The recent imbroglio where a premium ice cream brand played a separatist act in Delhi by allowing only International Passport holders at its launch is still a talking point. This is not the first time Indians have been treated as ‘second class’ in their own country. Around New Year time, the rush for Goa is as usual maddening. But Goa is one place where Indians occasionally are treated as second fiddle. But there seems to be a new hatred for the Capital’s denizens amongst Goans.
My personal experience at Goa’s most popular nightspots — Mambo and Tito’s — leaves no doubt in me that Delhiites aren’t liked. Recently, I saw a little fracas between a group of Indians and the staff of Mambos. It was small issue, that the Indian group were not serviced and the foreigners were given preference. But as things settled, the staff, which was a Goans muttered, “Sala Dilliwala aisa hi hota hai.”
Being a Delhiite, I couldn’t resist but interfere. Realised this hatred comes from the fact that loads of Delhiites are buying property in Goa and this is making them unpopular. The businesses started by Dilliwallahs are staffed by people from Delhi mostly and this further adds to the bitterness.
Even at star properties, I saw a clear distinction in the service provided to Indians, vis-à-vis foreigners. I was staying at the Park Hyatt in Goa and God, the service was awful. Imagine sitting at a dinner and after being served the appetiser, we are told we can’t be served main-course as the kitchen is closed! Similar thing happened at the Spa, where I was told to compromise my 90-minute session to 45 minutes as I was late by 15 minutes. Right in front of me a foreigner couple were entertained who didn’t even have a booking. Such a treatment at a five star hotel where you pay through your nose is very painful. But my bad experience didn’t end there. I called the room service four times and it took 45 minutes for a bucket of ice to reach my room.
{{/usCountry}}Even at star properties, I saw a clear distinction in the service provided to Indians, vis-à-vis foreigners. I was staying at the Park Hyatt in Goa and God, the service was awful. Imagine sitting at a dinner and after being served the appetiser, we are told we can’t be served main-course as the kitchen is closed! Similar thing happened at the Spa, where I was told to compromise my 90-minute session to 45 minutes as I was late by 15 minutes. Right in front of me a foreigner couple were entertained who didn’t even have a booking. Such a treatment at a five star hotel where you pay through your nose is very painful. But my bad experience didn’t end there. I called the room service four times and it took 45 minutes for a bucket of ice to reach my room.
{{/usCountry}}The furious me wrote a stinker to the GM, highlighting all these issues. I also highlighted that being an Indian was probably my disadvantage. The reply from the GM had its usual dose of ‘sorries’ and an offer for a complimentary room-night whenever I wish to visit next time. No, Mr GM, freebies don’t work everywhere. Why would one spend another night at such a hotel even if it were for free?
In Goa, the biggest spenders are desis. The foreigners are budget travellers, who spend the whole night in a club over a pint of beer. Still they get that privileged treatment. It’s sad! High time we get out of the ‘white-skin’ fascination!