How inclined would you be to travel to other countries after visiting India[1 trip]

globetr0t · Dec 18th, 2005, 03:32

Hi there

As everybody here knows, travelling to India is like visiting the circus for the first time ever day, until you can actually come to terms with what's going on there. There are things that you wouldn't even dream of seeing, and things that you would rather not see. Basically, it's a sensual overload ( for the most part ).

So my question is, how inclined were you (if you have done this before) to continue on visiting multiple other countries after your stay in India?

Currently, I'm planning to stay in India for about 3.5 months, trot around Europe with a train pass for about a month, and head to the Irish hills for another couple weeks before coming back to Toronto. Lately I've pondered whether or not this would be too much; and that I'd just think about going home after India. Is it too much?

What's your spin on the idea of doing this type of thing? What are the advantages and disadvantages in your P.O.V?

divadino · Dec 18th, 2005, 06:19

I can't comment on what it's like to carry on travelling onwards after spending time in India. What I can say is that after 6 weeks last December in India (north and south) and an amazing experience.... I went to Morocco for a fortnight in September (a place I'd always wanted to visit) and I just felt quite bored and disappointed - even though I got off the beaten track and met lots of locals and was able to converse in French with them. It didn't feel fresh and new and exciting - I yearned for India whilst I was there. So maybe it's true that after experiencing India (assuming it was a good experience), nowhere will quite match up to that madness, mayhem, joy and sorrow - including the poverty, the smells, the colours, the spices, the people, the countryside etc.

Dinah

LavieQ · Dec 18th, 2005, 06:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by globetr0t

As everybody here knows, travelling to India is like visiting the circus for the first time ever day, until you can actually come to terms with what's going on there. There are things that you wouldn't even dream of seeing, and things that you would rather not see. Basically, it's a sensual overload ( for the most part ).

That thar's a very colorful way of putting it GTr0t - I like it.

I haven't done anything as elaborate as your itinerary and nowhere near that duration, but, if you're going to be in Europe for a month, it should be long enough to get out of the "reverse shock" and naturalize back to a more organized lifestyle. (As an aside, the first thing I notice when I come back from India to US/Europe is the silent parade of so many cars outside at the airport entrance - so quiet, that's it's almost creepy! But, it's a nice change too, after suffering the constant cacophony of the Indian streets.) There's enough to see in Europe, and once there, I don't think you'll be pining for India, aside from the daily expenses. There's no way to get out of that one, except by exiting Europe altogether for the sanity of US or Canada.

All the best with your travels!

PeakXV · Dec 18th, 2005, 07:56

I can only see positive in your itinerary in that India will fine tune your senses so much that you will absorb details in the culture and landscape of Europe that may otherwise go unnoticed in a traveller with less broadened
horizons. There will be a certain withdrawl factor but I see no better way to
convalesce then with Euro Train pass washed down with a pint of Guiness.
Sure beats the alternative of quiting India - cold turkey and returning to work in body only! Best of Luck and enjoy your adventure!

lotus blossom · Dec 18th, 2005, 09:51

after experiencing india, i need to go home and recover. i cannot imagine taking in another country after 3.5 months in india. i am however, quite interested in visiting other countries, if i can ever move beyond india...

Nick-H · Dec 18th, 2005, 11:24

I never have been a 'traveller' and, working full-time until three years ago was never able to take more than one two-week trip and one long-haul air ticket in one year. So India was my priority and the other spectacular destinations just had to stay down the list (probably for ever now I'm retired...).

But I like the sound of 'heading for the Irish Hills'. My intuition tells me that rural relaxation in UK/Ireland (climate allowing) would be just wonderful after India!

Hmmm.... I'm almost temtpted to book a trip

seventies'hippy · Dec 18th, 2005, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by globetr0t

Hi there

Currently, I'm planning to stay in India for about 3.5 months, trot around Europe with a train pass for about a month, and head to the Irish hills for another couple weeks before coming back to Toronto. Lately I've pondered whether or not this would be too much; and that I'd just think about going home after India. Is it too much?

It's quite likely that your thoughts will be in the opposite to what you're thinking now,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
And that is that after all what India throws at you europe & Ireland will seem quite tame & you'll wish that you'd stayed the extra time in India,,,,,,,,,,,,

Shiver me Timbers · Dec 18th, 2005, 15:38

I don't know about a whole month, but I'm planning on flying to Rome at the end of this trip (where I started it), and making my way home, via Amsterdam, in about 2 weeks. No way will I be ready for the shock of arriving home straight from India, and starting looking for a job straight away and all that stuff.

Having said that, I won't actually be travelling very much, my girlfriend lives in Rome, and I've got good friends in Amsterdam, so those will really be my only stops, before hopping on the ferry from France.

And of course, the Irish hills ain't that far away for me....

TimMakins · Dec 18th, 2005, 16:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by globetr0t

So my question is, how inclined were you (if you have done this before) to continue on visiting multiple other countries after your stay in India?

Currently, I'm planning to stay in India for about 3.5 months, trot around Europe with a train pass for about a month, and head to the Irish hills for another couple weeks before coming back to Toronto.

If you haven't visited Europe yet, then of course you should come and see it. It will certainly be a huge difference to India, and will cost you ten times the price, but if you have the time and the money, then do it.

However, I would question spending a couple of weeks in the Irish Hills. Ireland is way-over priced these days, the weather is terrible, and the public transport likewise. There are many many nicer places to go in Europe than Ireland - why waste your time here?

Tim in Ireland.

steven_ber · Dec 18th, 2005, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by globetr0t

Hi there

As everybody here knows, travelling to India is like visiting the circus for the first time ever day, until you can actually come to terms with what's going on there. There are things that you wouldn't even dream of seeing, and things that you would rather not see. Basically, it's a sensual overload ( for the most part ).

So my question is, how inclined were you (if you have done this before) to continue on visiting multiple other countries after your stay in India?

Currently, I'm planning to stay in India for about 3.5 months, trot around Europe with a train pass for about a month, and head to the Irish hills for another couple weeks before coming back to Toronto. Lately I've pondered whether or not this would be too much; and that I'd just think about going home after India. Is it too much?

What's your spin on the idea of doing this type of thing? What are the advantages and disadvantages in your P.O.V?

It may depend on how much YOU get out of India.

India was everything I expected and a whole lot more, I had found the place I wanted to holiday for many years to come.

However, it wasn't perfect, I wondered if it was 'travelling' I enjoyed (as I'd not travelled much before India), so I went to Thailand.

Thailand was beautiful, clean, fabulous food, a great place to drink, friendly, beaches to die for, and very easy on the traveller, but I found myself getting bored too easily and only realised how perfect India was for ME whilst holidaying in Thailand.

My best friend went to Thailand before India, and loved it, he then found India to be too much hard work, and so people are different.

One thing is guaranteed, Europe will seem VERY expensive and very poor value for money after India, and dare I say it, a lot boring after India.

Jorge Reverter · Dec 18th, 2005, 19:37

Hi GlobetrOt,

I'm like most Imikers an india addicted, have been in India many times and have the idea to spend every year more and more time in India (because I'll be retired, very young, at the end of the year).

Last tuesday I came from Egypt after a two weeks trip. Was my third visit to Egypt and as Steven says, after few days there I missed something, probably the people is not like in India, the food is not very good etc..., travelling in Europe for a weekend or even a short holidays is a different thing, but I have the sensation of "Deja Vu" and a lack of real life, is like comparing a living country to a dead one.

I must travel time to time to Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Greece, Italy, France, England..., because I'm married and my wife enjoys this countries as well as India, but in the future I must choose where to travel because life goes by very quick.

Jacob Ruiz · Dec 21st, 2005, 09:05

stephen_ber, I'm always fond of your posts as they're entertaining and informative and I was doubly excited by this one because, as I read, I realized it may have been your very first one (!!) without any mention of "trains"...and then you disappointed me at the very end ! I hereby challenge you to post an entire paragraph without the hint, reference to or use of the word "train". Bet you a dollar you can't do it...LOL.

Digital Drifter · Dec 21st, 2005, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMakins

However, I would question spending a couple of weeks in the Irish Hills. Ireland is way-over priced these days, the weather is terrible, and the public transport likewise. There are many many nicer places to go in Europe than Ireland - why waste your time here?

Tim in Ireland.

Brilliant PR. That's all I'm saying.

PeakXV · Dec 21st, 2005, 09:40

Quote:

Ireland is way-over priced these days, the weather is terrible, and the public transport likewise. There are many many nicer places to go in Europe than Ireland - why waste your time here?

Most likely he's got a little Irish L.ass lined up so with that in mind the weather would work in his favour!

imhere0905 · Dec 21st, 2005, 11:03

I leave India in 2 days for 2 months travelling (visiting friends/family) in Europe and the US after being here for 2 months. I actually don't want to leave, I've been there before and I know that I won't get as much out of it as I have and would if I stayed in India. By the same token I am looking forward to seeing something different and catching up with friends and family.

I'll let you know how I feel a week or two from now. I will be coming back though that is for sure.

Dec 18th, 2005, 03:32	#1
globetr0t Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 2	How inclined would you be to travel to other countries after visiting India[1 trip] Hi there As everybody here knows, travelling to India is like visiting the circus for the first time ever day, until you can actually come to terms with what's going on there. There are things that you wouldn't even dream of seeing, and things that you would rather not see. Basically, it's a sensual overload ( for the most part ). So my question is, how inclined were you (if you have done this before) to continue on visiting multiple other countries after your stay in India? Currently, I'm planning to stay in India for about 3.5 months, trot around Europe with a train pass for about a month, and head to the Irish hills for another couple weeks before coming back to Toronto. Lately I've pondered whether or not this would be too much; and that I'd just think about going home after India. Is it too much? What's your spin on the idea of doing this type of thing? What are the advantages and disadvantages in your P.O.V?

Dec 18th, 2005, 06:19	#2
divadino Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 78	I can't comment on what it's like to carry on travelling onwards after spending time in India. What I can say is that after 6 weeks last December in India (north and south) and an amazing experience.... I went to Morocco for a fortnight in September (a place I'd always wanted to visit) and I just felt quite bored and disappointed - even though I got off the beaten track and met lots of locals and was able to converse in French with them. It didn't feel fresh and new and exciting - I yearned for India whilst I was there. So maybe it's true that after experiencing India (assuming it was a good experience), nowhere will quite match up to that madness, mayhem, joy and sorrow - including the poverty, the smells, the colours, the spices, the people, the countryside etc. Dinah __________________ Dynamite Dinah writes on her amazing love affair with India in a 6 week travelogue http://www.travelpod.com/members/dynamite_dinah

Dec 18th, 2005, 07:56	#4
PeakXV Naan.tering Nabob Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Abode of Glooscap Posts: 4,333	Full steam ahead .... I can only see positive in your itinerary in that India will fine tune your senses so much that you will absorb details in the culture and landscape of Europe that may otherwise go unnoticed in a traveller with less broadened horizons. There will be a certain withdrawl factor but I see no better way to convalesce then with Euro Train pass washed down with a pint of Guiness. Sure beats the alternative of quiting India - cold turkey and returning to work in body only! Best of Luck and enjoy your adventure! __________________ We shall not cease from exploration and at the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started ...and know the place for the first time. T.S. Eliot Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

Dec 18th, 2005, 09:51	#5
lotus blossom re-member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: revolving around the sun standing still Posts: 1,892	after experiencing india, i need to go home and recover. i cannot imagine taking in another country after 3.5 months in india. i am however, quite interested in visiting other countries, if i can ever move beyond india... __________________ Not all who wander are lost

Dec 18th, 2005, 11:24	#6
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	I never have been a 'traveller' and, working full-time until three years ago was never able to take more than one two-week trip and one long-haul air ticket in one year. So India was my priority and the other spectacular destinations just had to stay down the list (probably for ever now I'm retired...). But I like the sound of 'heading for the Irish Hills'. My intuition tells me that rural relaxation in UK/Ireland (climate allowing) would be just wonderful after India! Hmmm.... I'm almost temtpted to book a trip __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Dec 18th, 2005, 15:38	#8
Shiver me Timbers Colder than a well digger's ass Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: North Atlantic Posts: 1,596	I don't know about a whole month, but I'm planning on flying to Rome at the end of this trip (where I started it), and making my way home, via Amsterdam, in about 2 weeks. No way will I be ready for the shock of arriving home straight from India, and starting looking for a job straight away and all that stuff. Having said that, I won't actually be travelling very much, my girlfriend lives in Rome, and I've got good friends in Amsterdam, so those will really be my only stops, before hopping on the ferry from France. And of course, the Irish hills ain't that far away for me.... __________________ Europe to India Overland / Andaman's Tips / Pakistan Tips / Flickr Photos / IM Photos

Dec 18th, 2005, 19:37	#11
Jorge Reverter Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Murcia - Spain Posts: 1,213	Hi GlobetrOt, I'm like most Imikers an india addicted, have been in India many times and have the idea to spend every year more and more time in India (because I'll be retired, very young, at the end of the year). Last tuesday I came from Egypt after a two weeks trip. Was my third visit to Egypt and as Steven says, after few days there I missed something, probably the people is not like in India, the food is not very good etc..., travelling in Europe for a weekend or even a short holidays is a different thing, but I have the sensation of "Deja Vu" and a lack of real life, is like comparing a living country to a dead one. I must travel time to time to Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Greece, Italy, France, England..., because I'm married and my wife enjoys this countries as well as India, but in the future I must choose where to travel because life goes by very quick.

Dec 21st, 2005, 09:05	#12
Jacob Ruiz Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: West Indies Posts: 20	stephen_ber, I'm always fond of your posts as they're entertaining and informative and I was doubly excited by this one because, as I read, I realized it may have been your very first one (!!) without any mention of "trains"...and then you disappointed me at the very end ! I hereby challenge you to post an entire paragraph without the hint, reference to or use of the word "train". Bet you a dollar you can't do it...LOL.

Dec 21st, 2005, 11:03	#15
imhere0905 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 199	I'm dreading it I leave India in 2 days for 2 months travelling (visiting friends/family) in Europe and the US after being here for 2 months. I actually don't want to leave, I've been there before and I know that I won't get as much out of it as I have and would if I stayed in India. By the same token I am looking forward to seeing something different and catching up with friends and family. I'll let you know how I feel a week or two from now. I will be coming back though that is for sure.

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