- Brian Mendonça
One of the things I remember of our
hunt for a home in Goa is the view I got of the Mandovi river meandering behind
the churches of Old Goa. We were standing somewhat precariously on the top
floor of a structure under construction at what is one of the hottest property
locations in Goa today – the Kadamba plateau.
The flats overlooking the river were sold out.
Developers make it a point to
mention if the dwelling is sea-facing or river-facing in their ads. The Mandovi
as well as the Zuari, not to forget the Arabian sea itself, have their
votaries. But would you pay a crore to see a river flow by your balcao when it has always been there for
your viewing pleasure 24X7? Some -- in fact, many -- think it’s a good idea.
‘The river is within us, the sea is
all around us,’ wrote the poet T.S. Eliot. Does our body chime to the river and
the sea in different ways? Are we drawn to the water inexorably because our
body is made up of 70% water? Do the tides affect us in imperceptible ways like
the moon does?
Hearing the 6 p.m. Konkani Mass at
the Cathedral at Old Goa I was thinking the view of the Mandovi I had, must
have been so for so many centuries! I was just a wayfarer of time who like the
river would soon be on my way. This river, so pristine, so stately, renewed my
being as only Goa does. It was pure living water.
A reference to living water from the
Bible was inscribed on our wedding invitation as a blessing for our future life
together. We were astounded when we found that the Lenten reading for the day
after our site visits last week was the same! And he said to me, “And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there
will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their
fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for
them flows from the sanctuary.” (Ezekiel 47). This was reassurance enough. It was like a prophecy which was
about to redeem itself.
In Goa one is spoilt for choice.
Exquisite views, warm people, spiritual solace, an unhurried lifestyle, the
pleasure of seeing your child grow up in Goa, a lavish palette of seasons – all
make Goa an unmatched destination. I use the word destination, since at some
point in life you have to drop anchor and return to your roots.
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Published in Gomantak Times Weekender St. Inez. Goa on Sunday, 6 April 2014; Photo of churches at World Heritage site, Old Goa with Mandovi river in the background - courtesy Rajan Parrikar
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