PANAJI
“Some goodbyes don’t feel real” ” words not often heard about Goa ” came from a departing foreign traveller and vlogger at a time when the State has faced online criticism from some Indian tourists.
In a now-viral video on Instagram and Facebook titled “Some goodbyes don’t feel real”, the traveller, identified as Fran (@fran.goes.places), shared an emotional farewell after spending two months in the coastal state. His tone was reflective and at times tremulous. “I am officially saying goodbye to Goa. It’s been two months. What an experience. I met amazing people along the way. But yeah, this is actually not a goodbye. Be back, very, very soon,” he said.
In the caption, he wrote, “Goa changed something in me. It wasn’t just beaches or food. It was the people. The feeling. The way strangers became family. This isn’t goodbye. Just a see you soon.”
Fran said his stay changed how he sees India. “Goans definitely give you a different perspective of what India is, and I kind of fell in love with the country and the people. I feel like I kind of belong here now,” he said. He added that he hopes to return and take part in local initiatives, including work for people and animals.
The video received several thousand views and hundreds of comments, many from Goans who said they were moved. “Hope to see you soon, brother. Will miss your daily Goan vlogs,” one user wrote. Another commented, “You have shown Goa to the world at its best. Thank you for treating us and nourishing our small state.”
A resident, Klieno Fernandes, wrote, “You’ve exited Goa at the worst time, missing out on carnival and all that happens around during this time… anyways, you can always visit next time.”
