Global Non-Resident Goans Reunion Goa 2008

Saturday, 02 February 2008 05:07

Written By Dr. Melanie Lopes, Chiropactor, Canada It has been 10 years since I last visited Goa, and I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived on January 19, 2008!  Even though I was jet lagged from my flight from Toronto, I was ready to attend the inaugural "Global Non-Resident Goans Reunion Goa 2008" presented by the World Alliance of Goan Overseas Associations.  The event took place in the evening alongside the Mandovi River (Panjim, Goa).  It was a beautiful evening, sitting outside in the pleasant weather and elaborate lighting of the "Mandovi Riviera".  Approximately over 450 people attended from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, U.S.A, Middle East, Switzerland, and from many other countries all around the world.  The night included a lavish buffet dinner that included free drinks all night long, which kept me stuffed!   I was able to dance it all off with the help of 2 wonderful bands, "Forefront" and "Shelton Goes Solo".  There was non-stop entertainment with Goan folk dancing as an interlude between bands.  Many went home with prizes including, flights to Sri Lanka and Bombay, as well as hotel accommodations in Goa.  The night was topped off with the presence of the Commissioner of NRI Affairs of Goa, Eduardo Faleiro.    Dancing alongside the Mandovi River, eating delicious food, and meeting long lost friends and family, you couldn't ask for anything more!  The event was well organized under the main co-ordinator Antonio Mascarenhas (Canada), along with other committee members, Rene Bareto (United Kingdom), Vivian D'Souza (U.S.A.), and Tony Colaco (Australia).      The night was a lot of fun, that I did not feel jet lagged!  Being the first ever global Goan reunion, the night was a great success.  For those who travelled from abroad, it was a perfect mix of a holiday in Goa, along with reuniting with Goans from around the world.  I hope that is the first of many reunions planned for many years to come! Mr. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Goa with Antonio Mascarenhas and Tony Colaco < Prev   Next >