Freakout in Delhi

Sama

that is awesome advice, and what I did for myself in Chennai. When things got too exhausting (or when I got sick from all the fumes when I got stuck in traffic one day), I would blow off the afternoon classes (actually only two afternoons in the entire month) and just hang out at my favorite cafe, away from all the noise, and just drink my tea. One Sunday afternoon I found a spa and had a 2 hour facial and "detoxifying soak" (like being in a tub full of herbal tea, with roses and jasmine petals floating on the water....). That was heaven! One evening I found an ayurvedic spa and had a foot and leg massage (for $6 US!)

You HAVE to take care of yourself when it all gets to be too much!

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My India, 2005-2008

Gayamom

Andy:

That's a great insight and advice to share with others, and I'm glad you're over the whole freakout thing. Maybe everyone has "this is too much" days in India? I certainly do.

My recipe for dealing with bouts of freakout (like other posters):

- I hang out and read a great book and veg as life goes by. In fact, for every so many days of "doing" I build in a day of vegging. The ratio used to be 2-3:1 for me. Vegging includes laundry, small chores, etc.
- I hire a car and guide for the day. OK, middle age means the wallet is a little fatter. But, a good (as opposed to bad) guide gets rid of many, many hassles. Car means many fewer transactions over the course of a day.
- I eat lightly (no fried foods), stay hydrated, and take a nap.
- I go to sites that are going to be crowded as early in the morning as possible. For example, temple trip? That means getting up and out just before sunrise. OK, this does not seem so relaxing . . . but, India in the very early morning is magical, peaceful. Hassles seem fewer. I come back for a late breakfast and declare victory until evening, when I do some retail therapy (American girl talk for shopping) and have a nice meal.

Other stuff, like spending more time in fewer places, reducing transit time (small hops), going to less trafficked places helps but even if I plan my itinerary wisely, I still have my moments.

So, every trip to India has included a freakout (or two or three). Last trip, I was in the middle of an unfamiliar temple to some manifestation of Shakti outside of Srirangam, strange behavior by some worshippers, sun had set, hungry, up to my ankles in filthy water. I just started bawling. Not quietly. I got to freakout and embarass myself publicly at the same time. Sheesh. The rest of the trip was fannntastic.

You've probably had another great (or at least so-so) day since your last post, yeah? If the freakouts recur, well, come back to the forum and we can all commiserate some more.

Cheers --

GM

lotus blossom

i hated india the first time that i was there - hated it. the noise really got to my nerves; i couldn't think. i ended up cutting my three-month trip in half. delhi still, third time around, really stresses me significantly.

i always feel weird with my expensive cameras in india. the first time that i went i had a dream shortly after i arrived that i was out in the street using my digital video camera and some guy came by and ripped it off my neck. i took it as a message to not use it there, and i didn't.

but, having said all that i would say that it takes some real adjustment to switch from a western world to a place like india but once you do it has the delightful way of testing us and showing us where our issues are; at least it does that for me. taken out of my comfort zone and flung into the rawness of a country like india really spun me 'round.

happy trails!

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Not all who wander are lost

Sama

I am finding the exact opposite. I felt at home in India and am finding it difficult to re-adjust back here. I know that a few of the other students I was with felt very apprehensive on the last day about going back to the "western world", much more so than they did about stepping off the plane in Chennai.

lotus blossom

it took me three months to adjust being back in the u.s. after being in india for three months. readjustment on both ends feels a challlenge.

Casey

I agree that often people have a freakout and then everything goes smoothly. Perhaps, Andygoodyear, you have had yours and then everthing will be fine. I had a bit of a freakout upon arrival and one about 2 weeks later. All was well after that and I am hoping to not have one this time when I arrive in Delhi. Perhaps, if I do, you can give me some advise. Enjoy.

Sadhu

Actually I think going to Amritsar is a great idea. You can take the nice and comfy Shatabdi train, which is pretty laid back, and not too long of a journey. The scene around the Golden Temple is magical, and Bubby Dhaba across the street is a great place to eat and hang out. Amritsar is not nearly as intense as Delhi, and I find the people there very cool. Not nearly the level of hassle as other cities. Rishikesh is nice, but I found it swamped with western people last time, and I was constantly hassled by people looking for money. Like a yoga/India Disneyland. Worth seeeing though.

6 months from now the freak out you're experiencing will be remembered as the most exciting time of your life!

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'Walk the Earth, Have Adventures'

imhere0905

Can we leave this till Sunday when I get there, I am already freaking out from reading about freaking out j/k

guerik

Hey, you're going on Sunday? Have a great time!
You've had a couple of days since the first post AndyG, hope it's gotten better for you!

imhere0905

Hey, actually arrive 10pm Saturday night but figure I won't have time for anything else but sleep then, thanks I am sure I will have a brilliant time

caty63

Hi Andy, glad to hear you're feeling better. This forum is awesome isn't it? You are not alone!! Is Delhi getting easier. Have you got yur LP with you cause they warn of just this thing! I hope you do get to enjoy Delhi!
Take care.

bijapuri

this thread is freaking me out because I am NOT in Delhi!!!!
I have this itch to check out the new Metro, and also to go up to Amritsar, last time there was 1971!!!
and I just Ipodded a bunch of early Zappa- life imitates art

WhOOOOOOOOOOO
could imagine . . . . . . .

__________________
Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.
Barack Obama

lookit me!!!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bijapuri/

Utube fuzzy logic:
http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=bijapuri&p =r

andygoodyear

Hi All

I am glad to say that I now love Delhi! If you had asked me a few days ago if I would have felt this way I would have said no. I love the atmosphere so much I am staying until tomorrow, rather than leave today.

Imhere - dont worry! Tere has been some great advice on here - didnt you email me before about going to Amritsar? I am now going on a later date, so maybe PM me.

After some great advice on here I have decided to go to Rishikesh next rather than Amritsar, and have booked and express train for tomorrow to Haridwar. All they had was 2nd AC and it cost 465 Rs but this seems about right. I will then go on to Amritsar but when depends on how long I want to stay in Rishikesh.

I have seen some real beuaty in Delhi, without even venturing too far, groups of kids running around, families cooking on the street, cows everywhere - its great. I have been to the India Gate and the park surrounding, Khan Market and of course Connaught Place. I have not really done much else but will be back in Delhi in 2weeks to meet a friend.

What would people reccomend in Delhi?

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dani

Hey Andy, you're on the right track! Your stay will surely become unforgettable.

iwanttogoback

andy
glad to hear you are calming down.
i didn't visit delhi - the closest i got was new delhi station, and i had a tantrum and refused to leave. but i did feel nervous, anxious quite a bit and i was travelling with a large group.
it's just so very very different to the west isn't it, but so incredibly addictive.
looking forward to your posts and photos.