Orange, green and white, these are the three words pinned by members of most social media pages that link Goa with guests from abroad. One post has the Indian flag fluttering on top of a home in the UK', and below it, is written: 'For all those suffering loss.'
“Absolutely heart-breaking, can’t stop thinking about them all xx,” reads a post by Owen and another visitor from the UK, called 'Green', poured her heartbreak through her post which reads: “So very sad. God bless all those who have lost a loved one.”
It will be days before the cause of the air crash in Gujarat is established, and years before the lives lost are grieved. But, as doubts of people wanting to fly to India start, there will be those for whom the love for Goa will continue to be strong.
“Has the British government issued a warning to travel to India?” asks Mary who, like many Brits, is already thinking of finalising travel arrangements to Goa.
When Mary was questioned as to why she thought the British government would issue a travel warning as what happened in Gujarat was an accident, she remarked, “I read warnings on travel to India, mostly northern India, but as far south as Mumbai, and only essential travel to other parts of India. I googled, and it seems the home office has recommended warnings.”
To this, Owen clarified saying, “Just the usual travel warnings including India-Pakistan tensions. FCO has mentioned the tragic plane crash, but that is just for support if any relatives need to have a contact number.”
I read warnings on travel to India, mostly northern India, but as far south as Mumbai, and only essential travel to other parts of India.
Mary, tourist
“Your travel bible should be the FCO. Type in these three letters, and then 'India'. You will then see the couple of areas in India where travel is not advised,” suggests Michael.
The latest Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advisory is against travel to the India-Pakistan border area, against all travel within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border and the Wagah-Attari border crossing being closed.
The FCDO also advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir, including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Travel to Manipur is not advised.
In Manchester (UK) Marvin is celebrating Bardez in his county. He posts a picture of meals served in a Goan restaurant in Manchester with the caption: “Bardez in Manchester. Owned by the same family who own Zicos in Calangute. Great food. ”
“Yes it is great; we have eaten there a few times. The food is always delicious. A little more express than eating in Goa, but that is to be expected. The staff is lovely too,” adds in Royle.
Goan restaurants are being set up in the UK and Europe, and the tumble effect is felt during the season in Goa with foreign visitors searching for locations recommended by Goans settled abroad.
Despite the heavy rains in Goa over the last two days, domestic tourists were still around getting a feel of the sea in the rains, though garbage could be seen washed ashore at many beaches, especially the popular ones.
Despite the heavy showers in Goa over the last two days, domestic tourists were still walking around and getting a feel of Goa in the monsoons.
“Since we were indoors the whole day yesterday, we thought of coming out today. It is not possible to spend two days, out of three, inside the hotel,” said Yogesh as he tried to shield his friend under his umbrella.
Though the sea has been out of bounds to all, restaurants are open in most places, and the buzz of tourists is still unmistakable in major tourism hotspots.