These typical Goan fishing boats must have been photographed thousands of times. They continue to be a picturesque backdrop to give a glimpse of beach life.
As I walked at 7 a.m., the fishermen had already brought in their catch . Only a group of them were left pulling the nets out to lay them out to dry. All of this is team work.
My constant companions on these beach walks are the dogs. I've been maintaining for some years that economic development in India is in direct proportion to the average shoulder height of its street dogs (or beach dogs, as the case might be). What used to be pretty scrawny hounds has grown into more healthy creatures. By and large I have to say they are friendly enough, though one better never make eye contact. Once that happens, it is all over: you have a friend for life. This surely due to Pavlovian training of the many tourists who go a bit gaga over the dogs. I've heard the tale of "Hundemutti", a lady tourist who has been coming to Benaulim for years. Her specialty seems to be the aid and rescue of dogs; hence the lore....
A couple of days ago, I believe I met her early in the day. A skinny hound was her companion - and very much so as it was quite securely tied to Hundemutti with the thickest, most heavy rope I've ever seen used as a leash. It was the kind you see attached to anchors - well over an inch thick. It begged the question "what price a full belly?" and though this particular dog may get its three squares a day now, if I were a dog I'd take my chances and be free. I will try to post a picture if I happen to have the camera with me next time I see the scene.
So much philosophy for the day. On to another post in a bit.
