Water's raw power is undeniable -- it can swallow you or hold you, it all depends on how you approach it. And if you look closely, it is water that has the answers – it is in our tears, sweat and even makes up 60 per cent of our bodies.
Whether it's a refreshing dip in the ocean, the cool embrace of a lake, or the joyous splash in a backyard pool, water calls us during summer. It's a universal call to cool off, have fun, and reconnect with nature.
And in Goa it is no different as the summers are made up of times to enjoy the symphony of icy lollies and run across the sunlit sands of the beach.
Be it trying to run faster than the waves that eventually and playfully catch up with you or putting on your itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini and taking a refreshing plunge into the pool – Goan summer offers it all!
With April 2024 marking the start of summer vacations, Goa's young ones eagerly trade their classrooms for a much cooler environment – the water!
For many Goan children, a trip to the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) swimming pool in Campal, Panjim, is a cherished summer tradition, but for some it is time to learn a new life skill.
For Zachary and Yulalia George, their summer days begin with putting on their swimsuits and making their way to Campal at 8 am for an hour-long time in the pool. They are also accompanied by their cousin, 11-year-old, Daniella Godinho.
Dani loves the pool and glides in water like a fish, while Yuli has no complaints and likes pool days, and her brother, Zach, who is just 8 years old, is of the opinion that swimming is important because it is a survival skill.
Most days, Zach loves his trips to the pool but other days he scrunches his nose as he complains, “My ears are paining,” and “I think I’ve gotten a 'confection',” (it is actually infection), shares his father, Francis.
When we are young, most of the decisions are taken by our parents. They make the choices and the payment; our only task is to show up and learn, no questions asked.
“Today is our first day,” began Carma Monteiro from Agassaim. She, along with other parents, was seated on the stands with her gazed fixed onto her ten-year-old son who was splashing around in the water, as part of the 4 pm to 5 pm learning batch.
“You know, he is at an age where he can pick up faster as compared to learning later,” smiled Carma, who admitted that she, herself, does not know how to swim.
She also believes that one should be multitalented and not limit oneself to one or two activities. “The more skills you have, the more they will help you and the people around you, someday,” she said as she took a towel out of her bag, dried her son’s hair and took off his swimming goggles.
The elders may despise summer, but the children surely love it and their laughter echoes happiness that surrounds the Goan summer season and the little joys of life.