Hi TDK

Well done on obtaining a 1 year T. Hope to see you soon.

Regards

Karen your post made me smile! I lived in South for six years and was most definitely allergic to the North - I used to hate even going to Panjim!!! & if anyone mentioned the word North I used to have an expression of serious alarm and asked if you needed a visa to get there!!! That was seven years ago - since then due to my father in laws expiry (very Goan) we moved (under duress) to the dreaded 'North". My life changed - much for the better. A lot had to do with a huge leap in improvement in education for my kids. I don’t live on the 'strip' but in a village. It is not perfect (I can’t see the sea) but I certainly have my own private Idaho and a lot more friends. It definitely is a matter of opinion but take it from a die hard Southey - the north does have its plus points. On the other point, it may be the pressure of tourism that is to answer for the changes but it is the govt. responsibilty how that pressure is answered. Maldives is a fantastic destination as an example the planes that bring the tourists in have to take the garbage that they create with them! The govt is so corrupt anyone can build anything in any style without even a care for the exisisting infrastructure (or lack of it) the charter companies pay the lowest possible contract rates to the hotels with the promise of full rooms for the season, hoteliers take it gladly and put up more and more little boxes.... ok enough Helene!

Hi again, My friend in Goa has just emailed me with another probable rumour .
Another expat trying to trade in Goa has just heard from another source that tourist visa for 2008 are going to be for a maximum of 3 months only.

I have informed my friend that he shold check the Indian Hi Com site etc etc so he can ensure validity of information. Hopefully it is just a rumour.

Has anyone else heard of this?

This was one of Douglas' predictions We need him back with his crystal ball.

Hi Karen
I agree, but it dosesnt change the fact that it is very sad what has happened to Palolem. Its a beautiful bay and was one of my favourite spots in Goa. Its a pity they couldnt have put some sort of Protection Order on it.
Hopefully its not too late to save it.

I agree with you that if its solitude, peace and quiet you want then the south is the place to go.

Regards,
Remy

Hi Helene,

Just on the subject..........is it easy to travel to the Maldives from Goa?
It is the OH's dream to visit the Maldives.

She read somewhere that because of the Rising sea tides they where going to dissapear someday, so apparently i have to take her there before they do. I will probably get her there when there is only two square feet of sand left.


Regards,
Remy

Hi Karen and Cliff,

I hope you dont mind my asking and forgive me for being off topic but did Sanjay ever manage to get your property registered and did you manage to obtain title deeds?

Regards,
Remy

Hi Remy

My OH works there quite a bit.... true about the tides but not sure how long it will take so u may just make it. The flight is less than an hour to Male from Kerela. How you get to Kerela is a choice between the overnight train, which my kids have done a couple of times when visiting, or fly down and there are a couple of different routes. It is breathtaking. You have to get on really really well to survive! When I visited the resort we were at took exactly 8 minutes to walk around!!! Diving is out of this world and the snorkling just as good. Some rooms have glass floors and u can watch the fish going about their business.... amazing resorts at amazing prices... Helene

WOW!!!

Hi Kinrara,

I hope all is going well for you in Goa and thanks very much for taking the time to write and i'll get in contact soon in Goa.
Regards
TDK

Oh dear! Just as well I was able to obtain a one year T visa on monday then!

They are also looking to outsource visa and consular services to an agent to handle very soon. This will mean it is all done by post via the selected agent. This will mean longer waiting times I would imagine as it would appear this will be the only method.

Hi There Berkshire87,

A very warm welcome to the British Expats Goa Forum, good to have you on board.

Regards,
Remy

Hi Bershire87

Welcome to the mad house - they are already outsourcing, which means we have to pay between £10 and £60 per visa more!!!! b:curse::curse::curse::curse::curse::curse:s
For a family of four it is another flight - will people still go, I ask myself!!
This year it is hobson's choice next year people will know before they have booked their holiday.

Have you "bought" renting, or just holidaying?

Noni

Hi,

Yeah I'm off to Goa for 8 months in November 2007. I was able to get a one year T visa. I have no property or intention to buy I just requested this visa for long term travel in India!

Hi Noni,

Just holiday oh and voluntary work.

Your welcome to join us at the Christmas Bash in Dec.........date TBC (around middle of dec) and venue under vote in the Christmas Bash thread.

Regards,
Remy