GOA – Where Beer is NOT Cheaper than water

An old saying said “if you throw a stone in Goa, it will either hit a church or a bar!”. The person who said this, We should actually find him and kill him. There are several other myths that needs to be busted when you come to Goa next.  Lets pen down few of them,

1. Myth : Most Goans are Catholic

Reality : Only 25% of Goans are Catholic.

It’s pretty obvious why someone would make this assumption. Tourists generally go to North Goa and miss out on the South. Coincidentally most of Goas Catholic population is concentrated in the North. All festivities are celebrated by everyone with equal enthusiasm here in Goa. So this myth is hard to break.

2. Myth : Goans party like there’s no tomorrow

Reality : We wish we do. But we really don’t.

The Irony is that most Goans have never even been to any hardcore parties their entire lives. In fact the only parties most Goans have been to are the New year and Birthday parties.

They are preoccupied with work and education like everyone else. Sleeping all day and partying all night isn’t going to pay the bills. So if you have a Goan friend then feel free to invite them to one. It might just be their first.

 3. Myth : Goans live on beaches and reside in shacks 

Reality : Believe it or not most of Goans live in apartments.

Most Goans don’t even live within 5 kms of any beach. Also, Goans do not sleep on the beach every night, just like people of Mumbai do not eat Vada Pav for all three meals. Even they find living in Apartments more comfortable.

4. Myth : Goans drink beer like water….like a lot.

Reality : NO… Not that much though

Yes, Goans may drink more than your average Indian. But it’s not to the point where you can simply assume that everyone here does it. Another fun fact is that Goans do not produce Feni in their backyards! 

5. Myth : Your average Goan goes around wearing an Hawaiian Shirt, Short pants, flip flops and a fedora. 

Reality : Goans wear regular Shirts, T shirts, Jeans, Trousers, Sneakers and everything else the rest of the world wears.

6. Myth : The heritage houses in Goa are Portuguese houses. 

Reality : There is not a single proper Portuguese house in Goa

These mansions are a fusion of European architectural elements and Indian traditions. However the Old Goa churches are built on European architectural models, the parish churches in Goan villages are actually home-grown designs.

7. Myth : The Dry Season is best for Holidaying in Goa

Reality : Goa is a great place for a Holiday regardless of the Season

yes, monsoon in Goa has its own charm. It is the time when the land is greener, the temperature is cool, and the place oozes a feeling of freshness. It is an ideal time to discover the inner regions as well as the natural splendor.

 8. Myth: There is nothing except beaches and Churches in Goa.

Reality: Well, You’re in for a shocker! 

National Parks, Lakes, Hills, Waterfalls, historic monuments, centuries old temples and churches, ghats, rivers, villages, wide open lakes, fields, bike rides, secret trials, ferry rides. There’s just so much in Goa that it’s a shame most tourists completely ignore it.

9. Myth : Oh you’re from Goa? You must play Guitar really well.

Reality : Majority of Goans don’t even know how to tune a Guitar. Let alone play one.

10. Myth : Goans are always laidback.

Reality : Goans are as hardworking as anyone else.

Goans are one of the most satisfied-with-life people the world has ever seen. All they want is good food, good wine and the good life with song and dance. they really don’t care about making too much money. But, Goans most certainly do take their own time in getting stuff done. Nevertheless, Goans can most certainly work hard when required.

Goa is much beyond Beaches and Booze.  You can definitely get a touch of real Goa from our other posts and from the articles yet to come. You may also share your insight about the topic, feel free to comment.

Happiness is Goa, Goa is Happiness… Head soon