Hippy Hassles

HippySi

Hi
Im off to Northern India next january/february for the first time.
Im planning to spend some time in Delhi, Pushkar, Vrindavan, Sarnath, Rishikesh and Varanasi fingers crossed in the 6 weeks im there. As my name suggests im a bit of a Hippy type, long hair, beard etc and i was wondering if this means i may get extra hassle especially from people trying to sell me drugs or even police etc?
I must add that whilst i have no issues with other India travellers habits its not something im interested in whilst im in India.
Any advice im really grateful for.
Peace

HippySi

machadinha

My experience as an alternative-looking type is that yes, it might involve a bit more attention from the folks you mention, not least of them fellow travelers. I guess Bolton isn't interesting enough but e.g. London or Amsterdam as a hometown may also mean a surprising amount of requests for your address by those, often to the blatant ignoring of others from less enticing places you may happen to be traveling with. Maybe list your local bookshop or some other neutral place where those you really like or make the required effort can get a hold of you, as something of a screening mechanism. As for the advances as such, you can just politely shrug them off, it won't really differ from carpet and fake gem stone etc. offers.

Cops or customers never seemed to care one way or the other btw. I guess you might be picked for random searches a little more easily, but sounds like you'll have nothing to hide anyway. Maybe steer clear from some places where drug plants are said to be common, probably easy to avoid as it won't be your scene anyway.

Beware of sharing your room with folks scattering their paraphernalia all around within moments of settling in. I soon learned to appreciate the peace of mind the few extra rupees for a single room will get you, not to mention different waking and sleeping habits etc.

In general, I think you'll be just fine. Do as you would do anywhere else in terms of streetwise-ness and so on.

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HippySi

Thanks for your help Machadinha, i appreciate it.
Im travelling on my own so i,ll be in single rooms.
I wouldn't give my address to anybody they would just get my email. Being on my own means i'll be keeping away from dodgy places/ people to the best of my knowledge as im slightly more at risk anyway. Im pretty streetwise but famous last words and that..
Peace
Si

machadinha

Yr welcome, others will have their own approaches of course

Yes I mentioned it because among the low-budget scene this is a common way to keep costs down, as single rooms are relatively expensive, the difference with a double room often won't be that great. Just keep in mind the above. Nice way to meet up with people anyway of course, in fact you'll probably find as a solo traveler staying alone requires something of a conscious effort, you'll find yourself with like-minded souls going your way half the time. Usually very nice really, however like anywhere else not everyone goes around without some sort of agenda.

Heheh yes just goes to show this hardly existed back then Handy in this respect too, of course, yes.

Have fun! It's a great place really, witness this board

Exactly. And have spoken many of those... Hey the fact that you even ask you'll probably be doing just fine.

CliveG

I agree with Machadinha. Over the past six years I have never had a problem despite my long hair and hippy look. In fact people tend to remember me by my hair! The only time I get any hassle is with customs on returning to the U.K. who seem to think my luggage might full of illegal substances! Have fun and don't worry.

HippySi

Hi Clive
Thanks for your reply.
People always seem to remeber me too by the hair lol.
Uk customs tend to leave me alone thankfully, fingers crossed.
Cheers
Si

jyotirmoy

No extra worry friend, long hair no big deal... if it was well !!!!