looking to meet other expats/parents in Goa

Hi, we just moved to south Goa last month, me, my husband and our 1 year old son. My husband is from Goa (but he's been living in the US for many years) and I'm American. We're looking to meet other Westerners living here. Feeling a bit isolated right now... Parents of small children would be great, we could arrange playdates. Or any couples in 30s or 40s for an occasional dinner. Also I'm looking for a Konkani tutor, if anyone has any leads on that... thanks.

I am Goan although I have never lived in Goa and now live in the US (my wife is from the US but was born in Peru).

I would suggest that you consider making friends with Goans as well. Goans are very cosmopolitan and many will speak English and have family members overseas. The wives and sisters of my Goan friends keep my wife entertained when we visit Mumbai - she does not even ask to meet with expats. She even has their cell phones numbers and email addresses. My 10 year old daughter is also getting a social life there!

Hi, yes of course I'm happy to meet Goans too. Fortunately my husband & his family are introducing me to many locals, so that's already happening.

When we moved relocated here to South Jersey from North Jersey (USA) with small kids my wife felt isolated - it must be much more isolating if you are in another country!

Just a couple of tips which you may already be aware of

1) People rarely socialize only with their spouses (rarely see Indian couples by themselves in restaurants) and socialized more with their same-sex friends. So you will probably be doing more with your girlfriends than you would in the US.

2) People socialize more across age groups in India than in US. So it would not be far fetched to catch a movie or go shopping with a woman in her 20s or one in her 50s.

3) Teenagers socialize with adults! We visited a school mate in Mumbai and his teenage daughters came out and joined in the conversation and then took my 9 year old to walk around the neighborhood while the adults talked.

Wish you all the best!

Manuel

HI,

I just saw your message here.
I am also looking to meet some expats or locals. My husband and I live in North Goa (Calangute). He is from Delhi and I am from Germany. Before we moved here we spent almost 4 years in Florida working in hotels.

Did you have any luck with the yoga classes?
I am thinking about that too and I saw there are a few places up here in North Goa. I also read some info here in the forum. I will go there and see in the next few days.

So how do you like the south of Goa?

We have only been south twice so far and never got past Margao. It seems it is a little quieter down there. Or maybe I am wrong and it was just the time of day.

Maybe we can meet somewhere in the middle sometime or next time we go south we can meet you there.

Tina

We look like moving to Goa in the next month or two with our two toddlers. I would love to meet up!

Have you found any playgroup type setups there?

We lived in Goa a couple of years ago so know quite a few people there. Unfortunately none of them have kiddies!

V

Hi vbcm3,

Sure we’d be happy to meet up. Do you know how to send a private message to me through this site? I can’t figure it out. If you can, pls message me directly and we can exchange contact info.

To tinschen, I’m sorry I didn’t reply, I didn’t know about your posting until just now. The same goes for you, I’m happy to exchange info with you. We live in Verna, it’s on the way to Margao if you’re coming from the North, we’re about halfway b/w Panjim and Margao. So if you’re ever coming to Margao you could stop by. Or we go up north once in a while. Yes the south is much more quiet than the north! It has its pros and cons…

Hope to hear from you both.

Hi,

you need to post a few more messages before you get to send and receive private messages. If you log in, at the top of the page (right side) there is a grey box which shows your private message status (if it is set up yet by the admin). I am surely not an expert in this but I think this is how it works. If you go to your profile page you will find more details about the system.

Once you get to do this, I will be happy to exchange details and to meet.

Tina

Hi,
my husband and I are thinking about living in Benaulim some time with our 2 years daughter. We want to come to Rosario's Inn for some months and then try to rent a house. It's nice to know that there're some young families around.
Maybe see you on september.

I am moving to Goa to be with my husband who is from Karnataka but he works in Goa. We will be living in the south in Cavelossim where we have bought a flat which will be ready in the next few months I hope to be there in August. Will be happy to hook up at any time.

Hi,

My husband, our one year old son and I are going to live in Goa (near Verna) in November 2009. We live in Germany but I am Portuguese and my husband is German. I would like to meet other Expats who have small childreen, too. As I can see there are some near Verna

Hi Deldupinha,

welcome to IM!
I am heading back to Germany in late October until beginning of December. I am so happy and I can hardly wait!!!
Look forward to fresh clean air, good food (quality and variety), friends and family and most of all SANITY!!!

Hope to meet all of the "southerners" (of Goa) some time after my return in December.

Regards,
Tina

Hi Tinschen,

nice to hear from you. I am looking forward to see Goa and to meet other Expats and having new friends there . I am a little bit exiting because I´ve never lived in another country before except Germany. It will be an adventure I think

Hi all, is there interest in having a meet-up (I was thinking in November) for us all? There is a great family-friendly beach shack restaurant in Uttorda (South) called Zeebop, the kids can play in the sand (it's shaded and clean) and the parents can meet, it's a great place to spend a lazy Sunday. I was thinking of a Sunday day in November, how about the 8th? Pls let me know if there's interest, I can reserve part of the restaurant for us.

Hi wifeingoa, that would be nice and we will be there on 8th of November. I am looking forward to meet you all then!!! See you and have a nice weekend