Just a quick note from S. Florida - here to attend a function. I have been enjoying the recent posts of Roland Francis and Rose Fernandes. Well written and thought provoking. Well done, Sir and Ma'am. May more such delightful ink flow from your pens.
Roland's petromax post was particularly nostalgic. During the pre-electrification days (or should I say, nights), the night bus travels from Margao to Betul would sometimes terminate in Assolna. No idea what the passengers from further down the road would do, but those of us who lived (or were visiting) in Velim just walked the extra mile in the dark. Those were the days of Zhalacch Pahije. The bus drivers and their 'killinders' were protected by their almighty Bhau and the Em Ji Pee. So .... those of us who wanted to hang out in Margao a little longer, just exercised a wee bit in return. The dark nights were occasionally lit by 3 sources: moonlight, cazulle and the odd petromax. But, the "mavalis" had not yet discovered south Goa. So, it was safe to walk. Then, came the bulbs, the trucks, the Konkan Railway ......and the rest IN OBITER is history. I wonder, however, if Roland remembers the Alladin Lamp. I understand that some other company has bought over the patent and is manufacturing and marketing these lamps for about $ 300 each. Thanks again jc Pardon any Typos. This IPad does some curious auto- corrections
