Goa Streets - Issue 30

Thursday, May 30, 2013 | Vol. No. I | Issue 30 | Price Rs. 10 | Pages 28 | www.goastreets.com

New ladies of music • pg 3 Russian rendezvous • pg 7 Quick fix pretenders • pg 8

Work from home

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

Being your own boss is cool

Norman’s pop art 10 • Love of the lens 17 • Passion in Paradise 22

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Clubs/Bars/Lounges/ Live Music Butter Lounge

Indulge yourself &soothen your senses At Patto, Panjim +919822126262

Raissa’s Sheesh Mahal Lounge Delicious food and lovely music At Margao @ 10 am to 11.45 pm +918322712899

Club IANOS

Club & Global Cuisine Calangute, Baga Road 0832 6528283

May 30

Thursday Night Live

@ The Sofala American saxophone sensation M’Tafiti Imara jamming live with Smoking Chutney featuring M’Tafiti Imara (saxophone), 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 +918550919222

Thursday Live

Retro Jazz Rock n Roll With Rhythm blues and Anika At Malts N Wines- the Lounge, Baga @ 8 pm +919763711180

Salsa Night

At L’Orange, Candolim @ 8 pm to 11 pm +919970173606

Thursday EDM Night

With DJ Lasker At Cape Town Cafe, Calangute @ 9 pm +919657593449

Carolyn Nunes

Girls and their beautiful music

Thrilling Thursday

With Lavina At Down the Road, Panjim @ 9 pm +918087649050

Evolve

With DJs Amol Reon, Usman, Su-Edits & Alli Marc At Butter Lounge, Panjim @ 8 pm +919822126262

Tardy Thursday

With DJ Kiran At Club Margarita, Colva @ 8 pm +919823259008

May 31

Kingfisher Ultra

Presents Goodbye summer With DJs Ketan, Milend, Xaviers, Kriss & Rosh Brizie At Bottle bay, Baga @ 8 pm +919326728123

Fabulous Friday

With DJ Spike At White House Restaurant & Bar, Dona Paula @ 8 pm +918322453839

By Jonathan Rodrigues

I

t’s a scene common in movies and books.

A huge room with a pretty young lady seated at her grand piano, making music that resounds in the hall. Her strict father stares at her as her mother sits proudly among guests, watching her daughter entertain the gathering. Nowadays the scene usually looks quite a bit different. Today’s girls are letting their hair down and making their own mark in the music field.

Compared to other parts of India, where a woman’s voice is often subdued, Goan culture is more welcoming and encouraging to girls taking up music as a career. Music spells freedom and expression. It’s the same whether it’s a church choir or a community concert or a rock band.

Streets caught up with some young talent from around the state in an effort to discover their music stories and also understand the hurdles that could thwart their careers in music. turn to page 5

Swing With Denzil & Trisca

music & nightlife | 03

At Casino Carnival, Cavelossim @ 8 pm +918322871303

Girls make music

Friday Night Tribal Gathering With Graeme At Laguna Anjuna @ 8 pm +919011071941

Old School Friday Nights

With Henry At Cafe Mojo pub & Bistro, Panjim @ 8 pm +919850980091

lowdown | 06

June 1

Bailador

At LPK Waterfront, Nerul @ 3 pm +918323045000/+918323045003

feature | 07 Russian rendezvous

Until May 31

Semi Acoutics nite

At Art Escape Woodstock resort, Benaulim @ 7.30 pm +917350400655

feature | 08

Until May 31

Tantrik quacks

Rock is Alive

At Art Escape, Benaulim @ 7.30 pm +919892286666

Until May 31

arts & entertainment | 10

Beer, BBQ & Blues

Veeam & the Highway Stars to perform live.

At Sweet Chili, Sinquerim, Candolim.

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

Pop art from Norman

Explore | 12

On-going

5 Cozy monsoon spots

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

cover story | 14 Working from home is cool

feature | 17

Souza Lobo

Photographers tell their tales Cover Photograph: Arun Pavaratty Cover Model: Shreeja Jhaveri

food | 19 The best cafreal in Goa

feature | 22

sports | 23

Christina’s paradise

Armando takes a bow

sex | 24

give back| 26

Acaricia May

The teacher who stood strong

Martin’s Corner

Authentic seafood and Goan cuisine Along with entertainment with Live music every week.

At Betalbatim @ 8 pm. +918322880061 Mon: Savio Tue: Bryan Ivor-one man band Wed: Francis Paul Thur: Duo by Savio & In front Fri: Karaoke by Johnny Sat: Shane. Sun: Kenny

Night By Night Every Monday Karaoke Night

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

Every Tuesday

Retro & all Time Hits

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

Every Wednesday

Tuesday – Country Rock

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

Cosmopolitan Ladies Nite

Also introducing a pay for 1 JAGERBOMB and shoot another for absolutely FREE, along with free COSMOPOLITANS for the ladies all night long. At Butter, Panjim @ 8 pm +918308838888

Ladies Night

At Soul Souffle, Uddear, Verna

@ 8 pm +918322782100/ +919404312100 Russian Ecstasy Nights At Radisson blu resort, Cavelossim beach @ 9 pm +918326726666/+918888061199

Jam Session

A musical adventure with Goa’s one & Only Zezhinio At Sweet Chilli, Sinquerim @ 7.30 pm +91 9820820254

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

Retro, Rock n Roll & Old School

Fort Aguada Beach Resort

Retro, Rock n Roll & Old School

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

Shivers Garden

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

With DJ Saby Fernandes spinning Retro, Rock n Roll At Resort Rio, Tambudki, Arpora From 8 pm to 10.30 pm +919552538203/ +919011015959

Wednesday Nights

Featuring DJs David and Ashley At Kamaki, Baga @ 7.30 pm +91 9923093408/ +918322276520 At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 8 pm to 10.30 pm +918322267300/ +919552538203

DJ Roy Yod Live

At Saturdays, Varca @ 9.30 pm to 1 am +918326695066/+918326695025

Every Thursday Salsa Night

At L’Orange Marquis Vaddo, Candolim @ 8 pm to 11 pm +919970173606/+919823291413

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Her favorite music idols are Michael Bublé and Norah Jones. She connects easily with the genres of Blues, Jazz and Reggae. “Music gives me an opportunity to express myself through my own original compositions and other songs that I perform. I truly put my heart and soul out there and give it my best.”

Deborah Pereira, Majorda Belonging to a musical family, the art came naturally to her. She completed her 8th grade in piano 2 years back, conducted by Trinity College London. Deborah (21) is grateful for the guidance she received from Fr. Romeo Monteiro. “I had a huge break after my first year of music education.

During this period I developed a greater interest in music but had no one to guide me. I had an opportunity to meet Fr. Monteiro who gave me the push that I needed to continue my formal education in piano. Till date he has been guiding

Tiffaney Barros

turn to page 6

from page 3 Carolyn Nunes, Panjim “When I was young my father used to place headphones around my ears, playing a lot of retro music. Sometimes my mother would sing to me. Since most of my family members are musicians, I guess I could say that music runs through my veins,” says Carolyn.

Carolyn (21) plays a variety of instruments and is currently pursuing her 8th grade in piano, 7th grade in classical guitar, 4th grade in drums, and 7th grade in Theory of Music, all under the Trinity Guildhall. Besides these, she also plays the keyboard and bass guitar. Her commitment to music began from the tender age of 7 years and there was no looking back. She has won many singing competitions and performed with various bands since she was 16. She has also

Thursday Grill and Games Music, games & barbeque At Soul Souffle, Verna @ 7 pm to 10 pm 2782100, +91 9764694321

Every Friday

Ladies Night and Hoteliers Special At Radisson Blu Resort Cavelossim @ 9 pm +918326726666/ +918888061199

Retro Party

At ‘Rewind’ Arpora, Near Go-kart, @8 pm onwards. Great 70’s ambience, home styled food, live retro music Featuring, ‘The Music Company.’ +91 8007112200.

Every Saturday Retro Party

At ‘Rewind’ Arpora, near Go-kart @ 8 pm onwards.

Great 70’s ambience, home styled food, live retro music Featuring, Live Retro Band. +91 8007112200.

Funky Saturday are Back At Butter, Panjim @ 8 pm onwards

performed for many concerts organized by the Western Department of Music, Kala Academy.

“There have been many teachers in my career who continue to inspire me; I will always be grateful to them for teaching me with patience and kindness.”

Having recently graduated from S.S Dempo College, she now has plans of opening her own music school for kids as well as adults. “I am also working on my own compositions and hope to release my album in the near future.”

She believes that every young child should be exposed to different instruments. “I think there is that one perfect instrument for each child out there. I do believe that being a Goan girl, I am blessed to have an opportunity to explore the world of music at a very young age. I will never stop making music because it means everything to me.”

6 The Lowdown The Lowdown Ask anyone to sing a Konkani song, and they are bound to hum a Chris Perry oldie, sung by the famed Goan nightingale Lorna. She is undoubtedly the most well known female singer in Goa. But musical talent abounds in Goa, and the new princesses of music are growing all around us. In this issue we meet a few of the new girls of music.

Deborah Pereira from page 5 and motivating me to learn and grow.”

Besides the piano, Debbie, as she is fondly called, has also set her heart to learning to play the trombone. She has been enthralling the faithful at Majorda by playing the organ in the church choir. She is also a part of the Santa Cecilia Choir concerts of sacred and classical music.

Debbie reveals the secrets of her success.

“There is a lot that one can do in music. We need patience, endurance, persistence and a strong will power to learn and grow in music,” she says. “Goa has a beautiful music culture and I personally feel that there is no gender discrimination as a musician. If you are good, people will appreciate you no matter who you are.”

Western classical music is what appeals the most to her. She’s not a fan of club or trance music. “I feel it’s more like noise, but I must admit that different genres of music today are available to suit different moods of people.”

Tiffaney Barros - Margao Tiffaney’s journey with music began through music classes in school, which she joined at the age of ten. Her choice of instrument was the drums. “I haven’t done grades of formal music education, but I have definitely received the best training from my school from Sir Glen Rodrigues.

He has been a tremendous source of inspiration and motivation to me.”

Currently on a break due to a wrist injury, she is looking forward to getting back to music. As a member of YFC (Youth for Christ), she played for a gospel band and this stint, she says, helped her grow as a musician.

Tiffaney (22) is happy to help dispel the notion that only boys can excel in music, and she feels the ladies have already proven the critics wrong.

“Difficulties do exist. As a volleyball player, the practice timings clashed, but I chose music. I also wanted to get further training in drumming.

But the professional training wasn’t something I could afford. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop me from following my passion.”

She doesn’t subscribe to the idea that sophisticated technology that produces sounds and beats is inferior to other kinds of music.

“Personally, I enjoy clubbing since I love to dance and being a drummer I definitely like more of beats and sounds. It is essential to various genres of music as it adds flavor to life.”

“I never really had a music idol, but I was definitely inspired by Rick Allen, the drummer from Def Leppard. He plays with just one hand and it’s just amazing to see him do that. He really motivates me. I always connected to more of rock and jazz, I kind of get lost into it. Music has definitely changed my life. From the time I got introduced to drumming until now, the journey has been amazing. It not only made me confident as a person, but I also got know a lot of musicians, who I admire, and from whom I have learned a lot.”

She sees a lot of opportunities for those who sincerely take up music as a career. “I don’t really think that if you have a career in music, you need to sideline your other formal education. I have been there and I have managed to balance both.”

Tiffany feels extremely proud to be a drummer and hopes to get back to the passion soon. “I miss it because I used to express a lot through my beats. It could be happiness, joy, rage, sadness or any other feeling.”

Jeanne Ribeiro, Panjim.

“I have literally been brought up with violins playing around me. My family has been instrumental in introducing me to music and also being my continuous source of encouragement,” admits Jeanne who has performed at many concerts, ensembles and choirs.

She is also a part of the Indian National Youth and performed with them in Delhi for an operetta Recently they collaborated with the Vienna University choir and 80 singers performed along with them during a tour of south India. She is also a part of the MLS baroque ensemble.

Having completed her 8th grade from the trinity college London, she doesn’t see a future in playing the violin as a career. “I will continue playing the violin, however there is not much scope in Goa for a musician. Teaching music is what one can do for a living in Goa,” she explains.

“Being a musician, especially a classical musician on the concert front, you can hardly call it a living.

It will continue to be my strongest hobby and a part of me wherever I go.”

Of course, some girls and women – especially those engaged in the modern genres – do find ways to make ends meet with their music.

Hopefully the day will come when that will be true for every genre – and each gender.  To see video of Goan girls and their music, be sure to log onto www.goastreets.com.

Continuing on our walk down the dark side after investigating scam ads in our last issue, our super sleuth Pedro went probing the dark alleyways where tantra masters lurk. He brings us a firsthand report of what happens when you respond to an advertisement that claims to solve all your problems through black magic.

Goa keeps producing artists with a fascinating bent of mind. Norman Tagore’s preferred weapon of choice is the spray can, and we dare say Andy Warhol is his patron saint. He talks about his work and a disturbing period in his life.

The rains are here, and Richa Narvekar has the best spots for cuddling up as the thunder does its thing. If your belly is rumbling too, there’s our food story on Florentine, a favourite for chicken cafreal.

Charlane Pereira checked out some of Goa’s lensmen to bring us some great photos from their DSLRs. Christina Fernandes talks about her experience in the making of her photobook ‘Passion In Paradise’.

As the monsoons settle in, warm yourself at Goa’s best restaurants and hangouts, as they cook up the rainy-day specials. And keep reading Goa Streets.

José Lourenço

Chief Advisor - Steven Gutkin Publisher - Marisha Dutt Editor - José Lourenço Senior Correspondent - Ashley Do Rosario Business Manager - Praveen P Sales Executive - Rajeev Radhakrishnan Sales Executive - Kedar Prabhugaonkar Web Sales Executive - Alisha Naik Data Entry Operator - Radhika Naik Photographer - Arun Pavaratty Administrative Assistant - Nilesh Shetgaonkar

Feature 7

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Russians in Goa A love – hate relationship

By Ashley do Rosario

W

hen the red carpet was first laid for the Russians with a slew of road shows in Moscow and its other cities about a decade ago, none in the top echelons of Goa’s tourism ministry had thought then that they were actually opening the floodgates.

They did, literally.

From a few hundreds in 2003-04, Russians coming to Goa to “soak in the sun” from the cold climes of the Siberian desert have topped the 1.5 lakh mark in 2012-13, Russian Ambassador Alexander Kadakin revealed.

They account for over a third of all foreign tourists who flock to Goa in the six months between October-November and March-April. Only Britain, whose nationals virtually laid siege to Goa’s warm sunny beaches to escape the harsh winters at home, compares fairly with these figures and a little under a hundred thousand of its citizens still land up here during Goa’s tourist season.

But, the journey hasn’t been all that hunky-dory for the Russians, who’ve had more than a fair share of misadventures, brushes with the law and at times, notso-pleasant engagement with locals, especially the taxi drivers with whom they’ve had sporadic skirmishes.

Also, a number of Russian citizens have seen massive investments here frozen after real estate deals they cut with local land owners coming under the scanner of Indian financial regulators including the Enforcement Directorate which polices economic offences in the country.

On the flip side, however, there are quite a few examples of ventures by Russians doing successful business. In

fact, the transformation of Morjim, once a typical Goan fishing village in coastal North Goa, into a bustling tourist hot spot is credited to the Russians. The village hosts at least half-a-dozen very successful businesses, including hotels shacks and night clubs, all either owned or operated by Russians.

A section of the local population, particularly the villagers of Morjim haven’t taken this ‘invasion of sorts’ of their village by the Russians too kindly and have on and off staged protests, sometimes violently.

Their main grouse is that the Russians are virtually “colonising” the area and blocking access to large sections of the beach stretch. Many of them allege that the area has been taken control of by the ‘Russian mafia’. A couple of years ago, the villagers pulled down a statue of Russian Communist icon Lenin that the tourists had put up in one locale of the village. Further, at one of the gram sabhas (village council meetings) they even decided to remove and ban all public hoardings and signboards with writings in the Russian language.

Little wonder then, that the Russian government opened a full-fledged consular office in Goa last week and appointed Victor Albuquerque, a prominent Goan businessman, as its honorary consul.

Russian Ambassador Kadakin, a familiar face in India who held various diplomatic assignments here over the last two decades, has dismissed the allegations of the ‘Russian Mafia’ being active in Goa. “There are over one-hundred-andfifty thousand Russians coming to Goa every year. If three or four ‘badmashes’ (bad elements) among these number do

Russian Ambassador Alexander Kadakin something wrong, can you call it mafia?”

Kadakin asked.

Speaking to Goa Streets on the sidelines of the Consular Office inauguration, Kadakin who is boss at the Russian Embassy in Delhi, said that no Indian authority has reported any case or suspicion that the ‘mafia’ operates in Goa. “Mafia is a word that refers to organised crime. If it’s there the police would know and the authorities would have reported it to us. No such thing has happened. If it is reported, we (Russia) will act,” Kadakin said.

He added, that 99 per-cent of the people from his country, especially from Siberia, who come to Goa do so only to experience the warm sun, which they are deprived of in their home country.

“In a vast region there’s total darkness for six months. There’s no sun at all. They also come here because of the famed hospitality and warmth of Goans,” he said, but added that some experiences, particularly with the local taxi driver community, haven’t been good.

“They charge our people ten times the prescribed fees. What’s this? Isn’t it Mafiosi?,” Ambassador Kadakin asked, explaining that some Russians have ventured into the taxi business only

to provide a cheaper alternative to the exorbitant taxi fares charged by locals.

Kadakin’s ‘Mafiosi’ attribution to the taxi drivers evoked strong reaction from the cabbies’ association as well as the Goa Church-affiliated The Centre for Responsible Tourism (CRT), who termed it as crass.

Fr Savio Fernandes, who mentors the Centre said, Russians indulging in the taxi business is outright illegal because they come to Goa on tourist and not business visas.

This confrontation may go on and on, and so will the hotels and shacks and other businesses run by Russians with a fair amount of success. Although Kadakin didn’t say it in words, his countrymen will continue to flock to this land of sun, sand and sea and go through the ups and downs faced by visitors in any tourist destination of the world.

The ups are fine. It’s the success in dealing with the downs – the brush with local taxi men, the antagonism from the locals as in Morjim and the long battles to free up investments frozen by Indian authorities due to dubious real estate deals – that will be the barometer of success for Albuquerque and Co, at the Consular Office here in Goa. 

8 Feature Image used for illustrative purpose only

We are a superstitious country and people. And that includes us Goans too. We may exhibit a veneer of modernity, but that doesn’t keep us from bowing to the power of the stars, gemstones and tantra-mantras - those supposedly magical incantations that bring power to the users.

Magic, the occult and the gullible Streets goes undercover to unearth the truth behind the magic men

By Pedro Menezes

O

nce in a while the newspapers in Goa tell us of infant children who are abducted by unknown persons. Where do they go, what happens of them, no one knows. But more than a few Goans believe that young children are often kidnapped to be used as human sacrifices in Tantric rituals.

Of course there is no evidence to back up any of these terrifying rumours. Yet that’s almost beside the point – as in our part of the world reality is often no more important than the perception of reality.

We are a superstitious country and people. And that includes us Goans too.

We may exhibit a veneer of modernity, but that doesn’t keep us from bowing to the power of the stars, gemstones and tantra-mantras―those supposedly magical incantations that bring power to the users. Sure, you’d be hard pressed to find an actual human sacrifice in Goa. But many are not averse to rings, amulets, voodoo chants and even animal sacrifices.

To be sure, many of the so-called ‘experts’ in the business are actually quacks who offer quick-fix solutions to

the gullible, offering to solve in hours what could not be fixed in years through more conventional methods. Often people get to know about these folks through word of mouth, though many advertise in newspapers. One such individual, let us call him Tantra Mantra Samrat Ahmed Khan advertises regularly in Goan newspapers and claims to be a ‘Black Magic specialist’.

I called him up for an appointment on the number given in the advertisement.

The man who answered the phone told me I would have to come and meet him in person if I wanted to know of the

Feature 9

Thursday, May 30, 2013

various things he could do for me. The consultation fee, he said, would be Rs 100. So I made an appointment and was told to come to Mala in Panjim, near the Bharat Petroleum petrol pump, and give a call. I arrived there at the appointed hour. When I called him up, I was told to enter the lane next to the pump where he would be waiting for me, in white pants and pink shirt.

Sure enough he was there and escorted me through an alleyway to an apartment building and up three flights to a flat. After leaving my footwear at the entrance, I entered a waiting room which had a big wash basin at the other end.

The escort, who turned out to be the man who had answered my call, then entered another room through a door and popped out back in a few seconds. “You can go in,” he said.

On entering there was Tantra Mantra Samrat Ahmed Khan seated behind a small table on the ground. Although the windows let in sunlight, a red bulb on the wall gave him an eerie look. He looked well groomed, with a full beard and hypnotic eyes. Burning incense sticks gave off their smell and lined up next to him on one side against the wall were various small bottles of what looked like herbs and magical substances. There were embroidered drapes behind and around him, giving the setting the look of an altar or pooja room. A big bed occupied the rest of the room.

First he started asking questions.

“What is your name?” I told him. Next, from where? I told him. What did I do for a living? All the while he was doing something inside the table, probably writing down what I said. Finally he asked me, “What is your problem?”

Property problem, I told him, and gave a brief description of the fictitious issue.

“Put Rs 100 in the tray,” he directed. I did so. There were already a few hundred rupees in the tray. The consultation fee.

More doodling inside the table which was covered with a black cloth, while he asked me about the other persons – enemies – involved. Then he gave me a

piercing look and said, very convincingly, “Your problem can be solved.” How? I asked. “It will cost you Rs 3,100,” he said.

I would have to give him a photo of the ‘enemies’. I didn’t have a photo, I told him.

No problem, then, he said, we can also do it without the photo. And what would he do then? “I will do a pooja such that they will give you your property immediately.”

Was he sure that would happen?

What if they didn’t give me the property?

Instantly the Tantra Mantra Samrat flared

up, and for a moment I was scared he would cast an evil spell on me, making me vanish into thin air right there and then. ‘What do you mean I am sure!” he thundered. “Of course it will happen.”

When could it be done? “It can be done today itself,” he said.

Looking for an escape route, I told him I would get back to him after a couple of days. I would have to consult my partner and also come with the money. “You can give me whatever money you have and

we can do the pooja today,” he told me.

No, no, I told him, not today. After more small talk about what exactly the pooja was and why it would cost Rs 3,100, I bade him farewell. In the next room the escort, grinning slyly now, opened the front door and let me out.

It was a similar experience when I called and met two more ‘Tantra Mantra’ specialists. The consultation fee was similar. Yes, they could solve the problem, yes, they could do it immediately. I didn’t have the nerve to ask them if it was a money-back guarantee. People who have actually availed of their services say one pooja can lead to another, with the ingredients getting more and more nasty (like urine and excrement), eventually leading to animal sacrifices if the objective was to kill your enemy.

One person from Mayem who has been dabbling with these Tantra Mantra experts says astrology plays a big part if you want things to work out, as they seem to have for him. “Your stars have to match with their stars,” he says.

And then comes the tricky part – your enemy may also be using the services of a Tantra Mantra specialist! Then it becomes a whole new ball game and the money you spend on these guys also rises exponentially, as your Tantric expert blocks the evil spells coming from the opposite camp and hurls suitably more evil spells back at the enemy.

This is also where the sacred charms and amulets come in. A top Panjimbased lawyer found himself ensnared in just such a scenario. Nothing was going right for him and he was losing all the important cases. Finally, he met a holy man while on a pilgrimage. The solution, according to the ‘sage’, was to do some poojas, wear certain charms as rings on certain fingers and around his neck, and also to place some of them around his office. Again, we might ask the question, what matters more: reality or the perception of reality? In this lawyer’s case, perhaps the answer doesn’t matter. He now runs a hugely successful practice. 

Thursday, May 30, 2013 Kerkar Art Gallery

May 30

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

Goa for Kids

Yoga Workshop Namrata Menon At Panjim @ 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm

Art Escape

May 31

Art Escape Goa is a knowledge sharing our of home experience through learn-by-doing workshops which include painting, Pottery, photography, theatre, dance, films, yoga, recycling & waste Management.

At Art Escape, Benaulim +919892286666 /+919881568756/ +919323590051

Reading in the Park At Chicalim Park @ 4.30 pm to 7 pm +919823222665

Goa for Kids

Dance Workshop Hip hop, jazz, bollymix, Zumba, freestyle, cha cha cha, jive, salsa and the rumba.

Experts Jason & Sylvia On May 31 At Panjim @ 4 pm to 6 pm On June 3 At Margao @ 4 pm to 6 pm

Menezes Braganza hall At Ferry wharf, Panaji +918322224143

Xavier Centre of Historical Research

Quilt Design

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

Contest by Goa State Museum and NAM +918322421311

May 31 to June 30 Anti- Tobacco Exhibition

At Tuberculosis Association of Goa, Panjim

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

June 2

Lounge & Lunch

@ The Sofala Featuring live music by Joanne Fernandes (vocals,guitar), Elvis Lobo (guitar) & Bosco D’Souza (Percussions) Join us for Goa’s most authentic Italian food at our new restaurant Mia Cucina Delicious homemade dishes and unlimited beer, wine, Sangria and selected cocktails for INR 1,000 plus tax per person Mia Cucina Restaurant at The Sofala, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 12 pm to 4 pm +917774008822

Yemanja Art Gallery

Everyday

Panaji Art Gallery

Painting Art Gallery At Betim, Reis Magos +918322416930

Surya Art Gallery

Here contemporary works of canvas paintings on Goan subject and art crafts are displayed.

At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764 Promotes Goan Art Figurative and individual works of artists.

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

Art Chamber

Galleria de Belas Artes At Gauravaddo, Calangute @ 10 am to 1 pm & 4 pm 8 pm +918322277144

Exhibition of paintings

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

Carpe Diem

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

At Majorda from 10 am to 6 pm +918888862462

Casa Popular

At Municipal Market, Panaji +918322262135

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 +919822147148

Big Foot Art Gallery

Display of works by various artists from India and abroad.

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

Norman Tagore Fernandes

Pop artist of the Street

By José Lourenço

“

Doing street art takes away the fear of working on large spaces or canvases,” says Norman Tagore Fernandes, Goa’s most devoted practitioner of pop art. Street art, pop art, walls, people, roads, nudes...Norman contemplates them all with a cool gaze, arms himself with a Sabotaz spray can and goes to work again.

Norman (32) graduated from Goa College of Art, Panjim in 2004. He has dabbled with ink on paper, acrylic on canvas and spray paint on walls in a continuing journey, of which the strongest point has been his obsession with Pop Art. “I am a second generation Pop artist. The subject matter for my work is taken from popular culture,” says the lightly built artist. His eyes are piercing, his face is long, like a portrait of Modigliani, whom he admits admiring.

“I like Chittrovanu Mazumdar’s paintings, Picasso’s drawings and Modigliano’s portraits,” he declares.

Elizabeth Taylor and Scarlet Johansson stare out seductively from Norman’s works. Closer to popular culture at home, Illeana D’Cruz, the Goan girl from Mapusa who made it big in South Indian cinema and later in Bollywood with the

Arts&Entertainment 11

Thursday, May 30, 2013

hit Barfi, also features in a canvas by Norman. In another room of his studio at Mala, Panjim, lie numerous ink-onpaper paintings. Portraits of his mother and sister lie among nude studies. But it is Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein’s genre that possesses Norman the most.

“I saw a connection between Japanese woodcuts and pop art,” he tells me. “They both use flat colours and graphic images or line work on top. This led to my style with watercolours, using flat colours and lines.”

A painting by him was featured on the poster for the Goa Arts & Literary Festival in 2012. It contains the image of the Panjim Garden Mermaid holding a book and a pair of brushes, true to Norman’s penchant for pop art that uses motifs from popular culture.

Norman and his fellow artist Suhas Shilker embarked on their first street art project ‘Sadak Chap’ in November 2011. Armed with cans and stencils they sprayed the shutter of Suhas’ shop at Miramar with graffiti and pop art images.

A month later Norman, Suhas and a friend Pietyz created a work of street art on a wall at the Sunaparanta-Goa, Centre for the Arts at Altinho, Panjim in tribute to the great artist and cartoonist Mario de Miranda, when he passed away in December 2011.

“I returned from Mario Miranda’s cremation and that night we finished the painting on the wall,” says Norman.

In May this year, Norman, Suhas Shilker, cinematographer Shirish Desai and art shop owner Gerson Rego created a street art work on the Mandovi bridge pier on the Panjim side.

“We enjoyed doing it. It was not for any commercial reason. There was no design, it was just spontaneous creativity,” says Norman.

Phrases like ‘Fullu Kustar Hosnay’(a popular proverb), Poder Pau Pau and Soro Naka (Don’t Want Alcohol) share space with English lines and portraits all along the wall.

What were the benchmark moments in his life so far, I ask him.

“Going to prison was like going to

University,” muses Norman, reflecting on his days in jail after being falsely accused in a rape case in 2003. “I learned a lot about life. We were all sleeping next to hardcore criminals. I spent a month in jail along with six others who were falsely accused, most of them students. During those tough days I felt that the people on the inside of the prison walls were kinder than those outside. All the inmates celebrated when we were released.”

What next in the art journey, I query.

“I am experimenting with digital art,” he says. One of his most popular images is a digital work titled ‘Parallel Universe – Glimpse of the others’ – it has been reposted and shared several times over the Net. In the image, surreal orange and scarlet ghosts stand among holidayers on the shore and in the water at a Goan beach.

Norman himself is a distracted spirit, often abstractedly not there in the present, staring out, lost in thought. He is probably converting the vistas of Panjim in his mind, into flat colours and smiling starlets. 

Norman amidst his works

5 great places to watch the monsoon from (that you won’t find on most lists)

By Richa Narvekar

T

hat summer was a horrid, hot one, but the monsoon is finally here! Wet, cool and fresh, like a sigh of relief, and all you’ve got is hot tea and bhajias on your mind! So what if you don’t have a beautiful Indo-Portuguese house, you can always watch the monsoon from here:



Café Bodega at Sunaparanta, Altinho, Panjim

Passing through this little village when the heavens opened the floodgates? Don’t let it rain on your parade, go for a nice family lunch to Terry’s at Betim. This gorgeous little restaurant occupies a prime spot, right next to the Betim Ferry point. Sit by the large glass façade nursing a beer and day dreaming, as you gaze out onto the Mandovi and watch that mystic dance of the dark clouds. Alternatively, gather up your buddies and head to Aah Goa.You may have to wade through the muck a bit at the entrance, but once you arrive at the pavillion, right at the edge of the serene Nerul river, you’ll know it was worth it! Make some paper boats, chat with the friendly waiters and listen to the pitter patter, while feasting on some good Goan cuisine!



Artjuna at Anjuna

Yes it’s about time your beached bum got a break from the sun. Head to the hinterland for some green respite! The Savoi Verem farms in Ponda house a number of indigenous plant species, from black pepper to the basmati plant. This place makes for a great day picnic.

You can start with the guided tour, which will begin with information about the medicinal properties of the plants and many tasty samples and end with a peek at a pair of rather docile farm crocodiles. If you prefer something without quite so many teeth and bugs, just lay back on the red oxide floor in the shed and wait for your fantastic meal of traditional vegetarian Goan Hindu cuisine that you can digest with sol kadi. You can also browse through the rustic handicrafts and/or just take a nap as the ‘ghodgodd’ and ‘vavzad’ outside run their course!



Cabo de Rama fort at Canacona

A centre for the arts, run by one of Goa’s elite families, this institution operates in a beautiful restored IndoPortuguese mansion at one end of the verdant hill that gives Panjim its evergreen backdrop. The house is built around a central courtyard, replete with trees, a space dedicated to budding artists and the charming little Café Bodega .The courtyard space, besides serving many other architectural functions, is an integral part of Konkan houses and is pretty much designed as an ode to the heavy monsoon of the region. Walk around the courtyard of the Sunaparanta house admiring the paintings, flip through a magazine or just sit and browse, enjoying the free wi-fi whilst savouring a Bodega coffee and carrot cake here, as it pours away to glory! Just the right place to be stuck in, without an umbrella!



Terry’s at Betim OR Aah Goa at Nerul

You’re probably not risking Liliput and Curlies in this weather. Who wants a wet slap in the face? But if you find your heart is steering the car towards Anjuna involuntarily, despite all the bad weather forecasts, worry not; for you will hit the lovely little Artjuna, way before the beach. Right on the main road, this petite café cum accessory store is the perfect joint to stop for a sip of coffee when it starts to pour unexpectedly.

Here you can also spend your time browsing through clothes, notebooks, beads, statues and handcrafted shell jewellery, all available under one roof.



Savoi Verem Plantation at Ponda

Did you think that all you could do in the monsoons is drink tea indoors? Plan a monsoon hike through Cabo de Rama, a spectacular ruined fort from Portuguese times! This huge tract of land, full of trees, and green all around, is the perfect place to become a child again.

At the entrance of the fort, you will notice a ‘viewing point’ to your right with a grand vista of the great blue Arabian Sea. But don’t just be satisfied by that. The real fun here is in exploring the length and breadth of the fort, so start hiking inward, and get swallowed by the dense greenery, for an experience you will surely not regret.

At the broken sea-facing edge of the fort wall, you will happen upon a great 180 degree panoramic sea view framed by the neighbouring hills. If you’re lucky enough to be here during the onset of a small storm, you will have the chance to watch a veritable wind, sea and palm tree drama, rivalled only by the Caribbean!

There also is of course the famed Dudhsagar waterfall with its new spa resort, the Wildernest cottages and now also, white water rafting at the Mhadei river, the places that come alive only during the monsoon; but those are another story by themselves.

Or if none of this is your cup of tea, you could drop in for a chat and a ‘chai’ at the Sangolda Goa Streets office, where we will be enjoying the monsoon from our balcao! 

13 Thursday, May 30, 2013

May 30

Everyday

At Pai Tiatrist Hall, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao @ 6.45 pm

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

Statehood Day Celebrations Know Goa Quiz

At Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panjim @ 3.30 pm +919890141715

May 31

Friday Health Talk

Co-organised by the ICG & Manipal Hospital Goa At International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 5 pm to 6 pm +918322452805

June 4 -6 -11

Garment and Linen care workshop At St. Inez, Panjim @ 3 pm to 5 pm +919423883396

May 30

Exploring Great Theatre Scripts-

Fortnightly Play Readings At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 6 pm to 7.30 pm +919765404391

May 30

Summer Camp At BM Hall, Margao @ 4 pm +919890163433

April 1 to May 2013

Yoga for the Body, Mind & Soul

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

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

Monday & Friday

Taekwondo Sessions

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

Spice Farms

Tropical spice plantation

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

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

Sahakari Spice Farm

At Peddem, Margao By Gold Medalist (FATD) Tony Fernandes. Take advantage of the summer holidays and enjoy the technique and grace of the Ballroom dancers. +919769896806.

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

This summer

Savoi Plantation

Ballroom and Latin- American Dance Classes:

Until May 31

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

CMYK institute, Mapusa. +91 9822581232

Water sports

Every Friday

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

Summer Aloe Fresh This summer beat the heat with the summer aloe fresh treatment Treatment: Aloe Vera wrap with Face At Shamana spa, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim +918323011658/+917709004914

Photography course

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

Scuba Diving

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 johnsboattours@gmail.com

Dive Goa

A dive shop and training centre established

by Ajey Patil - marine engineer, naturalist, raconteur and PADI certified dive instructor.

At O’ Pescador Resort, Dona Paula, Panjim. +91 9325030110

Barracuda Diving India

Pool parties and underwater celebrations among other water sports activities.

At Sun Village Resort, Baga, Arpora & Chalston Beach Resort, Calangute +918322269409/ +91 9822182402

Goa Aquatics

Taeng’s Cookery Classes

Kalangan

Fatima Menezes E Moniz

Asha Shivam

Cynthia D’Souza Cooking Classes

Dance Illusions

Margao +91 9822585944

Cooking classes, Raia. 2776035 Verna. 2783281

Bertha Pereira Cooking Classes 2734589. Margao

Vandana’s Bakery Classes Caranzalem. 2462163

Offers Scuba Diving Equipment retail at competitive international price. At Little Italy, Opp Tarcar Ice Factory, Calangute +91 9822685025

Meena’s Cooking Classes

Splashdown

Margao, 2730873

Water Park that boasts of 5 pools, a variety of slides, flumes and other interesting features. At Splashdown Waterpark, Calangute-Anjuna +91 9637424023/024, +918322273008,

Museums Goa Chitra

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/ +918326570877, Email: goachitra@gmail.com

Big Foot Cross Museum

Houses 80 classifications of crosses of around the world.

At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 10 am to 5 pm +918322777034

Ancestral Goa

A center for Preservation & Promotion of Art, Culture & Environment started by Maendra J. A. Alvares. At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9.30 am to 6 pm +918322777034, info@ancestralgoa.com

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 +918322777034

Courses LANGUAGES

Alliance Francaise

Learn French courses, Panjim 2420049/ +91 9922813950

St. Britto

Learn French, Mapusa 2293812/ +91 9049018214

Caranzalem. 2462163

GESTO Culinary & Hospitality Academy Branca’s Cooking Classes Panjim +91 9822131835

David Furtado Dance & Aerobics @ Panjim, Mapusa, Porvorim, Candolim, Aldona and Saligao.

Learn Salsa, Jive Waltz for Adults & Bollywood, Hip Hop & Contemporary dance for kids +91 9975914195

Fatima Moniz

Cooking courses, Margao.

2776035/ +91 9370275702

Dance

Panjim 9823014397

Fatima’s Ballroom Dance Classes Margao. 2786191

Maxie’s Guitar and Dance Classes Panjim. 2230178

Osler Furtado Dance Classes Porvorim. 9822481695

Simply Ballroom,

The Western Dance Academy Vasco. 2528272

Raeconz

Porvorim. 9923826572

Music

Rhythm House Margao. 2714299

Binow Zacharia music classes Porvorim. 9822386385

B X Furtado and Sons Margao. 2715719

Pilar Music School

Cyrus Da Costa Dance Classes

Bondo Percussion Porvorim. 6452492

Mapusa +91 9823765523

Monday to Saturday Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Margao 2715906/ 9921039537

Dr. Martin & Dance Illusions Team

@ Panjim, Vasco, Margao Waltz, Jive, Cha ChaCha, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Salsa +91 9823014397

David Furtado Dance & Aerobics @ Panjim, Mapusa, Porvorim, Candolim, Aldona and Saligao.

Learn Salsa, Jive Waltz for Adults & Bollywood, Hip Hop & Contemporary dance for kids +91 9975914195

Cyrus Da Costa Dance Classes

Monday to Saturday Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Margao 2715906/ 9921039537

Jason and Sylvia dance academy

Don Bosco Provincial House

Odxel. Beginner’s German language course

COOKING

Snaden Shawn dance and aerobics

Margao +91 9970037242

Learn dancing Mapusa 9890163433/7798609859

Cooking Classes for foreigners

Nritya Sankul

Detroit Institute +91 9822131835.

Porvorim. 2410357

Dance for Life Academy

Hip/Hop, Bollywood, Latin American, Jazz Ballet for Kids Panjim/Mapusa 9822161652/9822151614

Theresa’s Cookery Classes

Margao. 2735191

Margao 9823936483/9689468712

Pilar. 2218595

Brianne Music Classes St. Cruz. 9503968920 Diniz’s Piano Practice Parlour Panjim. 2430943 Gabriel Music Classes Calangute. 9850463544 Indo-Western Music Academy Margao. 9890942949 Joe Gonsalves Guitar/Piano Panjim. 9850339418 Maesto Camilo Xavier’s School of Music Margao. 2714656 Maestro Fernando Music Academy Panjim. 9890008424 Molly’s Music Classes Panjim. 9822137298 N E Diniz Music Institute Margao. 2738645 Peter Nazareth Music Centre Mapusa. 2253936 Placido’s Music Classes Near Panjim. 2218402 Quadros Music Classes Margao 2787043 Ronnie’s Guitar Classes Porvorim. 2410339

The joy of being your own boss

By Jonathan Rodrigues

H

ere’s one way to start your day. Wake up in the morning, eat your breakfast, brush your teeth, get dressed and rush out to work so as not to displease your boss by being late.

Now here’s another. Wake up, brush your teeth, eat some breakfast, get dressed whenever you feel like it, and then don’t go anywhere at all.

No, this is not a story about the unemployed. It’s about the growing phenomenon of people choosing to work from home – an increasingly popular option in Goa. Be it a little home-bakery or giving tuitions or a handicraft studio, the people running these home businesses have made a choice to be their own boss and to keep overheads low by working in their own house.

There are many ways of working from home. The most recent activities are focused on the Internet.

Some work-at-home professionals develop software programs or applications for cell phones and laptops (Apps); others provide transcription for medical or legal needs; yet others use the Net as a marketplace for selling goods from clothes and jewellery to pickles and jams.

The work-from-home phenomenon is gaining traction around the world, not just among people running their own businesses but also among large companies which have made the decision to allow employees to spend all or most of their time at home.

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer recently sparked an uproar when she banned telecommuting – another way of saying work from home. One recent study showed that worker productivity actually increases when employees are allowed to work from home, although the same

Cover Story 15

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Abhijeet Gehlot of Playgroup Studio

study showed that innovation can suffer when workers are separated from each other and have less time for group brain storming. In Goa, most people who work from home do so because they work for themselves, not because their companies allow them to do so.

Every self respecting company or professional in the world has a website or at least a blog or Facebook page to their name. But it is the work-athomers who have benefitted the most from the Net. Today social networking media like Facebook and Twitter, and free blog hosting sites have ensured that business links can be passed on to a huge audience. Word of mouth takes a quantum jump in meaning when it is applied to the Net. The young entrepreneur now has access to millions of people all over the world―all of them potential clients.

Streets spoke to a few young men and women who revel in the freedom of running their own show. Here’s what they have to say: Axel D’Souza runs a website designing company called ‘Hash Cookies’ at Anjuna.

Hash Cookies (we know, a rather unusual name, but somehow not totally out of place in Anjuna) started contributing to the world of design since last July, but was officially baptized in January this year. Of the two team members, Axel is in charge of Operations.

He shares in the creative process of their products and maintains client

relationships.

“The biggest advantage of being your own boss is that we have the freedom to express our thoughts and ideas in a way we deem best and not be choked by the norms followed religiously by conservatives,” asserts Axel.

“Being your own boss means that you have to be courageous, confident in yourself and stay true to your vision and

not bother about what irrelevant people have to say,” he adds.

The money we earn is enough, he says, when queried about income. “The beginnings are always slow. If you are focused at what you do, turn good products or services in to great products or services you will be successful.”

Does this kind of working atmosphere give him the freedom to experiment with

In a perfect world we would be taught how to be independent, how to be our own bosses, why we should take chances on ourselves and how to be great individuals.

- Axel D’Souza

Axel D’Souza

other hobbies and earn a buck through that too?

“Personally, I would have to say yes,” agrees Axel. “As of right now I am an active performing artist, performing gigs thrice a week. It is a part of me that I still can’t let go and that is why I do it. Not really to make the extra buck. We as Hash Cookies also take time off to contribute towards solutions for the garbage problem in Goa. So yes, there’s lots of freedom.”

What does he think of the craze to get into multi-national companies?

“I have to admit I used be one of such people. Honestly, that is what our education system and the preachers that come along with it profess day in and day out. We are part of a cult that promotes mugging of theories through text books and other theoretical sources only so that a successful company can pick us up in our prime. In a perfect world we would be taught how to be independent, how to be our own bosses, why we should take chances on ourselves and how to be great individuals.”

“My job makes me happy because it is really not a job. I wake up every day in the mornings looking forward be at to our design studio because I know that I will be offered a spotless white canvas and some colours and asked to go mad, do whatever I want with it and be responsible for it myself. And that is what makes me happy and I think would inevitably make anyone else happy too.”

turn to page 16

from page 15 Lionel Gracias is a professional compere, based at Benaulim. He has been hosting shows for over three years now.

“It is a job associated with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm,” says Lionel. “It is a different feeling managing someone’s big day, leaving them with a mind free to enjoy rather than be tensed.”

What are the pros and cons of running his own show?

“It is an amazing feeling to be your own boss. My growth is dependent on me. My hard work is proportional to satisfaction. Sometimes you have an audience that is difficult to manage.

Adherence to time is something that many lack and because of which an event becomes difficult to handle.”

Anabel Da Gama runs her own environmental services consultancy from her home at Verna.

“We undertake various works in research and policy level implementation,” she talks about her work. “My job involves a lot of working with the communities, as also lobbying with various departments of the Government/ non-governmental departments.”

“The advantages of working from home are the flexibility I get to arrange my own work schedule, as well as taking my own work to a newer level. Work disciple is of utmost importance while I work from home, ensuring I maintain a regular working schedule even if it is from home. My work makes me happy, more because I am doing what I am passionate about, also within a setting and space which contributes to this growth.”

Lionel Gracias

Ryan Britto

Working in my own comfort zone allows me to do what I want to do, everything my way.

- Ryan Britto

Ryan Britto, a disk jockey, has been DJing for three years now.

“I used to have gigs scheduled every Saturday. I cater to any function from a birthday to a wedding or any event or show. Working in my own comfort zone allows me to do what I want to do, everything my way.”

Harsh Patel has been operating his design firm Playgroup Studio for two years now, from an Indo-Portuguese style house in Sangolda. This architect has absolutely no regrets about working from home.

“We had a child at the same time we moved to Goa,” he says. “We couldn’t

leave the baby alone at a home away from office, so we took the decision to live and work at the same place.”

Harsh and his architect wife Bhavana Hameed have architectural projects running in Kerala as well.

Managing these projects from Goa is possible only because of the Internet, says Harsh.

“We send drawings and photographs over the Net, carry out discussions through online chats,” explains Harsh. It is only because of the Internet that we can be based in Goa and execute works outside the state.”

“It is much better for an architect’s studio to be away from the noise of the city.

It is more peaceful in Sangolda, and we have more space to work, as compared to a city office.”

Are there any disadvantages working from home?

“We don’t have a land telephone line yet, as there are some issues with the BSNL connection here in Sangolda.

Electricity supply is also erratic, but we have installed invertors to take care of that.”

Pantaleao Fernandes is a photographer and writer based in Benaulim. He finds it convenient to work at odd hours at home. He sends his photographs and text through the Net, and agrees that the Internet Age has enabled him to work from the leisure of home.

“I work at anytime and I do whatever I want. I don’t have to keep any office timings. I can work during sleeping hours and sleep during working hours.

In my kind of work, the creative process is continually going on in my head, so my office is really in my mind. Travelling

to and from any physical office is also a waste of time.”

“The only negative side of working at home is that family and friends tend to think that you are lazing around at home, and they don’t tend to take you seriously.

You can be called on to run errands or help out with some work, as you are perceived to be at home, doing nothing. There are also family distractions when you work at home, especially when you have young children, but that is always a welcome distraction. Overall I have absolutely no regrets about working from home.”

As the Internet keeps shrinking the world to a smaller place, there can be no doubt that this tribe of work-at-homers will grow. More men and women will move out of congested and expensive city offices to home-workplaces. Fiercely independent and adventurous, these home-workers surely stand a better chance of striking a balance between work and home, especially when the separation between the two is just a doorway. 

Feature 17

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Through

the lens

Photograph by

Aslesh Kamat

Photograph by Rocky Wilz Studio

Photography and the Goan

By Charlane Pereira

P

hotography is easy. Good photography is not. It requires talent and skilled expertise to catch moments in their natural poise and spontaneity. Or to capture fleeting emotions – that mischievous twinkle in the little girl’s eyes, or the flirtatious glance of a young man cast at the pretty lady passing by, or the unmistakable chemistry noticeable in the bridal couple on their wedding day.

It’s not just about clicking. Some creative photographers, tantalized by the

beauty of nature, work with wildlife – ants marching in an army on an anthill, or a humming bird sipping the nectar from a flower, or a baby kangaroo peeping from its mother’s pouch.

Then we have the fashion photographers who work with models and high profile celebrities, forging a path of their own in the entertainment industry.

We Goans are proud to boast of our own set of passionate photographers. I chatted with a few of them, and heard them speak about some of the prevailing challenges and awkward moments as they trod the path less travelled.

Frederick Noronha, journalist cum photographer says, “I click photographs of places, people, news, anything that needs to be recorded; anything that would have value if it is shared. I love copylefting my photographs. Over the past two decades, I have shared over 46,000 photos online.” Copyleft is a general method for making a work free, and requiring all modified and extended versions of the program to be free as well, something that Frederick is passionate about.

On the scope of photography as a career in Goa, he adds, “This is a very

complex issue. Some have repeatedly argued that the market has shrunk over time. I think we need to understand the new dynamics setting in place.”

Aslesh Kamat, an independent photographer who loves shooting and experimenting in all the genres of photography, speaks about his latest passion. My latest crush is shooting Indian weddings. It is the most beautiful genre in which a creative photographer can work wonders.”

Aslesh adds, “Goa has a lot of scope

turn to page 18

18 Feature from page 17

Aslesh Kamat

Chancellor Dr. B Shaikh Ali of Goa University, as the regular photographer of the Herald was out of office.

“Those were the days of old-style film cameras. When I got ready to click, the shutter simply wouldn’t press. I was very raw in those times, and couldn’t for the life of me guess what was wrong. The kind, soft-spoken and patient Dr Shaikh Ali showed no irritation. After waiting a minute or two, my colleague cut the embarrassment by resuming their Q & A. Then, the shutter pressed! I was confident that it would work now. And asked the historian-Vice Chancellor to oblige again. He donned his best smile.

Again, no click! We decided to cut our losses and just gave up on the photo,” adds Frederick.

“On returning to office, I didn’t have the heart to tell the official photographer what had happened. I must have been 19 or 20 then. He developed the film, and was a bit scared to find nothing on the print. ‘It looks just like cloth,’ he told me.

Of course, it was the curtains!”

Rocky recounts his own tense moment. “I once forgot where I had kept the spare camera battery, and the one I was using was almost dying out - the event was going on... I couldn’t believe that I would not be able to continue clicking and just touched my hand to my chest saying ‘O God’, and there in my shirt

Photograph by

M Pereira

to pursue creative photography. But it’s a tough world out there. And things don’t happen overnight. One needs to build one’s own market and client bank.

Besides, there are lot of freelancing opportunities with the various editorial publications and websites. If you don’t look at it from a professional angle, it is a very expensive hobby.”

Rocky Wilz, who owns his own photography studio in Margao, says, “I like capturing people looking ‘glamorous’ especially on their wedding day. My forte is fashion and wedding photography.

Creative photography has a lot of scope as long as the photographer can sustain himself financially in the initial period.”

Initial financial backing is needed to set oneself up, and then later one has to market one’s work to have a continuing source of clientele, which is not easy to come by. It may take some years to get established and one needs a keen interest and passion to survive the pitfalls.

Let’s take a look at some tense moments and potential goof-ups some of our popular photographers and aspiring shutterbugs have faced in the initial stages of their journey.

Frederick Noronha recalls a time when he was sent to photograph Vice

pocket was my spare camera battery!”

Dr. M. Pereira, a doctor with a passion for photography, took photography classes recently and spoke about her experiences in handling a Canon EOS 1100D camera. She says, “I love photography. I am thinking of an early retirement from the medical field and experimenting with photography.”

She said, “I see here in Goa photography is a male dominated field. We rarely see females with a DSLR hanging around their necks and squatting to take any shot. Where have all the female photographers gone? Or are they yet to make that grand entry?”

She rolls her eyes as she tries to recall some of her embarrassing moments at trying her hand at clicking. “It’s quite embarrassing for the amateur and hilarious for others when you try to see through the viewfinder and find that the lens cap is still on. It’s happened to me a couple of times. Also, one needs a steady hand to click. Or the photographs will be blurry. Of course, you can switch to automatic and get better shots, but if you want to improve yourself in this art, it’s time that you go manual.”

“When I was clicking a shot, one of my friends asked to see the camera and he seemed to have changed the settings. I had a tough time getting my shots after that as the pictures were turning a shade yellow,” retorts Dr. Pereira.

She adds, “On one of my recent trips to Goa, I found that people really have this odd habit of staring at you for an unusually long time if they find you clicking photographs of some trees, fields, skies… I find it exciting to do so.

But some people here think I am nuts clicking some insect crawling on a leaf or some cows grazing in the fields.”

Passion, determination and an eye for detail are all keys to being a good photographer. After all, when a moment in time is frozen in a photograph, we get a glimpse into something important about who we are. 

Photograph by Aslesh Kamat

Thursday, May 30, 2013

May 31

Theme Dinner

At Latitude, Fort Aguada beach resort, Candolim @ 7 pm +918326645858

May 25 to June 30 Diwa Brunch

Kids Eat Free promotion with Pan Asian and Coastal cuisine coupled with delectable desserts At Alila Diwa, Majorda village Salcette @ 12 pm to 4 pm +918322746800

June 1 to June 30 Happy Hours

Buy one and get one free on domestic drinks At Hotel Gran Hyatt, Bambolim @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +918323211234

Happy Hous on select brands At SFX, Fort Aguada beach resort, Candolim @ 12.30 pm +918326645858

Lunch & Dinner Buffet With Multi Cuisine At The Stone House, Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +918322479909

The famed Cafreal of Florentine

Florentine

Some of the best Chicken Cafreal in all of Goa

By Pedro Menezes

T

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

Home delivery: 0832-2411959 & 9764159686 Caterin Service Contact: Mr. Roland Rodrigues @ 9890422440

hink of chicken cafreal and Florentine’s in Saligao immediately pops into the mind.

For this particular dish, Florentine’s ranks among the best in the state. I’ve been a regular ever since it started a little over 20 years ago as a palm-leaves-thatched shack adjacent to the owner’s house in a quiet corner of Saligao. It’s basically a small country-style tavern, a place where many have their fill of liquor before tucking into the chicken cafreal. A leg or breast of chicken marinated in this spicy green masala and roast-fried to perfection, downed with fluffy white ‘podis’. It didn’t take long for Florentine’s fame to spread and it became a must-visit place for the celebrity brigade. It was simple: if you

were in Goa for a few days, you had to have the chicken cafreal at Florentine’s, for that true taste of Goa! The best part about Florentine’s, though, is the down-to-earth prices of the dishes, with half a Chicken Cafreal now costing Rs 130 only. Most people have the quarter portion which costs even less. But don’t expect half a huge broiler chicken. They use the local ‘ghaunti combios’ for that extra special taste.

Located off the Chogm road just behind the Saligao church, there’s a board indicating its entrance. You enter the small lane, take a left and there it is – the heady aroma of cafreal cooking suffuses the place.

Over the years the palm-leaved shack has evolved into a huge two-storied restaurant and the staff is now immaculately groomed.

Somewhere on its journey to fame Florentine’s, unlike many other true-blue

Goan restaurants, decided to keep beef and pork dishes off the menu, apparently not to hurt the sentiments of certain touristy visitors, which is a pity. But then you can’t always have it all.

Of course chicken cafreal is not the only dish on the menu. Not quite gourmet, but all done the good old Goan way. Besides the Goan dishes, they also have a small Chinese section with fried rice and noodles.

(This, too, could be construed as something of a pity because if your claim to fame is having some of the best chicken cafreal on the planet, it’s not exactly clear how faux Chinese fare fits in). During the season they also have ‘fresh urrack’ which they get from somewhere in Pirna. Get yourself a drink and order something to munch

turn to page 21

Lunch Buffet

With German Cuisine At Lila Cafe, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm +919822150533

Waiting for a meal at Florentine

Multi Cuisine lunch and dinner buffet At Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula @ 12.30 pm +919822130743

May 30 to June 5 Mango Fiesta At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim +918322226291

May 30

Nizam Food Festival

Nobody relished food like the Nizams Taste it to believe it.

At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 12 pm to 3 pm & 7 pm to 11 pm +918322226291

June 4

Mia Cucina presents Pizza Feast @ The Sofala Unlimited pizza from our wood fired oven,beer, wine and Sangria for INR 1,000 plus tax per person Mia Cucina Restaurant at The Sofala, Bhattiwaddo, Nerul @ 8 pm to 11.30 pm +917774008822

May 1 to May 31 The Sizzler Festival

Is sizzling from the hottest view point In Vasco only at Z the roof top Bar & Grill At The HQ, vasco Call: 7709003237.

Multi Cuisine lunch and Dinner Buffet At Cidade De Goa @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +919822130743

Happy Hours

Buy 1 and get one free On Domestic Drinks At Hotel Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 7 pm to 9 pm +918323011234

Lunch & Dinner Buffet With Multi cuisine At The Stone House, Candolim @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +918322479909

Lunch & Dinner Menu With multi Cuisine At Tito’s Retro club, Calangute @ 12.30 pm +919822765002

Until May 31

Summer Fiesta

Coolers, Salads, Desserts and more...

It’s all about the Mango At Cafe Mangii, Panjim +918322230771/73

Everyday

Happy Hours

At Capiz Bar, Grand Hyatt Goa @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Enjoy 25% discount on all beverages.

Happy hours, happier moments! +918323011658

Beers (Pints)-50%, Cocktails-rs 100/- off Spirits-20% off At Maracas Restaurant, Porvorim @ 6 pm to 8 pm

Baga, Calangute & around

Every Sunday

Specialised in Italian Food At Assagao, Badem Rd @ 7 pm to 11 pm +919767557673

Happy Hours

Champagne Sunday Brunch

Dinner Buffet

Oriental Sunday Brunch

Dosa Festival

At Baywatch, Calangute @ 9 pm to 11 pm +919850452711

Sunday family brunches

Monday to Sunday

With German Cuisine At Lila Cafe, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 11.30 pm +919822150533 With Continental & Indian Cuisine At Casino Carnival, Panjim @ 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm +918326456301

Enjoy a Sunday Live brunch with live stations, a live band, best of live entertainment and an unlimited flow of wines! There’s live entertainment for kids too, including magicians, balloon sculpting and face painting, etc.

From 12:30pm to 03:30pm At Waterfront Terrace & Bar, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa +918322463333 “Rejuvenating cocktails, soul warming gourmet cuisine from around the world, activities to keep the kids entertained and specially get in rhythm with Ashley.

At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj – Panaji @ 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm +918326633636.”

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

Lunch Buffet

Sunday Live Brunch

Goa Marriott Resort & Spa hosts an Oriental Sunday Brunch featuring Pan Asian delicacies, including Thai, Malaysian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine! Plus Oriental desserts, continental pastries, fruits and ice-cream and a complimentary round of wine, beer or a mojito. From 12:30pm to 03:30pm At Wan Hao, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa +918322463333

Ciao Bella

Fish Tales

Specialising in Seafood At The Glitz, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322281800

Artjuna

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

Casa Portuguesa

Housed in an 18th Century colonial house, it offers Portuguese cuisine along with some dishes reflecting Goan influences, complete with the pleasant ambience of Fado Music At Baga Rd @ 7 pm to 11 pm +91 9822122960

Flame

Multi- Cuisine Restaurant At Double tree by Hilton, Arpora, Baga @ 7 am to 11 pm +9183266556672

Eat Street

It’s a place to dine, drink and dance the night away, specialising in Multi- Cuisine At Calangute @ 24 hrs a day +918326636000

Anjuna & around Blue Tao

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

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

Candolim

Beach House

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

Chilihip

Specialised in Thai At Fort Aguada Road, Candolim @ Noon to 3 pm, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918888610500

Flambé e

Specialised in Chinese, European, French, Goan, Indian At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 9 am to 11 pm +919326114271

O’Asia

Specialising in Pan Asian At The O Hotel, Dando, Candolim @ noon to 3 pm , 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918323047000

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

Panaji & around Tamari

“A Pan Asian restaurant serving Chinese, Thai & Japanese cuisine.

Specialty to try is the fine style Sushi.

At Vivanta by Taj – Panaji Lunch @ 12.30 pm to 03.00 pm and dinner @ 07.30 pm to 11.30 pm +918326633636.”

Giardini

Live Music on most nights, Specialising in Multi-cuisine At Curca, Bambolim @ 11.30 am to 11 pm +918805873335

Forrest Veg Food Court

Specialising in Chinese, Indian, Italian At Bhagwan Mahavir BAL Vihar, Panjim @ 11 am to 11 pm +918326454353

George Bar and Restaurant

Specialising in Goan, Seafood At near Mary Immaculate Conception church, Panjim @ 10 am to 3.30 pm, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322426820

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Verandah

Is the signature grill restaurant, serving fresh Market produce of seafood, meat and vegetables.

At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim @ 7 pm to 12 am +918323011658

Alfama

Well known for fado evenings At Cidade de Goa, Vainguinim Beach @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +918322454545

Chilli ‘n’ spice

a carnival fusion cuisine, a bar to enlighten your spirits, Specialised in multiCuisine At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 7 pm to 2 am +918322226291

Coros Velvet

A multi cuisine fine dining restaurant specialised in ravioli, steaks and pasta At Miramar, Panjim @ noon to 3 pm to 7 pm to 11 pm +918605020020

Courtyard

Specialised in world cuisine, fusion At Hotel Campal, Panjim @ 11 am to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm +919822384084

Cantina Bodega

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

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

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.

12 pm to 3 pm & @ 6 pm Monday to Sunday.

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

Viva Panjim

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

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

Chulha

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

O’ Coqueiro

Goan Cuisine in Porvorim, made famous not just by its tasty food but also as the place where international criminal Charles Sobhraj was arrested. At NH 17 Rd, Porvorim @ 12 pm to 11 pm +918322417806/ +918322417271/ +918322417344

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

City Pride

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

Cafe Mangii

Popular Dishes Risotto Champagne, Fusilli Mama Rosa, Baked Lasagna, Stuffed Chicken, Lobster Tail, Grilled Pork Rib, New Zealand Beef and Lamb and many more At Madhav Ashram Building, Panjim +919370898848/+918322230773

Delhi Darbar

Known for Tandoori, kebabs, biryanis & naans At M.G Rd Panjim @ 11.30 am to 11 pm +918322222544

Tea Cafe

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

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

Barista Lavazza Outlet

Barista Lavazza’s famous beverages like Flavoured Hot Coffee, Cold Coffee, Hot Tea, Ice Tea, Mojito, Smoothie, Ice Cream Shakes, Juices. In bites section we offer Sandwiches, Calzones, Muffins and Cakes.

At Shop No. 15, 16, & 18, First Floor, Navelcar Trade Center, Opp. Azad Maidan, M G Road, Panjim +918322422130

Café Azul

All day dining restaurant offering buffet combo option.

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

Upper House

Fig & Olive

Flavours of the Mediterranean, Arabian & Italian. At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 am to 11 pm +918322871303

Bistro

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

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

Betty’s Place

Specialising European, Goan, Indian, Seafood At opp. Holiday inn Resort, Mobor, Cavelossim @ 6.30 pm to 11 pm +918322871038/+918322871456

Boat Quay Grill

Specialising in World Cuisine, European, Grills At Royal Orchid beach resort, Uttorda @ 7 pm to midnight +918805013553

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

Shandong

Cafe Mojo

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

Arguably Panjim’s best pub. Innovative, fun and lively. At Salida Del Sol Hotel, Panjim All day +91 9850980091

A Pastelaria

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 China Gate

Dedicated Chinese Cuisine At Fatima High School, Margao @ 12 pm to 11 pm +918322704655

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

Peppers

Gavin’s Restaurant & Pub

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

Upper Deck

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

At Radisson Blu Resort Goa, Cavelossim Beach @ all day +918326726666

Cafe Mardi Gras

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

from page 19 on. A popular favourite is the ‘Mussels Rava Fried’ with the de-shelled crustacean marinated with just that right coating of Goan masala and fried and served hot with a small salad.

Nice. Also recommended are their Goan-style ‘Prawns Fried’, a few medium-sized fried prawns again with the coating of Goan masalas.

Apart from their cafreal, our favourite though has to be the ‘Mussels Xacuti’. Simply outstanding. The shellfish goes so well with the xacuti masala, the perfect balance between the sweetness of the coconut and black pepper in the mix. But even the ‘Mussels Caldinho’ is good. In fact there’s a lot to choose from. Apart from the Chicken Cafreal, you can also have ‘Kingfish Cafreal’ or ‘Chonak Cafreal’. If you’re simply looking for the good old ‘Fish Curry Rice’, you can have it for Rs 140.

For the same price you also get a lovely ‘Prawn Curry Rice’ or a ‘Fish Caldinho Rice’ which is also to die for.

The Cafreal masala boasts a very well balanced Goan gravy, neither too thick nor too watery. It’s the same with the Xacuti, Caldinho and Vindalho preparations, all of which can be had in chicken, fish and even vegetarian versions. Yes, they make a mean ‘Vegetable Xacuti’ and also ‘Mushroom Xacuti’, and of course the classic ‘Vegetable Caldinho’.

For those willing to spend a bit more, also on offer are some fancy seafood items – price on request. The fish recheado, specially the ‘Pomfret Recheado’, is also outstanding.

Round off your meal with the standard ‘Caramel Custard’, a steal at Rs 25.

One of the only drawbacks is that like with most traditional Goan eateries, they are not air-conditioned. While the service is friendly and excellent, very Goan style, they don’t use fancy serving tables or trays. It’s quite a sight watching the waiters balance three dishes in the left hand – one in the hand, another on the wrist and yet another up on the forearm near the elbow, and two more dishes on the right hand as they weave their way from the kitchen around the tables. How they never drop anything is miraculous. One last tidbit – have the chicken cafreal or any other gravy dish with the in-house ‘podi’ – it’s the best podi in Goa.  The Food: Truly Goan The Service: Expert Ambience: No frills Something Special: The Chicken Cafreal Contact: Florentine, Pequeno Morod, Chogm road, Near ANHC, Behind Saligao Church, Saligao, Bardez, Goa. Tel: 2278122

22 Literature

A

young German woman travels to her Goan husband’s homeland and is fascinated by the vibrant Catholicism in Goa. She roams the state with her Rolliflex film camera in 2011, capturing vignettes of how people celebrate their faith in various moments and spaces of their lives. After further study of the history of the land and its rituals, a book is born.

Christina Schulthoff-Fernandes’ book Passion in Paradise was published by Goa 1556 in 2012. This little square shaped book of 75 pages contains photographs of crosses and chapels by the roadside, religious calendars adorning home walls, zagor dancers, imagery of Hindu-Catholic syncretism and many more pictures, along with explanatory text. Streets Editor José Lourenço caught up with Christina during her holiday in Goa.

Did you grow up in a religious background?

I didn’t grow up in a very religious environment. My father is a lapsed Catholic and my mother is a lapsed Lutheran. In Germany the north is dominantly Lutheran and the South is Catholic. In Germany you have to pay Church Tax, if you are practicing the faith.

My father exited the church as he had some bad experiences and turned hostile to organized religion.

How did you get started off on this book?

I got interested in Catholic culture in Goa after I met Glen, my husband. In Goa people live with their faith―they say grace before meals, they have altars in their homes, they have so many rituals.

In the West, churches are increasingly becoming empty. Do you think Goa will eventually follow this trend?

I don’t think that is imminent. Just because the West went that way doesn’t mean Goa or the rest of India will go that way. In India people are quite religious; their religion is tied up with their lives.

The feasts, the fairs...religion is much more social, more fun here. In Germany you would just go for Mass and that’s it.

The families there are also smaller, their events are more private.

Do you think it is because of the evolution of societies? Because political and philosophical attitudes are different in Europe and India?

It’s not because of philosophical or political thinking. In India, less educated people may follow religion blindly, but educated people also follow organized religion.

Is there some reason why some people can believe blindly and others cannot?

My husband grew up religious, not so much in the technicalities of rituals, but in the bigger picture. I did not grow up religious, I have difficulty believing in all these beliefs. I don’t know, I too wonder why some people believe and others don’t. I am not a complete atheist, there are a lot of things that we don’t understand at the edge of our knowledge.

I see you photographed a picture of a religious sticker on a scooter in Goa. Do you see this in Germany? Are children named after saints or religious figures in Germany?

Never. Maybe in Italy, they are very Catholic, or in Greece, among the Orthodox, but nowhere else in Europe. In Germany not many people are named after saints. If at all they name the child after a saint it is because of a fashion to use old names. There’s no connection with religion.

Did you feel awkward photographing people and places for your book in Goa? People didn’t ask any questions.

They were okay with my camera in their faces, very relaxed about having their picture taken, even during Mass or when ceremonies are

going on. My husband’s relatives were very cooperative, every time there was a feast they would say, come, we’ll take you there. I went to the Zagor at Cacra and Nauxem.

Litanies are often sung in Latin in Goa. Did you study Latin in Germany?

No I don’t understand Latin. After the Second World War, Germany was sectioned into 4 parts – under British, French, American and Russian influence. So many people who grew up in Russian controlled Germany before the Reunification don’t speak English, they speak Russian. I grew up in French controlled Germany, I studied German, English and French, and just for a year I studied Russian as a third foreign language. If you wanted to study medicine you would have to study Latin as a second foreign language.

You have Masters degrees in Journalism and Photojournalism from the US and UK. How have these studies helped you?

The US degrees were very hand-on. The North Western University had newsrooms in Chicago and Washington. So you were a journo, you got credentials just like anyone else. The studies in the UK were more theoretical, not so useful in the real world. But my time in the UK did improve me as a photographer.

What new projects are you working on?

I am writing a novel set in Cambodia. I also want to write a book about traditional music in Goa. There are many elderly musicians playing in duos and trios, with violins and wind instruments. How long are they going to be around? Are the youngsters who are learning music going to keep music as a part of their lives the way the older generations did? 

Sports 23

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Dempo & Armando All’s well that ends well

By Ashley do Rosario

T

here’s no more recognisable face in Goan football than Armando Colaço.

Five I-League titles, and the fabulous run of Dempo Sports Club at the Asian Football Confederation Cup where they finished at the last-four stage last year in his 13 long years at the Club’s helm arguably make him the most successful among India’s elite soccer managers.

At the end of this year’s I-league Dempo Sports Club’s management threw enough hints that it has had enough of the 59-year-old coach, who also went on to train the Indian national team. Now, it’s official, with Srinivas Dempo, the club’s owner revealing to the media that Armando’s contract ends this season and it’s time for both, him and the Club to move on.

“Yes I will no longer be with Dempo’s,” Armando told Goa Streets but he did not elaborate on what his future will be.

“I am under contractual obligations with Dempo’s till the 31st of May. So please respect my decision not to outline what I will do next until that date,” Armando said, when asked what will be the next step in his illustrious coaching career.

Sources close to the iconic footballerturned-coach however indicated that he could be picked up by some of the new franchises that the I-League is poised to give direct entry to in the next 2013-14 season. There are also reports that he could fall back to a lower rung, giving back to football by spending time and sharing his expertise with an academy or a soccer school.

Earlier Srinivas Dempo confirmed that the club is already talking to “some other coaches” adding that he does recognise the contribution Armando has made to the club, both as coach as well as

secretary of the club in these 13 years.

Acknowledging that he’s played a pivotal role in Dempo’s exploits on the football field this last decade, Dempo said the management felt it was time “to move on”.

“He’s been here for 13 years. There’s a need for fresh minds, fresh ideas.

No better time than when Armando’s contract with us ends,” Dempo said, to explain why the club opted for a change.

Although he revealed that the club is in talks with “some coaches”, soccer echelons are agog with talk that Australian Arthur Papas is tipped to fill Armando’s shoes at the Club. In the last I-League, the Australian coached the Pallian Arrows team, put up by the All India Football Federation comprising of junior Indian team members to allow the youngsters to show-case their talent on the big stage and give them exposure.

Are the reasons stated by the Club for bidding farewell to such a successful coach the only cause or is there something more than meets the eye?

There’s nothing official about any malfeasance and the involvement of Armando or for that matter any of his support staff at the Club, either from Dempo or from Armando.

“Let all those rumours be by-gones.

Let us look ahead. I don’t want to say anything negative about them (Dempo management) and hopefully neither would they,” Armando told Streets.

A few days ago, Dempo’s organised a private, farewell party for the long serving coach at a hotel in Panjim.

Between his stints as coach and earlier as player, Armando has spent nearly half his adult life at the club (25 years).

Little wonder then, that at the party when Armando stood up to say his final words, this is all he could blurt out : “I’ve always been a Dempo man. I will always remain a Dempo fan.” 

24 Hot Streets

Smokin’ Blues Dear Acaricia May

I

used to be a heavy smoker until a couple of months back. My wife would protest a lot, but I couldn’t quit. The she did something drastic.

She picked up the habit too. She did it deliberately, to teach me a lesson.

She initially coughed and sputtered, but was soon puffing away, sometimes even in front of guests. Thank goodness we don’t yet have kids. Well her ploy worked, I quit in disgust. But now she still continues, even though I have stopped. She says she enjoys it now, and tells me I shouldn’t preach to

her. How do I get her to quit? It really creeps me out when she comes to bed with her mouth stinking of tobacco.

Wilson S- Mapusa Dear Wilson It’s great she got you to quit smoking.

Now to get her to quit.You could tell her that her breath stinks, and ask her friends to tell her so too. Now just because you quit smoking that doesn’t mean you are fit as a fiddle. You could both sign up at the local gym for classes or the nearest swimming pool for some

quality swimming time together or just take a holiday out in the countryside.

Once she feels the whoosh of clean fresh oxygen she may not need the nicotine any more. Don’t drive her away, make her feel loved. After all she took that drastic step because of you. Let this be a great chance to beef up your love life and make everything better. Tell her there are better things in life than smokes, like chocolate and sex. You will have do your bit to convince her on the latter.

Dear Acaricia May

I

am a 55 years old male. My wife and I recently celebrated 25 years of marriage. The problem is that I don’t feel any love for her any more. I went through the whole fuss of a Silver Jubilee celebration, with a church mass and a dinner reception, but my heart was not really in it. I don’t know when exactly I stopped loving her, but we brought up the kids, they grew up and left and now we just live together mechanically. There is no other woman in my life. Life really seems mundane and boring to me now, and my wife irritates me.

James - Margao

Dear James I wonder if your wife also feels the same way. Perhaps she doesn’t, she may actually love you very much. The fact that you have written about your feelings gives me hope that there is something that can work out here. There must be a spark remaining from your wedding day 25 years ago, when both of you were young and passionate. Take a holiday, chillout, treat yourselves to a good time.

Both of you may have grown cranky over time, but crankiness as well as beauty is all in the eye of the beholder.

Refresh, refresh! There’s still some juice left in both of you, both of you have to squeeze each other tight enough to find it. Now James, heres the tough part.

Relationships can and do end. If you feel your’s must then Acaricia May does not sit in judgement if that is your choice.

Love Acaricia May

If you have questions about sex, relationships or any other matter relating to the heart, please write to Acaricia May at acariciamay@goastreets. com.

USEFUL STUFF www.goastreets.com

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25

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Pas a Pas

The teacher who moved forward step by step

By Jonathan Rodrigues

W

hether it be humid summers in Goa or the flooded monsoons in Bombay, Sarita Carvalho, now in her seventies, has braved it all. Physically disabled, she overcame great odds to complete her education and then make a living. When she was a year and a half old, it was medically recommended that she wear special boots tailored by the village shoe maker. The footwear had canes fitted to a normal shoe to lend support and balance.

“I was never aware of the defect. I would follow my sister on different terrains and adventures whether it be to school or around cashew trees during recreation,” she remembers.

She shares a very deep bond with her sister. “My sister would sometimes walk barefoot to school with me just to make me feel alright.” She recollects how her family never made her feel different. “Of course, they would not allow me to do the hard work at home. But no one ever labeled me.”

It’s never easy controlling a class full of naughty school kids and it can be even more challenging when you have a physical disability. “Fortunately, we were brought up in a generation where we would respect such situations. Whether it is during my school days or my job as a teacher, I don’t ever recall anyone calling me names or mocking me.”

Sarita graduated in English and French from Ruparel college in 1957. Bombay may not have been as fast as it is today in the 60’s but travelling in the city was tough. “I was afraid I would fall off the

bus while ringing the bell so I’d prefer to walk.” She is quick to acknowledge the help of the heavens. “I have had guardian angels all along the way. Be it my friends during graduation in Bombay, the conductors in the buses, the nuns who provided me accommodation and an opportunity to grow as a teacher,” she recalls.

She began teaching at Bhatikar Medium School in Margao in 1961 with a

monthly salary of Rs 175/- and has since taught hundreds of students. Many of them remember her as a fun loving person who made learning French absolute fun. “No matter how long it took to drill a certain topic into us, she didn’t budge until she was satisfied that we had assimilated what she had taught us. I feel blessed to have been guided by her,” says Griselda Gonsalves.

Another student, Darlene D’mello, who presently studies at Fr. Agnel, Nuvem, echoes a similar sentiment, “She is always cheerful and very dedicated.

She would never let her troubles interfere with her work. She is an amazing teacher but I think she taught me more than just the French language.

She taught me lessons of life. She helped me grow pas a pas (step by step)” Sarita, who now lives in Carmona in South Goa, brushes off all the praise from her students. “Being young, being

with children, you tend to forget all your sorrows.” She worries that today’s breed of teachers are less passionate about their work. “One must have the patience and love for children, as not all of them receive enough love at home. You have got to be a child’s friend, the classroom being crowded space and with so many hidden expectations, you ought to make yourself available.”

Chriselda Rodrigues, another of her students, says that Sarita practices what she preaches. “More than being a teacher, she is a humble being and a kind soul. There were days when we would suspect she was in pain but not once did she complain about the trouble. In fact she was always available to whatever I wanted to share with her. She has been like a grandma to me. Her words and her composed personality will always be an inspiration to me.”

Sarita says parents must strive to strike the right balance between discipline and love, between granting freedom and setting limits.

“Socializing and group activities teach the child to give and take; how to accept defeat and respect the opponent in victory,” she says.

“Some people live in dark rooms. We never know their source of depression.

I was lucky to be in a happy home,” she says of her childhood. “Even though we had little we were happy with what we had and never complained. We did our activities together and never felt alone.”

The desire to keep herself busy with work and not to stay idle has served as a distraction to worries and pain.

She has lived her life to see others happy and in turn found happiness.

She took tuitions to support her family, especially when her elder sister was widowed. Not only did she help her bring up her two sons but she also sacrificed a secret desire to be a nun.

After I spent some time with Sarita Carvalho, I thought about all the youngsters I’ve known who’ve given up on life. Maybe they failed in an exam, or missed an opportunity at an interview, had a broken relationship or put too much faith in social networking sites telling them they look ugly. They see a cruel world with no hope and no mercy. They forget that they were born with able bodies and all the senses they need to enjoy life.

Sarita sees adversity and says, “People are in worse situations than me.

I am so much better off.” 

Goa

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Beating the heat of May on

Goa’s beaches

Rain clouds over the Mandovi herald the monsoon

Artefact Group Show 2013, at Panjim An exhibition of Contemporary and Modern Indian Art

Characters from the play No Bats In My Attic staged by the Mustard Seed Art Company at Panjim