I was greatly interested to read this account of Panjim by one who I have been fortunate to have as a then-unknown guest a few years ago in my pre-Goa home a thousand kilometres away along with a Panjimite whom I knew. After reading the article I cannot help feeling that as a "word picture" it beautifully complements Mario Miranda's sketches of Goan scenes. The cute factor is really very high. There is no guile whatsoever in evidence anywhere. No doubt it helps evoke nostalgia perhaps as intended. But the downside may be that it would reinforce a tendency to regard Goa as a place which need not be treated very seriously. That is a big mistake, I feel. Anyway, I very much hope I can renew my acquaintance in person with Isabel de Santa Rita Vaz at an early date.
