When you stay with us at URBA Luxury Service Apartments, you see the modern, comfortable side of Goa. But have you ever wondered what this beautiful land looked like seventy years ago?

I am Raticanta Mandrencar, your host, and I recently penned my memoir, “Came a Long Way!” to capture a Goa that many have forgotten. This book is not just my personal story; it is a journey back to the 1950s.

In this memoir, I take you to the scenic village of Narve. From there I moved to the Middle East and then to Europe and North America. I write about a time when life moved slowly, rooted in family values and the soil of our ancestors. It is a story of perseverance—of how a young boy from a small village navigated the changing tides of time to build a life here.

For our guests at URBA, reading this book offers a unique “insider’s view.” It helps you understand the roots of the Goan hospitality you experience today.

Where to find it: You can find “Came a Long Way!” on Flipkart, or ask us about it during your next stay at URBA. There are copies available there too. Come, discover the heart of Goa through my eyes.