Goa is often associated with the sea, sand, sun and surf. No doubt, these are important aspects of this tiny state. But theres more - much much more - to Goa than that. Every season in Goa has its own character, marked by festivals and celebrations. The carnival, shigmo, the mango season, the Ganesh festival, Diwali and finally, Christmas and new year.
I love Goa in the monsoon. Generally, in the late summer, when the heat becomes almost unbearable, the Goyenkars long for the cool monsoon showers. The news of the monsoon hitting the coast of Kerala and then Karnataka, triggers excited anticipation in Goa. It feels good to know that the heat will be beat in a few days. And we wait...
Then one afternoon, the cool breeze indicates that the monsoon clouds are just around the corner. Gradually, the thick grey clouds spread over the land. The royal monsoon romps in, heralded by thunder and lightning. Thick raindrops fall quickly on the dry earth, which emits a divine fragrance to welcome the rains. The sea turns rough and gets a tinge brown. The waves break ferociously - each wave trying to get higher than the last. The winds tear in, uprooting trees and lamp posts. My mom always had a stock of candles ready at this time of the year. Because the power supply was sure to fail. Dinner on this day was mostly around a candle, listening to the howling wind and relentless rain. It was also the season of the new academic year...of new books, new uniforms, new shoes, raincoats...It was indeed very exciting, years ago as a school girl. As a kid, I watched the puddles form on the roads. An unexpected vehicle driving through the puddle would drench the unsuspecting passers by. We would often bet on whether the pedestrian would bring down the umbrella in time to cut off this shower. Confined indoors, we would often sit by the window, watching people struggling to hold their umbrellas against the fury of the elements.
The boys in the neighbourhood would take to football with renewed vigour, the playground having turned into a marshy mass. I remember my brother and cousins coming home looking like they had rolled in the mud. As teenagers, their favourite hobby at this time of the year was frog hunting. They would go out in the night armed with flash lights and sacks. When the croaking was loud and close, they would suddenly turn on the flash lights blinding the frogs temporarily - just long enough to catch capture them. I dont really know what they did to the frogs later, but I know that frog legs are a delicacy in Goa - although prohibited by law now.
Even today, I love Goa most in the rains. After the first few weeks, the rains relax a bit. The entire landscape turns a lush green. The crisp air, washed by the showers and then soaked by the warm sunshine, has a fresh feel to it. The roads too are washed clean...and sometimes, washed away :)). A bike ride in this weather is refreshing and exciting it a sudden shower catches you. Little springs bounce down the hills, forming rivulets that run across the terrain into the sea. Little wild flowers sway merrily to the tune of the breeze.
For a tourist, it is a good time to see the churches and temples in north Goa. Hire a bike, and dont forget the helmet, unless you wish to be stopped by a smiling traffic policeman for a fine. A ride across the mandovi bridge is a must. Head out into the interiors of the emerald state. Visit Dona Paula for a mesmerizing view of the harbour and river. Ride down to Miramar and further into Panjim. Get into the ferry for a bumpy ride across the river. Just keep moving around, taking in the beautiful sights Goa has to offer. A tiring day on the bike should be ended with a hearty meal at Martin’s corner in south Goa - or for that matter any local restaurant worth its sheeth-kodi (rice-curry). There is this little place near the Zuari bridge on the Cortalim side - I forget the name - which serves amazing fish curry. And if you are fond of wine, you are at the right place. Try the famous feni if you think you are ready for some adventure.
Just have a blast...and hey, dont forget to tell us about it.
Enzoyyy!!!