January Goa kicks off for UniBreakers

COUNTRY: India
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Teaching & Care Work
WRITTEN BY: Ashleigh Barnes

We cannot deny that we were warned. Warned about the incessant heat, the chaotic roads, the constant colour and sound. It truly is an assault on the senses. However since arriving in Goa two short days ago we have learned that no amount of words or lonely planet guide books can truly articulate the incredible sub continent that is India. In saying that, over the next month I will strive to do this state justice, and to communicate as best I can the tales, triumphs and tribulations of us Antipodeans here in Goa.

We arrived in dribs and drabs on Saturday and each group of us were greeted by the hardworking and generous camp staff at the airport. While most things have been completed promptly, we were quick to understand that Indian time runs on a completely different clock to that we use in Australia. As they say, patience is a virtue, and one that is most definitely needed in India.

There was no hesitation among the group to dive straight onto the streets of Majorda, our town for the next month. With constant vigilance and unheeded excitement we boarded a bus which would give the expression "a tin of sardines" a whole new meaning. Crowded in with the locals, we bumped and bounced along the dirt roads to another town, Margao, to visit the markets. Along the way we saw countless stray dogs and cats, the holy cows which reign over the roads and have greater right of way than any pedestrian or vehicle, auto-rickshaws, vespas and of course humble Indians going about their daily work.

With time we found the markets and had our first experience bartering and negotiating with the locals. While some of us were better at this than others, Zoe and I led the pant sensation and after much haggling most of us departed with gorgeous genie pants! It seems we all want to fit in with the locals and are enjoying purchasing colorful clothes and bindis that make us feel at least a little bit Indian! It was also enlightening to encounter a market which boasted not only touristy knick knacks, but also spices, grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and all the products required of a Goan. Later in a courtyard restaurant we regained our strength over delicious Indian cuisine.

Those of us who were not truly worn out from this excursion or perhaps more truthfully, those of us which were driven by a form of mad delirium encountered after jet lag and the excitement of a new place, made their way down to Majorda beach for the afternoon. There's no doubt that Aussies can tell a good beach from the bad, and we quickly decided Majorda met our exceptional standards. While it is not Coogee or Bondi, Majorda is beautiful and the a particular highlight was the water temperature. It was warmer than our showers at camp and a delightful retreat from the heat.

In the evening we enjoyed a beautiful welcoming party. The feast, along with the music booming from the wedding venue which happens to be our next door neighbour and the smoke of the campfire was a great breeding ground for good conversation and friendship building.

Our second day was equally full of surprises. We toured Old Goa, and saw striking temples and cathedrals, all with Portugese influence. It turns out Slumdog Millionare is based in truth, as poor Naomi was the victim of shoe theft outside of the Hindi Temple! Naomi also discovered what it was like to be a celebrity as she was the first one mobbed by fans in pursuit of a photo with this anglosaxon red-headed wonder. Soon all of us were prey to the excited and curious Goans keen to have photos with us. Personally, 15 minutes of fame was enough, and some of us had soon had enough of the camera.

We have just returned from a Bollywood movie which was simply hilarious. While we couldn't understand a word we thoroughly enjoyed interpreting from the pictures. It seems this movie had every single genre; action, drama, comedy, thriller and more!

Amongst all these activities as well as early morning walks for some particularly admirable group members, we have still found time to stretch out in a hammock to read or congregate in large groups for Chai tea. We have somewhat hilarious nicknames for fellow group members, which are based on nothing but first impressions but are highly fun. Some specialties are Jay Z, Kay Kay and Nay Nay.

We are more than excited for the month ahead. We have been planning everything from lessons to weekend trips. Tomorrow we are introduced to our placements and we will soon begin our work. We are motivated and eager to contribute to this town, but also slightly nervous! If this is what Goa can give us in two days, we can only imagine what will come over the next four weeks.