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Hello from Italy, after a disappointing Goa
- Edgar Martins
Am taking a few minutes to say hello from Italy where I am relaxing after spending five months in India. I would consider it a waste of time to try and do anything in Goa. It is difficult to accomplish anything in Goa due to the corruption and greed that has permeated every sector of the government. Even the Panchayats are riddled with vermin attempting to stop progress of the state.
It is frustrating for if one goes to the higher authorities, they inform you that there is nothing that can be done to stop any illegal dealings. You are expected to bribe and get things done. Court cases take ages to be resolved. Even if you have every proof, you cannot be assured of receiving justice from the courts. The police are corrupt and court clerks are the same.
I spent about 10 days in Switzerland in the company of friends. I have been to Europe often and know the countries of Western Europe well. Switzerland is a delightful country when the panorama is considered. There is still snow on the mountains and I took a cable car lift up a mountain (Shildhorn) made famous in a James Bond film. The restaurant rotates and one sees in slow motion the mountains all around. If one does not like to climb steps, Switzerland is not a country to visit. Steps are everywhere as even the houses are constructed on the hillsides.
The Swiss are very athletic and they use bicycles a lot to get from one place to another. I did not like their food and the music one hears on the radio is very bland. I suppose this is due to their insular nature. They are not members of the EU and NATO. Their army is being decreased with modern weapons and streamlining. Their chocolates and cheese are remarkable and unique due to their lush vegetation and clean air.
It is a very liberating feeling to be here in Europe from the India I left behind. I have an angry feeling when I think of the harrowing time I spent in India and I must be sadistic to consider returning to Goa again at the end of this year. I have things to sort on behalf of the family - my brothers and sister.
Today here in Turin, I cooked everything Indian and even the rice pudding was a la Indien. Friends of my hosts were invited and they expressed their satisfaction. The guests have offered to take me to see a lake nearby on Tuesday afternoon. It is nice to see the scenery everywhere as it is unique to each place. Besides, Italy is such a culturally rich place, the home of many a great person and they have all left a legacy, be it in art, science or literature.
Edgar Martins May 2000