Discovering India's neighbourhood with a Goan cycling enthusiast

RIDE OF A LIFETIME

What could be better than discovering a land and its culture on a cycle? Margao-based software engineer, Lynn Barreto, has cycled to several countries including Sri Lanka (above), Nepal and Vietnam.

PRETTY AS A PICTURE

In Sri Lanka, he cycled around 75 kms per day, covering a total of roughly 2,200 kms. When he saw this beautiful street art, he immediately stopped and captured it on his camera.

GOA CONNECT

At Bolawatta, in Sri Lanka, he stumbled upon the Our Lady of Assumption Church, which is the burial place of Fr Jacome Gonsalves.

APOSTLE OF CEYLON

At the Our Lady of Assumption Church, in Bolawatta, Lynn spotted a portrait of Fr Jacome Gonsalves, a native of Divar (in Goa). Fr Jacome also assisted St  Joseph Vaz when the latter was posted there.

HEADING EAST

Prior to his Sri Lanka trip, Lynn explored Vietnam in November 2022. He flew to Hanoi with his bicycle and started the ride from Hanoi to Da Nang.

UPHILL TASK

Before embarking on his Nepal trip, he cycled up the Chandreshwar hill, in South Goa, a few times in order to get used to doing elevation.

IN THE SLOW LANE

He noticed that in Sri Lanka, roads are in good condition and there are marked cycle lanes even on highways.

PLEASANT SURPRISES

During his travels in these three countries, he was surprised by the absence of reckless driving and constant honking – a sight which is rare in Goa.

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