Day 113 Friday 4/6/2018 Goa (Mormugoa Harbor), India

113  Friday 4/6/2018  Goa ({Mormugoa Harbor), India 7:00-5:00 

General information.  The state of Goa was the cultural center of Portuguese India for 450 years.  Goa was first region in India to be colonized by Europe and the last to get its freedom in 1961.  Colonial influence is very prominent.  The colonial styles of the Old Town earned it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  About a third of Goans are Catholic.  Se Cathedral is one of the largest churches in Asia.  The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of India’s finest examples of baroque architecture.  It holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the city’s patron saint.  Hindu mosques and temples are abundant.  

Hand painted tiles are used on the exterior of houses and businesses and also interior of churches.  Petroglyphs suggest people lived here up to 30,000 years ago.  Christian, Islamic and Hindu people live side by side.  In small towns, there are many crafters.  Scooter taxis are intended for the locals with "pilots" as drivers.  They will have a yellow license plates.  June, July, and August is the rainy season and 40 inches a rain per months the norm.  

Goa has equal laws for people.  Equal distribution in a family between husband, wife and children.  No discrimination based on religion.  More bars per person than any other state in India.  Feni wine used to make a toddy is a popular drink. Feni is made from the fermented fruit from the cashew tree.

Went to the Latin Quarters of Margao City, where we walked among Portuguese and Indian architectural styles. 

Should have done the included tour, not this one.

Portuguese Heritage  Colonial Charm and Splendor Saw a bit of the legacy of the Portuguese in Goa’s colonial architecture and traditions.   For 450 years, the region was influenced by Portugal.   Drove to  Chandor in Margoa.  Toured a 213-year-old (former palatial)  mansion built by Portuguese nobleman Menezes Braganza, the largest heritage house in Goa.  This house is not restored, was not clean and was a huge disappointment.  Saw Belgian chandeliers, paintings, porcelain, crystal and period furniture in several sitting areas, a ballroom, and dining room.  Went to the Latin Quarters of Margao City, where we were to walk among Portuguese and Indian architectural styles.  Essentially, we walked around one block and saw some nice homes and some run-down homes.  Our guide gave us no information about any architecture styles.    Our last stop was at a cafe for sandwiches on white bread, store-bought cookies, tea or soda.  I did not eat, but I had a beer.  I paid money for this tour and was hugely disappointed.  

Went to the Latin Quarters of Margao City, where we walked around a block of Portuguese and Indian architectural style homes.  Some were nice, others were run-down.

Latin Quarters of Margao City

Mail delivery, Latin Quarters of Margao City

Latin Quarters of Margao City

Latin Quarters of Margao City

Restaurant where I had a beer and simple white bread sandwiches and store bought little cookies were available.

Latin Quarters of Margao City

Hand-painted tiles used on the exterior of houses and buildings.

Scooters are popular everywhere in India.  

Dancers' Welcome on the pier of Mormugoa Harbor.  

Shortly after our arrival in Mormugoa Harbor.  Very hazy/foggy morning.  

Lots of street vendors throughout Goa, India

Welcome music in Goa, India

Mausoleum for the mansion.

Portuguese Heritage  Colonial Charm and Splendor (???)  Colonial architecture.   The largest heritage house in Goa.

Toured a 213-year-old palatial mansion built by Portuguese nobleman Menezes Braganza.

This mansion is in need of maintenance.  

 Portuguese nobleman Menezes Braganza's House - The lower windows are oyster shells which allow light to pass through.  

 This is not a restored mansion.

Online photo of family portrait gallery.  

Online photo of family crest chairs gifted by King Dom Luis of Portugal.

On-line photo of living room.  Furniture is of an Italian Design and made by Goan Artisans of Goan Rosewood.

On-line photo of Ballroom.  Marble flooring.  Belgian Chandeliers.  Note the condition of the ceiling. Not a restored home.  

Notice the row of love seats down the center of the room.  

Belgian Chandelier

FACEBOOK POST Goa, India - First region in India to be colonized by Europe and the last to get its freedom in 1961. Toured a 213-year-old (former palatial) mansion built by Portuguese nobleman Menezes Braganza, the largest heritage house in Goa. This house is not restored, was not clean and was a disappointment. Saw Belgian chandeliers, paintings, porcelain, crystal and period furniture in several sitting areas, a ballroom, and dining room. Went to the Latin Quarters of Margao City, where we were to walk among Portuguese and Indian architectural styles. Essentially, we walked around one block and saw some nice homes and some run-down homes. Our guide gave us no information about any architecture styles. So, not all tours are good and this one was disappointing. 

The main language spoken in India is Hindi and the second language is English. 
I have read that different states in India speak a different language. There are over 17 different languages spoken throughout the country which can make communication among states difficult.