fallen to the ground are picked up for crushing.

Gurudatta Bhakta, the owner of Cazcar Heritage Distiller, comes from a family of old-time ‘bhaticars’ and distills some splendid cashew feni in his modern distillery in Nanora, Bicholim. He is the first, and probably the only distiller in Goa to go in for some modern technology.

One of the things which puts people off from feni, he realized, was the drink’s overpowering smell. So he joined hands with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in Old Goa and created a method of taming the aroma, without losing the feni’s distinctiveness.

Bhakta crushes around five tons of cashew apples every day during the peak cashew season, buying the apples from cashew growers all over Goa. The makers of Big Boss feni, Madame Rosa Distillery, have taken a different route. They do not distill their own cashew feni, but procure it from traditional distillers from around Goa. Valentino Vaz’s son Mac Vaz, who now largely manages the business, says his father was inspired by the story of Verghese Kurien, whose Gujarat-based Amul milk brand involved

Distillation tanks at a modern unit dairy farmers in a co-operative movement.

The strategy of Madame Rosa Distillery, located in the Pilerne Industrial Estate, was similar: Involve the traditional cashew feni distillers because they know best how to make it.

Valentino Vaz is credited with putting cashew feni on the high table. As Mac puts it, “Feni is now intrinsically linked with the Goan culture and is enjoyed as an appetizer, a digestive, a sedative and a stimulant. Many feni aficionados go further, and vouch for their favorite drink’s qualities as a diuretic, curative, laxative, and even as an aphrodisiac!”

How do you tell a good feni from a bad one?

Well, I think a good one should be well rounded.

I was talking about feni, not fanny!

Speaking about the annual feni festival at his ancestral mansion, Mahendra Alvares of Ancestral Goa in Loutoulim, says, “Through the feni festival we’re trying to educate the people about what is the real cashew feni. People think it’s an alcohol to get drunk, which is not really true. It also has medicinal values.”

According to Alvares, experienced cashew feni drinkers know immediately what is authentic and what is not. He says there are a couple of infallible tests to check for authenticity. In one, you take a spoonful of feni and ignite a match over it – real cashew feni will be aflame. The other test is pouring a few drops of cashew feni on a piece of wood. It should leave sugar-like crystals when it dries up.

Five-star resorts in Goa have also done a lot to put feni on the map. Pavithran Nambiar, the General Manager of the Goa Marriott who has just moved to the JW Marriott in Mumbai and his team have aggressively positioned feni as a cocktail for tourists. And Thomas Abraham, General Manager of Park Hyatt in South

Goa, last year started the Cashew Trail Festival, which was a huge hit and will be held again this year on April 7.

Still, much more needs to be done before feni reaches the level of, say, tequila. Explains feni distiller Gurudatta Bhakta, “The GI has not helped much in the promotion of cashew feni. For example, cashew feni is not allowed to be sold in other states of India because of the ‘country liquor’ tag, because other states have their own country liquors.”

However, Bhakta is certain that cashew feni can compare with spirits like tequila and is confident that his own cashew feni will reach that level. “I need three-four more years to achieve that. I’ve done the required things to bring it to international standards,” he says. “If you’re looking at exporting you need a refined product,” he adds.

Mac Vaz says the GI tag for feni was meant to prevent feni from being replicated by other states which produce much larger quantities of cashew when compared with Goa. He also says the tag allows Goan feni to fetch a better price. A typical 750 ml bottle of good feni will set you back around Rs. 250, though aged, premium feni, like Big Boss’s Goan Treasure, fetches much more (produced in Limited Edition, the best stuff comes with gold flakes and this year will be available by invitation only at select liquor stores).

“It is now up to us as to how we take this forward,” he says. “The journey of feni has a long way to go, so that the industry gains the consumers’ trust and for this we also need to protect ourselves from those few within the industry who consistently weaken and tamper with the quality of the beverage for fast and greater money. “ Also needed, Mac says, are government guarantees of sufficient cultivable land and a switch to hybrid variations to increase fruit output. Overall, he said, what’s needed is the kind of commitment from the Goa government toward cashew feni that the Maharashtran government has given to wine.

“I don’t know why tourism planners in Goa are shying away from positioning feni as one of Goa’s highlights and most precious assets. If we can have successful wine festivals in Goa without Goa growing a single grape, why don’t the concerned departments have feni festivals which will also support this vital cottage industry that generates employment and revenue for our state?”

All true – in addition to that other intangible feni gives Goa: Identity. 

Sports 17

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Lusofonia Games

By Ashley Do Rosario

I

f you are a member of Goa’s sports fraternity – and even if you’re not the question “Will Goa be ready to host the Lusofonia Games by November?” isn’t likely to escape your mind.

So far, those in charge of setting up the infrastructure for these important games, including Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, have shown a penchant for spawning controversies and questions over the enormous amounts of money they are spending – Rs 222 crore at last count. Given the past performance of Goa’s governing classes on every issue from garbage to water, there is reason to doubt their verbal assurances that everything will be in place on time.

There are just seven months to go for the Games. More than four of these seven months will be lost to the lashing rains of the South-West monsoons and there’s hardly any physical signal on the ground that the games will kick off in time on November 2, 2013.

The Lusofonia Games, an international sports competition held once in four years, take place between nations or territories that were formerly part of the Portuguese Empire, styled much on the lines of the Commonwealth Games where ex-British Empire nations take part.

Competition will be held in nine disciplines – athletics, basketball, football, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, volleyball, beach volleyball and wushu, which is a kind of martial sport .

Thirteen countries―Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Guinea-Bissau, Macau (China), Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome, Principe, Equatorial Guinea, Sri Lanka and India (represented by Goa) will participate in the Games.

With no facility of international standard in place, Goa is now struggling to build three new projects, while refurbishments are proposed for two other existing playing arenas―the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda in Margao and the Tilak Maidan in the port town of Vasco.

The three new projects include an athletic stadium (Rs 61.82 crores) at Bambolim village along the National Highway 17 near the Goa Medical College, a multi-purpose indoor hall (Rs 61.25 crores) at the Goa University Complex and the indoor hall (Rs 46.77 crores) at the Peddem Sports Complex in Mapusa.

Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar heads the Lusofonia Games Organising

A long race to a short finish line

Committee. He and his ‘Man Friday’ for the Games, Elvis Gomes, the bureaucrat he picked to head the Sports Authority of Goa which is overseeing the construction of the projects, are confident the last brick will be put in place in time before November.

Of concern to the contractors awarded the works, however, are the four months between June and September that will be lost to the monsoon, when no major outdoor civil works are possible. And the works in progress at the sites are nowhere even half complete.

Mumbai-based M/s Simplex Projects Ltd. are the contractors entrusted with the task of building the athletic stadium at Bambolim and the multi-purpose indoor hall at the nearby Goa University complex.

Both these works are worth upwards of one billion rupees and the engineers posted at the sites supervising the

works, despite the worried looks on their faces, do not shy away from expressing confidence of meeting deadlines.

“It’s a daunting task but we’ll jump the hurdle in good time,” said one engineer at the Bambolim site in-between blurting out instructions to a set of labourers.

Interestingly, Simplex was among Parrikar’s trusted contractors who delivered, in similarly challenging circumstances, the infrastructure needed for the International Film Festival of India, about a decade ago.

Goa’s race against time to ready the infrastructure and successfully host the Lusofonia Games 2013 in November has had more than its share of controversies which only buttresses doubts over the successful conduct of the games.

Top on the list of such controversies was the shocking suspension of the Indian Olympic Association by the International Olympic Committee a little over three months ago for failing to hold elections in accordance with its charter.

The Lusofonia Games are conducted under the Olympic banner as National Olympic Committees are involved. And IOC’s suspension puts a huge question mark over the conduct of the Games in

Goa. The Associacao dos Comites Olimpicos de Lingua Oficial Portuguesa (ACOLOP) or the Association of the Portuguese Speaking Olympic Committees, the parent body of the Lusofonia games, is affiliated with the IOC and if the ban extends for a year, no participating country will risk the wrath of the IOC and participate. Also, international sporting federations, who conduct the respective games at the event, will also certainly stay away.

Elvis Gomes said as much in words― “There’s no question of holding the Lusofonia Games if the IOC ban on the Indian Olympic Association stays.”

Gomes, however, pins his hopes on an “early resolution” of the stand-off between IOC and IOA. Another controversy that threatens to derail other organisational schedules

for the Lusofonia Games is the Goa government’s recent appointment of two Delhi-based officials as ‘advisors’ to the organising committee.

Both the officials, Rajkumar Sancheti and V.V. Saxena, have the Commonwealth Games taint on them and were probed in last year’s infamous CWG infrastructure scam ―when the game’s organizers were accused of pocketing thousands of crores ― along with disgraced former Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief Suresh Kalmadi.

Shripad Naik, one of Goa’s three members of Parliament, quit the committee in a huff over the appointment, saying he felt “suffocated” at the way things were being conducted within the organising committee. Shripad, incidentally, also heads the Goa Olympic Association as its honorary president.

“There’s a lot of suffocation. It was not right being part of the Lusofonia Games team and so I resigned,” Shripad had told the media soon after he quit.

According to Elvis Gomes, however, Sancheti and Saxena were recommended by the CWG Organising Committee. He argued that they had not been handpicked by the state government.

Parrikar himself had kicked up a row when he claimed that Rs 78 crores received from the Central government for the Games had “disappeared”, hinting at malfeasance indulged in by the government from whom he took over reigns after the 2012 elections.

However, he later clarified that the games would be held in time and alternative funds had been set aside.

Another key BJP legislator, Vishnu Wagh, even questioned the very logic of Goa hosting the games.

Goa, he said, is not a country and India was never ruled by the Portuguese colonialists, so there’s no reason why the games should be held here.

But away from these and other controversies, officials in-charge of the sports ministry in Goa are quietly going ahead with the tasks at hand. For instance, the organising committee has already bagged an assurance from the CWG organising committee that the Rs 57 crore aerostat, a gigantic moored balloon, which had audiences across the globe drop jaws, will be lent for the opening and closing ceremonies, for free.

Goa’s education department officials are also engaged with authorities of schools across the state to time the midyear vacation at Diwali to coincide with the schedule of the games. All schools have been asked not to hold any extra classes during the nine days between November 2 and November 10.

Besides giving the students the opportunity of sharing the thrill of the games, it will also give the organising committee the luxury of inviting students to be volunteers, which they will need in plenty.

The Lusofonia Games could emerge as a grand spectacle and feast of sports, with the bonus of new stadia and sports venues in Goa, if only those clenched fingers uncross themselves in time. 

18

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

www.goastreets.com/arts&entertainment

Thursday, March December 14, 2013 13, 2012

Mar 14

Mar 15 & Mar 16

At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 6 pm +919765404391/+918322452805

At Indoor Auditorium, Kala Academy, Panjim @ 6.30 pm +918322420453

Konkani Play: Aleesha

Naval Symphonic Orchestra

Mar 15 to Mar 17

Mar 16

4th Annual Goa Salsa Festival 2013

Bonjour India Festival

At Sun Village, Baga @ 11 am to 11 am +919845239123

Pique-Nique Gastronomique At Alliance Francaise, Panjim @ 7.30 pm +918322420049

Mar 15 to Mar 19

Film Festival of Prabhat Films

Mar 17

At Maquinez Palace, Panjim @ 5 pm

Creativity Workshop

Mar 15 to Mar 19

An Art Therapy Approach At the International Center of Goa, Dona Paula +918322452805

The State Art Exhibition

In the Student category organised At Kala Academy, Panjim +918322420453

Digital Jukebox

With Henry At Cafe Mojo pub & Bistro @ 8 pm +918322426666

Mar 26

The Haydn Baryton trio From Budapest At Art chamber, Calangute @ 7.30 pm +919823217435

Classical Music Soiree

The 20th Programme At Art Chamber, Calangute @ 7.30 pm. +919823217435

Bonjour India Festival

French Writer, Chowra Makaremi in conversation with Dr. Edith Mela Furtado At Goa University, Dona Paula @ 4 pm At Sunaparanta, Panjim @ 6.30 pm +918322420049

Mar 27

Sacred Choral Concert At Bom Jesus Basilica, Old Goa @ 6.30 pm +919011051950

Mar 9 to Mar 16

Jin Shin Do Body mind

Acupressure Workshop At Art escape, Benaulim @ 9.30 am to 5.30 pm +919881568756/+919323590051

Mar 12 to Mar 17

Beauty Home Exhibition

Consumer, Interior Décor Products At Near Kadamba Bus stand, Margao @ 10 am to 8.30 pm

Mar 14 to Mar 17

The Carpenters Cross

An original rock musical on the life and Death of Jesus Christ presented by the Don Bosco Oratory, composed and directed by Alfwold Silveira.

At Don Bosco Grounds, Panjim @ 6.45 pm to 9 pm +919881901269/+919665939350

Mar 21 to Mar 23 Art Exhibition

Carpe Diem Art & Learning Centre, Majorda presents an exhibition of art by visually impaired artist Stacy Rodrigues.

This collection of over 20 paintings, acrylic on canvas, dwells on her personal struggle and triumph over her disability.Her collection of 48 poems ‘Reflections’ will also be available.

At Carpe Diem, Majorda From 10 am to 6 pm +918888862462

Feb 23 to mar 30

Charlie & the Music Factory Live At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 7 pm to 11 pm +919323590051

Feb 25 to mar 26

Indian classical night At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 7 pm +919323590051

Feb 25 to mar 15

The 6th Anniversary

At Ruchika’s Art Gallery, Miramar Artistree 2013-master strokes The exhibition will be inaugurated by eminent master artist Mr. Prabhakar Kolte @ 7 pm +918322465875/ +919850571283/ +919881836400

Mar 11 to April 10

Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendr Konknni Basic Course in Roman Script At Porvorim From 2.15 pm to 5.15 pm

Everyday

Ruchika’s Art Gallery

Ruchika`s Art Gallery displays fine arts, performing arts and new forms of art.

Opp. Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar.

From 10.30 am to 6 pm +918322465875/ +919850571283/ +919881836400

Fiction

Mapusa-bound

By José Lourenço

S

he sat at the window of the bus, gripping her bag firmly in her lap. It was a cool October evening and the leaves fell soundlessly around as the bus rolled along towards Porvorim.

But Laxmi gazed at the passing scenery on her right with unseeing indifference. What intrigued her was the man seated to her left. He seemed to be in his thirties, neatly dressed in a short sleeved shirt and jeans, with his hands casually resting on his thighs.

The barren rocks of Porvorim with its ugly nouveau-riche buildings streamed past her window, with an occasional old house putting up a defiant show of dignity.

She looked sideways at his hands and noticed the curly black hair on his forearm and the veins on the back of his hand. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Her inhaling had pushed her shoulders deeper into his side and she flushed all over.

She wondered who he was, Hindu or Christian, married or unmarried. There was no ring on his finger, but nowadays many married men didn’t wear one.

Was he salaried or into business?

A salary would keep life steady, business brought risks.

She was bound for Mapusa, like most of the passengers on the bus. At Mapusa, her maternal aunt awaited her with another of her endless marriage proposals. Of late, getting her married seemed to be Sheela-tai’s sole mission in life.

What right did anyone have to force an arranged marriage on her, she grumbled silently.

She could break this inevitable pattern of her life.

Why, she could even talk to this stranger sitting next to her right now and take control of her life. She would talk to him, they would converse.

He would then invite her for tea at the Mapusa bus stand. They would meet again, fall in love, get married and have children. He would be her choice, their love affair would be her adventure.

Then someday they would travel by bus together like this and she would fall asleep with her head resting on his gently rocking shoulder.

But which girl would initiate a conversation with a strange man in a bus! Shameless! What would he think! But why not? She was a modern, broadminded girl. Dressed in a skirt and blouse as against the sari that her mother had advised her to wear!

Maybe an interesting magazine she was

reading might have sparked his interest, but she had no magazine, not even a newspaper with her.

Talk to me, talk to me, she began to mentally urge him, say something, anything! But his eyes kept travelling idly outside the window and back inside the bus. He too seemed lost in thought.

Thinking of his wife and kids? Work? Girlfriend?

She had to ask him if he was married. How! Within ten minutes, before reaching Mapusa and the waiting Sheela-tai? Relax, she could ask him the next time they met. But what if they never met again? His deodorant smelt heady. Laxmi inhaled deeply. Her shoulders dug into his side again and she blushed at the increased contact.

She was prone to fantasy like this. The art teacher at school, her cousin Pundalik from Shiroda, even Shirish, the young bhat who performed puja at their place, she had had torrid affairs with them all, in her mind. It didn’t matter that she had never exchanged more than a few words with them. The imaginary liaisons were exhausting enough.

She decided she would ask him a casual question. ‘Do you know where Pharma Labs is

turn to page 20

Corjuem Fort

This fortress is 4 km from Aldona on the island of Corjuem. It was originally occupied by the Bhonsles of Sawantwadi. The fort came under the Portuguese during the rule of Viceroy Caetano de Mello e Castro.

In the early 1800s the fort was used as a Military School and had in its defenses a battery of four guns.

ancient sentinels Alorna Fort

Tiracol Fort

Chapora Fort

Located at the mouth of the Tiracol River, accessed by ferry from Querim.Originally built by the Raja of Sawantwadi, taken

by Portuguese in 1746.Was the site of satyagraha protest in 1954. Church of St Anthony is located within.The fort has been converted into a heritage hotel.

The fort changed hands many times, being in great demand for its strategic location on the Chapora river. The present fort was built in 1717. The walls of the fort follow the steep rocky profile and the ramparts have cylindrical turrets.A church dedicated to St. Anthony once stood here.

Built around the 17th century by Bhonsles of Sawantwadi. The fort had four barracks.

Captured by Portuguese in 1746.The fort was mostly used by the Portuguese to defend Maratha attacks and invasion which used to come from the north. Two watchtowers at the front are still standing. The cannon ramparts are still well preserved.

Reis Magos Fort

Built in 1551, reerected in 1707 and restored recently.

The bastions have cylindrical turrets and a walled corridor links the main fortress with the anchorage at the riverfront. Gets its name from the Reis Magos Church nearby, referring to the Three Magi.

Fort Aguada

Built in 1612 by Portuguese, this fort has an old lighthouse erected in 1864 and underground storage of over 2 million gallons of water.A moat surrounds the upper fort. The lower fort provided berthing for Portuguese ships.

Cabo da Rama

Name means Cape of Rama.

In the past, the fort has switched hands between Hindu, Muslim monarchs and the Portuguese and seen many battles. The ramparts have turrets and rusty cannons, vestiges of the Portuguese. It had 21 guns and military barracks, as well as commandant quarters. The St Anthony chapel stands in the courtyard.

Rachol Fort

These ruins lie close to the Rachol Seminary, 7 km from Margao.

Of the fortress itself, only a single gateway stands on the road leading to the seminary. The imposing fortress once encircled the hill on which the Seminary stands today, built by the Bahmanis.Captured by the Vijaynagar kingdom, it was ceded to the Portuguese in 1520. It once had a 100 guns on its ramparts.

20 Arts&Entertainment from page 18

Galleria Ralino

Surya Art Gallery

Kerkar Art Gallery

Panaji Art Gallery

Painting Art Gallery At Souza towers, Panaji +918322228370

Installations and sculptures and paintings

by Dr.Subodh Kerkar. It also showcases works by contemporary artists from all over India. At Gauravaddo, Calangute. From 10 am to 7 pm +918322276017

Xavier centre of historical research

With particular emphasis on contemporary cultural and social issues affecting the State of Goa. At B B Borkar Rd, Porvorim +918322417772

Art Escape

Art Escape Goa is a knowledge sharing our of home experience through learn-bydoing workshops which include painting, Pottery, photography, theatre, dance, films, yoga, recycling & waste Management. At Art Escape, Benaulim +919892286666/+919881568756/ +919323590051

Here contemporary works of canvas paintings on Goan subject and art crafts are displayed. At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764/ +919422064754 Promotes Goan Art Figurative and individual works of artists.

At Panaji Art Gallery From 9 am to 8 pm. +919822168703

Jupiter Arts

At Jamundas building, Sangolda +918322650784

Exhibition of paintings

The Gallery displays paintings on canvas of original art & international print arts.

It also showcases works by contemporary artists from India & abroad.

At Arte Douro Art Gallery, Calangute from 9 am to 9 pm +9183222882266 / +919822147148

Menezes Braganza hall At Ferry wharf, Panaji +918322224143

Carpe Diem

At Opp Panaji Inn, Fontainhas From 9 am to 9 pm. +919823572035

Carpe Diem, a newly opened art and learning centre in Majorda.

At Majorda From 10 am to 6 pm +918888862462

Casa Popular

Big Foot Art Gallery

Gallery Gitanjali

At Municipal Market, Panaji +918322262135

Mario’s Art Gallery Painting Art Gallery At Chandor, Salcete +919850460095

Display of works by various artists from India and abroad.

At Big Foot Art Gallery, Loutolim from 9 am to 6 pm +918322777034

Moksa Art Gallery

Painting Art Gallery At Betim, Reis Magos +918322416930

Displays of Contemporary Art are displayed by Salvador Fernandez.

At Naika Vaddo, Calangute From 9.30 am to 8.30 pm +918322281121/+919326717386

Chaku Arts and Crafts

Arte Douro Art Gallery

Yemanja Art Gallery

Painting Art Gallery At Vaddy, Candolim +918322279039

Rosem villa Art Gallery At Porvorim +918322276329

Persian Arts and Crafts At Taj holiday village, Sinquerim +918322479016

The Gallery displays paintings on canvas of original art & international print arts.

At Porba Vaddo, Calangute From 9 am to 9 pm. +919822147148

Picturesque

The museum displays works of Original Art & International print arts.

At near Domino’s Pizza, Panaji From 9 am to 1.30 pm & 3.30 pm to 7 pm +919822124245

located in Mapusa?’ But when? Now? Yes, now, she decided to ask the question five seconds from now. She looked at her watch, 5..4..3..2..1.

She turned around to him and mumbled, ‘Excuse me….’ But she choked the rest off as he had turned to the bus conductor to pay his fare. She fumbled in her bag and paid her own. He hadn’t heard her.

She had lost her nerve now. She lapsed back to curious wondering. Would he like her? Was she likeable? Her clothes, her speech, her smile, were they good? Did people like her? If they did, why did they?

He hadn’t moved any closer, but Laxmi was intensely aware of the side of his thigh touching hers. Her skirt and skin felt warmer, and she shifted slightly to relieve the heat.

Shameless girl! Going to see a prospective match and lusting after a stranger in the bus!

She was skeptical of Sheela-tai’s matches. Those fellows always fell short. One was handsome, but a Mama’s boy. Another was good looking and rich, but kept making sniffing sounds every five seconds. She had timed him. And then there was the goldsmith whose ears bloomed with hair and whose eyes were constantly fixed six inches below her chin.

Maybe if she were not happy in her marriage, she would have an affair with a man like the one seated to her left. Stop! Stop! Shameless bitch!

The more she tried to rein in her imagination, the more perverse it became. Her mind filled with

thoughts of straddling him in his seat, pulling his face into her breasts and kissing the top of his head.

In desperation she suddenly turned around to him again and said ‘Hi!’ At that very moment the bus horn blared and her courageous greeting was drowned out. He had begun dozing lightly. She turned back to the window, red and furious with herself.

She had tired herself with these bouts of fantasy and began dozing off. Her nodding head slowly slumped to rest against the man’s shoulder.

She remained asleep in that position as the bus wound its way through the suburbs of Mapusa.

The man sat still, slightly dozing himself. He dared not move for fear of waking the sleeping girl at his shoulder. But as the bus entered Mapusa bus stand, he gently nudged her awake.

‘We’ve reached,’ he half whispered to her.

He collected his newspaper from the overhead rack and headed for the door. The meeting was fixed for five thirty, in just another ten minutes.

He would have to take a rickshaw, he thought. He had detailed directions, but his mother had said to just ask for Sheela-tai’s house near Pharma Labs.

The bus almost emptied out and some passengers headed off walking towards the market while others moved toward the rickshaw stand. Laxmi sat alone for a while, sleepily gazing through the window at the bustling people outside, wondering whether to alight or to take the same bus back to Panjim. 

Beach poems

By Salil Chaturvedi

Hollant They beat the water with long sticks

to startle the sea they draw them in they pull them up in their shiny nets

they let them drop at their feet on the floor of the boat

till they lie still in the nets of language

all finished dead fish poems

Baina Four muted men

sit with their old backs to the sea Their waterfall eyes cascade down womanly shapes

that have come to compete

with the sunset Their minds constantly moving

from epiphany to information

and back again They turn around

only when it’s dark Their eyes in need of dimmer lights

Odxel Mid-tide at Odxel –

the sea has its pants down Ships slowly entering

the river’s wide mouth

Grasses stroking

each other’s thighs

Curly waters foam around black, testicle rocks

Or is it just the young ones stepping into the pleasure ocean of their eager bodies in a beached Maruti car

Satire 21

Thursday, March 14, 2013

“Woh Goawallah body de do!”

By Cecil Pinto

“

Dada, was Jack Sequeira a big man?”

“You’re asking about Dr. Jack de Sequeira, Father of the Opinion

Poll?”

“Yes Dada.”

“Of course he was a big man. Without his efforts we would probably be a small district of Maharashtra and you would be speaking Marathi instead of Konkani.”

“That I know Dada. We were taught in History class. What I mean is, was he a big man physically?”

“Oh yes he was a giant of a man in many ways. Tall and big chested and broad shouldered.”

“But Dada the statue in Calangute is of a small built man with a large head.”

“Oh that! It’s a long story. It starts in 1983 in Aldona and the triangular plot of land near the market.”

“You’re making up a story again no Dada?”

“Arre Baba.

What is truth?

What is fiction?

History is written by the victors…”

“Ok, ok, go on. But make it short.”

“Well this triangular plot belongs to the Aldona Church, as does most of the market area. On 13th March 1983 there was a mini-riot between Hindus and Catholics about a ‘tulsi’ that was illegally built there.

It caused a lot of tension between the two communities which had till then had a peaceful co-existence. The plot was then left unused and untended for many years and was an eyesore till in 2005 somebody suggested that a Holy Grotto be built there. A few village elders got together and decided that rather than open up old wounds with a religious structure let Aldona be different.”

“Different? How?” “An open meeting of the villagers was held and a suggestion was made that rather than honour a religious head or a political head, like other villages did, we would honour an educationalist – Principal Edward J. Soares who died in 1955. Everyone agreed. Not surprising, considering almost everyone in Aldona

Myths of Goa and their origins

“Oh yes he was a giant of a man in many ways. Tall and big chested and broad shouldered.”

“But Dada the statue in Calangute is of a small built man with a large head.” has studied at the St. Thomas High School founded by Edward Soares in 1923. We decided to raise funds ourselves and not approach the Government. While fundraising activities were going on in full swing a three-member team of village elders was sent to Mumbai to the best statue foundry to get costings. Just a bust would cost Rs. 4 lakhs and a full-body statue would be Rs. 7 lakhs. We decided nothing but a full-body statue would do for our beloved Principal.”

“What has all this got to do with Jack Sequeira?”

“Arre Baba I’m getting there. Our team in Mumbai then phoned us saying that there were standard ‘bodies’ available on which a head could be attached. But then the head of Edward Soares, who was a small built man, would look absurd on the body of an Ambedkar or a Tilak - or sitting on a horse with a sword in hand like Shivaji. The foundry said that if they

were supplied with full length photos of Edward Soares they could make an exact body – for an additional cost of Rs. 2 lakhs.

Fortunately our team had carried many photos and a deal was struck. On 9th December 2006 the exact replica statue of Principal Edward Soares was installed in the Aldona market triangle. Students of his from Aldona, Moira, Nachinola, Olaulim, Pomburpa, Assnora…”

“Dada! Jack Sequeira!”

“Yes! Yes! Well simultaneously a group of well-wishers were planning to honour Dr. Sequeira with a bust to be installed at the main junction in Calangute in January 2007. It was being prepared at the same foundry that had made our statue. The President of the Jack Sequeira Bust Committee realized that they had more funds than they had calculated. He phoned the foundry and a strange conversation ensued. It sounds better in Hindi but…”

“Just go on Dada!”

Disclaimer: The article on this page is a satire and is not in anyway factual. It is only a humorous and satirical take on the events unfolding around us. We don not in anyway intend to offend any individual or institution through our satires and regret any offense caused inadvertently.

“Well the President asked the supervisor if the bust could be converted into a full-body statue. The supervisor said a made-to-order body was not possible at such short notice but offered him the standard ready-made bodies of Marathi saints and political leaders - and of course Shivaji. The President asked if they had any ‘Goan’ body. The supervisor recalled that just last week a Goan statue had been installed and the body mould was still intact. The President was besides himself with joy at having found a Goan body befitting Jack Sequeira. The deal was done. And that’s how the statue at Calangute has the head of Jack Sequeira on the slim body of Edward Soares.”

“Dada you just made this up didn’t you?”

“Son, what is history? Somebody’s version of the truth. This is my version.

Simple.“



22 Adventure

I gear up – wet suit and flippers on, scuba air tank strapped onto my back, goggles fitted tight on my head, breathing tube in my mouth – and perch on the edge of the boat, my back facing the water.

Adrenalin Dose in the Deep

By Praveen P

O

ur boat has stopped just off Grande Island. Our young bearded instructor mounts the prow and drops anchor. I gear up―wet suit and flippers on, scuba air tank strapped onto my back, goggles fitted tight on my head, breathing tube in my mouth―and perch on the edge of the boat, my back facing the water.

“Lean back, kick your flippers in the air and go!” barks the instructor. I’m about to plunge down into the Arabian Sea, to a depth of a fourstoried building.

A week back we had trained up at the Goa Aquatics swimming pool training center at Candolim. Scuba dive master Gautam, 25, briefed us on the technical aspects of our gear, and on how to breath underwater and show hand signals.

Let’s go up, let’s go down, I’m in trouble, Running low on air―these are a few important underwater signals that all divers have to be familiar with.

“Heads Up... Breath in...Breath out...Do it again... raise your arm & swing it slowly backwards like in slow motion, you will now find your breathing tube...” he exhorts us. “Yes that’s the way to do it...

All set ready, now calm your body and soul for a

minute...”

Now perched on the boat’s edge, this is the real thing. I take a deep breath, lean back and fall into the water with an explosion of foam and bubbles.

My diving companions follow suit and soon we are a crowd in the blue waters. Pule Sebastian, a Frenchman, has been on dives in Paris and Brasilia. He is happy with the water temperature.

“French water is very cold,” he smiles, taking off his airpiece as he bobs in the water.

We grab on to the anchor rope one by one and make our descent. My ears block up, as though during landing/takeoff in an airplane. I breath out against my pinched nose as trained, and it clears up. Jason is by my side. He is senior instructor and underwater photographer, hence my best friend for the dive...I want to live to see those underwater photos and video of me―the macho diver. Facebookians, eat your heart out!

We go down the murky water, where ‘viz’ (visibility, in diving jargon) is not great, but the welcoming committee of fish is in full force. Lion fish, groupers and silver gliders are all around us.

The bones of an old shipwreck loom up below us.

This was an old Portuguese ship that hit a rock hiding just below the sea surface back in 1949.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

It broke into two and came to its eternal rest on the seabed here off Grande Island.

We tap at a part of the wreck and rust particles soar up. Immediately a school of fish dives in, thinking it is food.

A beautifully coloured fish cruises by. I lean out to touch it. Jason gives me the danger sign―waving his palm horizontally―and warns me away. That is a scorpion fish, he tells me later, just a touch of it will be poisonous. “ When I started my first jump I was equally excited going around underwater and dating lion fish, it has black & white stripes and frills all over its body, looks almost like a bride on her wedding day,” says Jason. “ But the lion fish, like the scorpion fish, is poisonous, all its frills hold blade like edges with sufficient amount of venom to kill us instantly under water.”

Wynelan Luis, our dive instructor, is originally from Bandra, Mumbai. He dropped out from his graduate studies in Commerce to come to Goa and the love of his life―scuba. Gautam, a dive master from Noida, flew all the way to Goa to pursue his dream goals of becoming a scuba diving instructor and dive around the reefs of the world. Goa Aquatics was founded by Anindya Mukherjee, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.

Certification courses available at Goa Aquatics cover: Open Water Dive, Open Water Expert, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Assistant Instructor and Instructor. Goa Aquatics are affiliated to The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the world’s largest recreational diving membership and diver training organization founded in 1966.

A Scuba diving course provides a tremendous adrenalin kick for the adventure seeker, as well as career opportunities in professional diving around the world.  Praveen P. is Business Manager at Goa Streets. To see video of him and other divers, log on to www.goastreets. com.

Adventure 23

The lion fish has black & white stripes and frills all over its body and looks almost like a bride on her wedding day.

24 Hot Streets

Chastity Belt

Dear Acaricia May I work on board a ship. I am happily married with one child. I love my wife very much, and am very possessive of her. I worry sometimes that when I am away for a long time, that she may feel lonely and develop a relationship with another man. One of my married friends who works in the Gulf tells me he also worried about this, and solved his worry in a strange way. He would get his wife in the family way when he was about to leave for the Gulf. He feels a pregnant woman is less likely to ‘fool’ around and will also be less attractive to other men. By the time he returns, they have a baby and they are both happy. When he leaves again to go overseas, his wife is pregnant again. This repeated for four years and he has four kids. Now he is settled back in Goa. Should I do something similar? I too want three to four kids.

Signed, Antonio - Mapusa.

Dear Antonio What is higher on your mind? Having a large family or safeguarding your wife’s fidelity? Do you feel insecure? A wife whose husband is abroad may not fall into the arms of another man just because of unbridled lust. One thing you can do is make sure she has a happy environment at home. This could come in the form of a good, supportive relationship with her parents or inlaws. Or other family members, or close friends.

You must communicate with her regularly, by phone, by email, through letters. If you both have access to a computer and an Internet connection, become best friends with this little program called Skype – it’s free and you can see each other while you speak (which affords all sorts of naughty possibilities, especially if you’re alone while you’re online. Yes, Acaricia May recommends Skype sex!).

You must make her feel loved all the time. If she has a baby, she may well be happy and busy with bringing up that child, but it is you who has to give her love, even if it is long-distance love. She could also take up a job in an area she loves working in, that would fulfill her emotionally.

Does your friend think he tied a chastity belt to his wife by impregnating her? Doesn’t he know that a pregnant woman can have hearty sex even up to the ninth month? Let us not cast aspersions upon Mr. Keep

Her Fat, but let me also point out that a man’s chastity-belt children need not be his! Don’t be an ass and blindly follow him. Come to terms with your own insecurities, treat your wife like a lady, respect her emotional and physical needs and both of you will be happy. Have your large family by all means, but must they be the fruit of a chauvinistic chastity belt? They might end up being the fruit of another tree!

Love, Acaricia May

Dear Acaricia May My husband works abroad and I work in an office in Panjim. I’m quite happy with my hubby, we chat on the phone a lot and he comes home every three months. I love Facebook and have loads of friends there. Of late one of my online friends emails me a lot and we have long chats online. I don’t know his real identity, and he doesn’t know mine.

It’s great fun chatting with him, he makes me laugh a lot. Whenever I feel a bit low, I can tell him my problems, without any specifics, of course, and he makes me feel good. This is alright, isn’t it? A bit of harmless fun, like an invisible friend? I am not being unfaithful to hubby in any way, am I? Thomas, my online friend, is just that, a good friend.

Signed, Sayonara -Panjim Dear Sayonara Acaracia May is here to guide and advise, not judge. But do beware. If you’re online and you don’t know who the person on the other end is, that’s a danger zone. The Internet abounds with unscrupulous predators. And hey, how do you know that Thomas isn’t actually your hubby playing an anonymous Casanova to test you?

Question everything.

Sayonara, every relationship is different.

Very often, guys stick to guy friends and ladies stick to lady friends when having pals outside the marriage. But lots of modern couples do it differently, with each partner having friends of both sexes. Is that something your husband would be cool with? I assume you haven’t told your husband about Thomas, and that’s another danger zone. Too many secrets can cause cracks in a marriage.

Have your online friendships, by all means, but remember virtual space is inhabited by real people, and not all of them are good fellas.

Love, Acaricia May

Send all your questions about sex, relationships, love and romance to Acaricia May at acariciamay@goastreets.com.

USEFUL STUFF www.goastreets.com

Thursday, March 14, 2013 Police 100 Ambulance 108 Coast Guard 1718 Women Helpline 1091 Goa State Aids Control Society 1097 Child Helpline 1098

Mapusa. 2256620/2250618 Walson & Walson Calangute. 2276366 Nayana Medical Stores Porvorim. 2417818

Police stations

Air Arabia Airlines 9225906416/15 Indian Airlines 18001801407 Air India 2431100/04 Jet Airways 1800225822 Spice Jet 18001803333 Kingfisher Airlines 18002093030 GoAir 1800222111 Singapore Airlines 2438813 Qatar Airlines 7930616000

Margao 2705095 Mapusa 2262231 Pernem 2201233 Anjuna 2273233 Calangute 2278284 Porvorim 2417704 Old Goa 2285301 Ponda 2313101 Colva 2788396 Vasco Harbour 2512234 Verna 2782325 Canacona 2633357

Ambulance Services

Post Offices

Airline Offices

Goa Medical College 2458725 Vintage Ambulance +91 8322232533 /+91 9823059948 Ambulance Trust (Margao) 2731759/2714464 Mapusa Ambulance Service (Mapusa) 2262372 Helpline (Dona Paula) 2453303

Super markets

Magsons Super Market Miramar, St Inez, Caculo Mall, Caranzalem, Vasco, Verna and Varca 2463700/2463701/2463702 Orchard Stores Anjuna. 2273231 Newton’s Arcade Candolim. 2489056 Delfinos Super Stores, Candolim, 2356895 / 5235685 Maple Leaf Supermarket Porvorim, 6454099

Bus Services Kadamba Road Transport Corporation 133 Kadamba Transport Corporation 2438034/2438036 Manish Volvo 2444056 Paulo Travels 2438531 Neeta Volvo 2438088

Medical and Hospitals

Dial-A-Doctor (Toll Free) 1911 Blood Bank 2458724 Vrundavan Hospital, Mapusa +918322250022/+918326713535 Apollo Hospital Margao. 2728888/ 6728888 Manipal Hospital Panjim. 3048800 Vintage Hospital Panjim. 2426650

Pharmacies

Jeevan Rekha Medical Store Panjim. 2435946 Holy Spirit Medical Services Margao. 2737433 Bardez Bazaar

25

Casa Nita 2732070 Near Gandhi Market Margao

Adventure sports/ Boat tours/diving/ excursions Water Sports Club Bogmalo. 9822124457

Dive GOA

Department of Tourism

Calangute. 9822685025

Railway Stations

Canacona Code:CNO +918322643644 Madgaon Code:MAO +918322712790 Pernem Code:PERN +918322201283 Thivim Code:THVM +918322298682 Vasco de Gama Code:VSG +918322512398/+918322512131 Karmali Code:KRMI +918322285798

Safety Information Tourist Police Booths Miramar 2464260 Tourist Police Booths alangute 2281238 Tourist Police Booths Vagator 2274031 GMC Casuality 2458725 GMC Casuality 2458725

TOY STORES Totally Toys Trionora Apartment Panaji 2220304 Nilesh Store At Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Panjim 2230161

This summer, surrender yourself to the mystical healing of ancient Southern Indian traditions, as highly skilled therapists from the renowned Vasudeva Vilasam Ayurveda Institute, Kerala visit Park Hyatt Goa. At Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Arossim beach, Cansaulim +918322721234/ +919923207075 edra.godinho@hyatt.com goa.park.hyatt.com

Petit Bebe At Adams Towers, Vasco 9958685102

Panjim GPO 2223706 Margao 2715791 Mapusa 2262235 Calangute 2276030 2438750/2438755 Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd 2226515/2226728 Govt. of India Tourism 2223412/2420529 Panjim Information Counter 2438520 Margao Information Counter 2715204 Vasco Information Counter 2512673

Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa

Peter Store At Grace Church Estate Margao 2730571

Caranzalem. 9325030110

Goa Aquatic Sports Private Ltd

DreamZ Spa and Salon At Campal, Panjim @ 10 am to 9 pm +918322223628

Goa Kayaking

Sukho Thai -The Thai Foot Spa At Calangute @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326511265

Chicalim. 9422056037/2541715

Palms Water Sports

Sinquerim. 9823850949/9823179913

The

Corner

C

Sohum Spa At Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa, Utorda @ 9.30 a to 10 pm +918322884400/ +918322884401 Agua Spa At The Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Utorda @ Daily 9 am to 8 pm +918326698888

Nuns N Roses enthralls with theatre and music

hildren from Sister Christobel’s Trust, Mother Teresa’s Roses and The Phoenix Foundation Big Band from Germany presented the ‘Nuns N Roses’ musical evening at the Garcia de Orta gardens in Panjim last Sunday, and kept a packed garden spellbound with performances of both, the young children and the nuns themselves.

The programme was supported by Colin D’Cruz’s Jazz Goa, among other organisations.

Sister Christobel herself sang the all-time classics- “What a wonderful world” and “When you’re smiling” - along with the children of the Parra and Quepem homes of the Trust.

The musical play Nuns ‘N’ Roses told the story of Mother Teresa’s Roses founded by Sister Christobel and Bishop Bosco Penha, the auxiliary bishop of Mumbai.

The children put on a splendid performance of monologue, dialogue, song, dance and live music. Mumbai theatre personality Annabelle Ferro directed the play and Angela Nagarajan choreographed the dances.

Also performing at the musical evening was the twenty-two piece jazz ensemble Phoenix Foundation Big Band, which played popular Michael Jackson tunes and a range of classics from rock, pop and jazz music.

The evening also had a special appearance by celebrated Indian classical virtuosos Ramamani and

Ramesh Shotham.

Sr. Christobel who was diagnosed with cancer in her early twenties underwent a great change when Mother Teresa visited and blessed her in hospital with a statue of Mary, a medal and a rose. She dedicated her life to caring for the homeless and less fortunate. Sister Christobel’s Trust has centres in Parra and Quepem as well as in Mumbai.

The trust helps hundreds of homeless people including children, offering them a clean set of clothes and feeding them a hot meal.

‘Nuns and Roses’ was an effort to spread awareness about the initiatives of Sister Christobel’s Trust and was supported by the Corporation of The City of Panjim (CCP), Jazz Goa, Indigo 91.9, The Royal Goan Beach Club, Furtado’s, Poco Loco, Goa Grooves and bigblueroad.com.

26 Give Back

Caritas

Nurturing girls and boys

By Ashley do Rosario

I

sabel, a hearing impaired girl barely into her teens, needles fabric to learn the art of embroidery, embossing a design on a piece of cloth, which a few days later will perhaps find its way to the dining table of a home in Goa or elsewhere.

Isabel spends her days at the St Francis Xavier training-cum-production Centre at Old Goa. Dozens of boys and girls and even a few adults, some disabled like Isabel and others with no disability, are trained in various technical skills at the Centre, run by Caritas Goa. The centre deliberately puts the two groups of children together to provide them equal opportunities and take forward its ‘reverse inclusion’ concept.

Trainees at the centre, disabled or not, are imparted technical skills in tailoring and embroidery, fibre work, animal husbandry including piggery, poultry and dairy, candle making, carpentry and welding.

Caritas Goa is part of Caritas International, the Roman Catholic

Church’s social action arm.

In Goa it also runs an academic school at the centre where formal education classes are held for the hearing impaired, orthopedically handicapped,

mentally challenged and children with learning disabilities. The school, run by the Diocesan Society of Education, also has a higher secondary section affiliated to the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education.

To overcome difficulties faced by differently-abled children in pursuing higher studies in rigorous subjects prescribed by general curriculum, the school took accreditation from the National Open School, which offers a wider choice of subjects to suit their abilities.

The school was also thrown open to general category students, who otherwise would have dropped out from academics.

Prison ministry Caritas manages a large group of people, both lay and religious, who reach out to inmates of various jails in Goa. On securing permission from the jail authorities, volunteers of the prison ministry visit jails and counsel prisoners, conduct inter-religious prayer services and hold classes in literacy, art-craft and music.

The prison ministry program also facilitates under-trials and convicts serving jail terms to continue their academic pursuits by collaborating with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and other open universities.

On special occasions like Independence day (August 15), Republic day (January 26), Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), Christmas and Diwali, the prisoners are also provided with their share of fun through drama and music contests and sports.

The prisoners’ families are also visited

and their children helped in academic and other needs. The family members are counselled, and whenever possible, they are united with their families.

In some ideal cases, a prisoner-victim reconciliation is worked on.

The prison ministry unit of Caritas Goa also assists in the rehabilitation of prisoners who have served their term.

All this is done in close collaboration and with the consent of government authorities.

ASRO Caritas Goa manages a care home for children living with HIV/AIDS which it started at Tivim, a village in Goa’s hinterland, in 2002. Called ASRO (which in Konkani means hope) the home currently has 28 children who are being cared for by the Sisters of the Mercy of the Holy Cross.

ASRO was started as a private initiative

by Dr Philomena D’Souza, the former head of the paediatric department at Goa Medical College. Dr Philomena started the work at her own ancestral home and eventually handed over its management to Caritas in 2002.

At ASRO, the children are treated and given nutritional support.

They are also given home nursing care and terminal care. There’s no doomsday atmosphere at Asro. The HIV/AIDS infected kids are provided opportunities to train in skills and gain self-confidence.

Father Maverick Fernandes, directo

of Caritas Goa, explains that the children at Asro face many challenges concerning their education, relationships, health and societal acceptance.

“But the journey has been refreshing, to view the positive effort of the children,”said Fr Maverick.

Caritas also runs another ‘Community Care Centre’ by the same name ASRO at Cavelossim. It is a collaborative effort with the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the King and is funded up to 80 percent by the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO).

The centre cares for the HIV infected, gives palliative care to AIDS patients and provides value-based education for the prevention of HIV infection.The centre also provides support and trains family members how to care for loved ones infected by the disease.

Caritas Goa manages St Bridget’s Institute at Aldona village which conducts home science courses, a home nursing certificate course and runs home nursing services.

It also manages a physio-therapy centre at the Caritas Holiday Home in Panjim and a Childline service for North Goa, affiliated to the Childline India Foundation.

To help Caritas Goa either with donations or volunteer services you may contact its director, Fr Maverick Fernandes, at Institute Piedade, DB Marg, Panjim. Tel No. +918322422821