wherein robbers made off with the copper cable connecting the only telephone exchange in the town my parents live in to the rest of the nation, leaving the place without any wired telephone or DSL service. Hence, this may be my last post while the local government department gets its act together.
So what is Goa like? Let me offer up three “news” articles from local newspapers
1. Faithful throng Talaulim for Touxeamchem Fest
Faithful throng Talaulim for Touxeamchem Fest HERALD REPORTER PANJIM, JULY 27 — On a Sunday marked by some heavy downpour, Talaulim in Tiswadi invoked the blessings of its patron saint (St Anne), even as people of all faiths thronged the historic 16th century St Anne’s Church to make a wish at the traditional Touxeamchem Fest.
Touxeamchem translates as “of the cucumbers” (or can be translated a little loosely as “our cucumbers”). To continue…
More famed for its miracles of gifting the childless with children, this year too couples brought their gifts (children) and placed them at the feet of St Anne’s statue. Fr Lourdinho Pereira said around 28 childless couples, who received favours, met him personally.
Wow. Someone’s been busy. Note that neither the reporter nor the editor saw anything wrong with this bit.
2. Age-old ritual kick-starts fishing season in Agonda
Age-old ritual kick-starts fishing season in Agonda HERALD CORRESPPONDENT CANACONA, JULY 27 – The traditional fishing season has commenced in Agonda on Sunday with the commemoration of an age-old annual ritual at both ends of the shore. Traditional fishermen from coastal Agonda annually carry out customary puja, where hundreds of coconuts are broken and cocks are sacrificed offering them to Hill Gods, while feni and toddy is poured into sea to please Sea God.
No, not those cocks.
Feni and toddy : local moonshine made from cashew (fruit) and coconut sap.
3. Stray cattle menace on the rise in Salcete
Stray cattle menace on the rise in Salcete NT NETWORK MARGAO: As stray cattle become responsible for road accidents in the city and other areas of Salcete, the Margao Municipal Council and respective Panchayats are yet to take action with regard to the same. According to sources in South Goa Collector’s office, the South Goa district administration has asked the Margao Municipal Council to take strict measures to prevent the cattle menace.
That’s right. Goa has stray cattle that menace traffic. Soon to be a horror film. Maybe they can convince Buffy that the cattle menace is a harbinger of the evil horrors to come.
This is also notice that my English speaking and writing skills will regress to 19th century British governmentese.
