http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=08232 Navhind Times on the Web Siesta Time Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2005.
BESIDES fish-curry rice, football and the fiery feni, have you ever wondered what is the other single thing that is so dear to the heart of a Goan? Yes it is the afternoon siesta. It won�t be wrong to say that you are not a true Goan if you do not have a snooze in the afternoon. Unlike in cities like Mumbai and even neighbouring Belgaum, where markets are bustling with activity during the afternoon, market places in Goa resemble a ghost house and the streets wear a deserted look. Most of the shopkeepers are in their homes enjoying a siesta after a hearty meal. Goans love their mid-day snooze just as they love their football. It is probably one of the reasons why Goans have gained the sobriquet of a susegado people. I sometime wonder whether it was the Portuguese, who ruled Goa for over 400 years, who handed over this trait to us Goans as they left the shores. Many Goans probably do not mind going to bed late at night, but they wouldn�t trade an afternoon siesta for anything in the world. It is probably one of the reasons why several of the office-goers who for some reason cannot have their daily dose of a mid-day snooze doze off in the office on their work table. Be that as it may, having an afternoon snooze could be the wisest thing one could do during the day. A mid-day snooze rejuvenates the body and more importantly the mind. One is more alert, more active and hence more productive after a siesta. The forty winks serves as a vital energizer for the body, mind and probably even the soul. The wisest thing any employer could do would be to encourage his staff to have a snooze during the break. He could also provide beds for those employees who do not go home during the lunch-break. But then there is a risk involved if such a step is taken. Employees could be spending more time on their beds than at their work table. Such workers probably believe that sleep is a priceless treasure; the more one has it the better it is. Having an afternoon siesta could also mean that employees would be arriving late for work during the afternoon session. Hence in several offices one sees the employees trooping in at about 2.30 p.m. even though the office opens at 2 p.m. sharp. Another difficulty is that these workers would seem drowsy, some of them even half asleep during the afternoon. Hence they have a rejuvenating cup of tea before getting down to the business at hand. Like a true Goan I too see to it that I do not miss my afternoon siesta even if it has to last for a few minutes. If not I could be dozing at the work place right through the afternoon. If you happen to travel by bus in the afternoon you will probably see half the passengers in the bus snoozing. The other half could be praying that the bus driver at the wheels does not snooze. -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. London, England