That was too funny !! Perhaps the Europeans referred to Goans as Black Europeans, but to stir the pot a little, here is some information from my perspective. I was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. My birth certificate states that I was born at the European Hospital and my nationality was given as Portuguese(Goan) . Since Goans travelled with Portuguese passports, I guess this was accurate. Why the European Hospital ? In colonial times there was a hospital in Dar es Salaam called the Sewa Haji Hospital, named after an Indian philanthropist(?) which catered to Asians and Africans. Goans however were treated diffrerently, perhaps at the urging of the Portuguese Consul. There was a special ward within the European Hospital set aside for Goans but not other Asians or Indians. Since my younger sibling was born nearly 10 years after me, I recall visiting my Mom at the European Hospital where she had given birth to my younger brother. Every other lady who had given birth and accomodated in this ward was Goan as far as I recall. The European Hospital was renamed Ocean Road Hospital as it was situated on Ocean Road when the country neared Independence. Goans did tend to think of themselves as different from other Indians. We were except for a couple of exceptions, all Christians, we wore western clothes, we had no dietary restrictions and we spoke predominantly English in our homes. We had adapted quite well to the colonial situation. In this respect I dont think we were much different from Goans working in India proper. The Europeans found us easier to work with because of our adaptability, But this is the first time I have heard the term 'Black European" Vivian
