The Goa I Remember: More Than Just Going Straight

You know, every time I think about Goa, I can't help but smile. It's not just the beaches or the parties that come to mind, but the roads. Sounds weird, right? Let me explain. Back in the day, getting from Calangute to Arambol was an adventure in itself. I remember taking my wife on these long rides, going through Siolim, winding our way through little villages and past endless palm trees. It wasn't the quickest way, but man, was it beautiful. Now, things have changed. New roads have popped up everywhere. It's easier to get around, sure, but sometimes I miss those long rides. These days, when you ask for directions in Goa, you'll probably hear "just go straight" more often than not. It's become a bit of a joke among us regulars. I've been thinking about why Goans always say "go straight." Maybe it's because it's easier than explaining all the turns. Or maybe it's just the laid-back Goan way – why complicate things, right? But here's the thing – sometimes going straight isn't always the best way. Those old, winding roads taught me something important. The longer route often showed me parts of Goa I would've missed otherwise. A hidden beach here, a cool little café there. Now, I take my whole family on these trips, and seeing Goa through my kids' eyes on these longer drives? Priceless.

It got me thinking about life, too. We're always in such a rush to get where we're going. But sometimes, the scenic route is where the real magic happens. It's like that in our careers, our relationships, everything. Here's another thing I've learned: when you're trying to get somewhere new, don't just ask anyone for directions. The other day, I wanted to find this secluded beach, and the guy at the shack just said, "Go straight." Turns out, he'd never even been there! It reminded me that in life, it's best to take advice from people who've actually been where you want to go. So yeah, Goa's changing. The roads are straighter, the journeys are quicker. But every now and then, I still take the long way round. Because sometimes, it's not about getting there fast – it's about enjoying the ride. Next time you're in Goa, try taking a detour. You might be surprised at what you find. And hey, if someone tells you to "just go straight," maybe ask them about the scenic route instead. Trust me, it's worth it.