For the past couple of days, something in my head had taken away my appetite and stopped me from eating any more than a few nibbles of food, even when I force myself to eat. At last, I’m pleased to report that I’ve found a rather spiffing “pure veg” restaurant in Calangute and, safe in the knowledge that anything I order will only contain vegetables, I actually managed to finish a meal. Hooray!

Naturally, the meal wasn’t without its challenges. When the plate arrived, I was surprised to be greeted by what can only be described as a edible graduation-style mortar board hat. Sensing that I hadn’t a clue how best to eat my food, the wait staff formed a line in front of my table and looked-on with glee and giggles as I set about the task of eating it with a fork and spoon. It was only after several rounds of back-and-forth broken English, that they were able to communicate to me that I was supposed to break pieces off with my hands and roll it into the sauce.

I record this note here for anyone else that is presented with a Indian mortar-board “dosa” for lunch. Break it, then roll it. Now you know!