Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in northeastern Goa, India in Ponda taluka. The total area of the park is 8 km². It is a popular destination for both tourists and schoolchildren. Although it is the smallest of all the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is also the most popular with children, families and eco-tourist. 

The Bondla Wildlife park is open to visitors every day except Monday throughout the year from 9.00am to 5.00pm. The cost of admission for adults is Rs 5 and children Rs 2. Extra charges include Parking (Rs 10 for a two wheeler and Rs 50 for a four wheeler), Cameras (Rs 25) and video cameras (Rs 100).

There are a few number of animals that make their home in this place. They include the Gaur, Goa’s state animal, Sambhar deer,  jungle cat, leopard, toddy cat, wild boar, porcupine, scaly anteater, and the Malabar giant squirrel. There are watchtowers set up at strategic locations where one can observe the animals in their natural habitats.

The park also houses a number of birds. The most common amongst these include Ruby throated yellow bulbul, which is the state bird, the common grey hornbill and golden backed woodpecker. 

Besides the plant and animal life that abounds within the safety of the sanctuary, there also a number of other popular activities that one can indulge in during a visit to the natural park.

Just a Waiter...?

To many a Waiter may seem like a not so skilled kind of a job. Taking food and drink orders and serving is all that it is. 

Well let me tell you that it's a lot more than that or what it seems to be. Being in the job on a cruise ship for more than a decade I'm proud and happy to be a Waiter. One of the most important things is organizing and discipline. The way you carry and present yourself makes a huge difference at the restaurant you work and even for the guests at your table. I personally wouldn't like a sloppy Waiter to serve me in whichever restaurant I'm in. Being a Waiter is basically being a salesperson  and besides food, a good knowledge on drinks(all beverages) is whats needed. 

Talking about food knowledge, it's a huge topic. Most importantly knowing the ingredients in the dishes and how each dish is prepared really helps in assisting many guests with different types of  diets and allergies. Comparing and suggesting drinks with food is where your beverage knowledge comes in. Especially wines. In fine dining every course would accompany a perfect wine. 

The real challenge is on those busy days when the restaurant is full with large number reservations and sometimes even a long line by the doors. With 5 to 6 tables (22 to 24 guest) alloted to each Waiter it does get crazy.  At these times organizing your self is the key.  You might ask how do you organize yourself. Well let me tell you that not all guests dine the same. Some eat fast, some slow, some want speedy service , some special diets etc.   You must be able to make quick decisions, be consistent and swift. Being a Waiter on a cruise ship, I have experienced and encountered every situation. 

This is only a glimpse of what happens front of the house. Back of the house is a whole different story. Working with colleagues from different nationalities is not easy.  There is a lot of stress in dealing with all of this especially when trying to get the food out on time. With all of this you need to have a smiling body language and dazzle your guest making them feel special. (I guess everyone of us would want to be treated well in a restaurant). 

Being a Waiter is no easy task. You up on your feet for as long as 6hrs just for dinner only. It's not a regular 9 to 5 job. You work on mostly and nearly all holidays and celebrations with many hours of overtime. These are just a few major cons like any other jobs would have their own.  It may seem sad or a turn down, but it definitely pays off with the tips, smiles and experience you deliver to every guest. One thing the Waiter would lie about is when you ask him how was his day. The answer, always good. 

At the end of the day you are with a job that makes you happy. Well as for me it has been an exciting journey and I love it. I guess every professional Waiter would do too.