Dear goanet readers This is the season when Goan immigrants living and toiling overseas and paying taxes for the development of overseas countries become Goan tourists heading for Goa to enjoy the sunshine and food. The patriotic Goan expecting to hear our music will be dismayed to find music from all regions of India played all day and night in our local restaurants. If you look closely the seasonal workers in all these restaurants come from different parts of India hence the music to the foreigner makes no difference and keeps the workers happy. This music in also featured as background in Goa tourism advertisements by cable in Europe.
Talking of Goan food, if you order a toast you will get real toast where you have to scrap off the burnt bits. The person serving you has probably never made toast before. The waiter or chef filling in the vacuum of native Goan workers and serving you fish curry has also never seen fish in their part of India. You of course know where the original native Goan workers are - on cruise ships, Swindon, etc. It is easy to differentiate the Goan tourist from the foreigner, for example, a foreigner will catch a taxi and relax on the journey. A Goan tourist will be sitting on edge looking at the meter, no one told them that the meter does not work. Likewise in shops it is quite embarrassing to see the Goan tourist haggling over the price of clothes which locals buy anyway. To further break this down, visitors from the United Kingdom can definitely be easily spotted as they bring out their antibacterial liquid or wipes for their hands before each meal in a restaurant despite a water tap being available to wash their hands. Most hospitality services be it accommodation or food are subcontracted by the susegad Goan owner only interested in depositing money in the bank. It would be good to see these owners take a more active interest in promoting our music and organise relevant training for their chefs and waiters. The Goa tourist office in Panjim may be able to assist in this matter. Melvyn Fernandes Thornton Heath, Surrey, United Kingdom 6 December 2012
