Freakout in Delhi

andygoodyear · Oct 17th, 2005, 13:17

Hi All

I am finally here and to be honest am freaking out a bit. I got here yesterday at 5am, spent most of the day sleeping and went out to get a mobile phone.

Today I shared a rickshaw with someone, and am now on my own. Is it normal to be so nervous???

Am I safe carring my camera around? I know there are pickpockets everwhere but woud anyone confront you to your face??

I am supposed to be travelling to Amritsar by train in a couple of days and am scared at the whole prospect. I expected a culture shock of course but I feel shaky and scared!!!!

crimsonriver · Oct 17th, 2005, 13:20

Hey.. no need to be so paranoid.. but yeah caution in good. No one will confront you directly.. if you spot a pickpocketer don't hesitate to raise an alarm..

hawaiiyogagrl · Oct 17th, 2005, 13:28

Okay.
Take a deep breath.
Think about why you are in India. To experience the world, have fun.....whatever.
It's just a different place, people there have had different life experiences. Don't get so freaked out that you don't let yourself experience the beauty of India. It's there, I promise, underneath all the madness.
The train is fun- think of it as a game. If you get on the wrong train, get lost, whatever, it's just a game.
Good luck.
I leave in a day....I'm getting for the madness myself.

Oct 17th, 2005, 14:18

As with any sudden change, give yourself some time to adjust. You'd be surprised how resilient we can all be when needed. And I agree completely with what hawaiiyogagrl said: remember why you decided to travel India in the first place, remember your goals and just go for it and enjoy!

You'll get used to the traffic, crowd and daily social interactions in no time. After that you can look ahead and enjoy the things you went there to enjoy.

thirdreel · Oct 17th, 2005, 17:15

Hang in there! It gets... well, it doesn't get better, but the feeling of overwhelm starts to get fun after a while. If your trip is anything like mine, just about every day you'll catch yourself thinking, "That is one of the most _________ things I've ever seen." It's normal to be nervous. Sometimes travel makes you face exactly who you are. That's kind of scary.

As for pickpockets, I never experienced it. I was shocked to find after being mobbed by salesmen at Palika Bazaar and Janpath Market that my temporary wallet was still in my pocket. I was certain somewhere in the chaos someone would have the opportunity to pick it, but they didn't. In general, I find the best principle is always be cautious, never be paranoid. If you have a camera with you, keep your eye on it but don't get uptight about it.

Keep us posted!

cyberhippie · Oct 17th, 2005, 17:32

First of all there are not pickpockets everywhere they exist but not in great numbers. Just look after your stuff like you would in any town center in the UK.
Secondly if you contnue to feel like this then I suggest heading for another city is probably unwise, scrap Amritsar until later and pick a more laid back place, Rishikesh springs to mind. A gentle laid back kind of place, with other travellers who you can hook up with! Also lots of good country walks to clear your head when it gets to much!!

Andy take it easy mate it's all a bit strange and Delhi never was the easiest gateway to India. It's natural you're feeling a bit shaken. Get out and about, go sit on a rooftop restaurant somewhere and talk to people or grab a roadside table and watch life go by, the owners won't let the touts and beggers bother you and you can take it all in from a distance so to speak!!

Trust me you'll laugh about this in a weeks time!!

kokopelli · Oct 17th, 2005, 17:38

it is normal to feel shaky and scary in delhi. try to loosen up a bit and leave the camera in the bag till you feel safer.

why dont step in a bus today and get out of delhi, you'll be somewhere better before you know it. too many options.. but i'd advise to chill out with mountain views for couple o days.

Casey · Oct 18th, 2005, 06:05

When I travelled on my own it took about a week to adjust to the culture shock and the time zone change (12 hour difference). I woke up somewhere in Mumbai, had no idea where I was and wonderered how I was going to get through the next few months. After sleeping and eating properly I managed to have the time of my life. Eventually, you will meet people and exchange stories, and hopefully go on to have the time of your life. It is like being a child again and to some extent knowing nothing. Today learn how to use the phone, tomorrow how to post a letter, etc. How long are you in India for?

FirstTimer · Oct 18th, 2005, 10:41

oh so true. Delhi was the freakiest place for me too. at least you managed to get some sleep, cuz I couldn't get any... and did I mention the famuos Delhi-belly?

although on my way back it was much better... but after Delhi I appreciated much more places like Dharamsala and Rishikesh

I guess you need this shock to get tuned to Indian vibes. I think the next train from Delhi is leaving like in 5 min - you can still catch it

Have a great trip!!

cfhi · Oct 18th, 2005, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstTimer

oh so true. Delhi was the freakiest place for me too. at least you managed to get some sleep, cuz I couldn't get any... and did I mention the famuos Delhi-belly?

although on my way back it was much better... but after Delhi I appreciated much more places like Dharamsala and Rishikesh

I guess you need this shock to get tuned to Indian vibes. I think the next train from Delhi is leaving like in 5 min - you can still catch it

Have a great trip!!

funny i did not get the delhi belly..... probably i did not eat any road sie food... heh heh

Sama · Oct 18th, 2005, 11:23

wow.

just go with the flow, man, and detach from the outcome. remember what brought you to india in the first place and try to stay in the present moment.

personally, I loved it that Chennai was in-your-face-24/7 (and I never got sick either....)

good luck and take care and remember that your life is determined by your choices, not by your circumstances!

Judi · Oct 18th, 2005, 17:12

Andy - when I first arrived in India, I wondered how on earth is was going to tell me husband that I wanted to leave again, instantly. I hated it. A good sleep, a bath and, dare I say it, a stiff gin and tonic made things seem a little better ...... then I fell in love, simple as that.

However, I still got scared, still go nervous .... and I had my beloved with me, not like you travelling alone. Sure, do as the others have said .... remember why you went to India in the first place, chill out, settle down etc etc. But remember to take care of yourself. Treat yourself gently, eat what you want to eat, not what you think you should eat - the same goes for drink, or where you stay, or what you see. An afternoon sipping tea/coffee/beer/whatever and watching the world go by is by no means an afternoon wasted (nor is staying in bed to catch up on rest). It's your trip, it's got to suit only you.

If you can afford it, try arrange a private guided tour of Delhi - you will see some fabulous sights and it will help you get orientated a little better.

Train travel can be stressful - not because the Indians make it so, but because of our own 'bogey men'. Take the usual precautions that you would travelling in the UK - but no more. Strange as it may seem, people are not out to get you, and the vast, vast majority will be friendly, helpful and kind. Shove the camera away in a safe place for a few days, and just enjoy seeing India through your eyes, not through a lens ..... then not only are you safe from your demon pickpockets, but you'll probably see things clearer then, anyway.

I hope by the time you read this that you are seeing things very differently from your first post. Take care, be gentle with yourself, and travel well.

Oh, and keep in touch! We're all out there cheering from the touch line, you know

andygoodyear · Oct 18th, 2005, 19:38

Hi All

Thanks for some great advice. I have now started to relax! I have cut my itinerary down to size big time. I am here for 2 and a half months and was gonna see almost 20 different places. I have cut that down by half.

I have come to realise that visiting this great country is not about seeing how many places you can see, as I really believe you can get a good idea and picture of india's vasy beauty from just 3 or 4 different places. And I can still see architecture, natural beauty and everything else.

I am very chilled today and saw some of the beauty delhi has to offer.
Andy

kokopelli · Oct 18th, 2005, 19:44

thumbsup

cyberhippie · Oct 18th, 2005, 20:08

Good to hear Andy!!
Yep it's a little different, a trip outlook, when your actually on the ground! Bow you'll understand all the careful advice about travel in India!!
Where are you headed next???

Oct 17th, 2005, 13:17	#1
andygoodyear Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 275	Freakout in Delhi Hi All I am finally here and to be honest am freaking out a bit. I got here yesterday at 5am, spent most of the day sleeping and went out to get a mobile phone. Today I shared a rickshaw with someone, and am now on my own. Is it normal to be so nervous??? Am I safe carring my camera around? I know there are pickpockets everwhere but woud anyone confront you to your face?? I am supposed to be travelling to Amritsar by train in a couple of days and am scared at the whole prospect. I expected a culture shock of course but I feel shaky and scared!!!! __________________ View the online blog of my round the world trip by clicking here

Oct 17th, 2005, 13:20	#2
crimsonriver The Nom@d... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Some road.. somewhere... Posts: 325	Hey.. no need to be so paranoid.. but yeah caution in good. No one will confront you directly.. if you spot a pickpocketer don't hesitate to raise an alarm.. __________________ Look around and chose your own ground For long you live and high you fly And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry And all you touch and all you see Is all your life will ever be... Last ride : Bhutan, Arunachal, Sikkim.. (Where do I ride next?) My Travel Journal... http://the-never-ending-road.blogspot.com

Oct 17th, 2005, 17:38	#7
kokopelli Sabai Sabai Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 228	it is normal to feel shaky and scary in delhi. try to loosen up a bit and leave the camera in the bag till you feel safer. why dont step in a bus today and get out of delhi, you'll be somewhere better before you know it. too many options.. but i'd advise to chill out with mountain views for couple o days. __________________ my old photo gallery \| houseboats in Kashmir

Oct 18th, 2005, 11:23	#11
Sama a pain in the asana Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: the India inside my heart Posts: 5,046	wow. just go with the flow, man, and detach from the outcome. remember what brought you to india in the first place and try to stay in the present moment. personally, I loved it that Chennai was in-your-face-24/7 (and I never got sick either....) good luck and take care and remember that your life is determined by your choices, not by your circumstances! __________________ *My India, 2005-2008*

Oct 18th, 2005, 17:12	#12
Judi Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: England Posts: 459	Andy - when I first arrived in India, I wondered how on earth is was going to tell me husband that I wanted to leave again, instantly. I hated it. A good sleep, a bath and, dare I say it, a stiff gin and tonic made things seem a little better ...... then I fell in love, simple as that. However, I still got scared, still go nervous .... and I had my beloved with me, not like you travelling alone. Sure, do as the others have said .... remember why you went to India in the first place, chill out, settle down etc etc. But remember to take care of yourself. Treat yourself gently, eat what you want to eat, not what you think you should eat - the same goes for drink, or where you stay, or what you see. An afternoon sipping tea/coffee/beer/whatever and watching the world go by is by no means an afternoon wasted (nor is staying in bed to catch up on rest). It's your trip, it's got to suit only you. If you can afford it, try arrange a private guided tour of Delhi - you will see some fabulous sights and it will help you get orientated a little better. Train travel can be stressful - not because the Indians make it so, but because of our own 'bogey men'. Take the usual precautions that you would travelling in the UK - but no more. Strange as it may seem, people are not out to get you, and the vast, vast majority will be friendly, helpful and kind. Shove the camera away in a safe place for a few days, and just enjoy seeing India through your eyes, not through a lens ..... then not only are you safe from your demon pickpockets, but you'll probably see things clearer then, anyway. I hope by the time you read this that you are seeing things very differently from your first post. Take care, be gentle with yourself, and travel well. Oh, and keep in touch! We're all out there cheering from the touch line, you know __________________ It is better to light a candle than complain about the darkness.

Oct 17th, 2005, 13:28	#3
hawaiiyogagrl Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hawaii Posts: 232	Okay. Take a deep breath. Think about why you are in India. To experience the world, have fun.....whatever. It's just a different place, people there have had different life experiences. Don't get so freaked out that you don't let yourself experience the beauty of India. It's there, I promise, underneath all the madness. The train is fun- think of it as a game. If you get on the wrong train, get lost, whatever, it's just a game. Good luck. I leave in a day....I'm getting for the madness myself.

Oct 17th, 2005, 14:18	#4
Duryodhan Posts: n/a	As with any sudden change, give yourself some time to adjust. You'd be surprised how resilient we can all be when needed. And I agree completely with what hawaiiyogagrl said: remember why you decided to travel India in the first place, remember your goals and just go for it and enjoy! You'll get used to the traffic, crowd and daily social interactions in no time. After that you can look ahead and enjoy the things you went there to enjoy.

Oct 17th, 2005, 17:15	#5
thirdreel Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Detroit, MI, USA Posts: 209	Hang in there! It gets... well, it doesn't get better, but the feeling of overwhelm starts to get fun after a while. If your trip is anything like mine, just about every day you'll catch yourself thinking, "That is one of the most _________ things I've ever seen." It's normal to be nervous. Sometimes travel makes you face exactly who you are. That's kind of scary. As for pickpockets, I never experienced it. I was shocked to find after being mobbed by salesmen at Palika Bazaar and Janpath Market that my temporary wallet was still in my pocket. I was certain somewhere in the chaos someone would have the opportunity to pick it, but they didn't. In general, I find the best principle is always be cautious, never be paranoid. If you have a camera with you, keep your eye on it but don't get uptight about it. Keep us posted!

Oct 17th, 2005, 17:32	#6
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,014	First of all there are not pickpockets everywhere they exist but not in great numbers. Just look after your stuff like you would in any town center in the UK. Secondly if you contnue to feel like this then I suggest heading for another city is probably unwise, scrap Amritsar until later and pick a more laid back place, Rishikesh springs to mind. A gentle laid back kind of place, with other travellers who you can hook up with! Also lots of good country walks to clear your head when it gets to much!! Andy take it easy mate it's all a bit strange and Delhi never was the easiest gateway to India. It's natural you're feeling a bit shaken. Get out and about, go sit on a rooftop restaurant somewhere and talk to people or grab a roadside table and watch life go by, the owners won't let the touts and beggers bother you and you can take it all in from a distance so to speak!! Trust me you'll laugh about this in a weeks time!!

Oct 18th, 2005, 06:05	#8
Casey Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 617	When I travelled on my own it took about a week to adjust to the culture shock and the time zone change (12 hour difference). I woke up somewhere in Mumbai, had no idea where I was and wonderered how I was going to get through the next few months. After sleeping and eating properly I managed to have the time of my life. Eventually, you will meet people and exchange stories, and hopefully go on to have the time of your life. It is like being a child again and to some extent knowing nothing. Today learn how to use the phone, tomorrow how to post a letter, etc. How long are you in India for?

Oct 18th, 2005, 10:41	#9
FirstTimer Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 43	oh so true. Delhi was the freakiest place for me too. at least you managed to get some sleep, cuz I couldn't get any... and did I mention the famuos Delhi-belly? although on my way back it was much better... but after Delhi I appreciated much more places like Dharamsala and Rishikesh I guess you need this shock to get tuned to Indian vibes. I think the next train from Delhi is leaving like in 5 min - you can still catch it Have a great trip!!

Oct 18th, 2005, 19:38	#13
andygoodyear Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 275	Hi All Thanks for some great advice. I have now started to relax! I have cut my itinerary down to size big time. I am here for 2 and a half months and was gonna see almost 20 different places. I have cut that down by half. I have come to realise that visiting this great country is not about seeing how many places you can see, as I really believe you can get a good idea and picture of india's vasy beauty from just 3 or 4 different places. And I can still see architecture, natural beauty and everything else. I am very chilled today and saw some of the beauty delhi has to offer. Andy

Oct 18th, 2005, 19:44	#14
kokopelli Sabai Sabai Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 228	thumbsup

Oct 18th, 2005, 20:08	#15
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,014	Good to hear Andy!! Yep it's a little different, a trip outlook, when your actually on the ground! Bow you'll understand all the careful advice about travel in India!! Where are you headed next???

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