issue No 46 by Goa Streets

Nightlife Convention • pg 3

Belly Dance Saturday • pg 5

Micro-Brewery Arrives • pg 9

B& B

Revolution

Goa and Internet Home Stays Safe and Female pg 19

7-Minute Workout pg 22

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Celebrating the Glitter… T

ime is short, get your tickets now for 2 fabulous evenings of glamour and glitter amongst the who’s who of the nightlife and hospitality industry at the Nightlife Convention, October 4th-6th at Resort Rio, powered by My Purple Martini, India’s first and only social networking nightlife and lifestyle portal. Goa Streets is the local media parter! This is a first-of-its-kind gathering bringing together the best in the industry from India and abroad. The festivities will include the Nightlife Awards, fashion shows, exhibitions, conferences, wine & cheese tastings, after parties, panel discussions and pool parties. This is a not-to-be missed event!

Ticket prices: For one day Rs . 6,500 + Taxes Two days: Rs 10,000+ taxes At a 10% discount for booking through goa streets. For ticket bookings please call us at + 91 777 392 7150 or email us at streets@goastreets.com We can deliver the tickects to you or you can pick them up at our office on chogm road, sangolda (near union bank) Exhibition spaces also still available. Book through goa streets!

streetspicks

Driving women crazy are DJs Nix & Crodin Spicing Up the scene with The new international wine & global Cuisine menu. Unlimited Premium Alcohol, music- madness style. Club entry for couples only. Dress code: Stylish Best! Every Wednesday. At Ianos, Calangute @ 8 pm onwards +91 8888662244

Groove to the mixes of DJs Cris, Rosh, Milad, Xavier and Melroy Couple - 1000/- stag - 1500. At F Cube, Calangute Every Saturday Exclusively @ 9 pm – 3 am +91 832 2275796/9822176572

music & nightlife | 03 The Nightlife Convention

Every Monday

Every Friday

Electronic Dance Music

Retro House

At The UV Bar, Anjuna @ 4 pm to 10 pm +91 9822153440

Karaoke Night

music & nightlife | 05 Belly Dance Saturday

Manic Mondays with Saby At The Backyard, Sangolda +91 9823593872

Every Wednesday Karaoke Night

At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 2267300

lowdown | 6

Cosmopolitan Ladies Night

Free Absolut Cosmopolitan cocktails all night long exclusively shaken & stirred for the fairer sex. Ladies Night, the Butter way. At Butter, Patto, Panjim @ 8 pm onward +91 8308838888

food & drink | 07 A Special Breed of Beer

Wednesday Nights

photo gallery | 10

Catch the band Rhythm and Blues play live music every Wednesday. At Cavala Beach Resort, Calangute @ 8:30 pm onward +91 8390055518

Snake Catcher

Wednesday Nights

homes & more | 11

DJs David & Ashley have entertained hordes of people with their gigs. Now, they join hands to double the fun. Wednesday. The fun begins early at Kamaki. At Kamaki, Baga @ 7:30 pm onward +918322276520/ 9923093408

Saving Old Houses

cover story | 12

Driving women crazy

B & B Revolution

arts & entertainment | 15 Publishing Next ‘13

With DJ Nix & DJ Crodin Unlimited Premium Alcohol, music madness style Dress code: Stylish Best! At Ianos, Calangute @ 8 pm onwards +91 8888662244

Ladies Night

what’s on | 17 feature | 19 hot streets | 20

Protecting Women

give back | 21 El Shaddai

Funky, commercial house, R & B, Hiphop tunes with DJs Rinton & Mr.E. open bar with free drinks for the ladies. Dress code: Smart & Sexy At SinQ beach club, opp. Taj holiday villege, Candolim @ 10 pm onwards +91 8308000080

Every Thursday Lavina’s Special Thursdays

Catch Lavina croon to some of the best pop hits and rock numbers followed by a jam session and Open Mic Time. At Down The Road, Panjim @ 10 pm – 12 am +91 9637808867

Thursday Grill & Games

mind, body & soul | 22 7-Minute Workout

Music, games & barbeque! At Soul Souffle, Verna @ 7 pm – 10 pm +91 832 2782100/9764694321

Live Rhythm n Blues At the park, Calangute @ 8 pm onwards

Catch”the Valentinos”

Live featuring Elvis on lead guitar & keyboard with the best of slow rock/ retro & old school At Down the Road, Panjim @ 9 pm onwards +91 9823173757

Every Saturday Sizzling Saturday

At The Backyard, Sangolda +91 9823593872

Sexy Saturday

Dj Joel, Dj rinton, & mr.E At sinQ, Candolim @ 10 pm to 4 am +91 8308000080

Funky Saturdays

A lot of youngsters can be seen hanging out at Butter for its Funky Saturdays where everything – from the music to the dress code and even guests’ hairstyles – have to be funky. At Butter, Gera Emporium, EDC Patto Plazza, Panjim @ 8 pm onward +91 8308838888

Hindi Karaoke Live

At Appetite Classic, Housing Board, Mapusa @ 7.30 pm to 11 pm +91 9823107114

Exclusive Saturday

Groove to the mixes of DJs Cris, Rosh, Milad, Xavier and Melroy. At F Cube, Calangute @ 9 pm – 3 am +91 832 2275796/9822176572

Every Sunday Bikini brunch

A lazy brunch by the pool, with live music. Price at 750/At the park, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm +91 832 2267600/ +91 8805028194 Sunday Fun With Regan Music and vocals by Regan. Sway late into the night with an eclectic mix of numbers courtesy the in-house artist. At Wok & Roll, Sinquerim, Candolim @ 8 pm onward +91 9049022348

Every Saturday & Sunday Karaoke Night

At Whispering Palm Beach resort, Candolim @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 6651515

Every Wednesday and Saturday Karaoke Night

With Bony At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 2267300

Every Friday & Saturday Monsoon Madness

Embrace the monsoons with Goa’s hottest bands!! Go retro in the rain. The Music Company, live, Raw, Retro Music. At Rewind, Arpora @ 6 pm +91 8007112200

On-going Club Ianos

Mondays and Tuesdays are for commercial club and house music. At Calangute, Baga rd @ 8.30 pm to 3 am +91 832 6528283

Raissa’s Sheesh

Mahal Lounge

Delicious food and lovely music At Margao @ 10 am to 11.45 pm +91 832 2712899

One man live band Show

By Wili Guitarist At Whispering Palm Beach resort, Candolim @ 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +91 832 6651515

Zuperb

Sing and swing with Nelly to jazz, retro & the season’s popular tracks on ‘Zuperb Tuesdays’. On Friday nights, the vibrant duo of Jonathan and Nashvin gets guests into the weekend mode with the ‘Music Fever’ theme. Gauravaddo, Holiday Street, Calangute @12 pm – 12 am +91 9869076107/9820134503/ 9833156510

Cafe la Musica lounge & Disco

Events performed by professional International artists on a daily basis. DJ’s are Raz& Mike. At Red Square lane, lane parallel to Titos lane, Baga @ 8 pm onwards +91 7798932264

LPK Waterfront

LPK Water Front is surrounded by two natural lakes & a lovely, serene river and so the Super club rests in the pristine lap of nature. Here, the land is covered by a blanket of breath taking marvels and wonders, along with carved faces in red mud. At Nerul @ 9.30 pm +91 9096939351/ +91 9326733292

Belly Dance

Saturday at Ianos By Goa Streets

Ianos and Goa Streets Bring WorldClass Belly Dance Show To Goa

n case you’ve been sleeping since 1993, Chechoslovakia is no longer a country. Yet for a single night in Goa last weekend, it came together again – in the form of a world-class belly dancing performance by Daila, from the Czech Republic, and Miya Sabah from, you guessed it, Slovakia. (Wake up! They’re two countries now!) The two dancers wowed a large crowd at Ianos, along the Calangute-Baga road, ending their performance with a fusion presentation featuring, of all things, the lavani, the ribald Maharashtrian dance. The event was a joint production by Ianos and Goa Streets! The two award-winning dancers put on a truly breathtaking show. It’s no exaggeration to say Daila is one of the top belly dancers in the world. She has repeatedly won both Czech and global belly dancing competitions, in addition to being crowned crowned Miss Belly Dance of the Czech Republic and European Belly Dancer of the Year. She mesmerized the Saturday night audience at Ianos with moves that we were not aware were even possible in the human form! Imagine

Onshore

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Chances Casino

At Vainguinim Valley Resorts +918322456683/4/5/6 Email: sales@chancescasinoresort.com

Gold finger Casino

At Vainguinim beach, Dona Paula +918322454545

Casinos Treasures

At Majorda beach resort, Majorda +918322881111

Casino Paradise

At Neo Majestic, Porvorim +918326710101

hips that move as fast as the palms of a Moroccan drummer. She gyrated her bottom and shoulders, rolled her head and flowing dark hair, pirouetted and jumped, her costume shimmering in the club’s lights. If Daila was a sight to behold, Miya Sabah, who came on next, also left the audience begging for more. Miya is an extremely accomplished belly dancer in her own right, having won many European and international competitions, including the Liptov Oriental Festival. She’s also a leading fashion model. “This is the first time I’m watching a belly dance show,” said Sasha, a fashion designer from Panjim, who was clearly impressed. The crowd was well into the

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Offshore Casino Carnival Entry Rs.1500/ Enjoy free unlimited snacks, Veg & Non-veg Buffet-dinner, alchoholic & nonalcholic beverages and loads of live entertainment. At Panaji, Goa. Open 24 Hrs. +918888807256

Deltin Royale Deltin Royale, India’s premier casino & entertainment destination, and anchored in the Mandovi, creates an ambience that is at par with gaming destinations worldwide, with international games such as poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette, and serviced by dealers trained to the highest global standards. A family destination, it also has a kids’ room where trained staff look after the little ones. Open 24x7. Entry: Rs 1,500 per person on weekdays (Mon-Thu) and Rs 2,000 on weekends (Fri-Sun). Boarding Point: Fisheries Department Building (6 pm-6 am only), Opposite Mandovi Hotel, D. BandodkarMarg, Panaji; and Noah’s Ark Jetty, D. BandodkarMarg, Panaji 0832 6519471, 0832 6519472.

Photographs by Ananda Krishna

Thursday, September 26, 2013

6 The Lowdown

The Lowdown

If you were to travel abroad, would you prefer to stay in a hotel or a private home? Growing numbers of people are choosing the latter – a phenomenon fuelled by websites bringing together hosts and guests from around the world. As our cover story this week reveals, this trend is catching on in Goa in a big way, with the growing popularity of sites like airbnb.com and couchsurfing.org in the state. Sometimes it’s a great way to make some extra cash by renting out a spare room to a visitor from a faraway land. Other times, especially in the case of couchsurfing.org, it’s not about money but about getting to know other cultures and embracing interesting people and experiences. We really hope you enjoy our coverage of the Bed & Breakfast Revolution in Goa! Last weekend Goa Streets, together with Club Ianos in Baga, arranged for two of the best belly dancers in the world to come to Goa and perform for a highly appreciative crowd at Ianos. Read our coverage of this event in this issue of Goa Streets.

From page 5 hundreds at Ianos, which is fast emerging as one of the hipper nightclubs in Goa. While their fist set was a pure belly dance, the second set was clearly influenced by Bollywood dance moves, while the third set was a Lavani fusion dance. In between we squeezed into the belly dancers’ dressing room for a quick chat. With their exotic costumes glittering in the lights, they spoke about their lives and their work, and they turned out to be refreshingly warm and candid. Each is based in her home country and does a lot of international travel for shows, including a long stint now in India. Though last Saturday night’s performance was their first in Goa, Miya has been here on holiday before. “I started dancing ten years ago,” she said. That was back in Slovakia. Falling in love with belly dancing, she aspired to become a professional dancer and, travelling to different countries in the world, learnt different dance steps and techniques from “the best teachers all over the world.” What does belly dancing mean to her, we ask. “It’s a very nice dance form, very theatrical, very folkloric, with a lot of feminine energy,” says Miya. She agrees that it’s a very sexy dance form, but says it cannot be equated with strip-tease. “There’s no removing of clothes,” she points out, smiling. Daila echoed similar sentiments. Talking about their performance she says, “This is more like a show. As you can see we are wearing these lovely costumes.” One of the reasons they’ve stayed in India, besides performing at numerous shows, is to learn about different dance forms on the sub-continent. “I love Bollywood,” says Daila, while Miya nods her head in agreement. Besides which they say they also are fascinated

by traditional Indian dance forms like bharata natyam, and more particularly the ribald dance forms like the lavani, which would seem to be a distant cousin of belly dancing. Although belly dancing is said to be West Asian in origin, it has today spread all over the world, incorporating dance moves from salsa to Bollywod to lavani. But it has a long history, with ancient Greek and Roman sources describing dancers from Asia Minor and Spain using undulating movements, playing castanets and sinking to the floor with “quivering thighs”, which is what Daila did at the end of each of her three sets. It is a solo dance form which is sometimes also called Oriental dance, Egyptian dance, Arabic dance, etc. According to experts, there are two forms of belly dance, the social dance and the performance dance. As a social dance, belly dance is performed at celebrations and social gatherings by ordinary people who are not professional performers. Dancers wear their ordinary clothes rather than a special dance costume. Dances that could be described as belly dance are performed by men and women of all ages in Egypt, often including young children. In more conservative or traditional societies, social occasions are often gender segregated, with separate parties for men and women, each of which dance. The version of belly dance that is performed on stage has its roots in the social dance, and is typically a more polished version of it, with more emphasis on stagecraft and use of space, and special costumes designed to show off the movements to best effect. Which is what Miya Sabah and Daila did at Club Ionos last Saturday night. They may be coming back again soon, so watch out for them – not to be missed.

We’d also like to draw our readers’ attention to the Nightlife Convention happening at Resort Rio in Arpora from Oct. 4th to 6th. The convention is being organized by www. MyPurpleMartini.com, India’s first social networking nightlife portal, and will feature an awards ceremony, fashion shows, wine & cheese tastings, pool parties and much more. Goa Streets is local media partner for this national and international event. If you’re interested in attending, ticket information is listed on Page 3. (Hint: You can buy them through us!) Please don’t miss our story on El Shaddai, a very special organisation catering to all the needs of Goa’s underprivileged children. And when you’re done reading the story, check out their website to learn about how you can donate your time, your energies and your money to this worthy cause. Also check out our piece asking the question: How safe are women in Goa? Rather than pontificate and offer dry statistics, we decided to try to answer the question by asking the women themselves. Their answers turned out to be quite instructive. On these pages, we’re featuring an interview with one woman who’s made some very important contributions to the cause of preserving the architecture of Goa. Our talk with Poonam Verma Mascarenhas uncovered some highly compelling information not just about architectural preservation, but exactly what goes into making it happen, such as the pressure restorers feel after opening a roof and knowing all work must be finished before the monsoons set in. If you’re a beer lover, you won’t want to miss our story on HouseBrew, a machine hitting the Goa market that will enable local establishments to become microbreweries, offering very special beer to the people of Goa. And then of course there’s our story on the 7-minute workout. Just read it. We promise. You’ll like it! Happy reading! The Goa Streets Team

Thursday, September 26, 2013

streetspicks

Celebrate the Spirit of Oktoberfest 2013 Enjoy the world-famous Oktoberfest in true style at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. Unravel the weekend with unlimited barrels of beer, select wines, German pretzels and wursts at the Tent at Village Square, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. Feast on traditional German delights such as Chicken Schnitzel; Kroketten - German style potato croquettes; assorted German style sausages - Frankfurters, Weisswurst, Bockwurst, Knackwurst, Bratwurst; Sauerkraut - sour cabbage and German style cream spinach to name a few. To conclude the meals choose from decadent desserts like autumn fruit strudel; German black forest cake and stolen bread. With live entertainment by Ahley’s Music Oasis Band we assure you an unforgettable evening. At Park Hyatt Goa Resort and spa On September 28 @ 7 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2721234

Champagne Sunday Brunch Enjoy brunch at the Grand Hyatt with French champagne & food from five interactive & live stations dishing out Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian cuisine & desserts. @ 1 pm to 4 pm brunch at the dinning room 5 pm to 7 pm sundowners at pool bar & grill Rs.2,500 plus taxes for champage brunch with live music Rs 750 plus taxes for unlimited margarita sundowners Every Sunday At Grand Hyatt, Bambolim Beach +91 832 3011234

Panjim Inn Verandah Restaurant cosily located on the first floor of the WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn. They serve a mix of Goan, Indian and Continental cusine, including alcohol.

Time 11am-12 midniht non stop food service, open everyday. Home delivery: 0832-2411959 & 9764159686 Caterin Service Contact: Mr. Roland Rodrigues @ 9890422440

Sitting across marble topped tables, this is a fine spot overlooking the busy Latin Quarter street junction. Sipping in- house feni and digging into a good Goan meal, one can take in the local sounds and smells with the comforts of home. Depending on the chef’s workload, guests are welcome to try their hand in the kitchen. At 31st January Road, Panjim +91 832 2435628

A Special Breed of Beer The worldwide microbrewery craze arrives in Goa By Goa Streets

he buzzword amongst beer connoisseurs is microbrewery fresh beer on tap! What’s more, it’s sans preservatives so it can delay hangovers by at least a couple of mugs. Distributed in many countries across the world, it’s currently only available in four Indian states -Maharashtra, West Bengal, Haryana and Kerala. Happily, the trend has reached our Goan shores and is sure to be a hit with the Hoegaarden and Guiness-swilling crowds. HouseBrew, an amazing beer machine brought to us here in Goa by Abhijit Brewtech Pvt Ltd and the Global Beer Company, is now available in our state – and it looks like there’s no turning back. The beer is easypeasy to make; just plug in the machine, add H20 and brewers yeast to the preprocessed beer mix et viola - frothy chilled beer in approximately one week. And it’s not just any beer. This stuff is good. Very good. The concept, developed in California in 1985, is being marketed by the Global Beer Company, which provides exceptional support to operators

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Amit Adatia

8 Food & Drink Sept 1 to Sept 29

The Brew Meister and his support team

Unlimited Sunday Treat

@ 11 am to 3.30 pm At Global Shore Restaurant, Porvorim +91 832 3267033/ +91 832 2414125

On till sept 30 Sizzler Fest

Offering a choice of juicy chicken, prawns, fish, paneer, veg kebabs & Cajun mushroom steaks At Blue Monkey Restro Lounge Bar, Porvorim @ 1 pm to 11 pm +91 832 2411028/ +91 7507061910

Every Sunday Sunday Family Brunches

Rejuvenating cocktails, soul warming gourmet cuisine from around the world, activities to keep the kids entertained. At Latitude, Vivanta by Taj, Panjim @ 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm +91 832 6633636

Bikini Brunch

Sunday BBQ Brunch at Rs 950 with unlimited alcohol. Enjoy live Karaoke with Emmanuel. At The Park, Calangute @ 12.30 pm – 4:30 pm +91 832 2267600/8805028194

Baga, Calangute & Around Caravela

This Multi Cuisine Restaurant is on the lawns of the Goan Heritage. Sit facing the poolside as you try some of the cocktails prepared at their bar. At Hotel Goan Heritage, Calangute @ Noon to 2.30 pm & 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2276761/64

Curry Leaf

It’s a Multi cuisine restaurant which is specialising in Chinese, European, Goan and north Indian cuisine. At Hotel Calangute towers, Calangute +91 832 6636000

Danny’s Grill

A multi cuisine restaurant which specialises in European, Goan, Mughlai and Oriental food. They have a varied selection of dishes like Tandoori kebabs-both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. At Hotel riverside, Baga-calangute @ 7.30 am to 11 pm +91 9767591368

Fish Tales

Specialising in Seafood, a different masala used in every fish preparation. At The Glitz, Calangute @ 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm & 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm +918322281800

Infantaria

With a selection of Goan-style pastries, cakes, Chinese and even some killer Mughlai, besides Continental dishes like pastas. There’s music, big TVs, an upstairs area with pool tables. Maybe it’s the open-air vibe which gives the place its charm. Infantaria, At Baga road, next to Calangute Association, Calangute. @ 7.30 am to midnight +91 832 3291290/ +91 9922202526

Flame

It’s a Multi- Cuisine Restaurant, rustic Indian flavours of the north from the regions of Punjab, Hyderabad and even Goa. At Double tree by Hilton, Arpora, Baga @ 7 am to 11 pm +9183266556672

Golden Eye

This family run restaurant serves the choicest Goan delicacies. Prawns amto, chicken in green curry with baby potatoes, and other seafood specialities. At Holiday Streets, Calangute @9 am to 3.30 pm & 6.30 pm to midnight +91 832 2277309

Jamie’s Baga

The Menu is a mix of ecletic world cuisine ranging from specialty barbecue to carefully designed plated main courses. it also has an extensive imported wine list, which is very well prised. At Sauntawaddo, Baga @ 6 pm to 11 pm +91 9764362379

Eat Street

Specialising in multi-cuisine, it’s a place to dine, drink and dance the night away. At Hotel Calangute Towers @ 24 hrs a day +918326636000

Anjuna & Around Guru Bar

It’s a multi cuisine restaurant specialising in Chinese, European, Goan, Indian and Italian At praisevaddo, Anjuna @ 7.30 am to midnight +91 832 2273319

J & A’s Little Italy

The Owners have fine tuned the authenticity of Italian cuisine. For starters try the carpaccio.which prepared with fish and also the veal, venison, tuna etc. At Arpora-Baga creek Road, Arpora @ 7 pm to midnight +91 9823139488

Jalsa

Specialising in Indian cuisine @ 12.30 pm to 3 pm, 7.30 pm to 11 pm At Resort Rio, Arpora +91 832 2267300

Cotinga at the Tamarind

The restaurant has a multi-cuisine menu, including Italian, Chinese and Indian dishes, seafood, meats and signature pastas and pizzas. At Opp. St.Micheal Church, Anjuna +91 9810804063

Artjuna

Set in an Old Portuguese house surrounded by a beautiful garden, the café serves up chilled café au lait, milkshakes, sandwiches, juices &baked goodies, homemade dips, iced lattes, blended coffees &more! At Monteiro Waddo, Anjuna @ 9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2274794

Cantare

Cantare is perhaps Saligao’s best kept secret. This traditional mansion turned lounge offers a good selection of food & wines and a warm ambience. At Cruzwado, Saligao +91 832 2409461

Mamma Mia

Italian cuisine with a blend of imported Italian ingredients & local organic produce with a nice view of paddy fields and coconut trees of Baga’s backwaters. At Resort Rio, Arpora @ 12:30 pm – 10:30 pm +91 832 2267300

Curlies

The restaurant serves you everything from charcoal fired oven pizzas/bakes to the best of Indian, Chinese & continental dishes, plus fresh seafood (Anjunastyle), with wine & beer. At Anjuna Beach @ 9 am – 2 am +91 9822168628

Candolim L’Orange

Tucked away in a cosy corner in Candolim, L’Orange also doubles up as an art gallery. It’s open through the year & features a Multicuisine menu with homemade Goan delicacies, seafood & pastas. At Next to Magnum Resort, Candolim Main Road, Candolim @ 12 pm – 3 pm & 6 pm – 1 am +91 9970173606

Wok & Roll

Serves yummy Japanese, Thai and pan-Asian cuisine. Restaurant recommendations include Honey Glazed Pot Roast, Pork Ribs, Thai Garlic Peppered Prawns and Deep-fried Prawns Tossed in Garlic. At Sinquerim, Candolim @ 1 pm – 3 pm & 7 pm – 11 pm +91 9049022348

O’Asia

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

House of Lloyds

Serves continental and goan cuisine. The restaurant recommends: 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

Chilihip

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

Flambée

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

Café Chocolatti

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

Stone House

The restaurant started in 1989 by Christopher Dsouza serves multi cuisine. Christopher recommends: Seafood salad, tzaziki with papadam, Swedish lobster, and chicken stroganoff At Souzawaddo, Candolim @ 10 am to 12 pm +91 9890392347

Food & Drink 9

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Susse Cafe

A fine-dining restaurant specialising in European and fusion cuisine. Restaurant offers seafood dishes prepared in fusion and Goan styles. At Candolim @ 12.30 pm +91 9011379804/ +91 9822089818

Cuckoo Zen Garden

Serves a wide variety of healthy food, as well as tasty herbal drinks. The Cuckoo Zen Garden opens from the beginning of November to the end of March. At Candolim @ 7 pm to 11 pm +91 9881773524

Panjim & Around Maracas Garden Bar

Maracas is a tapas bar in porvorim with both indoor AC seating and a beautiful outdoor garden area with a water-body and wooden deck. At Opp. O’Coqueiro Restaurent, Porvorim @ 11.30 am to 12 am +91 8805586728

Terry’s Restaurant

if you’re looking for a riverside restaurant with scenic views and music, Terry’s should be a good bet. The menu offers a range of cuisines including Goan. At behind Betim Petrol Pump, Betim @ 10 am to 12 am +91 832 2411961/ +91 9823028448

Viva Panjim

Located in an old heritage house in the bylanes of fountainhas; Linda and Michael de Souza’s Home and their restaurant Viva Panjim. At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 11 am to 3.30 pm & 7 pm to 11.30 pm +91 832 2422405/ +91 9850471363

Coffee Cove

A wide range of espresso and specialty hot or ice blended beverages with our freshly ground beans. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and sample our American style treats - baked fresh daily! At opposite Bata Shoes, above rooster, 2nd floor, Porvorim @ 10 am to 11 pm Sunday Closed +91 832 6528222

AZ.U.R

Catch up with friends or colleagues at India’s first transition lounge with a variety of bites and drinks. At Goa Marriott Resort & Spa, Miramar @ 8 are – 1 am +91 832 2463333

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 – 7 pm +91 9011662233

Chilli ‘n’ Spice

A carnival of fusion cuisine, a bar to enlighten your spirits, this multicuisine restaurant serves up exotic traditional fare, with a focus on Oriental cuisine. At Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim @ 7 pm – 2 am +91 832 2226291

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

Courtyard

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

Margao & Around Boat Quay Grill

Boat Quay Grill serves tropical cuisine in a romantic setting. Favourites on the menu include Grilled Tiger Prawns & Beer Battered Fried Fish. At Royal Orchid Beach Resort, Uttorda @ 7 pm – 12 am +91 8805013553

Café Mardi gras

A 24hour café serving seafood, Goan & North Indian cuisine, coffee & snacks. Panfried Pomfret Recheado, Chicken Xacutti, Pork Vindaloo and Goan Fish Curry are some of the popular offerings. At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ Allday +91 832 2871303

Fig & Olive

Offers specialties from Morocco, Spain, Italy, Lebanon & Greece. The menu boasts tapas, fresh salads & seafood, paella & pasta, wood oven pizzas and homemade desserts. At Holiday Inn Resort, Cavelossim @ 9 am – 11 pm +918322871303

Firefly Goan Bistro Bar

Firefly features classics which are prepared like they should be, with a touch of artistic flair. At Ground Floor, Vasvaddo, Benaulim Beach Road, Benaulim +91 9822123535

Mog Café

A pastry shop with some innovative décor! Choose from a selection of cheesecake pops, cupcakes, crispy chocolates &lemon pie shots. Also offers ‘designer’ cakes, desserts and chocolates At Shop #3 & 4, Colaco Residency, Off Abade Sariya Road, Comba, Margao +91 8380078252/9892588252

Canacona Café Inn

They serve some superb internationalstyle mini-meals and snacks, sandwiches, smoothes, wraps, salads, etc, which can be had at any time of the day. Take, for instance, their Banana Pancakes, which are flat, round cakes made with flour and bananas and drizzled with honey. It’s an old hippie favourite. Besides, they offer all kinds of herbal and healthy salads, juices, milk shakes, and some superb coffees. @ 8am to 10pm At near Wavelet Beach Resort, Palolem, Canacona

Casa Fiesta

Casa Fiesta is a good place to sample some choice Mexican specialties.The menu is comprehensive, with Tacos, Enchiladas, Burritos, Fajitas and other Mexican dishes. @ 8.30 am to 11 pm At Palolem Beach Road, Goa, +91 9823928548

From page 7 thanks to their 100-year expertise. The newkid-on-the block, aptly named HouseBrew, can make upto five hundred litres per week in a brew cycle of five to seven days. This stateof-the-art, ecofriendly system is specifically targetted at pubs and restaurants, which can have an edge over the competition by creating their own brand of beer and giving customers a unique experience. Restauranteurs also have the advantage of putting on special promotions revolving around their own manufactured beer _ eg Oktoberfest. The machines sell for Rs 35 lakh. HouseBrew is user friendly, takes up little room and requires minimal after-care, thus eliminating labour, space, storage and energy costs. This latest product in the Indian F&B space is likely to revolutionize the bar & restaurant business by simplifying the beer-making process and opening a new universe for beer lovers. Amit Adatia, who funnily enough ranks whisky as his favorite tipple, is one of the

key players behind the project here in India. He stumbled upon the HouseBrew website and he decided to place his bets by purchasing some machines. Having used his wide circle of friends as guinea pigs and having gotten a positive response, he now plans to strut his stuff at the upcoming Upper Crust food & drink expo in Mumbai. One of the other main attractions of HouseBrew is that one can customise beers by combining mixes of an international quality, which come from BrewMeister places like Belgium, Holland and Germany, to name a few. For example, three parts English porter to one part honey beer equals honey porter. Other combinations include Vienna, Pilsner Light, Golden Lager, Irish Stout and Canadian Dark Ale. Craft beers are now being touted as more delicious than factory made stuff, plus they’re organic and have a smaller carbon footprint. An added advantage is that it hasn’t been watered down to suit the lowest common denominator. Also, fresh beer retains its original taste right upto the time it’s poured into a glass, as compared with cans and bottles, which tend to lose their character for a host of reasons like varying temperatures and transportation delays. To date, microbreweries are already operational in Gurgaon (Howzatt) and Pune (Doolally). According to a recent report, India is the world’s largest consumer of beer. And with beer consumption expected to multiply five times over the next five years, this unique technology is sure to hit the right spot. A 100-crore project involving Germany’s Lowenbrau is also in the pipeline to construct two beer gardens in Gurgaon; one in the open-air and the other inside a mall. Chin Chin 

10 Photo Gallery Snake Rescue Operation John Fernandes works at the Internation Animal Rescue. Here he shows the Goa Streets team how to handle the snakes.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

One Woman’s Quest for Conservation Perin: What do you think of the status of architectural preservation in Goa? Poonam: In late 1990’s, while minding the exhibition on ‘Houses of Goa’ (Architect Gerard Da Cunhas’ initiative and the team’s labour of love), I remember people being astounded to witness the art in architecture that the panels put forth! It created a buzz and for the first time I think people found eyes to appreciate what they had inherited! Soon after, when a builder had approached a family owned house in Campal to make the deal and buy it off, we knew that we had to congregate a counter force and went about forming the citizens forum Goa Heritage Action Group. Today, we have conservation zones in the city and all living in those know that they have a responsibility towards its upkeep ... While it is disheartening to see many of the old houses in Taleigao, Caranzalem and Panjim replaced by sprawling apartment blocks that are not always aesthetic or climate responsive, it is also a fact that many of the large houses in many of the villages are changing hands and new owners are investing in these sentinels for their special quality of spaces and environmental sensibility. May their tribe grow. Perin: What are the challenges of renovating houses in Goa? Poonam: The window of sitework is rather short because of long

You’d be hard pressed to find a more passionate proponent of architectural preservation than Poonam Verma Mascarenhas. An architect and a post-graduate from University of York, U.K. in Conservation of Buildings, she has over two decades of experience in building with alternative technologies and preserving old structures – including homes and palaces in Goa and many other places in India. Her Goa-based firm Archinova is currently designing 50 housing units in Bangalore featuring pioneering methods for energy efficiency. She is the co-founding member of Goa Heritage Action Group, and is a member of Goa Bachao Abhiyan, which is a citizen’s pressure group working towards equitable planning. Journalist Perin Ilavia recently caught up with Poonam, who graciously shared her thoughts on architecture and the challenges and joys of preserving cherished buildings in our beloved state. monsoons. Once we open the roof, it must be finished before the monsoons set in. Which means that all work must be done with tremendous amount of planning... With a good contractor in place, it is a joy to breathe new life into an old house. However, too often only small time contractors are ready to take up work as the time taken tends to be longer while the cost of total works may not be that large. The lack of man power, qualified and professional, is a bane in Goa. The cost of construction is rather high in comparison to the rest of India, based on this factor as well as marked up cost of materials. A lot of time goes in supervising the works as the intervention must be done with sensitivity and patience. And of course only when we start the work does the true picture come forth. So one may find a wall seemingly looking strong and sturdy – to be just

a pile of mud lumps beneath the lime plaster as white ants can make their homes in them. Something like that can throw an entire budget and time schedule out of gear. Perin: Why did you decide to get into restoration? Poonam: The first 10 years of my professional life saw me learning and building with Earth and other ecologically sound materials ... I (became) acutely aware that the traditionally built buildings are more than just ‘old buildings’ with sentimental value. I saw them as a three-dimensional synthesis of an understanding of ‘building with nature”. The traditional buildings … of India respond to the region’s climate and personify the culture and exemplify locally available materials and the creative evolution of the regions’ builders. The fact that I found many

buildings lasting for 600 to 700 years was enough for me to thirst for gaining the tools that will make me understand these documents of the past enough to help extend their life further ... I also came across many beautifully built buildings lying vacant and then dying a slow death. That hurt my ecologicalsensibilities. Why build more and more and not make good use of the existing? Thanks to the Charles Wallace Trust and Intach U.K that my aspiration was met with and the field continues to engage me and inform me and I learn perpetually from across the globe. Perin: What was the condition of some of the houses you have restored? Poonam: Pictures speak a thousand words. Generally, bad roofs, rising damp, seepage, peeled plasters, old planning unfit for contemporary living, mud floors, no services, no security, improper ventilation due to bad interventions, not enough light inside certain areas of the house, etc. Perin: Do the owners give inputs, or leave it to you to decide what has to be done? Poonam: The first step is to carry out the as-built survey of the house and make a detailed inventory of the issues. The second is to have the design brief from the owners to ascertain their requirements. Then our job is to bring the two together. If there is a clash between the aspiration of the client and the capacity of the house, the house wins as we know that certain lifestyles can easily be adjusted while respecting an old-built fabric. It is a fine balance indeed. A real good project is a team work and the ‘sensitive’ owners are a big factor in the success. Perin: Does it cost more to renovate or build new? Poonam: If one is able to work out design with sensitivity to the existing keeping the interventions effective - one will have a renovated property which will be less in cost than if the same was built new. Yes, renovation can take longer than building new. Perin: Can original techniques be used in renovation? Poonam: Indeed best restoration is with original techniques. But some may not be available as some of the traditional techniques are dying out. Then one has to find a solution within the available palette.

12 Cover Story

Your Place or Mine?! Goa, the Internet and the Explosion of Home Stays

By Bina Datwani

I’m leaving on a jet plane... Just can’t wait to get on the road again… We’re all going on a summer holiday... Homeward bound

nippets of these songs flit through your mind as you happily ponder the next vacation spot. But it’s Simon & Garfunkel’s Homeward Bound that really hits the spot. What if you want to get on that jet plane but stay somewhere that feels like home? What if you’re not in the mood to share a pool, traverse a crowded lobby or stand in queue at a buffet line? Turns out, there’s a lot of people asking the same questions. Upon consulting the Google God, a search for homestays quickly throws up couchsurfing.org, airbnb.com and tripadvisor.com as some of the key international players in this arena. And guess what? Goa’s gotten into the act in a big way. This, at least in part, helps explain how the number of tourists visiting the state (some 2.8 million last year) far exceeds the number of available hotel rooms. Where are all the extra tourists staying? Possibly sleeping on your neighbour’s couch!

Photos, except for top photo on p13, were taken at the home of the Berrys, Airbnb hosts in Arpora

Cover Story 13

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Which brings me to couchsurfing. org. The site, which got its name from a song written in the 90’s, is at the bottom rung of the price ladder. Started in 2004, it’s unique in that one can simply crash on the sofa of a host.... Gratis! This has the benefit of providing an upfront and personal peek into the local culture, not to mention saving the moolah for more important pursuits like shopping. Members have the option of choosing their host, using parameters like age, gender and common interests. I learn that some folks repay this generosity by bringing a gift, sharing a skill or offering to cook a meal (the last is definitely not one of my many talents). Currently, it is the most popular free homestay website, registering over 5.5 million profiles, including 1,186 in Goa. The unusual thing about couchsurfing. org is that it’s not just an accommodation site. It’s also a community of sorts, for travellers and hosts who cherish its basic tenet: opening your home to a stranger, not for money or personal gain, but for the sheer joy of sharing and learning. Here’s a typical comment on the website, posted just a few hours before I penned this article: “Hi I am Nabin from Nepal travelling across India. I am currently in Calangute, Goa. Any CSers wanna catch up over a few drinks, give me a shout. Cheers.” Perhaps i should sign up as well as one can never have too many drinking buddies! Moving upwards on the fee scale, Airbnb.com, a user-friendly and well set-up service set up in 2008, is the brainchild of two San Francisco-based roommates, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia. In an effort to make ends meet, the two decided to rent out their living room space using airbeds and threw in quirky homemade breakfast cereals (eg., Obama’s Oats) as an incentive. The concept caught fire, perhaps not surprisingly given the economic crisis, so the partners decided the time was right to ignite the rest of the world. Today, it

Relaxing on a couch in Guirim home

has more than 250,000 listings in 30,000 cities and almost 200 countries. Their goal is to fulfil every vacationer’s dream, be it boats, castles, igloos, tree houses or even entire islands! Alas, these will have to remain fantasies for me. The way it works is anyone can register for free, plus owners can avail of the services of their professional photographer for taking pictures of the property, for which Airbnb picks up the tab. Once a booking is confirmed, a 3% service fee is levelled on hosts and between 6 to 12% for guests, depending on the length of stay. In addition, since landlords only get paid after the first twenty-four hours have elapsed, tenants have the right to claim a refund if misrepresentations occur. On the flip side of the coin, guest cancellations are generally non-refundable. Users can verify the credibility of its members via the secure messaging system; as an extra perk, hosts have the flexibility of altering their rental prices according to the season but are under no pressure to either accept or decline a booking. Also, an important and reassuring factor is that as per the Airbnb guidelines for host insurance in India, all guests are required to sign a general release of liability upon arrival. Approximately six Turn to page 14

14 Cover Story From page 13 hundred homeowners here in Goa have registered their spaces on the site, with prices ranging from Rs 800 for a modest room in Candolim to Rs 17,000 for a magnificent villa in Reis Magos. One local host near the Velsao beach has colour coordinated the rooms on offer and advertises these rentals as the green, blue or purple room. Another’s “lovenest”, situated close to Baga, is a self sufficient apartment that sleeps four. Judging by the reviews posted by guests, proximity to restaurants, transport rentals and of course the beach get extra merit. Also, it seems that hosts tend to double up as guides here, providing insider information on the best places to hang out. As a result, in many cases, the parties become good friends and even make plans to swap their roles, such as a Goan host being invited to stay at an Austrian guest’s home. It’s not all completely rosy, however. One host from Panjim, who asked not to be named, complained of the behaviour of some of her Indian guests, who try to cram large groups into a single room, haggle over already reasonable rates and sometimes try to bypass Airbnb by suggesting independent deals (something smart hosts will avoid given the protections offered by the site).

The dining with antique furniture

A completely equipped kitchen

“Burnt utensils, stained bed sheets, damaged gadgets and mud-stained towels are but a few of the issues i’ve had to deal with. These people don’t appreciate that the hosts have spent time and money in decorating these properties with taste and care and they should therefore be more considerate”. Nevertheless, her experience has been largely pleasant and profitable. “Airbnb has taken Goa by storm and suddenly tourists all over India are becoming aware of an alternate way to finding accommodation here during the tourist season,”. Starting with just one listing, she has upped it to three thanks to the site’s professional standards and of course, the number of bookings. “I think Indian tourists still need time to wrap their heads around this concept; foreigners, who are more familiar with the system, tend to be more respectful of your property”, she concludes. My travel savvy friend Harvey Koh, who rents out one of the bedrooms in his London flat, talks about the advantages he’s experienced on this website. “A lot of my guests are hosts themselves and thus, quite considerate and mindful. Also, Airbnb is very hands-on once a booking is confirmed; they send reminders about expected guests and provide helpful tips on how to deal with special requests”. At the end of my research, I find the early bird among the three (founded in 2000), Tripadvisor, which claims to be the most popular travel site worldwide, having 32 million members and 100 million reviews. Of course, Tripadvisor largely focuses on hotels, restaurants and local attractions, but there’s also a wide selection of homestays and BnBs (Bed & Breakfasts). The entries on Tripadvisor are ranked by popularity based on feedback posts. It relies primarily on

advertisers for generating revenue and not surprisingly, is thought to have replaced the Lonely Planet as the to-liveor-die-by guide . In our sussegado haven, I discover almost five hundred rentals falling into several lodging categories, such as beach, family, romantic, best value and so on. Unfortunately, despite the generally positive response, there have been some tragic incidents associated with these sites. A couchsurfer from Hong Kong was raped by her UK host in 2009; the accused is now serving a ten-year prison sentence. One Airbnb landlord had his home vandalised by a drug addict who also stole his birth certificate . Thankfully, this site has now installed a property protection program where owners can make a claim for damages incurred. These are the extreme cases, however, and most incidents are far less serious, such as the time the Bombay-based owners of a lovely Indo-Portuguese villa in Arpora, discovered that their Airbnb guests had taken off with all the toiletries in the bathrooms. “While I confess to the same guilty habit when staying in a hotel, there, the bottles are tiny whereas here, my home was stocked with giant sized expensive brands. How could any sensible person assume that these were up for grabs?” (The culprits have been duly chastised - ouch). My spirits are revived upon discovering that reviews are the bread and butter of most online travel services and help in building up or adversely affecting the reputation of those sites and its users. Translation: there is accountability. These sites are clearly helping to boost tourism and consequent earnings in destinations around the world, including Goa. Hoteliers need not worry necessarily. as the pie here in Goa seems to be big enough for all. The trend favouring personalized stays over the hotel experience is definitely growing. Yet it shouldn’t come as a surprise that not all tourists are enthusiastic about jumping onto this bandwagon, preferring instead the comforts of a hotel’s mollycuddling service. To put it candidly, I reckon room service will always have a fan following! 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

streetspicks

All Goa Singing Competition Quitula sports club, Aldona is organizing its annual traditional all goa singing competition at the club hall. The Competition will be held in three categories sub-juniors (up to 10 years of age), juniors (from 11 to 15 years), seniors (16 years and above). Entries will be limited to the first 40 participants only. AT Quitula sports club, Aldona On October 2 @ 4.30 pm +91 9922202167/ +91 9822980346

Ganesh Festival Photography Contest Goan Shutterbugs in association with Click Photography School is organizing a Photography Contest themed: GANESH – Capture the vibrant & colourful images of Ganesh Festival 2013.The competition is open to all Goans and any type of camera (Cell Phone included) may be used. There is no limit to the number of entries you can submit and these have to be posted on the Facebook contest page: https://www. facebook.com/GANESHFestivalPhotoContest 1st Prize: Rs. 5,000/- 2nd Prize: Rs. 3,000/- 3rd Prize: Rs. 2,000/+ 5 consolation prizes Till Sept 30 +91 9822151419

Cell phone Photography Competition Kala Academy in collaboration with the Photo journalists association of Goa has organized this competition titled, `Moods of festivity`, for all age groups. The photographs have to be taken on cell phones and should be emailed to pjag2007@ gmail.com or submitted on CDs to the academy. For further details log on to www.kalaacademygoa.org At Kala Academy, Panjim Till 7th Oct +91 832 2420453

Konkani Play Koddu Unlike its name that translates as ‘bitter’ in Konkani, this latest offering from John D’Silva will leave you in splits – but only if you know your Konkani. John is one of the top comedians of the Konkani stage and his tiatrs have been staged abroad as well. He is the first recipient of the Goa govenment’s ‘Yuva Srujan Puraskar’. Though funny, his comedies always drive home a strong message. At Pai Theatrist Hall, Margao On 30 September @ 3.30 pm +91 9850458678

Publishing Next ‘13 Charting the future of books

By Leonard Fernandez

f there was one word that could describe the voices that spoke at Publishing Next ’13, it would be divergent. Not necessarily antithetical or conflicting, but divergent. Divergent because they came from different regions of India, and indeed the world, published in different languages and different in how they saw the publishing world evolve around them. In its 3rd year now, Publishing Next, which took place Sept. 20-21 at Krishnadas Shama State Central Library, Panjim, has prided itself on being able to accommodate such divergent views. At the same time it has enabled the discussion of a wide range of topics and throw up a lot of questions that are at least deliberated upon if not answered satisfactorily. In his welcome address, Shri Vishnu Surya Wagh, poet, playwright and now MLA, commented that a book had a personality and, by extension, various facets that must be explored. In his keynote address, Prof A. R. Venkatachalapathy stated that printed books were not going anywhere anytime soon and that, in fact, their numbers had increased in India. He explained how the thirst for books had in fact increased and how it was cruel to suggest that books were on their way out. The view that books were in fact manifesting themselves differently to different people was a theme that was explored session after session. The first panel discussion on day 1 wondered if there was indeed such a thing as Indian content and what might be the nature of such content. In a diverse country like India, what could be called Indian? And how would one market it to someone nonIndian? Further, was there indeed a difference between Indian content and South Asian content or were they the same given the shared heritage between the peoples of this region? Publishing Next has always concentrated on Indian languages and this time was no different. In a sample of Indian

Turn to page 16

16 Arts&Entertainment Sept 28

October 1, 3 & 5

Hindi Day Celebrations

Studio 101, a fitness venue, is conducting a three-day Garba-Dandiya workshop. Learn traditional Garba and Raas dances with Princy Mehta. At Studio 101, Sai building, St.Inez, Panjim @ 5 pm to 6 pm +91 832 22221011/ +91 9922921533

Exhibition of Miniatures by

Galleries of Note

Olivia Fraser

@ 10 am to 7 pm (Sunday Closed) +91 832 2421311

Kerkar Art Gallery

The Kerkar Art Gallery exhibits installations and sculptures by local artists such as Subodh Kerkar and selected works by contemporary artists from all over India. At Gauravaddo, Calangute @ 10 am – 7 pm +91 832 2276017

Sept 9 to Oct 9 A violinist virtuoso, Rasa

Zukhaukaite

Is arriving from Germany and will be conducting workshops, classes and concerts in Goa, Bangalore, Mysore, Pune & Bombay. She has been invited by Art Chamber through the Consulate General of Germany in Mumbai. At Art Chamber, Calangute. artchamber@gmail.com. +91 9823217435

Akasha Art Gallery

This new art space in the heart of Margao is the brainchild of Sidharth Yaji and Radhakant Divkar. Near yogitas lifestyle store, Margao

Art Chamber

Galaria de Belas Artes General displays of Indian Art At Calangute @ 10 am to 1 pm & 4 pm to 8 pm +91 832 2277144 / +91 9823217435

Sept 18 to sept 30 Hosting Matoli, an exhibition

by Goa-based artists.

The display includes works by sailesh cabohalkar, adi vishal, nirupa naik, navso parvar, Shridhar Kamat bambolkar, noreen carniero, naguesh rao sardesia, anagha deshpande, harshada kerkar and shammiulla sayyed. At Harshada Art Gallery, Miramar @ 11 am

Sept 21 to Oct 14 An Exhibition: The Pepper

Cross

At Kerkar Art Gallery, Gauravaddo, Calangute @ 5 pm to 7.30 pm +91 832 2276017

Sept 27 to Sept 28 Cultural Talent Search

Competition

At Institute Menezes Braganza, Panjim @ 8.15 am onwards +91 832 2224143

October 7 to October 19 Concept of Drupad in Indian

Classical Music

Ustad Baha’ud-din Dagar, the visiting Professor in Indian Traditional Music from the Nana Shirgaokar Chair. The University’s visiting research professor programme held in collaboration with Department of Art and Culture, Goa Government. At Goa University, Dona Paula rudraveena@unigoa.ac.in www.unigoa.ac.in

Goa Public Library Year 2015

Garba-Dandiya Workshop

The institute, in collaboration with Gomantak Rashtrabhasha Vidhyapeeth Margao, is organizing its annual Hindi Day Celebrations. Eminent personalities such as Lata Golatkar, Ishrat Khan, Narayan Mahale etc., will be participating in the programme. At Institute Menezes, Panjim @ 9.30 am

Arte Douro Art

Gallery

9822147148

The gallery displays international prints and original works on canvas. At Porba Vaddo, Calangute @ 9 am to 9 pm +91 832 22882266/ +91

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem, the newly opened art and learning centre in Majorda, brings art lovers a selection of exhibitions and creative workshops & classes. At Majorda @ 10 am to 6 pm +91 8888862462

Fundacao Oriente Art Gallery Permanent exhibition of paintings by António Xavier Trindade (1870-1935) – a painter from Goa. At Fontainhas, Panjim @ 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 5 pm +91 832 2230728/ +91 2436108

Galleri Esperanca

Retrospective Art in Oils, Watercolours and Crayons; Portraits, Landscape and Still Life Photographs. The Gallery celebrates the Franjoão Centenary everyday, between 4:00pm to 7:00pm with a display of retrospective art. Near our lady of merces church, Merces +91 9922509704

Surya Art Gallery

Contemporary works on canvas & artefacts of Goa are displayed. At Bandawalwada, Pernem +919404149764

From page 15 languages the publishing environments in Odia, Hindi, Manipuri, Malayalam and Kannada were discussed. Similarly there was yet another panel discussion on how readership in Indian languages could be cultivated where the panelists felt that translations might actually impede any effort to cultivate such readership. There were other panel discussions that sought to address issues such as the evolution of book retail in India, the challenges and opportunities for ePublishing in India and one that sought to understand if the “Indian Reader” was changing. A series of workshops sought to acquaint attendees with various new technologies and business practices. There were workshops on ePublishing and eDistribution in Indian languages, on the art of book design, on poetry, on Customer Relationship Management and on the

monetization of Internet-based content. Similarly there were experience-sharing “insight talks” where the speakers shared their experiences – Anusha Yadav shared her experiences in founding the Indian Memory Project, Venkatesh Hariharan spoke on the challenges for Indian language computing while Vijay Sampath spoke of the challenges he faced as CEO of Amar Chitra Katha. The conference was indeed well received by people from all over India. Speakers from France, Australia and England also participated. There was real excitement about how Publishing Next could further develop as a forum, where new and disparate voices could be heard and relevant topics discussed. Leonard Fernandes and his wife Queenie Fernandes head up the Margao-based selfpublishing service CinnamonTeal, which organized Publishing Next.

Gallery Gitanjali

This Art Gallery is a part of three Heritage Hotels and is showcasing works of artists from Goa, Mumbai and KarnatakaSuhas Shilkar, Jayshree Patankar, Kerky & Devi Prasad etc. @ 9 am to 9 pm At Fontainhas, Panjim +91 9823572035

Panjim Art Gallery

The Panaji Art Gallery displays figurative & individual works of art by local Goan artists. At Panaji Art Gallery @ 9 am – 8 pm +91 9822168703

Ruchika’s Art Gallery

Ruchika’s Art Gallery displays fine and performing works of art. Opposite Goa Marriott Resort, Miramar @ 10:30 am – 6 pm +91 8322465875/9850571283/98818 36400

Gallery Attic

A display of paintings by various Goan Artists. Opp. Don Bosco, Panjim @ 9 am to 1 pm to 2 pm to 7 pm +91 832 2420929/+91 2257931

Leonard and Queenie Fernandes of Cinnamon Teal, organisers of Publishing Next

Thursday, September 26, 2013

streetspicks Walk for a Healthy Heart Wockhart Hospitals in association with Vasco Sports Club, is organizing Wockhart 2013, a 5km wak and 10km marathon run, that will take place at all of the Hospital’s locations, to commemorate World Heart Day. On September 29 For further information contact Kunal Naik on 8390907918

Writing a Book Review Conducted by Dr. Sharmila Rao Open to all Members/ Non-Members by Prior Registration Fee: Members/ Students - Rs. 150/- per session Non-members - Rs. 200/- per session At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula Sept 28 @ 3 pm to 5.30 pm +91 9765404391

Meditation Workshop This meditation workshop is designed to relax the soul and is one of the gems of Grand Master Choa Kok Sui. He has revealed some teachings and meditation techniques that have been kept a secret for centuries. The main purpose of this course is to teach us the how to achieve self-realization or union with the higher self, using simple yet powerful practices that can be easily applied in daily lives. At Miramar Residency, Panjim Sept 28 to 29 @ 9 am to 5.30 pm

Sept 26

Consumer Outreach Program

Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India will organize a consumer outreach programme At Goa chamber Panjim @ 2 pm +91 832 2424252

27th Sept

Friday Health Talk

Co-organized by ICG and Manipal Hospital. FREE ENTRY, Open to all @ 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm +91 9765404391

Indus Riders- Motorcycle

Riders Goa Meetup

At Bardays Inn, Calangute @ 7 pm +91 9922463339

Sept 28 Trek

Wild Trek Adventures will organize a trek to the UNESCO city Kaas Pathaar.They will also visit Thossegar Falls en route to Sajjangad. At Panjim @ 3 pm +91 9822123458

Book Launch

At Literati Bookshop, Calangute Title-And What Remains in the End by Robin Gupta @ 6.30 pm +91 832 2277740

Sept 29

Workshop on Growing

Vegetables

Miguel Braganza and Green Essentials are pleased to announce a workshop on Growing Various Summer Vegetables Organically. At The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula @ 3 pm to 6.30 pm +91 9960643250

Sept 5 onwards Spanish Language Classes

Organized by Chowgule College, class will be held two to three times a week, at the college premises. At Chowgule College, Panjim +91 9890194857

Sept 26 NIO open to Public

CSIR - National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula will be open to the public and students, on the ocassion of the anniversary of its parent body, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). At NIO, Dona Paula @ 9.30 am to 12.30 pm +91 832 2285649

Ancestral Goa

Sept 18 to Oct 4

Spice Farms

Padmashree awardee and renowned singer Shubha Mudgal will conduct a Music Course, titled Diversity, Hybridity and Experimentation in the music of contemporary India. At Goa University, Taleigao +91 832 2451345

Located on high hills amidst stunning surroundings near ponda. Many tourists visit it for the medicinal herbs grown here on a large scale. The Plantation also offers ayurvedic massages. At Sai Farm, Savoi Verem, Ponda

A centre for the preservation & promotion of art, culture & environment started by Maendra JA Alvares. At Big Foot, Loutolim @9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Email: ancestralgoa@gmail.com Website: www.ancestralgoa.com

Atreya Vedic Farms

Goa Chitra

Music Course

Sept 27 & Oct 1

Indian Embroidery Workshop

In this 4-session workshop, you can learn the kantha stitches of West Bengal and how to use them to create beautiful pieces of embroidery. All the materials required will be provided. At Betta Bldg, St Inez, Panjim @ 3 pm to 5 pm +91 9423883396

Oct 1, 2, 3

Nrityasankul is organizing a

Kathak workshop

By Mr. Ayaan Banerjee (Mumbai) at Nritya Sankul, Vidyanagar, Aquem, Margao. +91 832 2724059/ +91 9011059845/ +91 9823936483

Creative Art Classes

With elements of Craft, Music and Drama interwoven to develop Out-of-the-box Thinking Skills. Age: 5 years to 13 years. It will be 12 Sessions a month on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday Evenings. Or alternatively 4 sessions a month on Sunday Mornings. At Caranzalem, Panjim +91 9763550980, +91 832 2462054.

Abyss Spice Farm

Set amidst nature’s abundance at the foothills of the Western Ghats in Molem is the Atreya Vedic Farm, a unique ecotourism venture. At Bondu Mol, Mollem @ 9 am to 5 pm +91 832 6570877

Sahakari Spice Farm

Spend a day among the lush green environs of the 130acre Sahakari Spice Farm. Relax under a dense forest cover and take in the aroma of a variety of spices grown in the farm. Also, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch served in earthen pots & banana leaves. At PondaBelgaum Highway, Curti, Ponda +91 832 2312394

Savoi Plantation

Offers traditional Goan Saraswat cuisine served in mud pots & banana leaf plates along with seasonal fruits grown in the plantation. At Ponda +91 832 2340272/9423888899

Museums

Museum Of Christian Art

Open all days of the week At the Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa @ 9:30 am – 5 pm +91 832 2285299

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

Casa Araujo Alvares

Goa’s first automated sound & light museum. A 250-yearold mansion showcasing the traditional. At Big Foot, Loutolim @ 9 am – 6 pm +91 832 2777034 Email: bigfoottrust@gmail.com Website: www.casaaraujoalvares.com

Water sports

White-Water River Rafting

This river-rafting adventure commences from ustem village and ends at sonal village covering a distance 10 km in 90 mints. On Monday to Wednesday (at re.1400) ; Weekends (at rs: 1700) @ 10.30 am onwards +91 832 2224132/ +91 832 2226515 www.bookings.goa-tourism.com

Every Friday Tabla Classes

At Swami Vivekananda Society junta house, Panjim @ 3 pm to 7.30 pm +91 832 2224098

Every Monday and Wednesday Capoeira Classes

North Goa Sephora Salon & Spa

A Dubai-based beauty services chain Nr. Don Bosco School, Panjim. @ 9 am to 9 pm, Open daily 2231314, 3260890

@ 7 pm to 8 pm At Tito’s White House, Anjuna +91 9769341128

Spa Sitara

Everyday

Neomi Salon & Spa

Free Swimming Guidance

Organized by Walter Mascarenhas; Everyday by prior appointment only. At The International Centre Goa, Dr E Borges Road, Dona Paula @ 5 pm – 7 pm +91 9822911161

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

At Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim +918888886084 Navelkar Legend Dhempe College Road Tonca - Caranzalem Ph. 2461674 / 2462147 F9, Joe Leitao Residency Opp. Hari Om Jewellers Naika Vaddo Ph. 6513658, 6513659

Sevanta Salon & Spa Pvt.

Snip Salon & Spa

the SNIP Salon & Spa offers an array of treatments specifically including massages, scrubs, ayurvedic therapy, hair treatments and anti aging facials. At Calangute candolim road, Candolim +91 832 2275421

South Goa

Ltd.,

Park Hyatt Goa Resort

The Shamana Spa

Sereno Spa at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is a unique health and wellness oasis that offers holistic treatments through a blend of unique therapies. At Arossim Beach, Cansaulim +918322721234/+919923207075

Shop No. 1/284 B, Gourawado, Calangute, 0832-6524999 Grand Hyatt Goa P.O. Goa University, Bambolim, North Goa, Goa, India view map +91 832 301 1603

and Spa

The

Corner

Dj Le@H-Goa’s Youngest Kid On The Block Cape Town Cafe launched Think Geek’s new music sensation, 17year old Dj Le@h, on a magical nite with the Wo’s Who in attendance. International ravers had much praise for the fashionable DJ, appreciating her performance style, musical sense and rapport with the audience. Her favs include David Guetta, Skrillex, Swedish House Mafia, Goldfish, Knife Party and Deadmau 5 to name but a few. Although she plans to keep the college lamp burning, her focus will be on doing gigs at events, festivals and high-end clubs both in Goa as well as around India.

Mehfil Fusion at Astoria Hotel International and Indian artists hooked up to perform at the Astoria in Assagoa. The impressive line-up included pune-based slide guitarist manish, goan table maestro tukaram, sandeep frm delhi providing the vocals, chinmay dunster and belinda fernandes on guitar,carlos gonsalves on percussion, blue from germany on flute and edwin braganza and emamon darbuka from America. The icing on the cake came in the form of Remo Fernandes who arrived to jam with his flute and cool voice.

Mariott’s Christmas Cake Mixing Party On September 21, the Goa Mariott Resort & Spa, hosted this unique event for all its guests. The 100kg mixture included 10 varieties of nuts and dry fruits plus a variety of Indian spices, which were all then soaked in liquor. Quality Cellulite! The Corner is a regular space where organisations, entrepreneurs and all those with noteworthy projects can ‘strut their stuff’.

Feature 19

Thursday, September 26, 2013

In their own words

Is Goa safe for women?

To find out, we asked the women By Sasha Pereira

hat India is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be born female is well documented. All those who keep track of these things, including the United Nations, have been highlighting this fact for years. What’s new, however, is the attention our country has begun paying to this most pressing of issues, perhaps because of the slew of unimaginably brutal rapes that have shocked even the most jaded among us. But what about here in Goa? How safe is it to be a woman here? The latest statistics are not encouraging. According to police records, a total of 30 rapes have been reported in North Goa so far this year, compared to 25 in all of 2012 and 12 in 2011, with similar trends being reported in South Goa. Police say much of the difference might be due to victims losing their fear of speaking out rather than a trend toward greater violence. Still, it’s believed a large number of sexual assaults go

unreported, and conversations with women from a cross section of Goan life reveal real anxiety about staying safe in this state, nevermind that it’s the richest in India. And it’s not just rape, of course, that keep folks on edge. There’s the muggings, the assaults, the groping, the leering and the unwanted advances of every kind. Let’s hear what these ladies themselves have to say about this issue. Esha Nadkarni a student of St. Xaviers College who lives in Caranzalem, thinks things are far from rosy for women in Goa. “All the news that we hear is proof that not even our schools or colleges are safe. My mom was always worried about my safety, but now she keeps calling me after every hour to confirm whether I’m fine,” she laments. “I can’t go roaming with my friends in the night, I can’t go for a sleepover, which sometimes makes me feel like I am in a cage but I don’t blame my parents. Today even friends can’t be trusted,” she says. Pooja Dessai from Vasco shares a different opinion, however. “I feel safe in

my city and being a law student I have faith in the system. I have personally taken the last bus home so it’s pretty safe. I just make sure I keep my parents informed and call them from a place where I feel I am unsafe and give them information so that the people around are aware that I have informed my parents.” Twenty-one-year-old Valerie Carvalho from Margao says going out at night is one thing but that even walking down the street during the day can be highly unpleasant. “There are men sitting on railings continuously staring at you which makes it so uncomfortable”, she says. Chiara Gomes, a dentist from Margao, echoes the sentiment. “Taking the last bus home would be like jumping into the arms of danger. These days girls are unsafe anywhere - markets, theatres or even work.” Aditi Khadse, a youth from Vasco, says her parents are afraid to send her out even in the afternoons. “It’s natural for them to be worried but when it is

necessary, I keep aside the fear. As citizens of a free country people have the freedom to do what they want. At the same time, I don’t feel women are capable enough to handle themselves. They need to learn self defence and carry pepper spray with them. Women need to learn ways to protect themselves, be strong enough to handle themselves. “ Tilya Fernandes, 20, believes that the mentality of people needs to change. “I do not agree with certain things my parents say. Yes, precautions need to be taken but I believe in being bold. It is wrong when people say a woman called something upon herself. Narrow mindedness towards women needs to go away.” Mrs. Alice D’cruz was born and brought up in a Goa that was a lot safer and quieter than it is now. “I wouldn’t take unnecessary risks such as giving strangers lifts in my car or walking along the beach alone after sunset, something we did in the past without a second thought. The quiet contentment, which was a hallmark of our culture, has been sadly lost,” says the lecturer who teaches English literature at St. Xavier’s college. As a doting mother to two daughters, she believes that rather than restricting their freedom, it’s best to encourage them to establish reliable friend circles, and to communicate openly and regularly about their whereabouts and activities. “It is important to empower our children to make informed choices, to avoid taking unnecessary risks, and to be prudent in the way they carry themselves in public,” she

adds. The young and dynamic Priyanka Kashyap, who has recently taken over as Superintendent of Police in North Goa, originally hails from Chandigarh and opines that Goa is much safer and peaceful than cities up North. “Never take your surroundings for granted and if something does happen women shouldn’t be afraid to come out in the open and speak about it. There is no longer a social stigma as sensitization is increasing. Today more and more women are ready to come out and speak up,” she says. “They should know where to draw the lines and make sensible choices. Young girls should not be naïve and be aware of the company they keep.” No, it’s not that the onus is all on women for keeping themselves safe. Kashyap and the other women interviewed all agreed it’s also up to the men to respect and watch out for women. To treat every woman as they would a mother, a daughter or a sister. To understand that all people, men and women, have a right to live in dignity.

20 Hot Streets

Dear Acaricia May, I’m lost. For the past five years, I’ve completely devoted myself to a man who has suddenly developed a split personality. At first, I thought it was just a mood, a low phase he was going through, so decided to keep mum and pretend as if things were hunky dory. But it’s getting me down. At times, I feel I’m just imaging the worst because it’s not as if he’s abusive or mean. But his indifference is killing me. Even if he knows I’m in physical pain (migraine, severe backache etc), all he does is tell me I’m overreacting. Also, I feel that I’ve turned into a stereotypical suspicious mate. Plus not being able to share my true thoughts with him has left me feeling terribly lonely. I don’t want to leave cos I still really care about him but how long much longer can I survive in this one-sided situation? It feels like I have an emotional axe hanging over my head. Please help Signed, Margaret in Vasco Dear Margaret,

You said you don’t want to leave. But it seems you don’t know if you can stay either. No matter what, it’s clear the status quo is untenable. Happiness is important, Margaret, and you deserve to have it. Waste no time in bringing all your feelings about the situation into the open. Not in an accusatory, nagging or negative way. Find the right moment to bring this up, preferably at a ‘high’ moment – or at least what can reasonably pass for a high moment in this decidedly low phase! By that I mean don’t bring this up when either you or he is feeling particularly angry or sad. Wait for a light moment, maybe after a laugh, a smile or during a nice meal together. Without communicating your hurt feelings, you have little hope of mending them. If you do communicate them and nothing changes, there are other options, such as professional counselling for you, him or both of you. Margaret, have you thought about a change of scenery? A trip together or a shared afternoon at the beach or an evening of nice food and music? Of course if all else fails, there is always the door – however harsh that option may seem. But if you have to, you can always walk through it. Give talking a chance first. Good luck dear. I’ll be rooting for you! Love, Acaricia May

Dear Acaricia May, I was recently cleaning my 15-year-old son’s bedroom and decided to lift up his mattress and was very disturbed to find pornographic pictures hidden beneath it. Very explicit pictures. I was really beside myself, and still am. This happened a few days ago and I still haven’t said anything to him, or even told my husband. What do you think I should do? He’s normally a very nice boy, serious in his studies and he never gets into trouble. Signed, Aditi, Panjim Dear Aditi, Do you have any ideas what’s happening with hormones inside the body of a 15-year-old boy? He’s curious about sex and is undoubtedly experiencing a great many feelings. This

behaviour doesn’t seem to veer too far away from the realm of the normal, although it could be cause for concern, depending on the content of the pictures and how much time he spends viewing them. It’s important that you support your son and give him a real sense of security as he goes out into the world to find his way. It might be a good idea for either you or your husband to talk to him about his feelings and allow the topic of sex to enter the conversation. Aditi, it’s OK for you to be troubled by what you saw under the mattress. Feelings are not right or wrong. They just are. And if you’re not comfortable with your son viewing these photos, you have a right to talk to him about it. But do so not as an angry authoritarian, but as a loving mother who cares about her child’s well-being. I know you do. Love, Acaricia May

Give Back 21

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Mathew Kurian

El Shaddai

A Refuge for Children of the Streets By Goa Streets

hile Goa attracts a large number of the bold and the beautiful, what is not too well known is that it also attracts a large number of people from the fringes of society – the poor and the poorest of the poor who hope to better their lives by having a small slice of the tourism pie, or at least some crumbs. An English woman who was on holiday in Goa spotted a migrant child scavenging through a garbage bin in Calangute and felt something tugging at her heart. Three days into Anita Edgar’s holiday in Calangute in 1996, she was appalled to see street children begging and living in filthy conditions. She had earlier been doing charity work during the war and other trying periods in Bosnia, Albania and Romania in the early ‘90s, but didn’t really expect to see the kind of suffering she found right here in Goa. She says, “The poverty really shocked me. I felt I had to do something.” Coincidentally, a certain Matthew Kurian moved to Goa from Kerala to work with Kripa Foundation, an NGO working to rehabilitate drug addicts and alcoholics. Staying in the coastal belt of Bardez, north Goa, where drug abuse was rampant in tourism-dominated villages like Anjuna and Calangute, a chance visit to a slum in the area changed Matthew’s perspective on life completely. The desperate lifestyle of the slumdwellers shocked him, he says, and his heart especially went out to the children

who were living in those conditions. He saw the youngsters begging on the streets and collecting rubbish and eating out of garbage bins to relieve their hunger. Mathew began by teaching them the importance of clean drinking water and healthy food. The more he interacted with the slum-dwellers and their children, Matthew began to see his mission in life: to start homes and shelters for these children. But due to lack of funds he could not do so. A Christian pastor, Matthew would hold Sunday prayer meetings at the Faith Community Church in Calangute. A chance meeting between Anita and Edgar changed both their lives and the lives of more than 3,000 children over the years. A mutual acquaintance who met Anita Edgar while she was taking a stroll on Calangute beach took her to meet Matthew. It was a meeting of kindred souls. Together they began a charity called El Shaddai Charitable Trust (ESCT) and have been working together ever since. From a humble beginning in 1996, El Shaddai went on to win the National Award for Child Welfare 2008, presented by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to its co-founder Matthew Kurian in New Delhi. Based in Assagao, El Shaddai is devoted to child rescue and support of underprivileged street children and women, says Mathew as we chat in his office in Assagao. Anita returned to England after that first visit and set about raising funds for a children’s home. At first the reaction was disappointing but

A little girl from the shelter soon her prayers were answered. As the funds started coming in, Anita returned to Goa and set up a school and health clinics in the slums. A search was soon underway for a suitable property for the first children’s home. They rescued the first 15 children in 1997 and opened a small children’s home. Today they have over 3,500 children in their care in many states in India. Many of their first children who have completed college, university or vocational training are now qualified and out in the world maintaining good jobs. Matthew has travelled the length and breadth of India to promote the welfare of children and is working bring an alternative ‘Non-Formal Educational System’ to the country. He has also travelled to many countries overseas to promote El Shaddai. Anita Edgar, co-founder and executive trustee, is the main fundraiser, providing the money needed to look after the children by finding sponsors. She works in Goa from November to April every year and then often travels to the U.S., Europe and Australia raising funds and promoting the much-needed work of El Shaddai. When she eventually reaches home in Devon, UK, she continues to tour the UK, giving talks and slide show presentations. The children affectionately call her ‘Anita Mother’.

Says Mathew, “Our day and night shelters provide the first line of refuge to children on the streets. Here they find daily nutritious meals and a bed for the night should they require it. Counsellors are available to them to talk to and for guidance. We also try to place these children in local government schools so they get off the streets.” They also have five orphanages, where children are housed and cared for fulltime. Children in their homes receive a roof over their heads, food and clothing. More importantly, staff is constantly on hand to offer help, guidance and most importantly, love. “We also provide a meal every day to needy children through our ‘Manna Meals on Wheels’ feeding programmes in three cities in Goa, Mapusa, Margao and Vasco,” says Mathew. Shanti Niketan is the open school run by El Shaddai in Assagao Goa, catering exclusively to street children in their homes. The school enables the children to answer the national examinations, giving them opportunities in the job market. Some of these children also opt for vocational training on completion of basic schooling. To volunteer, donate or support El Shaddai in any other say, check out their website www.elshaddaigoa.org

22 Mind, Body & Soul

The Scientific 7-Minute Workout

You kill yourself for the 7 minutes. But then you’re done

1. Jumping Jacks

2. Wall Sit

3. Push Up

By Steven Gutkin

And all you need is a wall, a chair and a floor mat (or plush carpet)! The first obstacle, of course, was figuring out how to or all those who haven’t yet heard about the do each exercise. If you’re like me, you won’t necessarily scientific 7-minute workout, what you’re about know what the ‘plank’, the ‘wall sit’, the ‘tricep dip’ and to read could potentially change your life. the ‘lunge’ are. I solved that easily with 10 minutes on Scientists have concluded that you can get the same YouTube. Type in ‘plank’ and lots of videos will pop up fitness benefits from a short, high-intensity workout as showing you how to do it. you can from prolonged endurance training. The results My next challenge was figuring out where to do it. I appeared three months ago in the American College of couldn’t tell whether my Sports Medicine’s Health large German Shepherd & Fitness Journal (http:// has an aversion to or a bit.ly/15skaIK). Already, great love of jumping millions of people around jacks. But whatever it the world have changed is, she jumps, too, when their workout routine to I do them, and ON me. reflect the new findings. I So I decided to lock her am happy to count myself in a bedroom when I do among those millions. my scientific workout. In 12 exercises using Problem solved. only body weight, a chair, There’s something a floor mat and a wall, else you need to know you essentially push about this workout. yourself to your limits for Since it really is based on seven minutes – albeit in science, you can’t decide 30-second spurts separated to unilaterally alter the by 10-second rest periods. order or the timings For me at least, the seven of the exercises. The workout alternates focusing on minutes of real discomfort are irrelevant, given how quickly they’re over. Scientists conducting an exhaustive the large muscles of the upper body with those of the lower body. And, as the New York Times reported, study found that the physiological changes the workout the rest periods allow the unexercised muscles to produced in the body were akin to what you get after a metaphorically “catch their breath.” long run and some weight training. It’s over an hour of At first I tried estimating on my own when 30 traditional exercise condensed into seven minutes. When I first read about this in a New York Times blog seconds and 10 seconds were up, but that didn’t work very well. Try looking at your watch while performing a (http://nyti.ms/1gZl6UZ), I was quite excited because jumping jack! Then I tried cajoling my wife and kids into it seemed to me that if you can’t receive the benefits of exercise with no exercise at all (my real preference), this ‘timing’ my high-intensity moves and restful intervals, and quickly learned all three of them felt they had would be the next best thing. Who doesn’t have seven better things to do with their time (such as laugh at me minutes? There’d be no excuse not to do it every day. performing squats). Then I Googled the workout again and learned that among the masses performing the exercises were more than a few geeks who took it upon themselves to post online timers. For those of you reading this article on the Net, here’s a really weird one: http://bit.ly/18oZazr (warning: parental discretion advised). But the one I like best is this one: http://www.7-min. com/. That’s because it tells you when to switch sides in exercises like ‘step onto chair’ and ‘side plank.’ If you live with others, just make sure they all remain completely I’m doing my 7-minute workout. Should be done in about 12 minutes.

4. Abdominal Crunch

5. Step up on to chair

6. Squat

7. Tricep dip on chair

8. Plank

9. High knee running in place

10. Lunge

11. Push up and rotation

12. Side plank

silent during the seven minutes so that you can hear the little bells and clicks that tell you when to start and stop (yes, I know, this will do wonders for your household popularity). I’ve been doing the 7-minute workout for a month now and I highly recommend it. Am I any thinner? Not really. Stronger? Maybe, but that’s not proven either. Which leads me to my next point. What if scientists come up with a new study next week disproving the purported merits of the last study - scientifically concluding that the scientific 7-minute workout is not scientific at all? I’m hedging my bets against that one. Sometimes I repeat the 7-minute workout twice (which the ‘experts’ say is fine). And sometimes I run on the beach as well, just in case seven minutes turn out not to be enough.  Steven and his wife Marisha run Goa Streets