Raia retreat

Pio with his family. 

All ears. 

Konkani favourites. 

A splash of red. 

Mixing the drinks. 

- Brian Mendonca

The boys from Don Bosco High School, Matunga with their families took time off to taste the urrak of the season at a villa in Raia, Goa today.

Vibing to Konkani favourites like 'Claudia' had Caje, Francis, and Gabriel swaying to the beat. 

It was a great prelude to lunch which included chicken xacuti, pulao, green salad, and white pumpkin in caldeen curry.  In addition, Belinda had brought pork vindalho: Amanda brought chana chakna to go with the drinks and pickles; and Queenie brought feijoada. 

Heading South from Porvorim we picked up Caje  and Amanda and headed for the venue. They are always good company and even stopped the car to buy chips for Dwayne. 

It was good to see the brothers Seville and Dean; and Pio who drove in from Mahim with his family. Pio plays a mean guitar and regaled us to his classified collection as well. He brought his collection of lyrics with him too. His rendition of Remo's 'Maria Pitache' and 'Sorpatel' brought the house down. 

Blyton and Dwayne had a whale of a time in the pool. Perched on the machan, they tried to beat the heat. Hearing the sounds of the guitar Sean beamed saying, 'I am happy.' Boris and Caje mixed the drinks, and Gabriel was the host. 

In the middle of it all we called Anthony who brought this group together. Though he was in office in Kuwait he took the call and talked to each of us, asking about our well-being. 

The ladies stepped in to clear the place after the get-together winded down around 5 p.m. They discovered to their surprise that many celebrate their birthday in May. Well, that's another cause to celebrate. 

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All pix taken at Serenity villa, Raia, on Sunday, 21 April 2024. Courtesy Pio Linhares.