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The reunion began on Feb 6th when the first group of reunionites (10 of us) gathered at the Palm View Inn, Majorda, South Goa. This property is owned by kin of the Costa Birs’ and thus the management left no stone unturned to ensure our comfort. At lunch on that first day featuring Melba, Maisie/Edwin, Joan/Clement we were joined by Nicholas. Later, the rest of the group - JCB, Irenio, Ellen, Jeff & Chris arrived. Joyous greetings were exchanged before the group of 10 headed out to the first of many memorable dinners featuring good food, vintage Feni (of which neither Clement nor John partook 🤔umm!) and great exchanges and reminiscings of our remarkable school years together. The following few days flew by much too quickly. A day cruise on the River Sal, participation of our group arranged by Edwin, saw us reunited with Tim/Philu and John Bull/Bernie. Much fun was had with Tim and John’s vocal talents on full display.
On yet another day we embarked on a tour of South Goa. For this trip we connected with Afra and sisters Olga and Chris/Peter. Also joining the trip were Seraph/Carmen. And, also present was Monica who had been MIA since 1964. And, making up the rest of the 64’s was Melville and the delightful Alba who keeps
our Mel in line. We were happy that Nelson Dias (Viv’s Brother) was able to join the trip. The first stop on this tour was at a Feni Distillery, never, of course, at the wishes of JCB & Clement, however😋! The last stop was the famed BOM Jesus Cathederal, an UNESCO Heritage site and the resting place of our patron Saint Francis Xavier. Actually, this wasn’t the last stop. The last stop was a pit stop where King John took off on a secret assignment while the rest of us sat in the bus trying to guess where he’d gone! We never ever found out. One wonders, eh?
On yet another day we embarked on a tour of South Goa. For this trip we connected with Afra and sisters Olga and Chris/Peter. Also joining the trip were Seraph/Carmen. And, also present was Monica who had been MIA since 1964. And, making up the rest of the 64’s was Melville and the delightful Alba who keeps our Mel in line. We were happy that Nelson Dias (Viv’s Brother) was able to join the trip. The first stop on this tour was at a Feni Distillery, never, of course, at the wishes of JCB & Clement, however😋! The last stop was the famed BOM Jesus Cathederal, an UNESCO Heritage site and the resting place of our patron Saint Francis Xavier. Actually, this wasn’t the last stop. The last stop was a pit stop where King John took off on a secret assignment while the rest of us sat in the bus trying to guess where he’d gone! We never ever found out. One wonders, eh?
The following day Ronnie Dourado made a welcome appearance together with Carmen/Seraph at a lively luncheon where reminisces were swapped. Especially entertaining we’re the escapades recounted by Ronnie. Julian/Ava made a surprise appearance bringing with them DRGS alumni Cicely/Jonas.
The following day Ronnie Dourado made a welcome appearance together with Carmen/Seraph at a lively luncheon where reminisces were swapped. Especially entertaining we’re the escapades recounted by Ronnie. Julian/Ava made a surprise appearance bringing with them DRGS alumni Cicely/Jonas.
On Feb 11 the group of 10 broke up to travel North. Melba, JCB/Irenio, Edwin/Maisie returned to their own residences while Jeff, Chris, Ellen, Carmen/Seraph, Joan/Clement checked into the Prainha Beach Resort, Dona Paula, a venue also connected with JCB’s formidable Goa ties.
The following evening, Martin’s Siesta, Parra, was the scene of a dinner party organized by our most hospitable hostess, Melba. It was truly a lovely, magical evening with Melba surprising Clement and myself to a PRE 50th Anniversary celebration. Besides being a touching avowal of our 65 year friendship, Melba was able to bring out the elusive Teddy Nunes whom we were all overjoyed to meet. We were glad that Julian/Ava were able to join the festivities.
The following night John arranged a dinner at the Vasco da Gama Club in honour of Seraph’s birthday and we were treated to a wonderful surprise...the appearance of the ever entertaining Bosco Tavares who regaled us with lively and amusing anecdotes of his life after school.
The grand finale to this awesome reunion came on Feb 15th, courtesy of Chris Moniz, per kind sponsorship of his family friend Dr. Willy Britto who owns “Chances”, a casino resort in Dona Paula. The evening started with complimentary spa treatments which the ladies all availed themselves of, followed by a sumptuous meal and free flowing alcoholic beverages which, of course, JCB did not partake of. Musical entertainment was also provided to which twinkle toes Melville/Alba, Edwin/Maisie, Bosco/Lana did full justice, dancing the night away! Honorable mention goes to singer/songwriter Clinton Tavares (son of Bosco/Lana). You can find his extensive YouTube playlist by clicking here. Let’s promote one of our own!
And so, dear friends, ended a fantastic and memorable reunion on a high note. Our thanks must go out to John, our dear JCB, who made it all possible. We love you John, although I am known to have nagged you, on strict instructions of the absent Jacinta. Someone had to do it, why not me, eh?
Thank you all who attended and helped to make our brief Goa sojourn such a great time.
Thank you all who attended and helped to make our brief Goa sojourn such a great time.
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