I have travelled and lived all over India and most parts of the world and discovered something very unique about Goa that never happens anywhere else in India or even the world. People check your car number plates here and size you up accordingly. God forbid if the number plate reads anything other than our loving GA. I’ve been driving my Mumbai registered Maruti car for over eight years in Goa and let me tell you, I face flak on the road almost on a daily basis. The moment the driver behind me notices the Mumbai registration all hell breaks loose and some serious attempts are made to honk me off the road. I once made the huge mistake of honking at a GA car and then even worse, overtaking it. The driver gave frantic chase, overtook me and stalled until I had to pullover. He gets out of his car comes up to my window and asks me in Konkani ‘who do you think you are, Salman Khan?’ Now why in the world would I want to think I am a muscle flexing, hip gyrating neandthral is beyond my wildest imagination. But then that’s what Mr. pissed off thought that I thought. Anyway, I told him I was in a hurry to meet a dental appointment and really didn’t care about Bollywood movies. I was let off with a ‘don’t you try to show off again’ in Konkani. Goans are actually simple, peace loving, friendly people and THAT’s what makes Goa so special. THIS is the real reason why the whole world wants to be in Goa. People from all over India and all over the world come to Goa and set up home and successful businesses here, enjoying our warm hospitality and susegaad lifestyle. Ironically, most Goans believe the only way they can earn a living is by leaving Goa.
