Decision time. Do I really want to come back to India?

Today I take a walk to Colomb and Patnem exploring the back lanes looking for local people to talk with. Along the way I consider whether I should return to India as my current visa is about to expire and I have to leave. I meet several locals on my walk including a lady with six cats, a woman doing her laundry who lives with a family of twenty people, and I have a random encounter and interview with a man named Toto who I find very interesting and ask him about his life. I share my initial thoughts on Goa and how it has surprised me in offering almost exactly what I was hoping for. The walkable lanes, the lushness of the monsoon, the laid back pace of life - it almost reminds me of what Bali was like forty years ago. Having coffee in a small cafe I ask the question on what the experience is for Indian people who move abroad perhaps under the weight of expectation from family of society. I’ve received quite a few comments and emails from people living in the U.S.A, U.K. and places like Australia, who give me the impression they pine for their life back in India but feel it’s their responsibility to stay where they are abroad for financial reasons. Walking back to Palolem I get the offer of a lift from Zak on his scooter and I accept. Another great walk in Goa.