As Sudhir & I came out of Dabolim Airport at Goa late in the evening, we were greeted by a huge LED advertising board with ‘Big Daddy’ printed on it. This may have been an advertisement for a Goa casino but for us it was a reminder that we would soon be meeting ‘Daddy’. This was the college nick name for our dear friend Anjani who had disappeared from our lives for several years but now is in constant contact. Don’t really remember how this nickname came about but once during a social with LSR (Lady Shri Ram) college when someone called him ‘Daddy’ – he explained to his female partner that these guys call me daddy as I don’t let them smoke or drink. Very smart !

There had been six of us in College hostel who moved around together. The six of us had not been together since that day of the summer of 1985 when we wrote our final exam at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC). Some of us had been meeting with each other during these past years but finally January 25, 2024 was fixed up for all of us to meet along with spouses at Goa. For those born in 1964 – 2024 is a landmark year so it was an appropriate time to meet up. We had first met when we were reaching 18. This year we will all turn 60.

We all arrived within a span of a few hours. Amit was unfortunately taken unwell a few days back so could not make it. This was a big blow with Anju and him not joining us. We did advise him to take a flight but very rightly he decided to take his doctors advise seriously. His nickname in college had been Tits. He was nice and plump and as plumpness showed more in a certain part, this name stuck to him. Then over the years he became slim and fit but for us he remains what he was. Ankur had been nicknamed ‘Appu’ as 1982 was the year of Asiad and the mascot for the games was ‘Appu.’ Someone had decided that there was some similarity. Sudhir and I didn’t have nicknames and while I was called by my original name, most people called Sudhir by his surname – Sahni. Suman was nicknamed ‘Ustaad’ by Sudhir and I will let it pass why he was so called.

Sudhir and I were the last ones to reach our villa at Baga/Arpora. Ustaad ( Suman) , Appu ( Ankur) and Daddy (Anjani) were already on their second or third drink when we reached. We caught up with them pretty fast.

Fun with old friends

What do old friends do when they meet after a long time ? Thankfully our political and religious ideology is similar so there were discussions but no arguments as we generally agreed with each other. Some discussions were quite interesting but cannot be made public. All of us love sports so it was time to watch some great tennis at Australian open and England’s amazing turnaround performance in the first test match. We drank together, we swum in the sea and went to some nice restaurants. Appu and Daddy cooked a great breakfast one morning and on one evening Appu, Ustaad and I sat in warm Jacuzzi and heard Ustaad’s interpretation of central Asia history and architecture. On the last day Ankur and I jumped into the cold pool at the villa so we could take advantage of all the facilities. We we all in great mood, we were all relaxed and we were loving every minute of the togetherness.

Not all about men. The ladies had fun too.

The success of this trip can mainly be attributed to our fantastic spouses. Some of them had never met each other or met briefly in the past. They all were easy going and fitted into the group beautifully. They tolerated our drinking and college time talks which were often repetitive. As expected they looked blank at certain jokes at which we men laughed as they pertained to college days. Mamta and Devicka have heard what Sudhir and I have to say about college a thousand times but they were very sporting and did not hold their heads in exasperation. When all of us got together the ladies participated in discussions, leg pulling and laughter. Shalini ordered cake for their son Abeer’s birthday and we all celebrated again ( we were just waiting for any opportunity to celebrate). Aubha and Shalini joined us in the sea at Vagator and even climbed up the rock jutting out of the sea. Thanks ladies for being so good and sporting – it was wonderful to have all of you with us on the holiday.

While the men were travelling in cabs, I was privileged to be driving the ladies around in the rented car. Normally I would be exasperated by the women talk when trapped in a car with 5 ladies. Surprising there was not too much of chatter from the ladies once they sat in the car. Now thinking about it I realize the reason why most of them were quiet. I was the one doing all the talking and they were the ones tolerating me – perhaps shocked by my audacity.

They  did visit the night bazaar at Arpora which was walking distance from our place. Devicka said that quality has now really gone down from the years when it was a lovely bazaar with nice fashion shows, great food stalls, lovely crowds and innovative shopping stalls selling unique and exquisite stuff. Now much of the stuff is what you get in Rajasthan.  They had attempted to go the Friday night market at the ‘hilltop’ near Anjuna but could not reach due to traffic. That is another long story which had a good result……..as due to traffic I had to turn back and got in time for bar opening !

The food and Restaurants

The choice of restaurants was left to me as Devicka and I are the frequent travelers to Goa and particularly this part of Goa. As there were several vegetarians amongst us we had to decide accordingly. Appu had warned me that he was basically a vegetarian and I must ensure that he gets his type of food. By the end of the trip it was Appu who had the maximum prawns, chicken, fish, mutton and even beef steak !

Calamari bathe & binge at Candolim is always very safe. At lunch time it looks good with white décor with the sea in front glistening in the sun. It is always good to go for a dip before indulging in cocktails and pomfret. This is an old favourite and we do go here each time we are in Goa. They have a shower area also so you can take a shower after swimming in the sea. They make good seafood but also have other cuisines so it is a good place for everyone to enjoy. The band is always good and lively so people join in fun and dance. In the afternoon the place suddenly comes alive at around 2 PM and remains lively for a couple of hours. The place gives you a great feel of relaxation.

Another lunch place we tried was at Ozran beach at Vagator called ‘Titlee.’ It is not very far from where Thalassa used to be and where Antares is. The food menu was limited but very different from the normal fare. We actually ordered 2 portions of ‘mutton khichri.’ My favourite dish here was ‘prawns  olive oil taka tak.’ The beach was cleaner with lesser people but it was hard work going down and up from the restaurant as it is perched up on the cliff with a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea. We had reached early so had a beer in a neigbouring restaurant called the fusion which also had good vibes.

We had planned to go to chef Amrinder Sandhu’s ‘Bawri’ restaurant but realized that it is mainly north Indian cuisine so went to Bomras which earlier used to be in Candolim. I had been there earlier and had loved the food. It has Burmese and pan asian dishes and the food and atmosphere were very good. We loved the desserts there as well and over ate the sweet dishes.

Suman had recommended Padaria Prazeres at Panjim and Ankur, Shalini, Anubha & Anjani went there for brunch after eating a heavy breakfast. They loved the sandwiches there. it is basically a cafe specialising in brunches. Devicka and I also went to Panjim as I wanted to visit the Fontainhas area ( Latin quarters) and had some excellent Goan Chouriço (Goan Sausage) with Pao at OMO. Fontainhas is in Panjim and known for colourful Portugese villas and it has several nice shops and cafes.

Devicka & I spent a night extra in Goa so shifted to south Goa once we said goodbye. Once you are in south Goa then a visit to Martin’s corner for their chilli fry crab becomes compulsory. Though I must confess that the chilli this time was much more potent than ever in the past. We have been visiting Martin’s corner for 25 years now and though it has grown a lot in size- it remains extremely popular.

3 days was a good time together. Staying in one villa helped as the place had a nice terrace, good living room, kitchen, Jacuzzi, pool, and a well equipped party room on the top floor. We pretty much utilised the entire villa. It is so much better than a hotel where you stay in your room till it was time to go somewhere together. Even when you get up early, you will find someone or the other awake and sitting by the pool. I was lucky that on all days I got up early – Mamta was there to make tea for me.

The empty room of Amit & Anju was the only sore part.

A word about Goa as I saw it this time

The highway from the Dabolim Airport is a dream as you cross those lovely bridges over Zuari and Mandovi rivers. The roads are swanky and broad. Then as you reach the touristy beach area of Candolim, Baga and Calangute, the volume of traffic can rattle you. This continues towards Anjuna, Vagator and Siolim. The narrow streets  near the beaches had been well accustomed till a decade back to the cycles, mopeds and light vehicles. Now they have to bear the load of large buses, supply trucks and the SUV’s. Domestic tourists from neighbouring Gujarat and Karnataka come in bus loads and are visible everywhere. Tourists like me hire a vehicle and add to the commotion. Those who are dependent on public transport have taxis to depend on and they charge you what they feel like as Taxi mafias rule the streets and don’t allow Uber or Ola to come in. You see less of Goan food restaurants and more of north Indian and Gujarati vegetarian restaurants. Calangute has become as congested as Old Delhi markets. The streets, the villages and the beaches have been unable to bear this unregulated influx and the infrastructure collapse is there for everyone to see.

Yet, North remains a fun place and most youngsters prefer to go there for the vibrant nightlife and fabulous restaurants. It has nightclubs, bars and a great deal of vibrancy

South Goa is still much better as you can see lovely plantations, palm trees and the old world charm. Known for luxury hotels, the beaches are still less crowded and cleaner than North. But a lot of small hotels are opening up and we could see apartment blocks coming up all over. Soon this side will also be feeling the pressure of overload. As of now, it definitely is worth spending a couple of days in south Goa.

The Goa Star Cast