The Timeless Charm of Fontainhas

• Helloनमस्कार
  [namaskar]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें
  [kshama karein]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [thik hoon. aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [krupaya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimaari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [main ... khareedna chaahunga/chaahoongi]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)(दस बजे) ढाई बजे
  [(das baje) dhaai baje]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पांच
  [paanch]
• 6छह
  [chhe]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे (नक्शे पर) दिखा सकते हैं?
  [kya aap mujhe (naksha par) dikha sakte hain?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [ek ticket (... ke liye)]

Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panaji, was founded in the early 19th century during Portuguese rule in Goa. The area is characterized by its charming narrow lanes and vibrant Portuguese-style houses, which reflect the colonial architecture that flourished during this period. The neighbourhood was originally settled by the Portuguese and local Catholic Goans, establishing a unique cultural blend that remains evident today.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fontainhas became a hub for the arts and culture, influenced by the broader Portuguese Renaissance. This period saw the construction of many beautiful houses adorned with azulejos (ceramic tiles) and balconies, showcasing the artistic flair of the time. The neighbourhood became a melting pot of artistic expression, with writers, musicians, and painters contributing to its cultural landscape.

As Goa transitioned to Indian rule in 1961, Fontainhas experienced a decline in its population and cultural vibrancy. Many residents migrated, and the area fell into neglect. However, in the 1990s, efforts were initiated to preserve the unique architecture and cultural heritage of Fontainhas. The Goa Heritage Action Group played a crucial role in promoting restoration projects and raising awareness about the importance of maintaining the area’s historical significance.

Today, Fontainhas is celebrated for its vibrant cultural festivals, such as the 'Festa de São João' and the 'Carnaval.' These events showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine, drawing both locals and tourists. The neighbourhood has seen a resurgence in tourism, with art galleries, cafés, and boutique hotels opening in restored heritage homes, further enriching its cultural tapestry and ensuring that the legacy of Fontainhas continues to thrive.

In recent years, Fontainhas has emerged as a symbol of Goa's multicultural identity. The neighbourhood hosts various artistic and cultural initiatives, including the Goa Arts and Literary Festival, which attracts creative minds from around the world. This blend of historical heritage and modern artistic expression makes Fontainhas a dynamic and essential part of Panaji's cultural landscape, reflecting the ongoing narrative of Goa's unique identity.

Fontainhas is centrally located in Panaji, making it easily accessible from other neighborhoods. If you're arriving from the Kadamba Bus Terminal, you can take a local bus to the Panaji Bus Station and then walk to Fontainhas, which is about a 15-minute stroll. Alternatively, taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout Panaji and are a convenient way to reach Fontainhas directly.

Fontainhas is a compact neighborhood best explored on foot. The colorful streets are lined with heritage buildings, making it a pleasant walking experience. For longer distances, consider using local taxis or auto-rickshaws. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops for those wanting to explore the area at a leisurely pace.

Fontainhas is generally safe for tourists, but it is still advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep your belongings secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded markets and public transport hubs.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police and medical assistance. There are local police stations and hospitals nearby. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available within Fontainhas to purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly while visiting religious sites and avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Namaste' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and accept food offerings. Don’t refuse hospitality as it may be considered rude.

To experience Fontainhas like a local, spend time at the local bakeries and cafés, where you can savor traditional Goan sweets and snacks. Join a walking tour to learn about the area's unique Portuguese heritage and architecture. Engage with local artists and shopkeepers; they often have fascinating stories about Fontainhas. Don’t miss the vibrant street art that adorns many buildings, showcasing local talent.