I'm not going there again,,,,,,,,

anu_k · Aug 14th, 2006, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirensongs

Colombo, Sri Lanka was just creepy, especially after dark. And I don't know how they managed to have a capital city on the ocean and make it so darned flat-out ugly.

I'm sorry you hated Colombo. Just out of interest what/ where did you find particularly creepy and ugly in Colombo.

johnrxx99 · Aug 14th, 2006, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMakins

Sorry, but I object to the whole idea of this thread. Of course its possible to have a bad incident in a place, which can color your whole outlook, but often that is just unlucky, and should not be repeated here on this forum, as it might put other people off from going too.

I've been reading the last few pages, and people keep mentioning wonderful places that I have REALLY enjoyed!! Jaislameer, Calcutta, Puri, Ahmadabad, Manali, Madurai, Jaipur etc. etc.

I feel these incidents often tell more about the traveller's own personality than the city itself. Too many expectations of India, not enough acceptance than India is the way it is, and isn't going to change just for you!!

It reminds me of this story:

A traveller walks into a small village, and the first thing he sees is an old man sitting by the side of the road. The traveller goes up to the old man, and asks
'What are the people like in this village? Are they friendly? Is it a nice place to stay?'
The old man says
'First, answer a question of mine. What were the people like in the last town you visited?'
The traveller replied
'Oh, they were terrible. Always trying to cheat me. Most unfriendly. There was not one person there that I would like to meet again.'
The old man then said
'Well, I think you will find that the people in this village are just the same as in the last village, and are just the same as in the next village too. Go on your way and venture to the mountains. Only there, in your solitude, will you find the company of people you are really happy with!'

Tim in Ireland

Well said Tim (the story that is).

dhans · Aug 14th, 2006, 21:21

You allways thke the weather, but what is (or may be ) worse: you are also taking yourself.

Having said that:

In Dahran (one of the gulf states) they start bullying you once you step of the plane and they keep doing that untill you've left the country (and I only had to change planes there on the way bck from India)

Hans

blackbird · Aug 15th, 2006, 01:09

I hated Hyderabad. The reason being, that I like to walk distances of less than a few miles rather than take an auto, and it has far and away the most terrifying traffic of anywhere I've been in India, mainly because it seems to be a lot faster.

At one point I was stranded in the middle of the road and a motorbike and autorickshaw both seemed to be headed straight for me. Luckily they collided with each other first, and while they were arguing about it, they actually protected me, and I got a chance to recover my breath, and spot a small gap in the traffic to continue my epic journey across the road.

I'm still glad I went, because the Salar Jung museum and Golconda Fort were well worth seeing, but I have no plans to return.

Sensi · Aug 15th, 2006, 01:21

Gokarna used to be so great, now....
Mamalapuram used to be so great, now....
Varkala used to be so great, now....
Maduri used to be so great, now....
Old Manali used to be so great, now....

Indian is growing too fast!

they are still there but many place have changed so much that it's a different experience not better but different.

Good thing is there are new place popping up all they time, we just don't know about them yet!

Agonda was great years ago, last year i went it looks like palolem all over again... what to do?

sirensongs · Aug 16th, 2006, 00:24

Quote:

I'm sorry you hated Colombo. Just out of interest what/ where did you find particularly creepy and ugly in Colombo.

If there was a charming, atmospheric part of Colombo, I didn't find it - unless you count lunch at the Galle Face. Mostly big ugly square concrete buildings, not nearly enough trees to balance all the concrete, and the ocean totally goes to waste because some genius put the commuter train right on it. ? To be fair, I was there about 2 days. Maybe I just didn't find the nice spots. The high-rise mall was okay (!); the immigration office looked like the grungiest welfare office in the west - I couldn't believe it was even open from the outside. After dark, there is something really seedy in the air - I didn't feel right there. Fort might have been better than downtown....

I will say, Colombo (by the Indian Embassy) has the best Barista I have ever seen, bar none. :-) and the Galle Face is a great place to have tea and watch the ocean.

sirensongs · Aug 16th, 2006, 00:28

Quote:

Well said Tim (the story that is).

Sorry, I disagree...people are different in different places. That's why you don't hear many stories about shy, retiring Ozzies or prudish, uptight Italians. Different places have different character.

This reminds me of a feminist college professor who was discussing the sexism in a certain work. A chauvinist male professor said, "well if you are LOOKING for sexism, you're going to SEE it." Her answer: "if it wasn't there, I couldn't see it."

Blind Blake · Aug 20th, 2006, 11:08

I have been to Agra 3 times since 1986 (30 cents to get in then)and it gets worse each time. I had to go last time because my companion had never been to India before and unfortunately the Taj is a must see (once). However I didn't like paying $25 Oz when wealthy Indians- some clearly returning from abroad were paying something like 1/20th of the price. The racism of it is obvious. Indians coming to Australia (wealthy ones) do not pay more than impecunious Australians. Really racial discrimination is odious and takes the shine off India. In a way its saying you are worth 20 Indians. Its actually very demeaning to Indian people- I thought they had more pride than that (witness Tsunami non-victim attitude.) oh well if they want to classify themselves as an underclass, that is sad. Poor backpackers from the West are not necessarilly able to afford $25 more than Indians.Also just because you can afford something more doesn't mean you should be charged more. If you go to the movies do they have a higher price for richer people? And at the cinema they do not judge it on a racial profile. Yes Agra is horrible and so many people are scamming tourists- its a joke and you can thank rich Westerners especially Yankees for paying rickshaw-wallahs $20 bucks instead of 20 Rs. The vibe in Agra is really really ugly and I will not go back despite the attractions. Photos of Hindu temples in a Muslim monument seemed like a BJP attitude- "hey we are boss now!". Should Hindu temples have big displays of Muslim mosques? Actually on second thoughts it might promote tolerance. There are so many fantastic places in India, you can easily give Agra a miss- Agra and it's ugly "lets ripoff tourists" vibe. Dual pricing at most attractions in India now!!Does this typify Indian hospitality and Gandhi's egalitarian principles? Not! Its not the cost that bugs me its the racial profiling- a very ugly tendency and moreover the Taj is kinda kitsch like a biscuit tin. Talk about an over-rated cliche. The security checks to get in are annoying too but I guess necessary. The queues are very long and well... not worth it really. I am sure the repeat visitors are lessening from abroad.

Nick-H · Aug 20th, 2006, 12:41

Dual Pricing...

We've done this controversy. Many, many times.

At least the Prime Minister also thinks it is wrong. But don't hold your breath waiting for it to stop

.

alext · Aug 20th, 2006, 13:03

Gaya... do I need to say anything to back that up?

The road through town was a river of mud feet deep, rats sharing our lunch with us, insanly loud deisel generators kicking in more than once an hour...

lallii · Sep 20th, 2006, 13:38

well i guess this is it!!!!
i have been spending my winterbreacks in goa for the last 20 years.............
i had enough too...............
this time we deceided to visit kerela.hopefully it's not sooooooo messy

Vasko · Sep 20th, 2006, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMakins

Sorry, but I object to the whole idea of this thread. Of course its possible to have a bad incident in a place, which can color your whole outlook, but often that is just unlucky, and should not be repeated here on this forum, as it might put other people off from going too.

This is a bit patronizing. Most people realize what this thread discusses is bad experiences that are down to luck, bad mood, whatever. This is exactly the reason it's interesting. Most travellers are independent enough to find out for themselves.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimMakins

I feel these incidents often tell more about the traveller's own personality than the city itself.

To an extent, yes. But I view myself as friendly and trusting of people in general, and I still get treated like shit sometimes. In some places, a lot of times.

And when it comes to generalizations, I dislike the naive ones on the opposite end of the spectrum as well, i.e. "The people there were so friendly, so generous, etc."

cyberhippie · Sep 20th, 2006, 23:17

I think the answer lies in the thread Title............"I'M NOT GOING THERE AGAIN"

No invitation to agree with other's point of view, or boycott a given destination, just a personal explanation of why one isn't going to vist XY or Z again.

Can't see that problem with that really..........of course having read this, I won't be visiting the places mentioned! No way Hose, I believe everything I read on forums

Walks away shaking head!!

daresendez · Sep 24th, 2006, 07:02

Agra, definitely.

Take a day trip to see the Taj and then get the hell out of there....anywhere.

PeakXV · Sep 24th, 2006, 07:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by daresendez

Agra, definitely.

Take a day trip to see the Taj and then get the hell out of there....anywhere.

Yes, inside the Taj can be a little anticlimactic & the touts, hawkers and especially tourists who have that "let me get my token picture of the taj and be down with it all face on", can make the whole thing a little plastic. The dog & pony show that one must pass through for entry doesn't help this phenomenon at all.

But there really is alot more to the place & surrounding area to see, especially if you have a sense of history, are interested in indo-islamic architecture and like to explore. I'll definitely go back for another visit.

Aug 14th, 2006, 21:21	#213
dhans Uru Buru member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,589	Anywhere you go You allways thke the weather, but what is (or may be ) worse: you are also taking yourself. Having said that: In Dahran (one of the gulf states) they start bullying you once you step of the plane and they keep doing that untill you've left the country (and I only had to change planes there on the way bck from India) Hans __________________ Tips for trips to India with (young) children: India with kids Stories about our travels in India: Journal

Aug 20th, 2006, 11:08	#218
Blind Blake Ye elves of hills standing lakes and groves Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: adelaide Posts: 13	Agra I have been to Agra 3 times since 1986 (30 cents to get in then)and it gets worse each time. I had to go last time because my companion had never been to India before and unfortunately the Taj is a must see (once). However I didn't like paying $25 Oz when wealthy Indians- some clearly returning from abroad were paying something like 1/20th of the price. The racism of it is obvious. Indians coming to Australia (wealthy ones) do not pay more than impecunious Australians. Really racial discrimination is odious and takes the shine off India. In a way its saying you are worth 20 Indians. Its actually very demeaning to Indian people- I thought they had more pride than that (witness Tsunami non-victim attitude.) oh well if they want to classify themselves as an underclass, that is sad. Poor backpackers from the West are not necessarilly able to afford $25 more than Indians.Also just because you can afford something more doesn't mean you should be charged more. If you go to the movies do they have a higher price for richer people? And at the cinema they do not judge it on a racial profile. Yes Agra is horrible and so many people are scamming tourists- its a joke and you can thank rich Westerners especially Yankees for paying rickshaw-wallahs $20 bucks instead of 20 Rs. The vibe in Agra is really really ugly and I will not go back despite the attractions. Photos of Hindu temples in a Muslim monument seemed like a BJP attitude- "hey we are boss now!". Should Hindu temples have big displays of Muslim mosques? Actually on second thoughts it might promote tolerance. There are so many fantastic places in India, you can easily give Agra a miss- Agra and it's ugly "lets ripoff tourists" vibe. Dual pricing at most attractions in India now!!Does this typify Indian hospitality and Gandhi's egalitarian principles? Not! Its not the cost that bugs me its the racial profiling- a very ugly tendency and moreover the Taj is kinda kitsch like a biscuit tin. Talk about an over-rated cliche. The security checks to get in are annoying too but I guess necessary. The queues are very long and well... not worth it really. I am sure the repeat visitors are lessening from abroad.

Aug 20th, 2006, 12:41	#219
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,790	Dual Pricing... We've done this controversy. Many, many times. At least the Prime Minister also thinks it is wrong. But don't hold your breath waiting for it to stop . __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Aug 20th, 2006, 13:03	#220
alext Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Berkeley Posts: 146	Gaya... do I need to say anything to back that up? The road through town was a river of mud feet deep, rats sharing our lunch with us, insanly loud deisel generators kicking in more than once an hour... __________________ MyIndiaJournal

Sep 20th, 2006, 13:38	#221
lallii Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New delhi India Posts: 26	hi well i guess this is it!!!! i have been spending my winterbreacks in goa for the last 20 years............. i had enough too............... this time we deceided to visit kerela.hopefully it's not sooooooo messy

Aug 15th, 2006, 01:09	#214
blackbird Jai Maa Tarini Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bristol, England Posts: 391	I hated Hyderabad. The reason being, that I like to walk distances of less than a few miles rather than take an auto, and it has far and away the most terrifying traffic of anywhere I've been in India, mainly because it seems to be a lot faster. At one point I was stranded in the middle of the road and a motorbike and autorickshaw both seemed to be headed straight for me. Luckily they collided with each other first, and while they were arguing about it, they actually protected me, and I got a chance to recover my breath, and spot a small gap in the traffic to continue my epic journey across the road. I'm still glad I went, because the Salar Jung museum and Golconda Fort were well worth seeing, but I have no plans to return.

Aug 15th, 2006, 01:21	#215
Sensi Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: in a bungalow Posts: 118	Gokarna used to be so great, now.... Mamalapuram used to be so great, now.... Varkala used to be so great, now.... Maduri used to be so great, now.... Old Manali used to be so great, now.... Indian is growing too fast! they are still there but many place have changed so much that it's a different experience not better but different. Good thing is there are new place popping up all they time, we just don't know about them yet! Agonda was great years ago, last year i went it looks like palolem all over again... what to do?

Sep 20th, 2006, 23:17	#223
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	I think the answer lies in the thread Title............"I'M NOT GOING THERE AGAIN" No invitation to agree with other's point of view, or boycott a given destination, just a personal explanation of why one isn't going to vist XY or Z again. Can't see that problem with that really..........of course having read this, I won't be visiting the places mentioned! No way Hose, I believe everything I read on forums Walks away shaking head!!

Sep 24th, 2006, 07:02	#224
daresendez Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 29	Agra, definitely. Take a day trip to see the Taj and then get the hell out of there....anywhere.

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