QUALITY TIME IN GOA - THE LAND OF SUN, SAND AND BEAUTIFUL
BEACHES
After the class picnics, it was time
for the school staff members to group together for a well deserved break from
the hectic schedule of the school time table. And the place handpicked for this
purpose was the land of sun, sand and beautiful beaches – Goa. The excitement
among the staff kept building up as the day for the picnic drew near, and the
enthusiasm was palpable in their confabulations and sprightly demeanor. On 11th
December, fifty seven staff members -some with their young children
–accompanied by Fr. Bernard Fernandes (Principal) and Ms. Nicole Britto
(Vice-Principal) proceeded to CST station to board the train at 11.05 p.m. to Goa.
The train journey was filled with
moments of fun, laughter, singing and the usual banter associated with group
outings. The 'picnic group' alighted at Karmali railway station in the morning
at 10.15 a.m. on 12th Dec. and got into the two awaiting mini-buses that were to take us to
our picnic destination at LAR DE ESTUDANTES in Altinho, Panaji. The serene and
peaceful atmosphere encompassing this place engulfed us, and the huge
dormitories made the picnickers feel at home! This would go on to provide an
ideal setting for prayer, informal meets, interactions, sing-song and
camaraderie.
The entire duration of the picnic
was very well organized, meticulously planned and expertly executed in a
heart-warming style! Every moment spent together was truly enjoyable that
helped build a rapport and bond among the staff members. The picnic program –
handed over to every picnicker a day prior to our journey – chalked out the
'plan of action' that the group would follow to discover and explore GOA and
its hidden beauty! 
The tour of North Goa took us to Don
Bosco, Panjim, Don Bosco, Odxel, and the scenic Dona Paula beach on the day we
reached Goa. The next day we regaled in the blithe atmosphere of the famed
beaches at Vagator, Anjuna, Baga and Calangute, while also spending time in
glowing admiration of the picturesque and imposing structure of the Aguada
Fort. By the time, the party toured
South Goa, the usually taciturn staff members had turned garrulous – what with
bus rides packed with ditties, jokes, and games! While the visit to the
churches in Old Goa – Bom Jesu Cathedral and the Se Cathedral – and the temple
at Mangueshi, served as a fillip to our faith, the tour of the Savoi Spice
Farm, Ponda (with the exotic Goan cuisine) and the Big Foot at Loutolim provided
us insights into the Goan tastes, culture and history. There was time to soak
in the majestic and the breathtaking view of the sunset at the pristine Colva
beach as well as spend some exhilarating moments out there.
On all the days of the picnic, special
arrangements were made for visits – and tea – at the homes of Fr. Bernard, Mr.
Tony, Mrs.Cleo and Mrs. Madhavi. These added a personal touch to the entire
picnic as a warm welcome was accorded to the picnickers by the family members
of these our staff members. Touring Panjim city made us shop till we dropped! Our
bags heavy, and our hearts light, we set out for our return trip on 15th
Dec. night. The train reached Lokmanya
Tilak Terminus (Kurla) on 16th early morning carrying a group of
picnickers wearing bright smiles and loads of precious memories of the
kaleidoscopic events in Goa.
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