in goa

i had a really nice and relaxing day on the beach today. i started out with a cute little pedicure that cost me $4. i had promised my girl anita that i would get a back and head massage from her, so got that too. it's not so much about the pampering, as it is such a little price for me to pay that provides so much for these women. and i fully support them. rather than begging, they are doing something, they are offering some sort of service. and that is productive and great. it is sad, but they need us tourists, regardless of how annoying it is for us.












it was a really nice day because everyone was really friendly, and acted like we were friends for a long time. i had some very interesting conversations with some of the ppl there. there was an english man handing out fliers about his school that he runs here in goa for all the poor children. he basically gets funding from european tourists to buy the kids uniforms, books, pencils, etc., and food. when i asked him why, he told me that he'd come here 15 years ago and seen a child run-over by a car on the side of the road, all cut up and bloodied. because he was from the lowest caste, no one bothered to help him and let him lie there for 2 days. when he'd seen him, he took him to the hospital straight away. he was so affected by the fact that no one felt it important to help the boy, that he realized if something needed to be done, he was going to have to do it himself. so he started this program to help the ones that no one else wants to help. www.educatorstrustindia.org

i got a great education on the slums, the poor, and the government. the slums in mumbai that we all saw in slumdog millionare, is one of the strongest political forces in mumbai, and is the biggest, most successful slum in india. it generates $650 million annually, so don't be fooled by the "poverty," they are actually very well off. most of the food we eat in mumbai and the goods that we purchase are made there. and the beggars that you see in the streets are professionals, living and trained in the slums, and they get driven down from mumbai and dropped off here in goa, in a mercedes. it's really terrible. they are so powerful that when the government tried to get rid of the slum, they unionized and were able to shut down the city of mumbai by refusing to work, cook, etc.

i'm still trying to understand the caste system here, but it defines everything- despite religion or state. who you are, what you can do, how much you can earn, etc. in fact, the days before i went to jaipur, the borders of rajasthan were closed, due to caste related strikes. one of them wanted a bigger share in employment. and for the lowest castes, no one wants to have anything to do with them, and they are left with no aid whatsoever. the government doesn't even care about them. they work and yet they can't earn a living beyond sleeping in the streets and having no possessions or food to eat. it's terrible.

so that man comes here and provides food and clothing for all the children, and gives them the chance that no one else takes the time to. i'm meeting him for a drink tonight, and tomorrow i plan to go visit him at the school and see what i can give back. it was remarkable how all the women selling goods on the beach knew him, as did their kids. he bought a meal for 2 women and their 3 children, collectively. between them they must have eaten 5 huge bowls of rice, they were that hungry. but they were all smiles and gave me hugs and kisses when they said goodbye. he's known to them as "hokey dokey". my girl anita said that one of the german women visiting goa now, had sponsored all 4 of her children with uniforms and school supplies, and they are now able to go to school this year. imagine? i have to do something as well. i was meant to meet this man before leaving. i am so interested to hear and see more.

but if you ask the goans, they say that goa is rich, not poor, as everyone has food here. what an interesting way to evaluate life right? gives you a new perspective. i shared my lunch and water with the girls on the beach today. i finally had sitofle (really dunno how it's spelled) which is my favorite fruit that i've only ever had in vietnam before. it is so yummy and delicious!







anyway, i just learned that my friend and her aunt are going to meet me here in goa tomorrow which is great!! i'm so glad i'll be able to see them before leaving! tall drink of norwegian-persian water can't find my hotel and we keep missing each others' messages. oh well, maybe we'll have better luck tomorrow.



until then, i will keep on enjoying my time!!