The fish market by the jetty

For many, Goa is all about sun, sea, and sand. And for those who relish it, plenty of fresh seafood too.  

Not me though. I have never enjoyed going to the fish market, nor particularly enjoyed eating them. In fact, except for certain types of fish, I would rather avoid eating them. Unless it is fully burnt. Anyway, I digress.

Each time I do, I cannot help but think of Unhygienix, the fishmonger from that little Gaulish village still holding out against Julius Caesar’s marauding army. Again, I digress.

A few weeks ago, my friend who runs his restaurant insisted I join him to, well, go fish at the local fish market. For once, I did not refuse. I was not sure what to expect, except to be overpowered by the smell of fish.

When we reached the Panjim-Betim jetty fish market, he went about haggling with some of the fishermen for the day’s fresh catch, leaving me to wander off by myself, soaking in the sights, and yes, the smelly fish.

Once the smell had stopped bothering me, that is when I started to see what goes on in the market, and on the boats.

From the crew on board the boats and those who unload the crates laden with the day’s catch, to the guys who gut and clean your pick, everyone seems to work in perfect synchronization. And because each of them had a purpose, you knew which stall to go to for your pick, and whom to go to clean your selection. And yes, if you have been a regular customer, some of them would also suggest which fish is the freshest from the lot.

While I am in no hurry to go fish anytime soon, I think there is a part of my brain that says that perhaps, a visit to the fish market is not too bad after all. What do you think?

Oh yes, did I mention dinner that evening, including a red snapper bouillabaisse, was lip-smackingly delicious.