Goa, India-Holy Cow!
ZAMM — Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
My epic visits to South India—Goa and Cochin—have left indelible impressions. The first time was in 2011 aboard the Crystal Symphony with Saarah, and again in 2018 on the majestic Cunard Queen Mary 2. What a contrast between the chaos and calm, the sacred cows and sizzling cuisine.
After time spent in India—a place where professional thieves, beggars, con artists, and very skinny cows rule the streets—you quickly realize that a vegetarian is only as lactose intolerant as his options.
Wack-tose Intolerant
Sacred cows may make the best hamburgers, but I don't eat my friends. As for butter versus margarine, I trust cows more than chemists. As for milk and cheese—they are an utter delight.
Rules of the Road (Motorcycle Edition)
- The horn is your friend. Use it often, use it well.
- Lanes don’t exist.
- Do not pass.
- Wear a helmet!
- Cows have the right of way.
There seem to be cows around everywhere I go. I am not sure if they have a charmed life—the people don't seem to worship them. It is, however, revered as the source of food and symbol of life and may never be killed. They seem to be walking neglected around Goa city streets, living on garbage from the gutters.