Goat on a Boat

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

With nothing definitively planned for the day, we gladly took the opportunity to sleep in. After breakfast, we decided last minute to take the free shuttle service from the hotel to a local beach. For some reason, I had been picturing an actual shuttle bus, but the shuttle turned out to be a green jeep-looking vehicle. Makes more sense considering our location as well as the fact that Walt and I were the only passengers.

W: Emergency! Woke up in a cold sweat. Have not been using proper terminology this whole time. Have been using the term Indians instead of Native Americans. Feeling foolish. 

We were dropped off close to the beach at around 10:30 and would be picked up again at 1:00. This beach took us by surprise because it was much different from the beach the day before. Instead of white sand, it was red. Instead of clean, it was filled with trash. Rather than seclusion, we were surrounded by people who also decided to enjoy the beach. But we both enjoyed our time because we were able to people watch and enjoy what seemed to be a more normal family beach experience.

W: Brought up Native American thing to Jill. Didn't answer. Maybe she didn't hear me. Will look into it further then approach the subject again later when she can hear better. 

One thing we noticed was entire families sitting on the sand, waiting for the waves to roll in over them. Or they would stand in a line holding hands and stand their ground as waves came in. It was very much a family affair; even the "swimming". We later found out that many of those people probably can't swim, but they still want to go in the water so they will play in the waves. 

I also noticed that all of the women would go into the water with their clothes on, and I didn't see any of them in bathing suits. We did see one woman in a bikini, and it was very apparent that it was strange for her to be doing so. 

Walt and I decided to walk along the beach. The crowd of people thinned out as we went, but we were still occasionally stopped and asked to take a selfie with someone. 

Perspective is a funny thing. To the Indians, a white couple strolling on the beach was something to take notice of but they didn't take a second glance at the goats hanging out on top of an overturned boat—a sight that drew our full attention. 

On our walk back, a stray dog decided to follow us. Walt named him Pento. He eventually laid down to take a nap. That's where we said goodbye. Speaking of stray dogs, they are very common here.

W: Oh Pento, your slight limp, probably from chasing down one too many tennis balls from your owner. The way the flies seemed to only circulate the ozone of one eye. The way your tail hung limp, almost as if you were choosing not to smile. Why do you brood Pento? You're enjoying a day at the beach. Frolic, don't butt lick. 

Since Monsoon season is starting, the clouds became heavier and showered us on our walk back. We were armed with umbrellas, so the attack had minimal damage. The shower was brief.  The Indians barely noticed anything was happening and continued in their fun. 

Speaking of fun, a group of boys were playing cricket on the beach. We stopped to watch for a little while. I wanted to join the fun.

W: If I've learned anything on this trip, it's that Native Americans don't know how to play baseball. Also, their pitching consistently sucks. Always throwing it in the dirt. Also, batters have no concept of a strike zone—will continually chase down and away. Don't seem to have concept of base running as they usually just run between home and the pitcher's mound (if you can call flat land a mound which you can't).

Tried teaching proper pitching technique. Seemed upset when I threw a fastball right down the middle. 

As we walked back to the meeting spot, we perused the stands that had set up shop along the road. Saris, trinkets, toys, bathing suits (I'm not sure why), other articles of clothing, and jewelry were some of the items being sold. I wasn't actually planning to get anything, but we did end up buying a small decoration for our apartment. At first we were joking about the item, but as the shop owner lowered the price as we walked out, we decided to get it. 

A green jeep-like vehicle pulled up around 1. It was a different driver but the vehicle was the same, so I was hopeful it would take us back to our hotel. It did. 

We had lunch at our friends' house along with some refreshing homemade fresh lime soda, got a tour of the yard (fruit trees like mango, papaya, and banana and some herb bushes grow in many people's yards) and house, and talked for quite awhile. 

A bit later, we walked home, packed for our early flight the next morning, then walked to Coffee Cove for a pour over! Coffee in India is usually of the instant variety, so I haven't really been drinking any. The (real and freshly grounded) coffee beans used at the shop are also grown in India. It was delicious. A few of us girls chatted for a little bit, then walked downstairs for bible study.

Even halfway around the world and in such a different culture, we have an instant connection in the Lord and felt like we were with family. It was a blessing for us to be able to worship with them (they have beautiful singing!) and then to hear a sermon about Samson. 

At 8:00, the room was rearranged to make room for dinner. Rice and chicken with a green sauce (I am so bad at knowing what Indian food is...maybe I'll get it by the end of the trip) was delicious. Our dessert, made by one of the members, was just as delicious. It is a Portuguese dessert and consists of chilled cream, probably some sugar and other ingredients added to the cream, and bits of scone and nuts mixed in. 

After study, we went to our friends' house for one last hangout and to say goodbye. It was definitely a highlight to be able to spend time with them and I wish we could have stayed longer. As we were about to leave, the monsoon threw a tantrum. Although the walk home would've been short, the heavy wind and rain probably would've soaked us. I wouldn't have minded except that we had to pack those clothes for our flight the next morning. Our friends were very kind and drove us back. 

A funny side note is that Walt accumulated several names while here in Goa. One girl thought we were Bill and Jill. Another woman thought we were Jack and Jill. A young girl from the study said he looks like Jesus. And a 2 year old girl kept calling him "that guy." 

W: Native Americans is not the proper term.