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!

Durga Pujo Pandal hopping in Powai Mumbai India! Elsie Gabriel

Durga Pujo Pandal hopping in Powai!

Elsie Gabriel

Overcrowded streets of Hiranandani Powai Mumbai add to the excitement and pandemonium always involved in the pandal hopping atmosphere during the Durga Pujo celebrations every year.

Zig Zag lights, explosion of sounds, toys on the streets that make the most noise when blown into your ears as you try and make an entry into the pandals, standing in a long serpentine queue to get a glimpse of  Maa! What high spirited souls, Durga puja is truly a world festival. It’s a street festival filled with colours, crisp brand new dhakais and the balloon walla’s, all in all a heady offerings to your senses!

It was a double delight as Hiranandani Powai in Mumbai this year held two different Pandals in the same complex, which actually made pandal hopping a reality after twenty years of the one’s we visited back home in West Bengal. Childhood memories came alive as I narrated to my son Ridge how we used to be the privileged one’s to be escorted in the ‘Boozer’ all around the pandals .Pani Puris for a rupee! Chicken rolls for 50 paisa’s and ofcourse that Alu chaat and chicken cotlet!!!

Such happy faces partying away, holding on to their saree pleats with one hand and clinging on to little kids on the other! Spotted one Bong wearing the famous Baluchari saree, the one with the entire Mahabharata story engraved on it,,the saree was epic! Of course with sudden heavy rains sweeping the whole country, and the cyclone said to hit Orissa anytime soon, many devotees wore silk salwar kameez to move around faster with the wet ground beneath…..

‘Shaan’ the Bollywood sensational singer  stole the night today with his renditions as not only the Bongs but the whole of the audience doubled up in screams. It was no less than the head bangers ball, I tell you.

The gourmet spread was quite elaborate and you can smell the food a mile away. We bought a whole lot and stood and ate like the rest of the thousands who equally enjoyed being pushed around elbow to elbow while trying to get a Mosel in. Bhaapa Hilish, or steamed hilsa, and chholar dal, or channey ka dal, fritters, brinjal bhaja, potato fingers and pumpkin fries. Chicken rolls, Birayanis, Mutton curry and white rice, fish chops and fish fries,fish in mustard sauce.The mustard hit me in the nose like the dish always did back home, pungent and sensational enough to want some more.My diet plans simply vanished with the October breeze. Oh My Godh I want to go back and eat some more!  I brought some Misti doi back home for a midnight indulgence with the kids.

Dhol came out and stole the thunder too.It drove all those ladies crazy.Non stop dancing took over right in the middle of the arena,,,and ended only with the dunchuni dance with smoke and earthen lamps. What a religious call out with fervor

, conch and drums, deadly combinations and am sure Mother Goddess will hear all our prayers!
Gastronomical delights overpowered  the idol sighting, but I prayed hard looking keenly on Maa that women on earth be more like Durga, strong, righteous and win good over evil. 

Two of my women friends launched their Music CDs during the Durga puja celebrations and it was so apt.Violinist Sunita Bhuyan called hers 'Invocation of Maa',beautiful offering.Sunita also played the violin along with her Mother on stage and both put forth a loving duet.Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and singer Hariharan Ji joined Music maestro Anup Jalota in launching the same.
Beautiful Sangeeta Nambiar offered her maiden music CD 'Megher Anchal' also to Durga Maa. Her collection is also a fabulous lot surely adding spice to the Bengali collection.

More to women power I prayed!

Vanishing Islands-The Maldives.Elsie Gabriel

Vanishing Islands-The Maldives.

Elsie Gabriel

Waking up to the sun rising over the ocean just a few steps from your bed, is a perfect holiday every one dreams of, as crystal clear waters and rich marine life beckon you to the shores outside your doorstep. The room at Holiday Island  Maldives is so romantic and large, with a beautiful backyard right on the Indian ocean! A holiday dream truly come true.

Ofcourse when hubby dear makes the best morning cuppa for you, delivers it with smiles and adds a session of some photo shoots of you, it is the ultimate in luxury. Turning you into that model on the lost silver pristine beach you always wanted to be, well, I must have done something good in my last life to deserve this. Yes Maldives is heaven on earth!

Maldives, considered the smallest county in Asia, is the lowest laying country on Earth. Located on the Equator, it never fails to see the Sun throughout the year.

There is nothing to disturb your tranquility as you sway gently in a hammock. The soft sandy beaches are fringed with coconut palms and caressed by the clear blue waters of the ocean.

When the seaplane landed on this Island I was speechless! Azure water simply surrounds you, it is overwhelming alright. There can come no other feeling but that of gratitude for life and for God who created this awesome expanse of water when you take in the blue world.

The islands central facilities are surrounded by unbeatable powdery white sands of landscape gardens, an inviting retreat to come back to after an exhilarating active day out on the sea.

  For a long time, the Republic of Maldives was one of the best-kept secrets in the world; a beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, a paradise for watersports enthusiasts and sun seekers alike. We of course experienced simply everything from night-fishing trips, island hopping, windsurfing and scuba-diving.

Many islands embrace enormous lagoons, where bright blue-green water laps gently. Yet, even in paradise, trouble can bubble beneath the surface. It is precisely because the Maldives are so low-lying (80% of the territory is less than 1m/3.3ft above sea level), so transparent and perfect for snorkelling, that their very existence is especially threatened by global warming.

Despite being blessed by such natural beauty, Maldives faces an unusual future. 80% of its 1200 islands sit just above sea level. With the projected rise in sea level, scientists estimate that in a 100 years, Maldives will be submerged by the very sea that brings it life.

From a wide array of water sports, tennis and scuba diving to the cultural shows and adventurous island hopping, there is always a choice for all ages, tastes and moods. The restaurants and entertaining main bar are famous for its high quality of service and variety of delightful food and refreshing drinks.

Travel-Most International airports are well connected to Maldives or via Sri Lanka.

How to Reach your island- Seaplane or Speedboat .

Transportation
Air
Internal air services are operated by Island Aviation Services.The transfer from the airport to the resort islands may be an optional extra on the tour. These services are also available for trips around the islands too.

Water
Visitors generally remain on their resort island for the duration of their stay, although island-hopping trips by ferries are widely available. Local charter boats are also easily available for hire. High-speed boats meet arrivals at the airport, supplied by the resort they are booked with, and boats are available for hire at the ferry counter near the jetty area.
Road
Travel on individual islands does not present any problem since few of them take longer than half an hour to cross on foot. In Malé, taxis are the main source of transport.