Is being very tall a problem?

proxyindian

I've been reading about all the problems people run into with touts while in India, but what really freaks me out are the stories about corrupt police officers demanding bribes. At 6'6", I can't help but stand out in a crowd wherever I go (I get a lot of comments, but I don't mind those). Will my very height work as a super magnet for touts and bullies? I'm a pleasant but introverted and soft-spoken person but I walk tall and don't look afraid, so I have "an image" going for me that's helped me out in many situations. But I'm not sure about this trip. Does anybody know here if tallness will add to harassment?

I'm know the "what do I do about touts" has been answered before... But I do want to hear from other tall people. Please tell me that differentnesses of all sorts are a bonus for pleasant experiences.
Thanks,
Steve

Digital Drifter

I dont really know about being touted more when you're taller but I can tell you this.

wear a helmet. Doors in India are just about 6', so that means a lot of cartoon style head banging for you. After that, I dont think any tout will want to cross you.

BTW, dont take SLB,SUB berths in trains, they're too short. See the train threads or the guide.

__________________
Click here for the Indiamike train guide in PDF

Merchant

Relax and enjoy your trip. Nothing is going to happen to you because you are tall. You would still be an object of attention and fascination if you were a foot shorter.

Why do think the police are going to demand a bribe? Unless you are caught doing something illegal, you will never have an occasion to interact with the police.

proxyindian

Thanks for the words of encouragment.

However, there are stories here about police harassing people just becuase they're foreigners. And no way will I be doing anything illegal. I do nothing dangerous on trips anymore (no, not dangerous as in "illegal"; I mean dangerous as in "white water rafting"). I guess I just spook myself when I read things...

Merchant

The old "harrass you because you are a foreigner" bit lives on the romantic imagination, but not on the ground in India anymore. If you find yourself in a dodgy situation, in some dark alley, all bets are off. But you won't be shaken down by cop or customs official just for the heck of it.

You'll be quoted higher prices in markets and by touts just because you are a foreigner, but they do that to tourists all over the world, even here in New York.

seventies'hippy

Being tall won't cause you any probs at all apart from the obvious re your height, I'm talking legroom on buses, some beds etc.By the way I'm 6'2'',,,,
In fact it might well work to your advantage as you'll be head & shoulders above the touts,,,,,,
Go forth, enjoy and walk tall.

__________________
.
.
.

My Photo Gallery

soki

I'm 6'5'' . actually I got lot of fans because of that, especially in Jodhpur. yep, problems sleeping in buses, but that's all .

sego

Side berths on trains is going to be a problem.

goangoangone

Did you see the Google ad at the bottom of the page?



It's changed, it was "Want to grow taller?"

__________________
GoanGoan......here

traceyam

I'm 6' (and female). Being tall will garner you more attention. Personally, I think we're a bit safer since we're usually taller than Indians. Perps generally look for people smaller than they are.

I agree with watching your head, and sleeping in train berths will be a problem.

__________________
"Don't you sometimes wish the arctic was strawberry flavoured?" -- Thermoman

goangoangone

Hope they weren't ceiling fans

proxyindian

I so much apreciate these responses. I go in and out of confidence phases. Today has been a low point for me in general... thanks y'all for the good words. And I'm certain that being tall has protected me because I've gotten into some bad situations (well, not for a long time... when I was still in my 20's).

And I'm so glad I found this group. I felt rather alone in questions and worries but finally thought, "Other people must have had the same thoughts...." and a Google search turned up indiamike. My partner said to me in December that he didn't think I was being very helpful in planning our trip... Now I'm outresearching him, but I love it.... I am an Indiaphile!

iyou

I think our avatars should get together.

LOL.

__________________
.
.
.
--May a moody baby doom a yam.

sirensongs

Ceiling fans, doorways, taxis, autos, minibuses, train side berths and low ceilings can really be a problem (and I am only 5' 9"). You will almost certainly have to stoop to get under the shower head, which will make a bucket bath more sensible for you.

My six-foot-four Belgian friend was an object of constant fascination and laughter, but not harassment. Unless you count the many many beggar kids who flocked to him because of his greater visibility, which I do.

Agree with Traceyam that being taller makes you safer, particularly for women. I have experienced very little sexual harassment here, probably because I tower over a lot of the men, esp. in the south.

Favourite story - in a tiny Chennai net place the monitors are crammed together in a loft, up ladderlike narrow stairs under a very low ceiling. One night after about 3 hours at the keys I stood up quickly (thinking - better get home before the gates shut) and BANGED my noggin on the ceiling. Curses followed. The round-eyed attendant looked up mournfully as i rubbed my forehead, shook his head and said in part explanation, part sympathy, "veddy small people, meddem."

__________________
"Why do people go to India to find themselves? India is where you go to lose yourself."
Feringhee: The India Diaries

proxyindian

Okay... Don't tell anyone but I'm putting a red wig on.... They'll think its a new cat but really its just in disguise...

On second thought, the little red wig was itchier than the straw hat.....