Konkani (the mother tongue of Goans) spoken in the South is different from the North and so is the lifestyle, though the spirit of Goa – of giving – remains a common bond. And surely, tourism has picked up the tones from both districts.
“Just walking on the beach makes me feel I am going through a yoga routine. It is difficult to explain the experience but I can feel solace. I understood during my three days here (in Goa) that to live fully one needs to feel loneliness,” said Pooja, as she allowed the ripples from the surf caress her feet during her last sunset in the State.
Pooja is one amongst the many domestic tourists for whom, coming to South Goa – and Fatrade beach in this instance – is a holiday that leads to discovery of oneself that gets hazed by their lives where they live.
“This beach offers me solitude. I was told that Goa is beautiful in the rains but to that I can add that Goa is a temple. With the blue and the greenery all around, there is nothing more I needed to see,” offers Pooja.
Fatrade beach is sandwiched between Varca and Carmona and is one of the places during the rain that offers the sand and also greenery overflowing from the sand dunes that act as natural carpets.
Homestays, rentback apartments, cafes and vibrant restaurants serving Goan and Indian cuisine line the road leading to the beach. There is enough to pick from what is available, that is, if the luxury resorts near the beach are not enough.
“You will find many rentback apartments closed because most Indian guests like to stay in the resorts and come out for long walks into the village in the evening. We do not get many customers but they are slowly beginning to try our food,” says Aloysius, owner of a restaurant serving Goan and Indian cuisine.
Most people enjoying the sunset on Fatrade beach are guests of resorts nestled beyond the sand dunes and indoor and outdoor games help youngsters who opt for the South.
You will find many rentback apartments closed because most Indian guests like to stay in the resorts and come out for long walks into the village in the evening.
Aloysius, restaurant owner.
“There are plenty of places where I can go and party in Delhi. I have not come to Goa to enjoy the party vibe but to cleanse myself of the dust, pollution and the noise,” confesses Agrawal, a technocrat.
“We went for a ride to a beach called Palolem but there was nothing to see there but the sights on the way were enchanting. I have never experienced this green anywhere else,” he said with a glint.
As the sun began to set, three middle-aged ladies broke into a gig. They sang, clapped and held each other and danced whilst a friend recorded the emotions.
As the sun began to set, three middle-aged ladies broke into a gig. They sang, clapped and held each other and danced whilst a friend recorded the emotions.
“Happiness should not be hidden because we are all in this world to be happy and sharing it comes naturally to me. We landed this afternoon and do not even want to know what is in store for the next three days. For sure, we are on the right boat,” says Meena, as she and her colleagues, along with guests of other hotels, slowly start retreating for the night.
Just as slowly, the waves will roll on the sand, leisurely taking with them emotions washed away by the visitors to Goa.