State of mind & Goa

Day1 : new beginnings.

Goodbye to the scorching, burning heat of Mumbai, hello to the burning, scorching heat of goa, I know I came prepared for the
hot and humid climate of goa, given the presence of a massive waterbody: the arabian sea, still feel like it wasn’t enough. In
hindsite I should have carried with me a few air conditioners. Oh wait, the central cooling for the bus did it for us.

No, I’m not here to complain. It was fun, Goa was fun. Don’t believe me? Here, take a look.

Day 2: the arrival

Oh how I fit myself into my pants after 2 years of seeing its face. Oh curse the quarantine. Anyhoo, pulling up my big girl pants I
hopped into the bus to head to the “Houses of Goa” museum, designed and built by Goa based Architect- Ar. Gerard Da Cunha.

We were greeted by such a cool looking structure, it honestly baffled us. The museum/ exhibition building holds itself on 3 major
components- the spiral staircase block, and the two massive grinding stones. The whole building is 3 story high (g+2). We were
informed if we showed the elevation of such a structure for our juries, we might just end up on the streets.

Once we settled down after a short photo session with the “triangle building” we were welcomed by Ar. Gerard Da Cunha and his
tour guide- Jovito, or Jay for short. We learnt that the entirety of the plot comprises of a preschool and a primary and secondary
school. All of which was built with locally available material- like sponge stone, bricks, tiles, bottles of whiskey, etc. The
preschool was the most fun to be around. it was entirely made for children. Small doorways, entryways, slides to only transport
the children. It truly must be an experience to grow and learn in a structure that is built by the soil it sits on instead of the regular
concrete. My favorite term of the trip- scale. What needs to be realized is the scale factor, the way a child feels more at home
would be if the home was physically closer to him. This is where scale plays an important role.

Slide strictly to be used

by children, and no
other.

The primary and secondary school has a green vine cover. A very interesting aspect was the connection between indoors and
outdoors. the natural foliage was kept unharmed. Instead, the structure was cut out around pre-existing trees. Thus, the presence of
teak zone and tamarind zone. We Notice the use of space to provide windows and mini balconies for social connect. Provision of
internal courtyards as a measure of providing ventilation, as well as preservation of naturally available foliage. The openings in
the walls allow for ventilation and cute photos of my classmates.

Whew, don’t think my pants can take it anymore, so I’m thankful that the trip to the museum was done. I’m also glad I saw a
unique perspective to designing. The idea that not everything has to be written In stone in order to be executed was pretty new to
me. So, I learned something today. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds for me,

Day 3: the tempest.

Oh boy, I love the sea, I love the waves. Water bodies are terrifying, and mysterious, they hold so much power in them; one quick
motion, instant transmission to heaven, no one would even notice. Oh, and they’re so fun. Imagine my surprise when I wake up to
a text on my phone that suggests our presence at the Baga Beach. We were so caught up in playing with the waves, we forgot to
paraglide. I love making memories with people who mean a lot to me. Words cannot describe my time at the beach, but
photographs can.

Special thanks to Nayan Ingole for this Photograph, he couldn’t be in this picture, since he
was the one taking it

we took a short trip to Fontainhas that we explored much more on the day of departure. So the 30 minute walking on the staircase
only to be greeted by a dog who hated visitors was a bit rude.

But the day ended beautifully when we were greeted by Rajasthani folk artists, showcasing their dance and music. We were taken
back to the day us classmates hung out at Rajasthan and sang “Aaj Jaane Ki Zidd Na Karo” together.

Day 5: revenge of the 4.

We walked our way around the Shri Shantadurga Temple and the Mangeshi temple. Both of which show a mixture of Goan -
Portuguese art and architecture. The temples essentially flaunt a lake at the entrance under the bridge that joins the public road to
the temple complex. Inside the temple complex, right in the middle is the temple in its full glory, surrounded by a contrast of cool
grass and hot paved ground. The temple complex also provides housing to people who come from far to pray to their god.

Immediately after, we strapped ourselves in for a fun walk to a church with no air conditioning and steep sloped steps (say that
five times fast). The church of Bom Jesus (Bom= holy) is made entirely with stone inside and out. And every single detail is
carved into soft porous sponge stone that is also locally available. What astonished me most is the scale of the door to human.
Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed photography inside the church. But take my word for it when I say that the carvings were life
like. And seemed gilded.

A quick drink of the tears and sweat of the students we hurried off to the fort of Reis Magos which did not pass the vibe check,
since by the time we reached on top, we didn’t have a pulse. Instead, we ended up sitting under the (no longer active) hot oil spout
that was used to attack unexpecting intruders. However, the view from the top of the fort, absolutely spectacular (chef’s kiss) I can
see now why the kings would much rather stay holed up in their forts. I got to see up close the shells being used as glass on
windows. We also saw the machinery for defense.
After much convincing our 4 faculties we managed to get all dressed up for Shacks party on Baga beach. it was fun before the
food started coming, and then it was even more fun. Who knew simply dancing in the sand would work out your legs.

Day 6: Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna

I wish this day didn’t show up. I was starting to like the Goan heat, the sweat. The colorful streets of Fontainhas. Oh yes
Fontainhas. I’ve heard the community recolors all its houses every year on Christmas. Its such a fun experience for all when the
community is this active. Suddenly I felt like I wanted to stay here for all my life. Suddenly I felt the love oozing through the
walls of the houses. Suddenly I felt as if I belonged. Then my mother called me to ask me to buy her Kokam, and Chincha
(Tamarind).

Wish I could stay oh dear Goa, but my mum needs her Kokam. See ya again some time. Ill miss you.

END

Vaishnavi Chandrakant Kamble

4th year B. Arch.