I too was called Uncle when I came to live in Goa by everyone, including
youngsters. Being a grandfather many times over, I respectfully asked them to
call me "Xapai".
I am surprised how often at the most un-expected places, be it Mapusa or Panjim
or
Porvorim, I hear someone calling out to me "XAPAI !" and I give them a hearty
wave.
People in the villages around here know me, but darned if I can recognize
everyone around,
especially the little ones. Now I am still called "Bhatkar" or "Patrao" by
many of the folks
around, which I take as a sign of respect, and the occasional "Uncle".
I find all these apellations quaint and respectful. In the Western world where
I spent most of my life it was usually "Sir" or "Mr. D'Souza" or in a
derogatory or angry manner :"hey
buddy " or "hey bud".
As I vend my way to Porvorim on my scooter, I pass children playing Cricket
or Football in the rice fields and am pleased to hear a chorus of "Xapai" as I
pass by. I give them a hearty wave and sometimes stop to chat with them and
joke with them. This is why I find
life in Goa, especially in the villages,so endearing.
