Have you heard of Goa’s Paowala also called Poder ?
I’m sure you will come to know him when you visit Goa or are a Goan resident.
He is the man who delivers bread every morning at your doorstep .
Pao is the konkani word which means ‘bread’ in engish . It’s the local language in Goa. Portuguese, English, Marathi and even Hindi is spoken
There is a typical characteristic of this man. He makes his presence felt with a horn on his cycle
The baker’s horn
. At the rear of his cycle he has a huge basket with a variety of breads .
I love the Poiee the best .
The others are
Katriche Pao : with a scissor cut shape
Paozine: mini stuffed round roll ( with a
sausage filling ) also called Choris Pao.
Unde : hard crusted bread and soft inside
Pao: a soft square of bread
Kankon : bangle shaped bread
The Poiee is a whole wheat bread with a large round shape and hollow inside . It has a little bran at the top
Poiee
Today the Paowala even comes on a motorcycle. Generally the round basket has a blue cover .
I’ve waited anxiously for the sound of his horn to collect the Poiee or the standard Pao if I’m late for the Poiee.
The Poiee is so famous that one can order it at some restaurants .
However all POIES are not authentic. Some don’t have the typical round and hollow shape.
Besides seeing the real Paowala , I happened to see a huge model of one at Chimbel . It was made for an event, and literally out-standing . Since it was being de-constructed the model was headless.
A model of the Paowala
If you have lived in Mumbai ( formerly known as Bombay) then you may have heard of the ‘Maka Pao’ . Without any offence to anyone , a Goan was jokingly called a Maka Pao which simply means Maka Pao Zai translated in English as ‘I want bread’. I’m one , for your information. …and a proud Goan😉
Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?
The most famous person I’ve ever met is my granduncle Dr M U Mascarenhas. He was more like my grandfather, as my father lost both his parents at the age of 8years old and was cared for by him.
Dr M U Mascarenhas on the left and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (1st Prime Minister of India)on the right
I say famous about my granduncle because he had become mayor of Bombay (now Mumbai).
He was part of the freedom movement when India got its independence from Great Britain. He took an active part in the political life of India . He was elected as an Independent and later as a Congress candidate.
My memories went back to my childhood when I was about 8-9 years of age. He stayed in ‘Marian Villa’ , while we had our home opposite him. We would visit him every evening . At that time he was quite old , in his 70’s .
I cherish those interactions with him. He knew my brothers and I liked lozenges. The moment we said “Good evening Granduncle’ , he would respond lovingly and point to a jar of lozenges he kept on top of a cupboard. He would then give us some .
He also kept Dell Comics featuring Superman, Batman Sadsack and even Archie, which we loved reading. Sadly you don’t get Dell comics anymore.
Once a year from end August to end September there would be a kite flying season . We thought we were quite smart. When we met him , we would hint “ Granduncle there are many kites in the skies nowadays “ wondering what his reaction would be . Surely he guessed about our hint . Then he would call the housekeeper “ Marie , please get them some kites .” We were overjoyed to receive our kites .
I remember accompanying him at this late age to cast his vote during the electoral process. It amazed me that people still remembered him , as they welcomed him ‘Please make way for our former mayor’
I was greatly saddened when his end was near . My brothers and I were at a scout and cub camp out of Bombay ( in Khandala)
We were called urgently home. We then visited the hospital to see him, by which time he was semiconscious. As I wished him, he turned to see us and that was the last .
Condolences followed , to acknowledge him even at public meetings and in the newspapers.
This one thing I learned ….one has to move on in in life , no matter how famous a person is, loving memories stay with us .Acceptance of our state of life at the changing seasons help one to go a long way .
A good friend and I decided to go on a photo excursion to the Exhibition Center near the Clyde River
We travelled by train to Glasgow Central where we needed to change to the lower level train to the Exhibition Center .
However when we reached the platform we were disappointed to know that the train we were supposed to take was delayed indefinitely due to electrical failure .
Since the station was only two stations away we began our walk to our destination.
As we reached the Clyde , we felt blown away by the strong winds . This is quite surprising as people say it is Autumn.
My love of photography began
The Broomielaw bridge was the first we passed . It has a fancy shape and is meant for pedestrians.
My friend Tony with the Broomielaw bridge at the background
The Broomielaw bridge
It was built on 14 th May May 2009 .This bridge connected the districts of Anderson on the north bank of the Clyde to Tradeston and the neighbouring district of Kingston on the south bank
The Kingston Bridge
The Kingston Bridge is a concrete balanced cantilever dual-span multiple lane road bridge across the Clyde .
The Squinty bridge was next , which is a road bridge . It’s also known as the Clyde Arc . It is near the Rotundas on either side of the bridge which was needed before the bridge was built.
Myself with the Squinty Bridge at the background
A prominent feature is its curved design . I thought it looked beautiful. This bridge connects Finnieston near the Clyde and the renowned Ovo Auditorium and the Amarillo to the Glasgow Science Centre and the Pacific Quay .
OVO Auditorium
The OVO Hydro is a huge Conference and Event Centre. The recent Climate Change Conference was held there with many heads of State attending .Even big musical events are held there …like live performances by Elton John and Rod Stewart . The capacity is about 12000.
The Amarillo
Nearby is the Amarillo shaped like the Amarillo which is a theatre having a capacity of 2000 .
The Rotunda now having a restaurant in it
There is interesting history behind the Rotundas. In the past there were no bridges spanning the Clyde. Ships were constructed in Glasgow and shipped out along the Clyde. Nowadays this industry has practically stopped. At that time the Rotundas were the route for traffic to pass from one side to the other .
The Crane shifting the locomotive many years ago
The defunct crane today
Here we also see the famous now defunct crane . This large crane was used to transfer the manufactured Steam Locomotives onto ships for sending to various countries of the British empire like India, Malaysia and others .
We entered the Exhibition Centre for a Coffee and Croissant . Then proceeded to cross over to the Glasgow Science Centre .
We did not enter the centre but went to the viewing point to see the Pacific Quay .
We crossed the Clyde by walking over the Millenium Bridge. This is a narrow bridge for pedestrians you would walk in a single file.
The boat named …….Queen Mary on the Quay caught my eye, for a photograph
The Queen Mary
Nearby was a viewing tower . The high structure had a stairway going to the top
The Viewing Tower
It has a good view of Glasgow .
After another coffee at the Costas we passed the Science Centre and the BBC building .
The Science Centre The BBC Building Bells Bridge with the Crane on the far side of the Clyde
We began our return to the Station via the Bells Btidge which looks like a tunnel straight to the station.
This time trains were running and we parted ways in climbing up the slope to the final road bridge at Clarkston Station.
My #1 priority is waking up early and spending a quiet time in prayer.
I then go for a fast walk or a slow jog to the nearby station and pick up 17 copies of the daily newspapers for elders of a retirement home as a gesture for those who are feeble.
Still my #1 priority is to pray in the morning and then after breakfast to attend the church service.
During the day I go to the gym to keep fit or go for long walks or reading books and writing reflections or blogging .
There are some days I play tennis which I really enjoy .
There are coffee mornings and quiz nights .
You will be surprised how the retired people keep doing things independently, Often they are visited by their families .
I stay at this home and enjoy my independence even though I have my daughter and her family staying nearby .
There are times when we do babysitting. It’s a joy to have the grandchildren visit us. The youngest one is very fond of my wife. He plays innovative games with her . He likes one of our sofas and enjoys jumping on it like a trampoline . If there is any newspaper or bag on it he throws it aside and claims it at that time as his own .
The week goes by with other activities like meeting others for a chat over coffee and shopping .
I thought retired life is like a long coffee break . But it has many activities interspersed and I wonder what they are at times when anyone asks me :
What is your plan today or tomorrow or during the week.
I have been greatly blessed to have music pour out into original songs I have composed. This has been specially in times of trial and sufferings.
During my days as a teenager, I remember composing a song . I thought that was the first and the last, in many years
I also experienced music dying within me when I had dark days. There was not a hint of even a musical note.
However music returned into my life . I enjoy it and thrive specially during times of worship .
I was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago . It was during this time that I was inspired to compose songs. They just flowed out .
These are all devotional songs and dedicated to God . Till date I have composed 15 songs .
A friend has very kindly agreed to write this into sheet music .
Besides devotional music I also like to listen to slow rock and pop music .
The older songs bring back memories. I have ventured to listen to the latest music. However these often have more sound effects rather than pure instrumental notes . The lyrics of rap music are very repetitive, I really don’t understand them .
I think there is a variety of music for every occasion ….. joyous ones at the celebrations, love songs , then the quiet times and music that serves as the background of a movie . There is music to march to and even songs to cheer sports teams . I like the song dedicated to the Liverpool football team ? It’s title is ‘You’ll never walk alone ‘
Have you heard the song of birds?
When you go into the countryside, and be still ; be sure that you will hear the various calls of birds in the air …….they could be musical or raucous.
Likewise music we compose or listen to , have a wide range. Classical music is certainly different, and I think I will need to refine my tuning to it .
What would life be without music ?
Have you listened to the silence ?
It’s only then that you will hear the Holy One , whisper into your heart .,,,and inspires you !
That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” William Shakespeare
My name Vincent sounds good as it means Victorious . I am not writing under a ‘nom de plume’ .
The Roman name Vincentius is derived from the Latin word vincere which means ‘conquered’ .
This name was used in the Middle Ages and became popular later .
I like to think of two famous people bearing this name : St Vincent de Paul and Norman Vincent Peale
St Vincent always reached out to the poor and needy. His motto was
‘The poor, when viewed with eyes of faith, take the place of Christ and so give us the opportunity to love and serve Jesus. Charity is greater than any rule or pious exercise.’
Thus the Society of Vincent de Paul commenced . It reaches out to the poor in various ways .
Norman Vincent Peale was a Pastor who wrote several books , of which one was ‘The power of Positive Thinking’
He offers a step-by-step, scientifically sound system for turning self-doubt into self-esteem, obstacles into opportunities, and thought into action.
He quotes many verses from the Bible .
I have read a few books written by him and they have helped me a lot. These are self help books which are enlightening.
My name came from my grandfather’s name which was Joaquim Vincent Placidus Mascarenhas. . He was the Physician to the Maharaja of Porbandar . During the epidemic of Influenza at the time of World War II he visited Italy . Unfortunately he and the Maharajah both contracted the illness and passed away . He was buried in Florence .
Art, for the sake of art itself, is an idle sentence. Art, for the sake of truth, for the sake of what is beautiful and good, that is the creed I seek. — George Sand
Writing truthfully on my innermost feelings can often be hidden. It could be a release of my emotions but it’s not easy.
However I find that reflecting on words of scripture can reveal more about myself . The word itself can convict me . It’s only then that I begin to know the truth .
‘What is truth ? ‘ (John 18:38) Pilate questioned Jesus in jest as Jesus claimed to be ‘witness to the truth’ (John 18:37) .
Soon after this, Pilate had serious misgivings. After all here was someone who was beyond his understanding. Truly the ‘Son of God’ .
We may hide from the truth, but the innermost self then convicts us.
There are many instances of my life of which I struggle to reveal. Writing brings this out and becomes a release of emotions .
I’ve been told that the best way to deal with the challenges in life is to begin writing .
I may or may not publish all these writings, as I then become vulnerable. ‘Boldness’ is required .
I wonder ‘why’ I cannot be bold enough to reveal my feelings . Often I read other writers who have the boldness and truthfulness to publish their works , and it makes good readings.
‘Why?’ The best reason I think is that it is honest , original and an art in itself.
I hope that when I’m asked the question ‘What is truth ?’ I can be bold enough to write about myself , with the hope that I can help my readers to benefit from how I face the joys of my victories or the sadness of defeats.
We hear of many stories of a young person losing his way
Why does a young person lose his or her way ? Is it because of lack of love or it is it because of bad company ?
I think both cases could cause this waywardness .
Most often it is ‘bad company’ and peer pressure . This happens in university . Who does not want to be cool or look cool or do things which show a person doing things to impress others . Moving in bad company leads to doing what the others are doing , be it drinking excessive alcohol, or doing drugs .
What I find hard to understand is Jesus came for the lost and sick . He said ‘I came not for the virtuous but for the sinner. The sick need the doctor more than others.’ Can I match this when I interact with the gang of so called ‘bad’ guys , without myself getting into any trouble?
Obviously we will need to rely on the Lord, for guidance , by our prayers.
The second category are those lacking love. Here it is quite complicated. The person needs affirmation and recognition to do anything. It may be anything as long as he/she gets noticed. This may not be easily detected , and this lack of love may lead the person to behave badly in order to seek attention.
So where are we …what will our response be to these cases . I still think loving them is important.
I have seen this in a classroom. The troublesome students are the ones who need more attention. When this is implemented those very students who are given special attention, begin to respond and ‘change’ happens .
A realisation I have made is that often these students will listen to anyone, except their parents.
Students remember their mentors many years later and it’s a joy to see them succeed in their careers and many happily married.
In conclusion, I think that one should not give up on anyone no matter what their circumstances are, and what they do .
Love and prayers go a long way .
Can we carry our candle to light the world of those are losing their way ?
One of the great characteristics of optimism is that it keeps one in a positive mindset .
William was a young man who did well in his job . He was always happy .
Bob his co-worker was curious to know why. “Why are you so happy . This work is so mundane , that I just want to quit .”
William responded “Why worry ; enjoy what you do .” There is no point in complaining ; what benefit can you get .”
Bob still went on ,” The boss is a real task master . He has no good thing to say . Besides some of my colleagues tend to be his favourites.”
“ Do you really think life would be better if the boss changes, or you have new colleagues in another workplace?”queried William .
What is work , if not a form of service . Whether it is private or corporate, whether one’s own entrepreneurship or otherwise.”
Bob replied ,” What happens when you are still with the same job all your life and the boss does not change ?”
“Well then, grin and bear it , but still be happy .” smiled William .
Try saying “I am happy” every half hour .
“Do you know my secret is that the Lord is my boss . I give my best efforts to him . What does it matter who my boss is . I may have changes in bosses , but God is still changeless . When you are happy , you make others happy and then you will begin to see the people you dislike in a new light .”
This verse from scripture will be more enlightening.
‘Slaves, be obedient to the men who are called your masters in this world; not only when you are under their eye, as if you had only to please men, but wholeheartedly , out of respect for the Master. Whatever your work is, put your heart into it as if it were for the Lord and not for men, knowing that the Lord will repay you by making you his heirs. It is Christ that you are serving.’ (Colossians3:22-24)
For those who are masters,
‘Masters, make sure that your slaves are given what is just and fair, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.’ (Colossians 4:1)
viewvin 