SEQC Road trip: The day that time did not stand still

What is the measure of a good time? For most, it is that fleeting feeling when time slips by so quickly, you hardly even notice. And for SEQC, the 10th of August 2025 was exactly that kind of day. After too many polls, vehicle plannings and pit stop discussions, we finally made our way to the Rishivan farms in Rivona, with a pit stop at Usgalimal. Following is a broad outline of this day filled with camaraderie, laughter and of course quizzing!

The day started early at 8.45 AM at the meeting spot in Panjim. With a gentle drizzle and overcast skies, it was the perfect weather for a road trip. On the way, Mayur started things with a quick road trip themed set followed by yours truly. But the true highlight of this leg of the journey was a soulful English/Konkani song that Rajiv taught us (the next generation supposedly) —one that extolled the virtues of soldiers heading to war for their country. It brought tears to our eyes.

Our driver, Sunil bab, made excellent time, and soon we were pulling into Shervin’s in Nuvem for a delicious breakfast—crispy samosas, rissois, and piping hot chai. Next door, the Madre Dos Pobres Church was alive with Sunday devotions, and we could not help but wonder if we were about to eat the congregation’s share of the post liturgical feast too! After stocking up on sodas and mixers at the nearby Bagayatdar, spirits were high, and tummies were full and the road beckoned—we were officially on our way!

Next, we met up with the South Goa crew at the San Jose de Areal sports club. After a quick bio break and a bit of an ice break! —we were back on the road, heading towards Usgalimal. Along the way, we passed a group of padyatris of the Dambab. We also caught a glimpse of the Chandreshwar Bhootnath temple at Paroda who keeps a watchful eye on his faithful from high up on his hilltop abode. This part of Goa never fails to take my breath away—with its endless green fields, winding roads, and the dense forests, it felt like mother nature put on her Sunday best to welcome us.

At Usgalimal, Ira led us to the neolithic rock carvings nestled along the banks of the Kushavati. A short hike brought us to this remarkable site, steeped in ancient history.

The carvings themselves- labyrinths, animals, oversized feet—felt strikingly familiar in their simplicity, like the solitary doodles we all make. It was humbling to realize that these artists from thousands of years ago were not so different from us—seeking peace, sustenance, and meaning in their everyday lives. It is no surprise they chose this place in the world that us lucky folks get to call home- to live, eat, mate, worship, and eventually rest—on the serene and nourishing banks of the Kushavati. We took a moment to sit by the river, letting its calm wash over us. On the way back, Ira led the charge in clearing some of the litter left behind. The hike made us all quite hungry and the thought of KFC style chicken and bangda (mackeral) fry brought water to our mouths.

Tout suite, we made our way to the Rishivan farms, so called after the ancient name of Rivona which was said to be a place of meditation for sages. Our host Mr. Patil was gracious in his welcome and offered us refreshing nimbu pani and a much-awaited lunch. The buffet was a true smorgasbord of Goan delights—crispy bangda fry with green masala, raw banana bhaji, sweet nutmeg pickle, fiery chicken, wadi kismoor and sweet donne wrapped in jackfruit leaves were just a few of the highlights. The afternoon zipped by, fueled by feni, gin,rum and a multitude of simultaneous stories. We then walked to a water body nearby and some of us took a dip to hopefully wash away our sins!

Our host had hot chai ready for us when we returned. Raunak did an adhoc set of questions where we learned about “Caste in India.” Sanjay followed with his trailer set of Antakshari charades quiz which he is doing in September.

All too soon, it was time to head back. After a few group photos and heartfelt goodbyes, we were on the road again. Sunil bab, clearly auditioning for Fast & Furious 8, got us home in record time!

The return journey was anything but quiet, peppered as it was with passionate discussions about the upcoming Goa Quizzing League (GQL). We were back at 6:30 PM sharp at the multilevel parking. After many goodbyes and “Let’sdoitagainsoons!” our road trip came to an end.

A huge thank you to Amey, Nikhil, and Ira for organizing this memorable journey, and to all my fellow SEQC mates—you are truly an awesome bunch to go road tripping with. Here’s to more quizzes, more road trips, and more memories.
Let us do it again soon!

                                                                                                             - Ruchira Porob