PICNIC FOR THE MONTE BOYS

Picnic for the Monte Boys

Enjoyable Christmas and New Year holidays were over. Studies had now to be taken very seriously. It was our final year at the school. Prelims were fast approaching. Then there were S.S.C.Exams, as they were known in those days, to worry about. They were just around the corner too. But a final scholastic year would not be complete without a full day’s outing.

Generally around that time of year the boys looked forward to their final school picnic. Students volunteered to help the Capuchin Friars and class teachers in organizing this one day event and making it a success too. Preparations towards this day trip involved a lot of thought in planning. Probable visits to places of interest were thought and mapped out in advance. There were lot of places to see and explore but we had just a day to fit it all in. Since it was just one day’s excursion it had to be carefully worked out.

A good number of places to be seen and covered in a day’s time were a big dilemma. Returning back to school before nightfall would have to be considered. Also of concern was the fact that it would be still more difficult to make it back in time if we ventured too far down south of Goa. The reality that we may to cross at least one or two rivers by ferry, depending upon the route we took, had also to be taken into account. This was long before bridges over the Mandovi and Zuari rivers could become realities. We were still in the early sixties. Other bridges destroyed during the Indian take-over were still being repaired while temporary ones built alongside served the purpose of crossing the several rivers.

Then there was a time aspect. We would not have much time on our hands to spend at each particular place of importance or significance if we increased the number of places in our list to see. Everything had to be take care of – the bus we would ride in, the route we would take, the places we would possibly be able to see set in the framework of a single day, and catering for the midday meal, and other related matters. All this was done for a nominal contribution of Rs.10/- from each participant.

The final countdown had started and the boys enthusiastically looked forward to this day. They were anxious to know the places they would be visiting on this tour. They also wished if their own suggestions and views could be heard. And some of them did manage to get a few ideas and proposals across.

The grand picnic day had finally dawned. We rose earlier than usual in order to prepare ourselves and donned our ‘picnic best’ attire. A good chance to do away with the usual school uniform!

In true Monte protocol, practice and tradition, any event of this nature has to start with a Holy Mass Service, followed by breakfast! And only then does any sort of fun, amusement or entertainment begins!

As we were hastily having breakfast we could hear a high whining sound - a typical high-pitched whine created by the revving of the bus engine up the steep road. By the time we were done with breakfast, the driver had already successfully maneuvered to reverse and park it on the slope facing the grotto. As was mostly done, stone blocks wedged in front of tires served as additional improvised chock devices to the parking brakes.

It was a sunny day, pleasant and cool for the time of year. The gentle breeze hissed through the tall trees swaying gently on the western side of the imposing main school building. The students from the junior dormitory were already up by now and watched us from above, perhaps wishing for a dawning of their own lucky day!

Soon after breakfast, all the boys swiftly clambered aboard the bus. Snacks and huge vessels containing pre-cooked food were loaded on at the back of the extended bus. We departed after making sure that everyone was on board. The bus gradually made its way down the spiraling slope of hill. The early morning sun lit our faces through the windows. How refreshing and uplifting, I thought. Everyone was happy and smiling, looking forward to a day of excitement and fun. We had a lot of places to see and explore. Anticipation was building up.

The bus gained momentum and so did the joyful mood of the boys in the bus. Turning left at the junction on the main highway, we passed through Mapusa town, over the hill, down through Duler proceeding towards the north east of Goa via Tivim toward Bicholim. We visited the candle factory there, the cashew processing plant, ventured in the hills to see the ancient caves, and drove through the hills to get a general idea of mining operations within that area. The subsequent stop was at Arvalem Falls where we spent some time amidst spectacular surroundings. We also made a brief stop at the picturesque Mayem Lake where we had snacks and tea. We then hurriedly jumped on board once more and proceeded towards the south.

As the bus continued on its way, it was time for singing and none hesitated to join in. We stopped at a convenient site for lunch on a vast scenic plateau between Bicholim and Sanguem districts. An “outdoors grace before meals” preceded a sumptuous meal.

A group of boys at the rear of the bus unleashed another singing session soon after lunch. There was accompaniment on a guitar by one of the talented boys and later someone joined with a harmonica. One of the students read out a prepared tribute of thanks dedicated to the school Friars, Brothers, teachers and to all those involved in organizing the outing before we got on the bus yet again. It seemed we were almost running out of time and a little behind schedule. We had a lot of catching up to do by way of distance. So we immediately hit the road yet again continuing on our onward journey.

We passed through picturesque hills and villages proceeding through Ponda via the temporary bridge at Borim to Dabolim aerodrome on a fleeting trip. This sector was in fact a tentative segment as it would preclude further intended visits due to any delay. So it seemed there was some concern that we may not be able to make it to the rest of the places on the list of our itinerary.

Then there also appeared to be a delay in the ferry services. But somehow we were lucky and made it to the Agassaim side just in time.

Soon after crossing the River Zuari from Cortalim to Agassaim by ferry we diverted for a brief transitory visit to Fr. Agnel’s Seminary on the Pilar hillock. Passing through serene greenery, flora and foliage, it was sing-song time again. The megaphone thoughtfully carried along by one of the students had come in handy.

As estimated we still had enough time on our hands before sundown to go on a sight-seeing drive to Dona Paula, Mira Mar, and a brief visit to the Bishop’s Palace, erstwhile Portuguese Liceu School and Emissora de Goa (All India Radio) at Altinho in Panjim from where were witnessed a beautiful sunset and a breathtaking panoramic view of the river spanning from Reis Magos to Betim.

After crossing the River Mandovi over from Panjim to Betim by the ferry at dusk, we were now homeward bound. Homeward bound, I say, and perhaps fittingly so. St. Anthony’s High School, our alma mater at Monte de Guirim, had been a home away from home, in more ways than one, to many of us, for many years and in many ways, during our learning period there.

The boys were full of admiration and appreciation for the driving skill of our bus driver and his knowledge of the route. We thought he negotiated well through sharp bends and had brought us back safely. He also had a lot of patience with us. He put up with a lot of ruckus we created. So, as was customary, towards the end of our excursion we did not forget to sing an improvised composition to him, namely – “Our driver is a jolly good fellow”.

Yes, we did make it back safely to Monte a little beyond the sunset. It had been a great and very enjoyable day indeed. Everything had gone well, without any major glitch, hitch or incident.

Those were the good old days as we might say today. They were not anything like the modern times, but we did the best with was offered or available at the time. And the day was not complete without singing the timeless lyrics: “We’re the boys of Guirim” as the bus climbed the steep slope of the hill again with the distinct drone of its engine that I remember to this day. As we got off of the bus, we felt sad because a grand and immensely enjoyable day had just ended. And suddenly a grim silence prevailed - an inexplicable moment, a moment that we try to come to terms and deal with when all good things come to an end.

AD ARDUA!

Tony Fernandes
CLASS OF SIXTY-FOUR