"Don't go to India because ..." Prejudices and Misconceptions Collected

punzelle

Some responses (with all of the above facial expressions, in rapid succession):
"Didn't you see 'Slumdog Millionaire?!?"
(I'm afraid lots of people who saw the movie and know nothing else about India think that Dharavi IS Mumbai now)

"Don't you know it's dirty and dangerous there?"
(oh, like New York, Chicago and LA?)


"You're not gonna drink the water or eat the food there, are you?!?!" (no, I think I'll go on a 3-month fast.....)

"You're gonna go ALONE?!?"
(Yes, I want to be on my own schedule, and I am not afraid of Indian people! I know better than to cruise back alleys late at night, in ANY city!)

CindyIndie

ALONE!?!?

Yep, next trip is alone. I can't wait. It appeals to me very much.

Surely, tho, you must be insane, wanting to go to India alone! What are you THINKING! lol

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punzelle

Definitely insane; the only way to be. My grownup kids think their mom is an 'old hippie' - gee, is that supposed to be an insult? <grin> -

No, I've traveled with others before, and it seems everyone has their own idea of how much time to spend where, and places they don't want to visit at all, and if someone gets sick, it changes everyone's schedule (even if that's you); so what you see is people splitting up and going their own ways, and meeting at the airport on the day of departure! Might as well go alone in the first place and save all that nuisance and negotiating, hai na? ~

goingback

I just want a rant. I am so fed up with the negativity towards our family trip to India. It's not as bad when people talk to me or my husband with their daft questions and negative comments but, I am so vexed with folk spouting absolute nonsense in front or directly to our daughters aged 10 and 5.

From grandparents, aunts uncles to the nurse giving the vaccinations, they don't seem to be able to help themselves. It's the usual, "hold tight to the children" "don't drink the water" "don't eat the food" et cetera et cetera - you have heard it all before.

Our eldest said she was afraid of going to India at one point, she was worried about becoming ill. However, after reading some fantastic books (some recommended by OceanTragic) and seeing some wonderful photographs and watching some great films, she is now looking forward to the trip.

I am still cross though, my grandmother used to say "if you haven't got anything nice to say then don't say anything at all".

We are certainly not feeling guilty that we haven't booked a package tour to Spain where some Brits really know how to show us up! (not that I don't like Spain - I really do).

There, I feel a bit better now.

Nick-H

(It's true about the water, by the way! )

goingback

Thanks Nick, upon previous advice we won't be washing/showering in case any of the dreaded water goes into our mouths. We will wait until we get to Varanasi and bathe in that lovely river

Nick-H

Very wise!

Ms Princess W

I drank the tap water when I got here. I was under the impression that we didn't have to boil it in Kashmir for some reason. My in-laws were mortified, they boil theirs. So now I boil ours as well.

I haven't gotten ill yet from anything other than sinus/allergy problems in the 5 months I've been here, despite all the dire warnings I've gotten from family & friends in the US. No Delhi Belly, no diarrhea, nada. Hubby says I must have a hell of an immune system - he got sick and he's Indian

One travel book said not to get off the plane and head for the nearest chaat wallah, which is exactly what we did...lol...and it was yummy.

sks551

If you want to test your immune system then I would recommend you to visit Kolkata and eat “Gol-Guppa” and the associated “Juice (yam yam)” from a street vendor. You will always find these street vendors near bus stops or busy places.
(Health warning: please carry Imodium tablets and you will be fine)

Nick-H

Don't go to India because all you will see is the inside of the toilet door!!!

AwayFromHome

Just like my wife! Weird how tummy's react!

aragorn

@Going Back - I think with the advice received by you..It's best to fast the whole day and stop drinking water.

On a serious note, you will get mineral water everywhere so that shouldn't be an issue, with regards to food...you will need to check good eating joints in advance. The good joints are very rare in small towns. You can, though, carry some ready to eat noodles/ snacks which are easily available in supermarkets.

goingback

I will be eating from street vendors for sure. If I get sick well then I only have myself to blame.

The only time I got sick when I first visited 20 years ago was in Goa! I ate from street vendors everywhere including Delhi and Calcutta. I seem to remember eating roast potatoes from a street seller in Delhi - is this my imagination?

aragorn

I believe u must have had Aalo Chaat/ Ragda pattice which is made from roast potato...it's delicious.

jaibharatma

But you just went there recently! Why would you go back?