The road surface on the Goan side is equally good but the roads are peppered with speed bumps, some for no apparent reason at all. Extremely frustrating at times! The other thing that is initially frustrating about Goan roads is that no-one seems to be in a hurry to get anywhere. They all drive merrily along as if every journey is a joy ride. There’s almost no sense of urgency, and once this aspect of Goan life grows on you, then you realise that this is precisely what makes Goa such a beautiful weekend getaway. The Goans even have a term for this beautifully unhurried approach to life that reflects their contentedness with their lot in life, susegad, a derivative of the Portuguese word sossegado, which means quiet.
Having crossed into the coastal State at a time that corresponded with lunch, it was inevitable that we should stop for a lunch of Goan fish curry and rice, along with some fried prawns, mussels and a spattering of veggies. There are innumerable shacks that serve wonderful seafood that will appeal to a foodie’s palate. For those without a taste for seafood, there are other non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes to choose from.
