Thanks for positive posts.
I have just been to the superstore in my car to get some shopping in. Wrapped up in coat, boots and feeling hot and uncomfortable in the shop. Bought lots of convenience foods and other packaged stuff I did not really need. Oh and some sun creams for Goa hols next month!
I never saw anyone I knew, and until I reached the checkout girl, never had any social interaction at all.

Only in Goa for 4 weeks a year, yet within a day or so you feel that you know loads of people, everyone smiling and friendly. Now, Goa is rich by comparrison to the Mumbai slum areas, but there is something inherant in their upbringing, values, sense of community, thirst for knowledge, that is common to all the people.
Because of tourism though, the locals have more business nous, and are not as content with their lot as they once were. Nor are they shocked by the behaviour of tourists.
There are even supermarkets now.

The women there dress conservatively, the children respect their elders, families stay together and help each other financially, taking mutual responsibility for their elderly parents.

No such thing as a supermarket at one time in England, never mind a superstore.
Sounds quaint doesn't it? Like watching the old black and white films (oops, I almost said 'movies')

Ah well, thats progress for you.
Roll on February.