Off to the airport in a sombre mood....

I'm catching a few quiet moments at home before heading to the airport. We're clearly still going but our initial sense of excitement has been dulled  by the events in Mumbai.

It feels slightly reckless - and a bit sad - to be heading to a country that has just been the victim of a horrendous terrorist attack. However I think the danger to independent travellers is minimal and in a funny and small way we can show some support for India by going through with our trip. 

Let's hope the England cricket team feels the same way. If they do call of the rest of the trip, I hope they're honest enough to say that security wasn't the major reason for doing so. They'll be in a different part of the country and security will be so tight that I really can't see them being in danger. I understand if they want to stay at home with their families for emotional reasons but let's be honest about that and not hide behind security.

What are the implications of the tour being called off?

While this is all speculation at this stage, the implications of the tour being 'postponed' would be huge and not just in the short time. India has emerged as the powerhouse of world cricket and if a major cricket team refused to tour because of security concerns, India will suffer both financially and reputationally. Could India end up in a similar situation to Pakistan with few teams being prepared to play there. What effect will this all have on the IPL? 

And what of the implications for the England players. If they cite security as a reason for not returning, how will they be able to take up lucrative IPL contracts in due course? 

The pressure being applied on the players will be immense but I suspect that they won't go or if they do it will be a severely weakened team, devaluing international cricket. 

Anyway, it seems a bit distasteful to be talking about cricket; my thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed in Mumbai. Such a waste of life.

Visa collection time

It was collection time for the passports on Friday and the reality that we're off to India in less than a month final kicks in.

This time around there were no funny incidents like the random sitting behind us explaining what an official bank statement looks like, and freely showing Hugo and me his bank balance....why?...it was a healthy 9 grand if you want to know.

The route is planned and we're having a look into accommodation for Goa over the Christmas period as I nurse a hangover on Sunday afternoon. We've spoken to a number of people about the best spot and it seems that most people favour the south of Goa around the Palolem beach area (please do feel free to send more info through or top tips to help).

Apparently there is a bar called Fernandes or Fernandos , which rounds up the locals and tourists for a spot of cricket on the beach when the tide is out. No doubt we'll be able to show off our cricketing skills in the sunshine. Let's see if the Hugster can actually get bat onto ball!

The Lonely planet and rough guides are getting a good workout and am absorbing as much info as possible. Here's to the start of a new week and the continuing countdown.........