All Aboard The Suse-gaadi: A Vaga-Guide To Goa
Let’s get one thing straight: Goa is more than just a collection of Instagrammable beaches and touristy hotspots. Sure, those pretty photos might rack up the likes, but they miss the point entirely. The real Goa, the one that locals cherish, is a far cry from the overcrowded, overpriced mirage that fills your feed. It’s not about posing with a coconut drink in hand or snapping yet another sunset pic. No, it’s about embracing the slower, richer, and infinitely more rewarding side of life—a side that us tourists rarely get to see.
First off, let’s talk about the food. The fish curry you’ve seen plastered all over Instagram? It’s probably the blandest version of what Goan cuisine has to offer. Locals, however, feast on thalis (many being vegetarian) that are packed with authentic flavors—dishes that have been fine-tuned over centuries. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill plates designed to please every Tom, Dick, and Harry with a camera.
This is food that tells a story, one that’s deeply rooted in the local culture and made with ingredients that don’t need a filter to shine. While tourists flock to beachfront shacks for the same tired seafood platter, the real gems are hidden in family-run eateries where the only thing more satisfying than the food is the bill at the end.
And then there are the places themselves. Let’s be honest—those so-called “hidden” beaches on Instagram aren’t exactly secrets anymore. You can hardly stretch out without knocking over someone’s perfectly arranged towel. Meanwhile, the locals are heading inland, trekking through lush forests to secluded waterfalls. These are places that haven’t yet been ruined by the selfie stick brigade. Here, you won’t find crowds jostling for the perfect shot. Instead, you’ll find peace, quiet, and a connection with nature that no amount of likes can replicate.
But perhaps the most overlooked aspect of the real Goa is its pace of life. While tourists cram their itineraries with back-to-back activities, locals practice susegad, a lifestyle that’s all about taking it easy and living in the moment. Imagine spending a day in a tiny village where the biggest decision you have to make is whether to take a nap or watch the clouds drift by. There’s no rush, no pressure, just a deep appreciation for the simple joys that life has to offer. It’s the kind of relaxation that you can’t schedule into a vacation—it just happens when you let go of the need to see and do everything.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the cookie-cutter tourist experience and see the real Goa, it’s time to join us on our “Goa: The Unseen” adventure. We’ll take you off the beaten path and show you the Goa that’s been hiding in plain sight. Trust us, it’s a journey that’s worth more than any Instagram likes!
Elton Mendonce
