Issue No: 31

Friday, June 27, 2014 | Vol. No. 2 | Issue 31 | Price Rs. 10 | www.goastreets.com | G-2/RNP/Weekly/Goa-05/2013-15

World Cup Round-Up | Open in the Monsoons | Party Time

Living in Luxury Goa Style

Cover Photo Courtesy Risara Properties

3

Friday, June 27, 2014

sao jao bash at The Park

Thasveer & Divya Salim

Mona and Sareena

Saurabh & Manisha Khanna

A fun filled Sao Jao Bash held at The Park, Calangute on 24th June with a massive crowd of more than 800 people enjoying the vibe. The party was organised

by Jack Events and goapartylovers. com. Featuring Goa’s top Djs Joel, Ryan Nogar, B2b, Navin, Jay, Varun Fernandes, Akshit Shetty, Ryan Britto, Floshtek, Usman, Tejas and AK 47. The event was hosted by Mackie.

Neeta Baptista & Friends

music & nightlife | 03 Sao Joao Bashes

what's on | 6 Events in Goa

food & drink | 07 Hyatt Grand Masters

June 27 Wet N Tech Friday’s Journey through sweaty wet Tech beats At Waters, Ozran, Vagator 10 pm Onwards +91 9702025555

June 29

cover story | 10 Luxury Living

feature | 12 The Parrikar-Modi Honeymoon

Post Sao Joao Bash With Amazing bands and live music and much more....

At Bay 15 resort, Dona Paula 11 am onwards +91 832 245 6231 Baroque Jazz Melange Live Baroque-Jazz Melange (fusion with a difference) as performed by Prof. Mathew Mendes (Piano) and Jason Quadros (Keyboard). Celestial Baroque Music is played juxtaposed with attractive Jazz idioms and innovative counter-melodies bringing out the very best effect that the confluence of Baroque and Jazz affords.

At 76, Orchard, Mapusa +91 9423503412

Every Wednesday

sports | 14 World Cup Glory

Rock is Alive With Charley and the Music Factory At Baywatch Resort, Colva @ 7.30 pm +91 832 2747744

Every Thursday

feature | 15 Interview No-No's

Indie Fresh Thursdays At Cheenos, Baga 8 pm onwards +91 8806564991 Thursday Night Live With Smoking Chutney At Sofala, Nerul @ 8.30 pm +91 777400882

corner | 16 Grand Hyatt & Marriott Galas

feature | 17 Open in the Monsoons

Sundown Karaoke With DJ Colett and… you, if you’re in the mood to help Colett with your voice and talent.

At Cocopazzo, Chapora 7 pm onwards. +91 9561212810 Silent Disco With DJ Mr. R & Flakey Spinning EDM. Nothing ‘silent’ about this disco (unless you’re wearing headphones, that is).

At Alpha Bar, Palolem 9 pm onwards +91 9890281505

Every Friday

wheels on streets | 18 Renault, Ford, Suzuki and Harley-Davidson

Reggae Friday

By Graeme Hamilton At Laguna, Anjuna @ 7.30 pm +91 832 227 4131

Friday Funk With DJ Lasker and Akshay At Cape Town Cafe, Calangute 7 pm onwards +91 95 27612070

Every Saturday Silent Noise Party With DJs Husman, Sam & Azgar Find out which is true, the silence or the noise.

At Neptune Point, Palolem 8 pm to 4 am +91 9822584968 Latin Night Live Music & Jazz. A party at Fiesta is like none other. Check it out!

At Fiesta, Baga 8.30 pm onwards +91 +91 832 227 9894 Saturday Showtime With Ajit Pai & Jay Brainwash At Cafe Mambo, Baga 7 pm onwards +91 83 22279895, (+91) 83 22275028

On-going Cavala Every Wednesday: Cavala Acoustic Latin Retro Every Friday: Tidal Wave Every Saturday: Piano played by Bosco At Cavala, Calangute - Baga Road, Baga 8.30 pm onwards +91 832 2276090 Cantare There’s live music on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but the big draw is the jazz duo Steve Sequeira and his wife Kittu on Monday nights, often accompanied by Brazilian chef and harmonica player Guto. The place fills up with locals (not many tourists), and its nonbeach location nestled amid the Portugueseinspired architecture of Saligao adds to the great vibe.

At Cantare, Saligao 8 pm onwards +91 832 2409461 Hippies Ocean Cafe Live Music Every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday At Hippies, Anjuna @10 pm +91 7507486444 The Park, Calangute Every Thursday: Retro Night Every Friday: Karaoke Night with KDJ Tony Every Saturday: Ladies Night with DJ Sunil and Tania At The Park, Calangute 8 pm onwards +91 8805028194/ +91 832 2267600

Friday, June 27, 2014

Sao Joao 2014 at Resort Rio Goa

S

ao Joao 2014, at Resort Rio Goa was even grander than previous events of past years. With heart thumping and foot stomping music from the most exciting DJ’s, namely Ryan Nogar, Rinton, Jay, Brandon, Ryan Britto and Lester Isaac, thrilled the entire crowd until just before midnight. Fun, frolic, wet and whacky were the themes for the evening as couples and stags heated up the dance floor overlooking the picturesque view of the Baga coastal belt. Not even the rains could dampen the spirits of thousands in attendance dancing to the vibes and mixes of the music. Partyers jumped or were pushed into the 7000 sq ft swimming pool with water jets, cascade and inbuilt Jacuzzi. The glittery lights hit the skies in the night with live screens for viewing, resembling the famous Ibiza in Spain.

Booze flowing from the onset till the end kept everyone merry to the core. You had to be there to believe it. For all those not present, until next year. Be there to experience the time of your lives… VIVA SAN JOAO!!!

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Friday, June 27, 2014

June 28

Mon to Fri

The Goa Book Launch of " Daughter by Court Order" THE AUTHOR RATNA VIRA WILL BE IN CONVERSATION WITH KARAN BHAGAT At Literati, Calangute @ 6.30 pm +91 832 2277740

Champion’s Chess Academy This leading Chess Training Centre in Goa is full of professional Chess Activities for Quality Learning. Learn Right Chess, moves from Pawn to King Level and moves in innovative style.

Classes conducted at Ponda, Porvorim, Mapusa, Miramar, Dona Paula, & Margao.

At Champion’s Chess Academy, Ponda +91 9766109574/ +91 9764185747

June 29 TREK - An unexplored trail from Cabo de Rama to Agonda Bus will leave from Panaji, Below Mandovi Bridge, near Santa Monica Cruises at ...07.00 AM then 08.00AM At Mabai Hotel, Margao. +91 9960054428, +91 9764239789

June 30 Workshop for grandparents Workshop for grandparents to make photo books and family memories using old photographs with new ones and citing anecdotes and stories for children on June 30, July 1, July 2, July 7 and July 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For registration call +91 832 2451233.

June 1 to June 30 Vipassana Courses Meditation classes for men and women, with separate classes for kids.

At Vipassana Samiti, Alto Porvorim.

10 am to 4 pm +91 9422641206

June 7 to June 29 Yoga for Kids The classes interweave story, song, games and poses, allowing children to learn in a multi-sensory environment which explores visual, aural, interpersonal & intrapersonal learning.

The classes will be conducted by Savita Khemlani in French language.

At Alliance Francaise, Panjim 2 pm to 3 pm +91 832 2420049

July 1 Onwards Portuguese language courses There’s something deeply special about the Portuguese language, with many words having no true equivalent in any other language (for example, the word ‘saudade’ – pronounced Sah Oh Dah Jee – roughly means ‘longing’ or ‘nostalgia’, but in Portuguese, it’s laden with even more emotion).

At Chowgule College, Margao 6 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2759504

Waterfalls in Goa

Arvalam Waterfall With an altitude of 70 feet, it falls in a straight drop and is at its most glorious during the monsoons. The spectacle of the thunderous gush of water, with the mountainous terrain as background, is nothing short of stunning.

At Valpoi, North Goa Dudhsagar Waterfall Another amazing waterfall best seen in the monsoons. It’s Goa’s largest and highest waterfall, and well worth a visit.

At Mollem, South Goa Kesarval Waterfall Emerging from hard rocks and flanked by swaying betel palms, the spring is surrounded by fantastic tropical beauty. Also well worth visiting.

At Verna, South Goa Tamdi Surla Waterfall You have to make a quite a trek to get here, but once you do, you’ll be very happy. You pass through dense forest and a number of streams that make for a highly refreshing experience. Also in the area is the temple known as Tamdi Surla, made under the Kadamba style of architecture.

At Sanguem, South Goa Splashdown Waterpark At Calangute - Anjuna Main Road, Anjuna +91 832 2273008/ +91 9637424023/024 www.splashdowngoa.com

Lifestyle & Fashion Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery This Gallery showcases jewellery, accessories and fashion, among other delights At Bairo Alto, Assagao 10 am to 7 pm +91 9822580898 The Private Collection Features an eclectic collection of sophisticated women’s apparel, bespoke jewellery, colorful accessories, lifestyle, furniture, design pieces and more.

At Anavaddo, Candolim 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2489033

Maria Elena’s Wardrobe Elegant ladies party wear and accessories Behind Fidalgo, Panjim +91 9049079769/+91 7769043301 Paper Boat Collective Specializes in ceramics, textile, furniture, clothes, children items and more.

At Bella Vista, Chogm Rd, Sangolda From 10.30 am to 8.30 pm +91 832 6521248 Solberg A Scandinavian Designer in Goa At Pedro Martina Resorts, Gaura Vaddo, Candolim +91 9822364978 TukTuk From apparel to silver jewellery, bags to accessories and souvenirs to curios, everything at TukTuk is handpicked from across India.

At A 104, Pereira Plaza, 1st Floor, Opposite Hospicio, Margao 10:30 am – 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm – 7 pm +91 9049017182 Fabindia The shop is famous for Indian inspired ready-to-wear garments for men, women, teenagers and children.

At Dattawadi, Mapusa (also in Candolim and Panjim) 10 am to 8 pm +91 832 2253585 Artjuna An unusual boutique in an Old Portuguese villa showcasing, among other items, leather crafts. Also features a lovely outdoor café.

At Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna 9 am to 6 pm +91 9822686640

People Tree Its first outlet in Goa, creating and selling contemporary crafts and cool clothing.

At Saunta Vaddo, Assagao 11 am to Midnight +91 832 2268091/ +91 9582018969 Bebel Boutique Designer fashion accessories Opp. St Anthony Chapel, Calangute +91 832 6451489

Museums Goa Chitra With a collection of over 4,000 artefacts, Goa Chitra is an ethnographic museum that focuses on Goa’s traditional agrarian lifestyle and technology.

At Mondo Waddo, Benaulim 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 6570877 Email: goachitra@gmail.com Museum Of Christian Art Open all days of the week At the Convent of Santa Monica. You may pray if you wish to, else just soak in the ambience of peace.

At Old Goa From 9:30 am – 5 pm +91 832 2285299 Goa State Museum Has some 8,000 artifacts on display including carvings, paintings, manuscripts, rare coins and stone sculptures.

A museum shop is planned soon with the aim of popularizing Goan culture through museum objects.

At EDC Complex, Patto, Panjim 9.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2438006 / +91 832 2437306

Goa Science Centre The Centre has a science park with interactive exhibits, 3D shows, galleries on oceanic science, explaining mysteries of the underwater world.

Experience science through fun. There are some interesting exhibits explaining scientific principles.

At Miramar 10 am to 6 pm +91 832 2463426 Xavier Centre of Historical Research See exhibitions of paintings, browse through rare books and attend symposiums with particular emphasis on contemporary cultural & social issues affecting Goa. At BB Borkar Road, Porvorim +91 832 2417772 Naval Aviation Museum Displaying a number of vintage aircraft and armaments used at different stages by Naval Aviation dating back to the 1950`s and a vast number of memorabilia related to Naval Aviation history.

Near Bogmalo Beach 10 am to 5 pm +91 832 2538668 Monsoon Heritage Studio Treat yourself to some amazing collection of mirrored mosaic art and handpicked artifacts at this upscale studio by Yahel Chirinian.

At Mainath Batti, Arpora 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM +91 9822122771

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Friday, June 27, 2014

Carpaccio of honey and rosemary roasted beetroot

A French rendezvous at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa

G

uests enjoyed a French rendezvous at the recently hosted Park Hyatt Masters of Food and Wine - Château de Parenchère wine dinner at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa.Executive chef Saulo Bacchilega and his team presented a creative four course Italian menu, where each course was beautifully paired with exquisite wines from Château de Parenchère which is situated in the eastern most region of Bordeaux. This elegant event took place in the company of the vivacious Julia Gazaniol whose grandfather bought the vineyard in 1958; she specially flew in for the evening.

The dinner began with a choice between carpaccio of honey and rosemary roasted beetroot and caramelised scallops’ paired with a 2012

Château de Parenchere Bordeaux Blanc Sec, a white wine with intense white and citrus fruit aromas. The next course was a transgression of a mushroom risotto (the classic crispy parmesan risotto with mushrooms ragout, black ink arancini with wild mushroom duxelle and morel mushroom filled with mascarpone risotto) paired with a 2010 Château de Parenchere Bordeaux Superior. Main course was a choice between melting smoked mozzarella, blackened darne of silver pomfret and slow braised lamb shoulder, complemented perfectly with a 2010 Château de Parenchere Cuveé Raphaël, flagship wine of Parenchère.

It bears the name of Raphaël Gazaniol, who renovated the Parenchère estate.

Concluding the meal was a sinful chocolate custard with extra virgin olive oil, red rock Turn to page 8

Caramelized scallops

Chocolate custard

From page 7

salt and fresh Alphonso mango in wine.

‘Park Hyatt Masters of Food and Wine’ is a series of sophisticated culinary and beverage experiences hosted at Park Hyatt locations around the world. Events are led by Park Hyatt chefs, sommeliers and specialists as mastersin-training will learn about top-notch, seasonal cuisine with hands-on ‘courses.’

Situated in the eastern edge of the Bordeaux wine growing area, the Château de Parenchère vineyard lies on the borders of the Dordogne and the Lot et Garonne departments. Here they grow in chalky clay with very high clay content, which is unusual for this area and which goes some way to accounting for the strength of the wines produced from them.  To learn about more seasonal workshop experiences at other Park Hyatt locations around the world, please visit the website at mastersfoodandwine. com or the dedicated Facebook page.

Food & Drink 9

Friday, June 27, 2014

June 28 Afternoon Tea Party IN Association with Tea Trunk At The Verandah, Grand Hyatt, Bambolim 3 pm to 6 pm

June 13 to July 8 FIFA Fever at North16 GOA A great place to watch the World Cup. If you wear your favourite team’s jersey, you get 2 drinks on the house!

Unlimited alcohol packages from 450+ taxes onwards.

At North16 Goa, Calangute 8:00pm-11:00pm & 11:30pm to 2:00am +91 8554984817

June 20 to July 31 Gourmet Breakfasts Soft muffins, warm croissants, eggs the way you like it, artisan brown breads and other breakfast food At Delicieux Cafe and Coffee Bar, Panjim 8 am to 9.30 pm +91 832 520521

April 3 Onwards High Tea @ North16 Goa One of North16’s more interesting offerings. A true English-style High Tea, served daily at Grab n Go at Rs. 350 + per person.

From 4 pm to 6 pm At North 16 Goa, Calangute +91 832 674 5555

Every Sunday Sunday Family Brunches Rejuvenating cocktails, soul warming gourmet cuisine from around the world and activities to keep the kids entertained.

At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panjim 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm +91 832 6633636

Baga, Calangute & Around Tropical 24x7 Restaurant, Bar & Pub All Day All Night. Check this place out.

Surprisingly lovely food offerings!

This resto is reviewed in the current edition of the paper.

At Calangute, Main Road +91 9820115921 Caravela Goan, Indian, Chinese and Continental The lawn of the Goan Heritage offers a wide variety of well-prepared food and cocktails. But the big draw is the party scene on Friday nights.

At Hotel Goan Heritage, Calangute Noon to 2.30 pm & 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2276761/64 Indian Jones House of Indian Food If you are hankering for some first-class Indian cuisine, look no further.

At Chogm House, Saligao, Calangute Road +91 9767655999

Casandre Goan, Indian, Chinese and European Set in an attractive old Goan house, this restaurant serves steaks, sizzlers and Goan seafood.

At Calangute Beach Road, Calangute 9 am to midnight +91 832 9453243/ +91 9890467062

Transgression of a mushroom risotto

Curry Leaf Chinese, European, Goan, North Indian and world cuisine.

A good place to grab a bite after hours.

At Hotel Calangute Towers, Calangute +91 832 6636000 Danny’s Grill European, Goan, Mughlai, Oriental With a varied selection of dishes including tasty Tandoori kebabs.

At Hotel Riverside, Baga-Calangute 7.30 am to 11 pm +91 9767591368 Café de Goa Attractive Café with lots of fresh small bites and innovative offerings. Good Sunday Brunch and organic store At The Red Tower, Calangute 10.30 am to 5.30 pm +91 832 2279961

Anjuna & Around Guru Bar Chinese, European, Goan, Indian and Italian Great food, great music, chilled out ambience. What more can you ask for?

At Praisevaddo, Anjuna 7.30 am to midnight +91 832 2273319 Frangipani Global Cuisine Start with the chicken satay- skewered chicken grilled in Chinese marinade.

At Sun Village, Fankwadi, Arpora 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 2279409/14 Biryani Palace Goan and North Indian Fare Take a wild guess what this place specializes in?

At Anjuna beach Road, Anjuna 11 am to midnight +918323257586 Blue Tao Italian & Seafood Organic Food Ever notice how many places these days are touting their ‘organic’ food?

We’ll take their word for it.

At Anjuna Beach Rd, Anjuna 9 am to 11 pm. +918975061435

Caravela Chinese, European, Goan, Italian, North Indian, Thai A long-time favourite haunt among Goans and visitors alike At Vivanta Holiday, Sinquerim 7.30 am to 10.30 pm +91 832 6645858 Casa Sea Shell Chinese, European, Indian, Seafood The European fare tastes excellent and is mostly made up of steaks At Vaddy, Candolim 7 am to 11 pm +91 832 2489131/ +91 832 2489555

Panjim & Around Black sheep Bistro The Black Sheep Bistro is Goa’s first casual fine dining concept restaurant Located in the heart of Panjim City At Swami Vivekananda Road, Next to icici Bank, Panjim 7 pm to 1 am +91 832 2222901 Route 66 Smoke House n Grill At Fontainhas, opp. Patto Bridge, Panjim From 12 pm to 11.30 pm +91 9623922796/ +91 8805389714 Saffron Restaurant An Authentic Indian Cuisine Home Delivery and Take Away Available At Model Marine ii, Caranzalem 11 pm to 3.30 pm & 6.30 pm 11.30 pm +91 832 6523353/ +91 7755927408

Goenchin Specialising in Chinese and Pan Asian cuisine At Mandovi apartment, Dr Dada Vaidya Road, Near Mahalaxmi Temple Noon to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm +91 8322227614 Casabela A cosy place to chill out with family, this establishment in Porvorim has been around since the 70s and has good pizzas Off Chogm Rd, Porvorim 7 am to 11 pm. +91832241558 Mum’s Kitchen Goan Among the best upscale Goan cuisine in Panjim, drawing from Goa’s Christian and Hindu traditions.

At Panjim-Miramar Rd 11 am to 11pm. +91 9822175556 George Bar and Restaurant Goan; Excellent local seafood Near Mary Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim 10 am to 3.30 pm, 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322426820 Forrest Veg Food Court Continental, Chinese, Thai & Mexican Serves a wide range of fast food from different parts of India At Bhagwan Mahavir Bal Vihar, Panjim 11 am – 11 pm +91 832 6454353/9225903392 Chat Streets Indian snacks On Sunday open only till 4 pm Near Don Bosco High School, MG Road, Panjim 11 am to 9 pm +91 832 9922480076

Coba Indian, Grills, Seafood It’s at a five-star hotel so how bad can it be?

At Double Tree by Hilton, Arpora 10 am to 11 pm +91 832 66556672

Baba’s Wood Cafe Classical Italian Pizza, Wine, Ravioli Pizza, Tiramisu etc.

At 49, Mala, Fontainhas, Panjim-Goa 12.30 p.m to 3.30 p.m & 7.00 p.m to 11.30 p.m +91 832-3256213/ +91 9823714098

Candolim

TAO Asian Cuisine Asian Chinese Restaurant & Bar 12 p.m. To 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

At Campal, Panaji 083222226262

Bombay Darbar Take Away and Catering Services Surprisingly scrumptious Indian fare At Sairam Residency, Shop no 1, Alto St.Cruz Road, St.Cruz, Tiswadi +91 832-2458877 / +91 832 2458588

Aunty Maria Coffee & Bites Available Fresh home-made breads, cakes, chocolates and cookies At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim +91 832 2226291

Brews & Bakes Brewing Smiles & Baking Memories At Shop No: 250, Abade Faria Road, Comba, Margao +91 8308800080 brewsnbakes@live.com

House of Lloyds Continental, seafood, and hearty Goan cuisine.

The restaurant recommends you go for the Goan roast pork, apple salad with tender greens, crispy sardines, stuffed crab and steaks.

At Saipem Road, Candolim 7 pm to 3 am. +91 9823032273

Margao & Around

Café Mardi Gras Goan & North Indian, coffee & snacks.

Panfried Pomfret Recheado, Chicken Xacutti, Pork Vindaloo and Goan Fish Curry are some of the popular offerings.

At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim All-day +91 832 2871303 Café Tato All day pure vegetarian eatery. Menu offers puribhaji and lunch in Goan style At Apna Bazaar complex, Margao 7 am to 10 pm. +91 832 2736014 Ruta’s World Café Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee Located on a quiet side street right by the City’s Latin Quarter, a world away from the maddening crowds.

At Dr Miranda Rd, Behind Nanutel, Margao 9 am to 6 pm +91 832 2710757 Allegria Goan Fine-dining restaurant at the Taj Exotica and serves up some authentic GoanPortuguese items.

7.30 pm to 10.45 pm At Taj Exotica, Calwaddo, Benaulim, Salcette +91 832 6683333

Canacona Casa Fiesta Mexican The menu is comprehensive, with Tacos, Enchiladas, Burritos, Fajitas and other Mexican dishes. Does it taste exactly the way Mexican food is supposed to taste? You be the judge 8.30 am to 11 pm AtPalolem Beach Road, Goa +91 9823928548 Baba’s Little Italy Chinese, Goan, Indian, Italian, seafood.

Can’t go wrong here. Nice Italian menu.

At Palolem Beach, Canacona 9 am to 11 pm. +91 9923749449 Canacona Coffee shop There’s Indian, Goan, European and some Chinese on offer with a contemporary, fusion touch to the items. Buffet Breakfast At Intercontinental TheLaLiT Goa Resort, Rajbaga, Canacona +91 832 2667777

10 Cover Story Esmeralda

By Perin Ilavia

W

ho said money can’t buy happiness? With living spaces like some of the ones popping up in Goa these days, it’s pretty darn hard to be sad! Superficial materialism aside, this is a story about opulence and those who love living in it. It’s about those who have travelled widely and are looking for international amenities in their homes. Be it an apartment or a villa, space plays a major role, jostling with a panoramic view.

Gone are the days when a prospective buyer carried a few bundles of notes to buy a house. Be sure your wallet and bank account are well packed. It’s amazing what some high-end luxury properties offer nowadays, from golf courses to fancy restaurants to infinity

pools to villas overlooking private lakes.

The homes are fitted with the stateof-the-art remote controlled doors, theatre-size flat screen TVs, Italian marble flooring, high-end kitchen and bath fittings, walk-in wardrobes, floorto-ceiling windows, roof gardens, and, if you’re Mukesh Ambani or one of his mega-rich comrades (excuse the Communist parlance in this context!), helipads.

Builders use the best material for construction and quality interior and exterior paint. Ceramic and brick facades are planned artistically, with ventilation and natural light, often using green building materials. Many properties feature a fitness centre and a private plunge pool, with indoor water bodies and gardens, Jacuzzis and bidet, stain glass room dividers and window panes, even revolving beds (for those not particularly fond of understated elegance).

Open floor plans reduce areas to display art or collections, but they make for spectacular ambience. Most of us have living rooms and kitchens. But only a few of us have private jogging tracks and inhome libraries. Or a Tai Chi court or a Sky Garden on our terrace.

A house like this is not just a place to live, but a space to renew mind, body and soul. We’re talking about sit-outs overlooking a vast expanse of water or greenery. About sunken bath tubs with jets that broadcast sound waves through the water, effervescent air bubbles similar to champagne, and chromathrerapy, all remotely controlled.

Some housing complexes boast medical facilities and supermarkets and discos, in addition to children’s play areas, soccer fields, salons and other amenities.

Builders are concentrating on providing a niche clientele every amenity imaginable, keeping in mind the owner’s personality and desires.

The concept of garden space was all but forgotten in the building boom in Goa in the early ‘70’s and 80’s. And architectural sensibilities have not always been keen. It wasn’t until the late 90s that a sense emerged that

Turn to page 13

Villas Pinto Rosario Square’s

Friday, June 27, 2014

12 Feature

The Parrikar-Modi Honeymoon

By Crespo D’Souza

I

t was back in September 2009.

The BJP was still coming to terms with a second consecutive electoral defeat at the Lok Sabha hustings - an electoral campaign led by aging party leader Lal Krishna Advani.

Barely had the loss sunk in, when among the first party leaders to speak against his leadership was Goa’s Manohar Parrikar, who famously called Advani a “rancid pickle” and a man whose time was “more or less up”.

At the time, Parrikar didn’t offer up any names but he did say that “the BJP should give prominence to leaders who are between 40 and 60 years.” In retrospect, it seems clear he was talking about none other than Narendra Modi.

Five years later, the thinking that emerged back in 2009 among the second generation of BJP leaders has played itself out in BJP’s stunning victory at the national level, coming just two years after Modi was anointed party saviour right here in Goa. And it showed that Parrikar had played his cards brilliantly, casting his lot with exactly the right man.

“It was as if Parrikar and Modi were working in tandem to convince the party and the world that Modi was the right choice for the next leader,” said journalist Pritam Gaonkar. “They staged their act very well. It was planned, precise and carefully calibrated and they stuck to the script.”

What does all this mean for Goa now, considering that our chief minister was one of Modi’s earliest supporters and presumably now in a position to reap the benefits of his prescient loyalty?

Unfortunately, so far not much. Those in the know do not expect the central government to grant Goa’s twin requests for a Rs 3,000 crore mining-related payout and for ‘special status’ that would keep non-Goans from purchasing local land. Modi said he’ll fast track the mining issue, but it’s highly unlikely mining can resume before at least a year because of the legalities involved.

All that said, to say Goa will reap no benefit at all from the Parrikar-Modi honeymoon would be a mistake. With his friend in the prime minister’s seat, Parrikar is in a better position than he was before to push forth his agenda for the state. And that could spell good news for all those favouring the Mopa airport in North Goa, among other issues.

Still, if this were an actual honeymoon, the couple would be more than a little disappointed.

While Modi did agree to make his first official trip outside of Delhi to Goa and

obliged local party members and office bearers, what the prime minister chose not to say was as important as what he did say.

Parrikar’s administration had two major demands - a Rs 3,000 crore bonanza to the state to tide over the mining crisis and the demand for special status under article 371 of the constitution, which would, among other things, keep land in local hands.

Amid much publicity, Parrikar’s government had made similar demands before the Congress-led government at the centre, prior to the elections.

But Modi in his speech made no reference to the twin demands, neither accepting nor rejecting them.

While, the issue of whether the demands are justified is open to debate, so far there’s no indication that anything has actually changed on the ground.

The chief minister doesn’t admit it, but it seems likely he knows there will be no major handout from the centre and his support for the special status request looks more like lip service than anything else.

“It appears that Parrikar is only seeking to drum up rhetoric on the issues, but since he knows that the demands are unreasonable, seeks to make Modi responsible by putting the

ball in his court,” said Matthew D’Souza a retired government official.

“He of course himself cannot directly tell the state he does not want these to happen,” he added.

“It is difficult to believe that Modi overruled Parrikar’s pitch. Parrikar probably did made such a pitch before Modi, but only showed the state that he is making the pitch,” D’Souza contended.

The lack of assurances from Modi has left even those within the BJP disappointed, with party leader Pramod Sawant telling the local media that while it was a letdown, all hope was not lost.

“We were looking forward to it. But I am sure he has the good of Goa in mind and he will rightfully help those affected by the mining ban. The BJP has no doubt about it,” he said.

The demand for special status has never seemed more unlikely, with Modi not referring to it at all despite it being one of the premier promises of the BJP government ahead of the elections.

“It is very unlikely that the BJP, which is publicly seeking the repeal of Article 370 of the constitution, which grants special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, will go ahead and grant similar freedom to Goa,” social commentator Jason Fernandes said.

While on paper, Goa does have the advantage of having Modi within earshot, as of date it hasn’t translated into anything concrete for the state.

With time, however, many hope the honeymoon will lead to more than just a marriage of convenience. 

Cover Story 13

Friday, June 27, 2014

From page 10

architecture should reflect the heritage of Goa, and today we’re seeing a growing commitment not only to respecting the environment, but also to preserving the Indo-Portuguese heritage that is the hallmark of our architectural tradition. Of course, not every building has to look like a Portuguese bungalow to be appealing, and a great many homes have come up reflecting different styles and traditions that also find a way to blend in with the Goan landscape.

Constrained for space in the city, many apartments and villas moved to the periphery. Sometimes the luxury homes are the third and fourth homes of the rich, with a number of staff maintaining them. Others are inhabited by Goans themselves, or by Bollywood stars or artists or by the legions of people across India who want of piece of the Goan paradise.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the luxury living spaces in the sunny state.

First, we head to Carmona, in South Goa, where Director Sailesh Daswani, Vikaas Sekhani and partner Navin Parvatkar of Safe Home Builders have erected a delightful project called Simran Sundecks, off the Cavelossim Mobor road. The project features four units of 3-story row villas of 220 square meters, including all the amenities required for high-end luxury spaces. Among the top draws are the terrace Sky Gardens and a spectacular view of the River Saal and green lush view of fields and hills. Each unit has three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, state-of-the-art fittings, spacious balconies, central solar heating, a 55-inch TV, and a modular kitchen.

The complex features a lovely swimming pool and gardens, after-sale maintenance and separate quarters for domestic help.

Navin has been in real estate for 25 years, and he takes pride in giving premium finish the quality of the materials he uses.

His property in South Goa, he explains, uses anti-rust steel and cement especially designed for coastal areas.

Pinto Rosario Square’s Villas in the tranquil North Goa village of Socorro offers laid-back living in the lap of nature, with all modern amenities close at hand.

Sharayu Petals is offering six exclusive villas, measuring 155 sq. mts fully furnished. The interiors are in an ethnic Portuguese style unique to Goa. All this comes with an urban touch, just three kilometres away from Mapusa.

Esmeralda by Naiknavare Developers Pvt. Ltd. (established in 1986) has open spaces and uninhibited surroundings with a club house, swimming pool,

skating area, coffee shop, spa, outdoor gym, Tai Chi Court, meditation centre, jogging track, among other amenities.

Located on Kadamba Plateau, Panjim extension, it’s a 42-acre project equipped with 1, 2, 3 bedroom condomiums, 4-bed duplex condomiums, 3 bed row houses, 4 bed villas, commercial shops and offices.

Elm’s Gate features three spacious villas designed to blend in with the sleepy village of Moira in North Goa. Laid out between 310 - 356 square metres, it brings together architectural elements of Bali, Indonesia, in style and décor.

Bennet& Bernad (BNB) Custom Homes revolve around a vision to customize every client’s home, all the way to a copyright system that ensures no other living space in the world is like it.

Located in Corlim, Old Goa, the property Lakeshire boasts a beautiful view of the serene surroundings. They use ecofriendly materials, with water harvesting, solar LED lighting and furnishings and fittings that ensure a unique, customized home.

The project RISARA LUXURY by Risara Properties (erstwhile Prudential Group) is situated at Taleigao, between Panjim

and Donapaula.

Risara Luxury offers premium quality homes with modern home security features and sophisticated lifestyle amenities at a price that offers value to the consumer. Risara Properties, one of the fastest growing real estate companies in Goa, boasts a string of completed and under construction projects including Prudential Palms in Porvorim, Prudential Paradise in Mapusa, Prudential Pristine

in Colva and many more. Risara Properties benchmarks against the best global practices in architecture, lifestyle features and amenities. The underlying principle behind every Risara Properties residential project is the concept of freedom.

Who’s buying properties in Goa ranging from 2- 5 cores? A few are NRI Goans. Some are Goans who live right here. And many buyers are retired businesspeople, defense personnel, Bollywood actors, designers, writers, painters from around India and abroad, who find Goa the ideal location for second homes.

With eloquence displayed with subtle undertones, the concept of luxury only grows when the owner moves in. And then, the house becomes a home. 

Red Forest marine ply can withstand severe climatic conditions. To maintain our excellent quality, the best veneers of uniform thickness are bonded with top grade materials. Finally they are treated in a vacuum pressure impregnation plant, using specified quality of preservatives to ensure resistance to marine organisms.

Marine plywood is checked thoroughly to ensure quality at every step. The Red Forest team makes sure that every piece undergoes double checking by trained professionals. Red Forest marine ply does well in both dry and wet weather conditions. This marine ply is dimensionally stable & ideal for long lasting services, even in humid and coastal areas. It can even resist boiling water.

The product can be successfully used in wide areas such as bus and truck bodies, railway coaches, kitchen accessories, sign boards, panelling, partitions, bathrooms, high quality furniture, other interior and exterior wood work, etc.

14 Sports

The Heroes, Villains & Shocking Upsets at World Cup 2014!

By Gary Azavedo

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hough the monsoons are yet to strike Goa with their full fury, it’s already raining goals at the World Cup 2014, especially at the stadium in Salvador, Brazil that has seen two high goal scoring matches, including a 5-2 win by France over Switzerland and Netherland’s 5-1 triumph over Spain.

Goalless draws have been few and high scoring matchups have been plenty.

And so have the exciting results, such as the performance of Costa Rica, which defeated four-time World Cup winners Italy by a solitary goal and beat Uruguay, another former World Cup winner, (1930 & 1950) 3-1.

Greece’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast was another surprising result, enabling the European nation to move into the next round of 16 to face the toppers of Group D (or ‘Group of Death’) – Costa Rica. USA defeating Ghana 2-1 is also something of a surprise victory for the Americans who have displayed a splendid performance under their German coach Jeurgen Klinsmann, who will now match his team’s skills against his own country, Germany!

As the World Cup tournament moves closer to the goal line of the finals to be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, 2014, most of the favourite teams (or former World Cup champions) such as Spain, Italy and England are out. Portugal, who have now earned a reprieve after their 2-2 draw against the USA, could follow them, if they fail to defeat Ghana.

Mesmerising matches that cast a spell

Remarks the CEO of Football Edge Management, Anuj Kichlu, “Spain is out, England on the brink of not qualifying (as of June 21) and most South American teams are doing well. This is going to be a tournament of South American teams.”

Kichlu predicts that at least four of the South American teams will move to the last stages of the tournament.

Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) vice chairman Elvis Gomes had this to say: “Switzerland winning in the 93rd minute against Ecuador was one of the most impressive games from among the matches that I have seen.”

Rahul Rodrigues, associated with Goa’s popular football club Salgaocars, opines, “Whilst the Spain v/s Netherlands and Germany v/s Portugal have thrown the biggest shocks of the World Cup in terms of the margin of victory, there have been two games that have stood out for me.

The Australia v/s Netherlands match as Australia played their hearts out against a technically superior Netherlands

team. They were unfortunate to emerge from the game with nothing to show for their efforts. Also, the Uruguay v/s England match (particularly Liverpool’s star Luis Suarez, who displayed a clinical performance to get the better of England), this was another extremely fast paced game with plenty of action.”

Keen football enthusiast, Dixon Vaz points out that for him, the most entertaining match was the one between Chile and Spain but the retired NIO scientist, Stephen Dias of Dona PaulaPanjim is still relishing the thrill of Netherlands trouncing Spain 5-1.

However, the GFDC chairman Dr Rufino Monteiro was most impressed by the Italy v/s England match. “The England team had young players,” remarks Dr Monteiro.

Heroes who have vanquished their opponents

While the Netherlands team and its striker Arjen Robben conquered the heart of the cardiologist Dr Monteiro, Vaz says, “Uruguay displayed a fantastic performance.” He praises Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa ‘for his acrobatic saves against Brazil.’

Dias was particularly impressed by the Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi, who held the twice World Cup winners

Colombia-Ivory Coast Uruguay-England

2-1 2-1

Japan-Greece

0-0

Ecuador-Honduras

2-1

Costa Rica-Italy

1-0

France-Switzerland

5-2

Germany-Ghana

2-2

Algeria-Korea Republic

4-2

Argentina-Iran

Nigeria-Bosnia & Herzegovina Belgium-Russia Usa-Portugal

1-0 1-0 1-0 2-2

Spain-Australia

3-0

Mexico-Croatia

3-1

Netherlands-Chile

2-0

Costa Rica-England

0-0

Greece-Ivory Coast

2-1

Brazil-Cameroon Uruguay-Italy

Colombia-Japan

4-1

1-0 4-1

Villains of the footballing skirmishes

While Suarez has been praised for his goals scoring prowess, he has also stirred up a controversy for sinking his teeth into an Italian player, Giorgio Chilleni, an offense that was overlooked by the referee during the last leg match against Italy. After Portugal’s Pepe’s head butt incident, the Suarez ‘bite’ has evoked a good deal of consternation from football fans.

De Melo remarks, “It was very Neymar (Brazil) Robin van Persie (Netherlands) unfortunate the manner the Portugal players, especially Pepe behaved. The red card was justified.”

While the GFDC chairman was not too pleased with Nigeria’s performance, he agrees that both Spain and Portugal have been the biggest disappointment in this tournament. Dr Monteiro comments, “Spain have played like a disjointed side of ageing players and Portugal in their first match robbed all its supporters of all the built up euphoria and excitement.”

Arjen Robben (Netherlands) Thomas Mueller (Germany) Rodrigues remarks, “Given their stature, I would like to believe that the reigning World Cup and European champions, Spain have been the most disappointing. Having lost their first two games and conceded seven goals in the bargain and having scored just one goal via a penalty, I do believe it is the end of an era of football dominance.”

Reviewing Portugal’s performance against USA, Dias, who is a staunch Karim Benzema (France) Lionel Messi (Argentina) Portugal fan, quips, “After Spain, Portugal was a disappointing team. Although they played better, they failed to net the goals. Physiologically, they lost interest because of two bad incidents. One being their defender Pepe being red carded for head butting and the resultant penalty kick that the referee could have avoided as it was not a serious fault to deserve a penalty.” He adds that former champions Brazil and Argentina have also failed to impress him.

Luis Suarez (Uruguay)

Oscar (Brazil)

Argentina to a goalless draw till the very last minute of the match, when their star striker Lionel Messi scored, winning the match for Argentina. Dias was also impressed by the cool temperament of the German striker Thomas Mueller, who has scored the first and only hat trick of this tournament.

Goan football fan Didier de Melo gushes over the goals scored by Netherlands’ Robin Van Persie and Australia’s Tim Cahill whereas the two GFDC officials, Dr Monteiro and Gomes both agree that the most impressive striker is Luis Suarez of Uruguay.

Promising stars who will sparkle

So as the tournament progress towards its finale, who are the players to watch out for?

Rodrigues points to James Rodriguez (Colombia), Joel Campbell (Costa Rica), Danny Blind (Netherlands), Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling (England), Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez (Chile) and Lazio’s Antonio Candreva (Italy) as players to watch, especially the latter trio.

In a tournament filled with surprises, the world is tuned in closely to see how many more lie ahead. No wonder so many of us in Goa – as in the rest of the world – are struck by World Cup fever. 

Feature 15

Friday, June 27, 2014

Were you born with a silver foot in your mouth? Do you speak before you think? Are you a windbag at heart? That’s never a good thing, but it’s particularly bad when it comes to finding a job. In Goa, where there is a dearth of employment opportunities, job seekers cannot risk being rejected on grounds of ‘not having watched their words’ during the crucial interview.

Potential employers screen eligible candidates and draw their first impressions based on the interview.

Psychologist Dr. Charlane Pereira e Rebello has prepared a ‘must-notsay’ list if you want that job to be all yours.

Don’t ever say:

4.

I’ve been out of work for a long time because of personal problems.

This is your future employer (hopefully), not your shrink. So don’t bring up anything negative or stuff that will ring alarm bells and make him think twice about hiring you. Honesty and sincerity are important traits that can and should be conveyed in an interview.

But that doesn’t mean you have to spill out your heart. Knowing when to keep your mouth shut is an important part of many jobs, and your interviewer may be looking for that trait.

“Bloody hell… Bullshit.”

Swearing in interviews is an absolute no-no. Even if your interviewer has the habit of using profane language, it is best that you be professional at all times. Professionalism is the mark of a solid employee. So unless this is an interview for the position of Director of Gangsta Rap, don’t cuss.

5.

1.

“What does your company do?”

If you’re at the point of being interviewed for a job, you should already know what the company does. Nobody wants to hire someone who doesn’t do their homework.

“Can I take this call?”

Ask this deal-breaking question to an interviewer and you will be making a quick exit out the same door you just entered. Taking calls or texting during any interview is inexcusable. It displays lack of respect for your employer and exhibits your lack of commitment to the job. It could be a routine pesky call from your service provider or an international call from your sister or a social call from your aunt in Mumbai.

Switch off your cell or turn it to silent mode. If it’s a medical emergency, the caller should dial 108, not you.

“How much do you pay?”

Be mum about your pay package. If you ask your interviewer about the salary, you may be passing on a wrong message that all you care about is money. You can raise this delicate issue at a later stage. Of course every job seeker wants to know the compensation. But there won’t be any compensation if you don’t get the job because your potential employer thinks you lack tact.

2.

3.

6.

“What is your annual leave policy?”

Are you dying to know how many days of casual leave and sick leave you can take in a year? Pose this question during the interview and you may be conveying to any future employer that you are planning your absence rather than seriously working for the organization. Don’t let your curiosity snatch the job offer from your hands. Don’t put the cart before the horse!

“You look great in that attire.”

Your interviewer might look awesome in that blue shirt and beige trousers that he is wearing. Or the high heels and tight jeans that she is wearing.

Don’t compliment either, as this might come across as a flirtatious comment.

Convey an interest in getting into your interviewer’s company, not their pants!

7.

8.

“My previous employer was incompetent and didn’t know how to manage his firm.”

Don’t bad-mouth any of your previous employers. Your interviewer has no way of knowing whether there’s something wrong with your former boss, or something wrong with you. And he may be thinking: “If she says this about him, what will she think of me?” Remember, a job interview is no place for negativity.

“I hate my current job.”

The list of complaints may be as long as the Mandovi. “The timings are odd. My colleagues are bitchy. My boss is a tyrant.” If you use the interview as an occasion to air your grievances, you are conveying that you cannot adjust to your current work environment and that you may not be able to adapt to this job, either. Rather than griping about your current job, you can talk about the appealing aspects of the future job and how you can contribute to the company.

9.

10

. My biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist I told you not to use the word ‘bullshit’ in your interview. Don’t dish it out, either.

Your potential employer will see right through you. If she asks you to list your weak points, you might want to mention a real one and explain how you overcame it. For instance, you might say: “I was a little green on basic accounting but then I took a course on Tally software and really got up to speed.” It’s preferable that the weakness you mention NOT be one of the core responsibilities of your new position. 

Grand Hyatt Goa Celebrates Its People

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or all the efforts they put in while at work, Hyatt had a special way of acknowledging their employees and letting them know that they are the most important asset to the organisation. Annually celebrated, ‘Celebrating Our People’ (COP) is an initiative undertaken by the Hyatt entities across the globe with the view to reinforce the People Philosophy through various activities for their employees.

This year, ‘Celebrating Our People’ took on a filmy avatar with the themes

of romance, horror and action. From different theme lunches, eating contests, cooking and mocktail contests, endurance games, scavenger hunts and more. Goa Streets publisher Marisha Dutt was proud to serve as one of three judges in a gala talent contest on the event's final evening. It was three days of fun, drama and celebrations.

One of the most interesting activities of the three day celebration was ‘Walk in My Shoes’ where department heads and executive committee members undertook entry level roles in various

Anusha Mani

Grand Hyatt Goa stars

departments. While General Manager Jaco Le Roux took on the role of the door man and welcomed guests for the day, Director HR, S. Vidyashankar donned the chef’s uniform and took to the chopping board while EAM – F&B Tufan Kobanbay helped the front desk with a warm welcome and seamless check-ins.

This COP, Mr. Le Roux announced the start a new CSR initiative which would involve the enhancing the local community, providing them with new sustainable sources of income and helping to keep the culture around us alive and thriving.

The highlight of the Gala Dinner and something completely new at ‘Celebrating Our People’ was the two surprise performances from Anuskha Mani, famous playback singer keeping with the Bollywood theme and Sorabh Pant, a well known Indian stand-up comedian. 

Grand evening culminates inaugural Global Grain and Feed Forum (G2F2)

Hema Sardessai

Eyelyn Sharmas Collection

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he inaugural Global Grain and Feed Forum (G2F2), organised by Tefla’s with the support of The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, from June 20-22 came to a close with an evening of scintillating performances and glamour.

Hosted by Adam & Events, a Tefla’s enterprise, the gala saw a host of celebrities and high society names come together for a glittering show at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa in Panaji. Bollywood singing sensation Sharib Sabri held the audience captivated with his melodious voice, getting the crowd to join in to his latest hit ‘Saturday Saturday’ from the film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya.

Sabri, along with his brother Toshi Sabri, has become one of the most successful music directors in the country today.

German-Indian actress and model Evelyn Sharma launched her exclusive fashion collection at the event. The collection favoured light, feminine, dressy wear that was easy on the eye, yet classy.

Goa-based English fashion designer and stylist Michelle Banarse also showcased her work, which reflects Goa’s easy laid-back style and attitude, as well as her Indian-European roots. Her collection, which found favour with solid colours in chic resort wear, is one of the many handcrafted designs available at The PaperBoat Collective in Sangolda, Goa. Run

by Bhagyashree Patwardhan, the concept boutique showcases the work of young

talented designers focusing on handcrafted Indian items with a contemporary twist.

A fashion show by Mohit Falod also floored the audience, with an emphasis on silhouettes. Famous Bollywood actress Mahima Chaudhary also attended the event.

The visiting audience got a taste of Goa with a performance by Bollywood and regional playback singer Hema Sardessai, aptly nicknamed the Nightingale Queen of Goa. Keynote speakers, partners and associates of the forum were given tokens of appreciation for their involvement.

The inaugural Global Grain and Feed Forum (G2F2) was an international conference and exhibition on grain and feed trade and technology, witnessed by policy makers, leading importers and exporters, processors, retail investors, corporate groups, commodity exchanges, logistics companies and experts on weather from India and abroad.

Speakers and guests deliberated on trends, supply and demand of grains and feed, weather development and its impact on the production of kharif grain and oilseeds, price outlook – short term and long term – for grain and feed, and other important issues related to the trade.

The accompanying exhibition included the latest on offer from the grain and feeds sector, including products, processes, technologies, machinery and equipment and financial services. 

Feature 17

Friday, June 27, 2014

By Amy Perez

News flash: The monsoons are one of the most beautiful times of year to hang out on the beach! A Goa Streets guide.

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isitors flock to Goa from October to April to partake in some fun in the sun while the snow drifts at home get higher and temperatures get lower. There is a notion that after April the doors to Goa close, that Goa becomes a ghost town…. especially the coastal towns.

Perceptions often lag behind realities, and this is exactly the case of the summer and monsoon seasons in Goa. Surprise, surprise. A lot is going on!

Restaurants, clubs, beach activities, sightseeing and shopping are all abundantly available while tourists keep coming and locals enjoy themselves as well.

From Arambol in the North to Agonda in the South, accommodations on the beach are available year round. You can have your pick of luxury beach resorts, hotels and guesthouses. No need to miss out on the beach fun! Below are just a few of the many wonderful beach locales where you can stay and take in the lush tropical surroundings.

Arambol, known for being a haven for hippies, still retains a rustic charm and beautiful beach near the northernmost point in Goa. Hotel El Paso is a decent option for a comfortable stay in the area.

If you want to take a break from the normal cookie cutter accommodations, then you might want to take a

look at Anjuna. The Hobit is a vacation house like you’ve never seen before. It’s located in a secluded part of the South Anjuna village and is actually built into the side of a hill with rooms that have rock walls and overlook the sandy cove of Anjuna Beach. The rooms are luxurious and uniquely decorated. On the flip side of the The Red Door Hostel, also in Anjuna and just minutes from the beach is an uber hip and retro chic hostel that gives budget travelers a chance to enjoy the area at an affordable cost.

Baga, Calangute and Candolim offer a wide array of cool places to stay during the monsoon season ranging from 5 star luxury resorts to quaint guesthouses on the beautiful and lively beaches of North Goa. Casa Baga’s certainly worth checking out, with its relaxing and posh ambience in a gorgeous setting, with cocktails and spa treatments. Charlston Beach Resort in Calangute keeps you near all the action of the shops, restaurants and beaches while also offering comfy rooms, a nice pool surrounded by lush gardens just footsteps from the beach. Also check out the food and drinks at the poolside restaurant, not a bad spot from which to check out the monsoon sunsets.

Heading a bit further north is Morjim which is famous for being a breeding ground for sea turtles. In November you can see the cute little hatchlings clumsily making their way to the ocean. Morjim is very tranquil yet it also has a lot of resorts and hotels such as the Marbela Beach Resort at the higher price scale and

then the more moderately priced Goa Rock Resort, both giving visitors the fun and relaxation that they want.

Historically Colva Beach was the popular weekend getaway for the Margao artisocrats and today it is still equally popular. Longuinhos Beach Hotel is a great stop-over spot to take in the cool breezes and have nice walks on the beach between monsoon rains. Ask for one of their recently renovated rooms, which have been designed with particular care and style. Take your pick of any number

of stylish getaways in the area from moderate to expensive.

The ever popular Palolem Beach has been cleared of its beach huts for the summer and monsoon time but the numerous guesthouses in the area are still open and priced significantly lower than high season. Palolem Beach Guesthouse is situated in a beautiful old Portuguese house on lovely grounds and is just a hop and skip to the beach. Its restaurant serves up some delicious food and the rooms

are everything you could ask for.

Agonda, furthest to the south, does return to its original sleepy fishing village with just a few places open to eat and sleep but that doesn’t change the fact that it is still one of the most beautiful beaches around and definitely worthy of a secluded romantic getaway. Maria Paulo Guest House is one of the few places still open for tourists. It’s lovely Portuguese style home just a stone’s throw from the beach with charming rooms at affordable prices stays open all year.

I’ve ridden the waves of tourists making way for the airport as quickly as possible before the borders of Goa supposedly shut behind them and have ridden the heat waves and am now riding the waves of rain water created by the monsoon and I see that Goa is still movin’ and shakin’! Tourists are still coming and going, partying, eating, relaxing and pampering themselves as always.

Most resorts, hotels and guest houses are running great monsoon discounts, leaving you extra money to put towards exploring Goa. 

18 Wheels on Streets

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eeping up with its motto “Drive the Change” and its commitment of bringing Comfort, Convenience, Styling, Safety and Technology, Renault India has announced the launch of Renault Scala TRAVELOGUE EDITION. The Renault TRAVELOGUE EDITION further enhances the image with a host of new features catering to the delectable customers’ tastes for infotainment, connectivity and convenience. The Renault TRAVELOGUE EDITION is an up-market version with more styling and equipment. It is also a step-up in customer experience and is an image enhancer packed with entertainment and lifestyle products.

The Renault TRAVELOGUE EDITION sports an Integrated Touch Screen Multi Media System, which is a complete

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Infotainment Package. It has an Updated Navigation with Voice, Reverse Camera Portability and DVD Player. The external device connectivity consists of Bluetooth Connectivity & Streaming, USB Port, IPOD Connection and Steering Mounted Portable Control.

The Scala TRAVELOGUE EDITION is also equipped with accessories like Rear Sun Shade, Illuminated Scuff Plate, Blinkers on ORVM and Muffler Cutter.

The exterior is further improved by decal and Travelogue Edition badge. The TRAVELOGUE EDITION is being offered is Metallic Black and in Pearl White colour. The TRAVELOGUE EDITION will be available in RxL&RxZ variant.

The SCALA TRAVELOGUE EDITION price starts at Rs. 847,866 RXL –Petrol & Rs. 930,966 (RXL) Diesel, all the prices are Ex-Showroom Goa. The New RENAULT SCALA TRAVELOGUE EDITION is available at all Renault dealerships across the country.

Prices of all SCALA TRAVELOGUE EDITION variants • Petrol RXL – 847866 • Petrol RxL CVT Travelogue – 961366 • Petrol RxZ CVT Travelogue – 1051166 • Diesel RxL Travelogue – 930966 • Diesel RxZ Travelogue – 1019766

2014 Ford Fiesta launched

ord India introduced the 2014 Ford Fiesta with a stunning new look, plush interiors and several segment-first features. The new facelifted Fiesta is equipped with award-winning SYNC® Technology that was first introduced in India with the EcoSport, with Ford AppLink™ which keep drivers safely connected while on the road.

The new 2014 Ford Fiesta will be available with a 1.5 L Duratorq diesel engine only in in three trims – Ambiente, Trend and Titanium.

Prices of the new Fiesta (ex-showroom Delhi) Ambiente – Rs. 769,000 Trend – 855,720 Titanium – 929,449 On the outside the new Fiesta gets a completely new face which is dominated by Ford’s marquee trapezoidal front grille and now looks more premium as compared to the previous which looked sporty and had a less premium appeal.

The design of the in-car entertainment system is inspired by the logic of the modern mobile phone. Screens, controls and buttons are placed for optimal ergonomic positioning and ease of use.

The sedan will be available in six colour options including two absolutely new ones – Golden Bronze and Smoke Grey.

Ford’s globally renowned in-car technology – SYNC®, that was first introduced in India with the EcoSport, has been upgraded to SYNC® with Ford AppLinkTM in the new 2014 Fiesta. This segment-first technology offers unparalleled voice control over smartphone applications to owners, thereby ensuring a safer way to access content, entertainment and information on-thego. The premium sedan will also offer Emergency Assistance (EA) via SYNC®.

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he Inazuma was launched in January and the steep price meant only a few takers. After receiving feedback from dealers the company has planned to cut the price by a good 1 lakh.

The customers who bought the paying the premium will be reimbursed Rs. 1 lakh a news to rejoice about as no company have so far replayed the customers who paid a premium to own the vehicle when it was just launched and later prices were reduced.

The Inazuma means the Lightning that strikes in a thunderstorm is powered by a 250cc parallel-twin engine which develops 25Ps of max power and the engine is mated to a 6 speed gear box. The bike now seems more competent in the 250cc class which has models like the Honda CBR 250, Hyosung GT 250R, GT 250N, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the soon to be launched Yamaha R25.

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o develop deeper and meaningful connections with customers that go beyond the motorcycle, HarleyDavidson India is bringing Harley owners closer together through the launch of a new H-D India smart phone application.

With World Ride 2014 just around the corner the application provides the perfect platform for Harley-Davidson owners to create and share content around their rides.The application will give HarleyDavidson owners the ability to create, share and plan rides, stay connected with their H.O.G. Chapters, follow events, share experiences, receive up to date information about their motorcycle, access road side assistance and information on new products from the company.