Claiming the Right to Say No-30 Nov 09-EQUATIONS - Equitable ...

Claiming the Right to Say No
In Search of Israelis
By Alfi D’ Cruz
Ensconced on the slopes of the Western Ghats, Goa is called a paradise
on the western coast of the country. Thus many tourists come to Goa for
relaxation and enjoyment and it is quite sad that sometimes Goans fall
prey to them. Tourists are of different kind. Since the mission was to study
the Israeli tourists, let us focus on them. The 1 st of January to 5 th of
January; were the days marked to experience the Israelis in Goa. So
Kevin, Manuel, Vhelian and I (Alfi) were supposed to explore Anjuna.
We also moved and observed other places such as Vagator, Arambol,
and Calangute. Not only the beaches but the localities too. We also tried
to keep a watch on the surrounding scenario to understand the place
well.
As we know that this year, the flow of tourists in Goa was less. We tried to
find the Israelites by mixing with the tourists, hanging out at the beaches
and other tourism related places. Not only Israeli tourists, but other tourists
too like to be alone. Thus, we can make some conclusion that some of the
tourists are self-centred because some times they do not even like to chat
with us.
The Problem of Bargaining in Anjuna is Quite Visible
I was standing on the way to the flea-market from the beach. A fruit seller
lady approached a tourist and the tourist asked the cost of the banana
and she said Rs.5/-. The tourist replied ‘I can get the whole bunch for
Rs.10/-. But I want just one banana’. The lady asked for Rs.5/- but he
gave her only 2 coins probably Rs.2/-. After looking at this, I asked her
how much he had paid. She hesitantly said Rs.5/- and then disappeared
from the spot. This lady was not a Goan and I observed that they have a
team. They work together with men who sell necklaces and act as agents
for the tourists, while one keeps watch on them and in times of a problem
he would be directing and guiding them accordingly.
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