**Author's Experience During Childhood in Goa**

The author, Frederick Forsyth, recounts his childhood experiences in Goa in his memoir, "Outsider: My Life in Intrigue". Born in Ashford, Kent, in 1938, Forsyth spent a significant part of his childhood in Goa, India, as his father was posted there as a soldier during the Second World War.

**The Baker as the Guide of the Children**

During his time in Goa, the author describes the Baker as the guide of the children in the area. The Baker's role as a guide was significant due to several reasons:

1. **Familiarity with the Locality:** The Baker, being a resident of the area, had an intimate knowledge of Goa's geography, streets, and landmarks. This familiarity made him an ideal guide for the children who wanted to explore their surroundings.

2. **Language Skills:** Language is crucial for effective communication, particularly in a foreign land. The Baker, being a local resident, would have had a good grasp of the local language, Konkani, or possibly even Portuguese. This language proficiency allowed him to communicate effectively with the children and bridge any language barriers they may have faced.

3. **Trust and Reliability:** The children would have developed a sense of trust and familiarity with the Baker over time. This trust would have been established through repeated interactions, reliability in providing baked goods, and perhaps even through small acts of kindness. As a result, the children would have felt comfortable seeking his guidance and exploring Goa under his watchful eye.

4. **Knowledge of Hidden Gems:** As a guide, the Baker would have been aware of hidden gems, lesser-known places, and interesting spots in Goa that the children might not have discovered on their own. He could have shared stories, historical anecdotes, and local legends, making their exploration more enriching and educational.

5. **Safety and Security:** The Baker's presence would have provided a sense of safety and security for the children. In unfamiliar surroundings, having a guide who was known and trusted by the community would have reassured both the children and their parents.

Overall, the Baker's role as a guide for the children in Goa was essential due to his familiarity with the locality, language skills, trustworthiness, knowledge of hidden gems, and the sense of safety and security he provided. The Baker played a crucial part in the author's childhood experiences, helping him and other children explore and appreciate the beauty and culture of Goa.

In this extract, the author remembers his old days in Goa when the village baker occupied an important place in life. ... Someone in the baker's family still carries on the business and the tradition. These bakers are known as Pader in Goa even today. The author recalls that a baker used to visit the village twice a day.