This is India's greatest reward | Most people just don't get it!

Today I take a walk to Colomb and Patnem, exploring the back lanes in search of 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, including a lady with six cats, a woman doing her laundry who lives with a family of twenty, and I have a random encounter and interview with a man named Toto, whom I find very interesting and ask about his life. I share my initial thoughts on Goa, noting how it has surprised me by offering almost exactly what I was hoping for: walkable lanes, lush monsoon scenery, and a laid‑back pace of life that reminds me of Bali forty years ago. While having coffee in a small café, I ask about the experience of Indian people who move abroad under the weight of family and societal expectations. I’ve received comments and emails from people living in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, who seem to pine for their life back in India but feel it’s their responsibility to stay abroad for financial reasons. Walking back to Palolem, I accept a lift from Zak on his scooter. The joys of India for me lie in these simple walks and exchanges with local people as they go about their day. The interactions, and getting to know local people, and them getting to know me, is why I come to India. I feel most people miss out on a wonderful experience by not taking the time to stop and chat with Indian people, or they just don’t get it. Another great walk in Goa.