--- Roland Francis <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Or take > the Bombay or the Gulf Goan. He will swear by scotch > anywhere, > anytime. I have seen this breed relish 5 to 6 > scotches and club soda, > in the 40 degrees centigrade heat of a standing room > only sweaty bar > on a Friday noon in the Mapusa market as equally as > in the > airconditioned ambiance of a clubhouse or gymkhana > where it would be > more appropriate. ---------------------------------------- Dear Roland, I can definitely vouch for the fact that Gulf Goans are scotch drinkers. I not quite sure how this habit was cultivated in the Gulf, but I hazard a guess. As you probably know, alcohol in the Gulf can be acquired only through a permit, made accessible to non-muslims earning above a certain salary level, which the first generation of Goans in administrative type jobs, easily qualified for. Now, this exclusivity on the purchase of alcohol meant the market was relatively small consisting substantially of Brits who ventured out into the Gulf, being give a "hardship" allowance to do so. As a result, scotch and beer were stocked in wide array to cater to the British, while other alcohol catering to a more refined palate was sparse. Alcohol stores in those days were very small and could not carry a sign outside to signify that alcohol was sold within the premises. This I figure was what made the Gulf Goan a scotch man. That, and the fact that it tastes rather nice with a cold club soda, in the heat of the Arabian nights. Chus, selma __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
