How I grew rich in Goa! Wealth of memories! Elsie Gabriel.

How I grew rich in Goa! Wealth of memories!

Elsie Gabriel.

The endless drive filled with traffic jams and intersected by thick green jungle sites, from the Panaji Goa airport all the way to Hotel Colonia Santa Maria [CSM]18 kms away on the Baga beache was well worth the exhaustive drive, as a great family reunion awaited me. Of course this was my umpteenth visit to Goa, but each visit always reveals it’s new side to me. The brief entrance of the  Portuguese-Goan style resort greeted us with the ‘lights off’ ‘electricity gone’ welcome along with the thumping beats of a far away generator. I didn’t let the beginning ruin my entry. The ‘Gabriels’ and their extended families were meeting after two whole years all under one roof.

Believe it or not the elegant comfortable pool inside the CSM was the first beautiful site which brought us all ‘Gabriels’ together under the fading twilight sun, hugging and greeting each other like long lost friends. Yes it was bonding time and I dedicate this piece of writing to my elder sister Gladys!

Gladys and me actually grew up like two parallel lines in the geometry lessons if I can remember, like twin sisters as we almost grew up together, almost the same coloured dresses, same class and same shoes, same horrid ribbon bows and same raincoats all the way to school! We were like ‘look a likes’, we Gabriel sisters! Marriage, children work, distance and chores, social commitments and a host of new extended family members kept us busy, year after year. But at that poolside everything faded away only to have us give tight hugs and Hi fives to a refreshed new beginning. With children all grown up and some time now for more phone gossip I guess we two sisters are here to stay!

So, we sisters rocked Goa! We found comfort in an old friends bungalow kitchen one time, where we took off to the market and brought back Goan fish of every kind to make crazy gourmet offerings for the entire family. Caju fenni, beer and seven up shandys and what not cocktails sip after sip kept us sisters hilarious as we cooked up stews, crabs, squids, pomfrets, shells and what not, non stop, cleaning and cooking, cooking and cleaning! 

More cleaning and more cooking, an inside joke that only Gladys and self will cherish for life I guess, as we drowned the gastronomical escapade like master chefs with endless hi-cupps of every sort! Not to forget the changeover of two pressure cookers and a huge ‘deckhchi’ to solve the sorrowful mysteries of that fabulous meat curry!

Am sure Gladys you are doubling up laughing remembering this. I have fond memories which have given me a wealth of moments to cherish for life and finally help me get super rich in Goa, all thanks to my other twin- Brother Wilson who kindly paid for this entire reunion. My emotional bank is full Wilson and I have learnt to keep to it that way. Mercy! Salute! Gracias!

So, there you have it, the truth and only but the truth, be prepared for long drives and electricity tripping while in Goa. Also keep an open mind and go with the flow, enjoy as much as you can with where ever you go in Goa! And of course when in Goa do as the Goan’s do, just hang loose and wear comfortable beach slippers, a good dose of sunscreen, a hat, and you are set to go trotting.

Of course we hit Britto’s by the  beach the first night itself to celebrate Wilsons day, again an inside family thing , of why we call him ‘Miraclegabe’ fondly. And we sure give praise to God for reassurances, refreshing and re-living and re –uniting all as we journey through the land we call family!

The Brittos restaurant specializes in Goan, Chinese, Tandoor and Continental cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One can get some mouth-watering and relishing food here and the sea-food platter is just mesmerizing.

Brittos also has live entertainment, karaoke and a barbecue on different nights. The place has a beach shack section which is ideal for families and couples to spend some special moments together or have a candlelight dinner.

We did visit the Francis Xavier shrine at the Basilica of Bom Jesus or Basilica of Good Jesus is adorned by the holy mortal relics of Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552) since 19th February 1624. The church is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Monument since 1986. Regionally known as old Goa where the church stands, it was capital of Goa in the early Portuguese reign.The saint’s body is preserved in a silver casket and is open for worshiping to the public.Made from white marble, cupids and angels holding wreaths adorn its border. A huge bluish marble casket surrounded by bronze shields inlaid with carvings of the saint’s life lies upon this base.

We also had the most sumptuous lunch at Martins Corner, Martins Corner Restaurant Goa is situated just off Betalbatim beach Goa, Martins Corner is probably one of Goas best known restaurants.

It is said,Martins Corner Restaurant Goa was started of from a small shop where boys from a locality would come to play carome or drop in for a soft drink. It gained popularity to serve traditional Goan dishes like pomfret rechad, sorportel, Goan sausages bread and pork chilly fry.Catering to people from all across the globe for years, Martin’s has made a mark receiving the “Life Time Achievement Award” at the International cuisine conference and Times Food Award in 2012.

The family visited the Margao cemetery made by the portugese hundreds of years ago where Mama Celine lay now, It was wonderful to connect with her and like I told you I got richer in Goa.

Back closer to the hotel, the Baga Beach adjoins Calangute on the shores of North Goa and offers all the elements for a memorable holiday. People wanting a palm-fringed sandy spot for peaceful relaxation will find plenty of choice if you do rise early and step out soon after sunrise. There is also an abundance of places along the adjoining stretches of beach for those who like the usual beach stalls offering beer and seafood, seashell trinkets, local crafts and buckets and spades, but we went off the beaten track and have kept all of this for the next trip.

Colonia Santa Maria is close to the Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, and Calangute Beach if you’d like to go beach hopping. Also nearby are the Tibettian market, Calangute Market and Baga Night Market, don’t forget to check on which days of the week they are actually open before you venture there. Of course we stayed in at CSM, and I have fond memories of the dances at the restro bar at the hotel which had a fabulous guitarist who jammed the night away! 

I have  travel advice, take it if you wish. Holidays can be fun. But don’t get overexcited and tired.Do not let the endless days burn you out, look out for those tell tales signs. Should stress levels start to go through the roof, find time to edit.  You don’t have to throw out all your plans, but you might decide to drop a few.  If you can put a good face on it, smile and relax, you will create the feeling of joy around the holiday.  It’s likely that your kids are ready to be happy if they see you being happy.

Whatever you do, I hope you find holiday traditions for your family this Thanksgiving,Christmas and the New Year that nourish you and bring you closer, best wishes and keep bonding. Grow rich!