[Goanet]Ferry Boat Mentality

[Cecil Pinto]

Alfonso Bond Braganza wrote...(regarding people marrying within their own 
village)

"I think, this is also the practise with the people of Divar, Corjuem..."

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Dear Mr. Braganza,

People living on an island are forced by proximity and mutual 
interdependence to forge closer than normal ties with their neighbours. 
From huddling silently together in caves (as enemies attacked) in 
pre-historic times, to borrowing some "bhindichim solam", rather than cross 
the river to make grocery purchases: island life tends to make islanders 
think differently from mainland people.

For example a person from Divar (owning his own vehicle) who comes 
regularly to Panjim and crosses at the Old Goa ferry will display a 
predictable behavior pattern in Panjim (or anywhere away from his home) . 
As the clock approaches within 13 to 15 minutes of the half hour (when the 
ferry leaves) he will display signs of nervousness and anxiety. Immediately 
this time passes (one or two minutes max) he knows (unconsciously) that he 
cannot possibly catch the ferry and he is relaxed again until 13 to 15 
minutes before the next ferry leaving (i.e. half an hour later).

Over generations this 'ferry boat mentality' has been internalised and is 
part of the bio-rhythm of people from Divar, Corjuem etc and also exists to 
a lesser degree among people from St. Estvam, Chorao etc who have been 
connected by road to the mainland rather recently.

It is not surprising then that they seek a life partner from either their 
own, or another, island. It's all about bio-rhythm.

If you are interested in knowing more about my studies on the Ferry Boat 
Mentality please read my PhD Thesis (Goa University 1992) "New Conquests: 
Mating Patterns in Post Liberation Goan Islanders" . If you want personal 
anecdotes of my experiences with Goan islanders please send me a private 
e-mail request.

Cheers!

Cecil

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