A place is characterised by those little habits of its inhabitants and nuances of life. Ask how?
Well, it’s when the locals go on their morning walk, when the aroma of cooking spices finds its way to the nostrils of the passers-by and how the people spend their siesta – that breathe character into a place.
Goa is everything that her people do, and it’s these aspects of life that connect her, and her people, no matter what the distance between the two. If you wish to experience the same, then you need to ditch your little routines and swing to the rhythm of the State.
Here are some things you can do to get into the Goa groove.
GO FISHING
If you’ve read anything about Goa, you will know that fish forms a major part of the local diet. But, that’s not entirely it.
Apart from merely wandering in the nustiya bazaar (fish market) scanning the fresh arrivals, locals quite enjoy picking up their fishing rods or coble¸ heading to the nearest waterbody and dedicatedly waiting for the fish to take the bait.
While it’s really a game of luck, it’s also a test of patience. After the fish falls for the bait, what locals love doing is cleaning the scales, adding some sea salt and garlic and cooking it in dry grass or hay. This simple cooking makes for the tastiest fish, savoured with a dash of lemon juice.
SUNDAY SPECIAL
Although living in a holiday destination, just like other people, locals go through the grind all week. But, weekends are a lot more casual as they make it a point to slow down and take time out for themselves and their loved ones.
One favourite thing that’s done on Sundays is relishing a hearty breakfast with the gang. Heading to Goa’s timeless cafes, the order placed includes, but is not limited to, sukhi bhaji with pao or puri, hot buns, samosas, mirchi and kappa. And not forgetting some gorom chao.
EMBRACE LEISURE
Serene Goa has visitors lauding her for all her beauty, but it’s how the locals perfectly embrace all this tranquillity that’s so very charming.
Whether it’s going on an impromptu road trip across the State, taking in the breezy evening by the riverside or joining the kids for a game of football on a dirt ground, the simplicity of Goa lies in these little adventures.
And sometimes, it’s about doing nothing and just being an observer of the world – like watching the waves do their somersaults and the sun take her evening dip far on the horizon.
FEEL THE STREET VIBE
Much of Goa spills on the streets, and that is often felt around every corner. An evening is mostly spent going with friends to relish some Cutlet Pao or a Ros Omelette at the roadside gaddo, or sometimes it’s straight to the roadside tavern to clink and cheers.
And on special days, locals also gather for a local drama, called tiatr, where there’s laughter at silly jokes, applause to soulful singing and whistles to sarcastic commentary that lands well.
Maybe the next time you are in the State, you can ditch the popular itinerary and hook on to these ordinary moments, that unfold daily in the locals’ lives, to truly understand and feel what’s so special in Goa or where the heart of Goa really beats.