Goa - then and now

eggman64

My twenty years will probably not qualify me (even by the longest of shots) to really comment on the (subtle) changes Goa's seen. I stick to childhood nostalgia, and the primordial yearning for one's homeland (I think Goa's latest invaders?? understand "homeland" bit).

I've grown up in Bombay, with tales spun by my Nana of her life "back where we were from". The seasickness, the ferry rides, the mangoes in the summer. My own memories remind me of the village of Aldona, where I spent holidays as a child.

As I grew older though, the place has changed or did I change?...slowly I've seen Anjuna and Vagator, and with these places comes a cynical reality to contrast the idyllic childhood recollections.

I have family who live in Goa and they, like other Goans, have become weary of the constant political banter on tourism. The old argument that the locals need the tourists rings false evermore. Blaming tourism would be an easy albeit false answer to the crisis that Goa is in.

Is crisis the right word? Goa may conjure up the idea of a free for all to the occidental, but to me the native, innocent tranquility. The crisis is probably a personal one - reconciling these two together.

GxMx

this sounds like a loud echo of whats been going on in my mind as well even though i was not born in Goa,my ancestors were,i am from just across the border(close to Gokarna)and from a child my parents always took me to Goa to visit our ancestoral temples and the connection with the soil from which we were displaced is still stronger than i thought it would be,i have a strong desire to go back there and settle down after a few years but what will be left of the place by then is what worries me,but then maybe the tourist overdrive will burn itself out

breeze

Your reflections and emotions run true for almost all places...
When I think back on my chilhood in Bangalore 20 years ago - the greenary, the perfect wather, the empty roads, street games, summer holidays, the delightful sparrows - and then I look at what it has become today...
It's heart breaking

GxMx

Hello Breeze,
you cant be more bang on target than this,its a pity or rather shame what our sleepy town has turned into! i have spent my entire life in Bangalore(though Goan by soul ) and i can see it degenerating and being destroyed each passing day!your views are true and sadly this place is on its road or rather highway to ruin!All the more reason for my desire to move out of this place,anywhere would be better than this cesspit!

eggman64

My Mum's parents are from Bangalore and so memories of the city are just as fond. Rose Lane, in Richmond Town still has the family house. I think the bungalow is the last on the street. I remember a time when the neighbours gardens had bougainvillea pouring onto the little lane. Now it's all concrete and cement dust. The evening stroll to Nilgiri's for an after-dinner ice-cream and the banyan tree in Cubbon park... these remain the highlights.

birds

If you want to do something about it you can join

for Goa: GreenGoa@yahoogroups.com
for Bangalore: bngcore@yahoogroups.com

Both groups are very active. GreenGoa has distinguished members such as Wendell Rodricks, which helps to attention.

Both groups do great work and can use all support they can get. Even just being a member helps as they can report the number of members they have in petitions.

Madhu10

I fell in love with Goa when we moved there from Delhi. Lived there for 11 years and my parents were there for 24. Even though we were always considered "non goans"...I still consider Goa home. Walking down the lanes in Panjim, trying to see if the old establishments are still there. The Avanti library in Panjim still has my library card. When ever I go I ask to see it just so that I can go back in memory lane. I always say I'm a Goan at heart and a Hyderabadi because of my food habits.

Yeah Goa has changed and so has every other place. Crossing a street in Hyderabad today is risking a heart attack.

I see lot of my Goan friends complaining as well but not doing their part and I think that is the important thing..to take some action. To do what you can to help live a sustainable life in tourist places like Goa. As travelers we can seek out and support local establishments which run eco friendly places and support local communities.

__________________
Flickring away....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/80145936@N00/

breeze

Thank you birds.

birds

For Goa check out the video n lyrics on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrFdp9phlTY

The result of an awareness meeting held on 25 May 2008 at the St Alex Church Grounds in Calangute.

More info on: http://www.ganv-ghor.blogspot.com

You see, there are plenty of opportunities to help to improve your environment.

Madhu10

http://savegoa.com/

Somebody sent this to me a while back.

GxMx

@ Birds-

there is hope to save Goa as for Bangalore...no chance!the story here is already over!

birds

I agree the situation is pretty dire in Bangalore. In fact it was the main reason for us to move from Bangalore to Goa 2 years ago. And tellingly, all our Bangalore office staff moved with us.

Still, no need to give up completely. There are ardent activists who never give up hope.

For example, this morning I received a mail about Bangalore birders who are planning to talk to the people in charge of the new airport about how to organise the flight-programmes in such a way that they will interfere less with the existing bird-life. They still believe there is stuff worth saving!

federica

This would be in the interest of both - as birds can become very dangerous for planes... an important topic - saving the life of birds and humans.

In general I agree with you... even if it looks hopeless... giving up makes it hopeless. And there is so much change going on... if enough people don't give up, there is always a way to change for the better.