Travel teaches us many things, one of which is the art of 'noticing'. While we remain day-to-day observers, nothing heightens our senses more than when we set out to new places and dive into experiences unfamiliar to us.
In Goa, even the smallest things grab your attention. How the rickshaw driver leans on his vehicle and straightens up as soon as he sees a passenger approach, how that courageous cat leaps off the window, or how the morning dew has kissed all the leaves, bathing them anew.
There’s a childlike wonder in travel, where we aren’t drawn to the most obvious things, but to the little details that we fail to notice in our familiar surroundings.
Travelling to a State, like Goa, further helps to hone that skill of observation.
Whether it’s the hues of the sunset, the texture of the curries, or the smell of cashew, Goa offers a richer experience to those who take the time to notice her beauty. But, the State also teaches why noticing is such an important skill.
There’s a childlike wonder in travel, where we aren’t drawn to the most obvious things, but to the little details that we fail to notice in our familiar surroundings.
As a traveller and a first-hand observer in Goa, most of those stereotypical views shatter into tiny pieces within the first few hours. Among the many things, a realisation that comes in quite early is that not all Goans take a siesta.
And, it’s only when you take your time and observe that you’ll notice that, despite busy lifestyles, the locals make that time to immerse themselves in fun, to celebrate festivals and spend time with family and friends in their balcaos.
You also quickly notice ‘a change’ that those residing in the State fail to catch a glimpse of.
From how structures have grown from empty lands to litter that’s dumped under a signboard that reads ‘No garbage,’ you realise how the saying 'the grass is greener on the other side' fits – observations that shift something within you and make you a more mindful traveller.
And, it’s only when you take your time and observe that you’ll notice that, despite busy lifestyles, the locals make that time to immerse themselves in fun, to celebrate festivals and spend time with family and friends in their balcaos.
Apart from the not-so-flattering aspects, you notice how hardworking and graceful the locals are. You watch the fishermen expertly draw their nets towards the shore, and despite their energy being spent, you see how they greet the crowd, gathered to purchase the fresh catch, with a smile.
Whether the unsaid rule of murmuring a soft prayer or making the Sign of the Cross when they see a religious site, there’s something about the locals being devout that you can’t help but become more appreciative of the culture of the land.
As you travel around Goa and cultivate awareness, there’s so much understanding that gets developed without even a shared language. Just being a mere bystander to the local customs and rooted traditions, you realise how these fleeting moments create lasting impressions.
Becoming more present, noticing little moments makes the travel experience more meaningful and you learn things about yourself, something Goa knows best how to do.
There is much to learn from merely observing the world around us, and any travel would be incomplete if we do not notice all the little things.
So, the next time you are out and about in Goa, take your time and savour the moments that unfold before you. And, instead of hurriedly ticking off travel spots, engage with the land and take notice of the adventure that awaits you.