Being Young, Looking Young: Is it a problem?

Gregor Samsa

Hi. I'm a India-virgin and recently joined this wonderful website.

Here's the thing: I'm a 18 year old boy from Norway, who recently decided to stay cool and Edited: Decent language please school in order to focus on my passion with photography. This means selling all my earthly goods and heading off ,alone, to "Incredible India" with a camera on my back and an open mind, expecting chaos, catastrophes and lots of beauty.

But: I look as old as I am, if not even younger. When you are my age, that isn't a good thing. However, I am slightly worried that my young and naive appearance might compromise my India experience.
As a young, slightly chubby, white boy from one of the richest countries in the world, and being a lone traveller, am I not a "target"? Will I be respected? What do you think I should expect?

I'm very grateful for any response.

And if I could ask one more advice:
I'm planning to stay as long as it takes to cover New Delhi, Jaipur, Pushkar (at the camel fair), Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Risikesh, Ladakh & Leh. Propably a few months, I guess?
What kind of budget do you think I should have, living mid-range and being places as long as they take to get tired of?
Leaving in September.

Thanks again,
Gregor.

singsub

its open alright. welcome to indiamike. this site is like india. there is a lot if only you look beneath the surface.

KABAARY

If this really worries you, perhaps you need to methamorphosise...though not in "Kafka"esque terms;-)

$50 per day is considered very reasonable by quite a few...which never ceases to amaze me.

Rapa-Ripa

Lots of young people travel in India. I dont think India is dangerous travel destination. I have met scammers but I think violent crime is not very common. Of course in big cities everywhere in the world you should be cautious during night time, and getting drunk or stoned and wandering alone is not good idea.
Visit doctor and get advise what shots and medicines you should take with you.
Traffic is maybe biggest risk, so be careful if you rent scooter or motorbike.
Get good travel insurance.
I dont know what is midrange for you but 20 euros (eller 160 kroner) per day would be enough for me but I am hippie type of traveller.
Og ha det fint in India.

hellogoodbye

I'm a 24 y.o., 5" female but often get mistaken for a teenager (being asked for ID doesn't seem like it will end in the near future). I didn't feel like my age or appearance really made me more of a target than other tourists. It is almost inevitable that tourists/foreigners will be hassled/haggled to no end. I think to most business-oriented Indians a tourist is a tourist which equals opportunity for $$$. You just need to take it in stride and not let it bother you. Just excerise caution as you would when travelling anywhere. But above all enjoy! Sounds like you have a great trip ahead of you.

skk

But: I look as old as I am, if not even younger. When you are my age, that isn't a good thing. However, I am slightly worried that my young and naive appearance might compromise my India experience.
As a young, slightly chubby, white boy from one of the richest countries in the world, and being a lone traveller, am I not a "target"? Will I be respected? What do you think I should expect?


Will I be respected ? Will I be RESPECTED ? Good luck man - I suggest, but of course you already know all this, that you read of the sordid affair between Jeremy Thorpe ( ex-British Liberal leader) and that weasel, but human being, Norman Scott. A quick google will get you what you need - pay particular attention to the way that, as the scandal unfolded - that as JT needed money to cover up stuff, and he approached Nadir Dinshaw ( hence the MI hook) and was rebuffed just actually, really totally, said, well I'll drop in a word with the Home Office regarding your immigration status, as in revoking it !

Good luck. Its tough out there, no doubt.

-skk

dzibead

At only five inches, I'm surprised you aren't often mistaken for a hamster.

Mickey S

Does this have any relevance to the original question? Or to anything?

Mickey S

And it must make sex somewhat challenging.

karuna

Is being and looking young a problem?

Ask me that when you're the wrong side of 30, dear.


(All the over-40s are now tutting and going "30? Barely out of the cradle!" right now)

__________________
Indiamike mod squad's odd bod.

Life... is like a grapefruit. It's orange and squishy, and has a few pips in it, and some folks have half a one for breakfast.
Douglas Adams

Indian Mona Lisa credited to Dinesh; can't find original uploader to credit in full.

Rapa-Ripa

Yes. Wish I was only 30. Sometimes when I am drunk I think I look young, but if I try to flirt with young chicks, results (or lack of them) sober me quickly.

Brisso

Gregor ... no problem. Oh ... don't drop the soap.

Karuna ... just a wee child you are ...

Cardamom

Karuna, this reminds me of a friend who told me about overhearing her 90+ year old grandma exclaim (in a moment of frustration) "If only I was 60 again!!!". Now that puts things into perspective!!!!

To the OP - don't worry about your age. Just be respectful to any elders you meet while in India. You will meet many new friends

-C

Gregor Samsa

Thank you for your reassuring answers & replies.
I'll try to not loose my soap or my respectfulness. I know from travels I've done in Morocco, that touts can test your temper, and having a child waving you off must be humiliating.

Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to India. 1 & 1/2 months to go.

kristinm

I'd worry more about some of your fellow travellers seeing you as a bit of a target than most of the Indians you may meet.. keep your wits about you and don't go experimenting with too many new experiences spiritual OR chemical with your new traveller friends ...

I'm sure some of the blank-eyed scrawny western casualties I saw in the streets of Pahar Ganj were once wide-eyed, young looking, relatively naiive, eager to experience India travellers.