Red alerts keep tourists indoors, but not away from Goa

The red alerts notwithstanding, tourists visiting Goa and those working from home in Goa, peep through the windows, see a lull in the rain and rush out to the market for some quick buys.

Onion pakoras, locally known as bhajias, with a hot cup of tea is the favourite Goan snack on a rainy evening. The habit has been picked up by tourists for whom eating options are currently limited, just as the sightseeing options are.

“We were supposed to drive further south, but have decided to cut back our trip because the driver has informed us that the road ahead could be flooded,” says Vijay, as he packs a snack for his family seated in the taxi.

Whilst most beaches in South Goa wore a deserted look through the day, with just a few Indian tourists visiting Benaulim beach to check whether any restaurants were open, by evening tourists, could be seen flitting around, with bags in hand to pick up provisions for the night and the next day.

The fear of trees uprooting is real among tourists. Sipping a juice as his friend gets her act together, Rohan says, “We have been advised by the hotel that it is not a risk worth taking by going sightseeing during these days as nature’s fury is unpredictable. We have been told trees come crashing down.”

“This is my first time in Goa in the rain, and I must say it rains a lot here. It does not pound as much in my state (Punjab). Here, the gusty winds that accompany the rains bring fear. What if a tree comes crashing down?” fears Sanchita, who with her friend, are moving towards the Varca market for groceries.

“Don’t take it negatively, but the feeling of loneliness intensifies during these times because of the distance from our family. It is nice to feel cuddled by a member of one’s family in the intensity of this rain,” she winks.

As a couple exits a mall in Arrosim, a vehicle zips by and splashes water on the lady. You should have slipped the umbrella down,” she complains to her male friend, who shoots back, “And, get wet myself?”

But, if tourists are keeping indoors, Goans may not be doing the same.

“Restaurants, these days, are being frequented by Goan families at night. Despite the weather alerts, we have been full these last three days, and not one table was occupied by a tourist. It was 100 percent Goan,” admits Octavio, the manager of a restaurant on the Majorda belt.

“We normally do not expect clients coming in when the weather is bad because many avoid taking a flight when the weather is turbulent. The few who are here enjoy our inhouse entertainment and it is normally just a matter of a day or two,” says Anselm, a receptionist at a resort in the south.

“Our guests prefer to stay indoors and enjoy the rains from their room. With absolutely no sun, most opt to watch movies or chat over the phone,” he says.

As it gets dark early these days, a few food outlets can be seen opening up for the evening.

“Cutlet pao is a favourite of many tourists. They even carry parcels with them,” smiles Benjamin, as the constant mosquito buzz breaks concentration.