BY ANTONIO D'SILVA
It is complex for tourists to think about Goa beyond the beaches and the lush green village scenery. But maybe, during my childhood, even I would have imagined Goa as a hub of beaches because our family would take us to the shores for picnics every holiday. But we Goans know that Goa has more than what we see on social media through the influencer lens.
Believe for a moment that you are walking through a lane in Goa with Portuguese houses around you and people talking in local Konkani and a few in Portuguese in these streets. The doors of these homes are always wide open, and the families are happily wishing everyone passing by.
If you are thinking this would be a typical day in Portuguese Goa in 1895, think again. The old-world charm of Goa is still alive. It breathes in places away from the cramped beaches, shouts of drunk men who check women out and plenty of empty bottles of beer dumped around the dunes. If you have seen all of this, and want to explore something new in Goa – discover the “Old Goa”, the Goa beyond beaches, alcohol and rave parties.
Born and brought up in Goa, I live in a village called Parra, a big village compared to the many others in the State. As a young kid, I will always miss the rides on the bike behind my father, who would take me to the places where all the history lives evergreen. And this was perhaps my best-ever time in my land. I did visit the beaches during the holidays or weekends, but that is just the trailer of life in Goa. The blockbuster movie included visiting the forts, Aguada Jail, the Light House, and not to forget, the River Princess ship that was stuck there during my days.
ANTONIO D'SILVA WITH RIVER PRINCESS IN THE BACKGROUND
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