I was pretty sure that I knew the answer to this one. I loved travel and I loved learning about other places, people and cultures so it must definitely broaden the mind. But India made me dig a little deeper.
We met several lovely people during our trip – many of whom went out of their way to help, advise or just chat to us. Without exception, they all had one thing in common – the advice they shared. We were to trust no-one! Scare stories of scams, robberies, fraud, violence and general horror were shared with relish. It seemed that most of the people in India would be out to get us! We must trust no-one.
We certainly encountered some begging, some hard selling and some hassle. sometimes it was a bit wearing but it is part of the experience that was India. We had one driver who almost became our guide for a few days. he was a nice chap with good chat. he owned a restaurant, some taxis and a tuk tuk, in Jaisalmer. We tentatively agreed that he could give us a city tour the next morning.
Later that evening, during a chat with Bhawani, from the Pleasant Havelli Hotel, we discovered that the driver had been somewhat creative with the truth. he did not own any taxis or any tuk tuks. Also the restaurant he claimed as his own actually belong to the Maharawal’s cousin! We cancelled the tour with the con man.
However, we did not allow the encounter to stope us from meeting and chatting to other locals. We did not retreat into a foreigner hotel. You know the one I mean: safe, overpriced and full of white people in the swimming pool! I have enjoyed stays in many such hotels, in many countries and they have one thing in common. You will learn nothing about the local places, people or culture because it is as though you’re looking at the country through a filter.
Instead we were sensible and cautious but open to new experiences. That’s how we ended up at an Indian wedding as the guests of honour. There’s no point in travel if you hide yourself away and let your fear of the bad prevent you experiencing the good. Take a leap of faith and allow travel to open your mind.
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