Goan.. Susegad

GOA. The word conjures up a kaleidoscope of images: swaying palm trees, languid backwaters, the mighty Arabian Sea, unending beaches, a tropical climate, friendly people, and a multitude of bars leading to what the locals call Susegada. I came across the term Susegada for the first time. It was introduced by a dear friend, KK, and literally means quiet and relaxed (chilling in blore language) 

Most of us would have heard about the Japanese concept of the ‘ikegai,’ which translates to mean ‘the reason for being.’  The Goans have adopted a way of Susegad.  The origin is from the Portuguese word Sossagado.  This quietness is associated with peace and happiness, which the Goans place above everything else. It is about living life at an easy pace. The concept of "What, me hurry"? Holds good for the Goans and visitors there.

Our Goa holiday, another impromptu break, can be described in exactly that term!  Our Gulf association with Anamika and KK meant a strong bond, and they suggested we travel to Goa for the weekend. It is the monsoon season in India, and road travel chasing the monsoon was an offer as tempting as the spices of Goa. It was a 12-hour journey with plenty of breaks to fill our senses with India's monsoon delights. 

Our route map for the trip was 

Bangalore—Tumakuru—Hiriyur—Chitradurga ( breakfast)—Davanagare—Dharwad—Hubli—Mollem—Goa. The total distance covered was 563 km through NH 48. The road conditions were excellent until we started the Ghat section after Mugad, where parts of the highway were sunk and pitiable on the Karnataka side.  Once we crossed into Goa, it improved by leaps and bounds.

The first attraction that caught our eyes on the highways was the numerous windmills that dotted the skyline from just past Tumkuru to Chitradurga. There was a time when people traveled to Amsterdam to catch a glimpse of the windmills. The long white blades of the windmills spinning, slowing along with the breeze, were a beautiful sight along the roads. The horizon was filled with these elegant windmills, spinning slowly, harnessing wind energy, perched atop hills that dotted the landscape. Move over Amsterdam, Chitradurga is here, it seemed to say. Good work, India, we thought.

One of the loveliest sights of driving during the rainy season is the clouds that travel with us along the way. Whichever direction one looks at, the skies are peppered by puffy, white, and grey layered clouds, rolled or layered as one would like to imagine them to be. The greenery on either side of the highway is lush, verdant, pristine, and filled with life thanks to the monsoon rains. It was quite common to spot huge Banyan trees that have stood the test of time all along our route.

The three days in Goa flew by. We visited the beaches, chilled in bars, soaked in the humid air, walked endlessly by the coastline, and languished by the poolside, watching the rain clouds descend over us. Driving into the rain, sudden sharp showers engulfing us, swimming in the tropical rain, watching the huge Arabian Sea waves while sipping margaritas—it really felt like Susegad! 

 Meanwhile, Jamaica, our four-legged friend, also had a wonderful holiday despite her anxious nature, curiously exploring new scents and smells while Ana fussed over feeding her! Before we knew it, it was time to plan our return trip via NH66 towards Karwar, avoiding the bad roads.

This time, if possible, Mother Nature bettered herself, and we stopped briefly at the river Kali, merging with the Arabian Sea. It was a splendid sight to behold! We passed the Naval Base at Karwar and then turned towards Sirsi and Haveri; the roads were a breeze this time. Rains accompanied us on the return journey as well. 

Road trips with friends - ZNMD style is zany and whacky - make the most of the present!