"Goa, and the Blue Mountains; or, Six Months of Sick Leave" by Richard F. Burton is a travel narrative written in the mid-19th century. The work recounts the author's journey from Bombay to Goa and explores various locations in India during a period of sick leave from military service. Likely blending personal experience with observational commentary, it provides insights into both the beauty and the challenges of Indian landscapes and cultures. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for an adventure as Burton describes a joyous departure from the burdens of military life aboard a "pattimar," a type of local boat. He captures the paradox of pleasure found in the discomforts of travel, vividly painting the scene with rich details about life on the boat, including the heat, the noisy crew, and the various annoyances that accompany the journey. As they set off towards Goa, Burton humorously critiques the romanticizations often associated with exotic locales and prepares the reader for the experiences ahead, hinting at a blend of light-hearted storytelling and critique of colonial perceptions.
Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890) was a British explorer, writer, scholar and military officer. He was famed for his travels and explorations in Asia, Africa and South America, as well as his extensive knowledge of languages and cultures, speaking up to 29 different languages.
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