Monday, August 27, 2007

Encouragement

I met Emma, an English woman, this morning who is on her fourth trip to India. I may travel north with her to Shimla tomorrow, or go south with Jason, the married American. Today, I'll figure it out. I've been told not to judge India based on Delhi, and I think I should persevere. Emma said the hardest thing she has ever done is travel in India alone - and she lived to tell about it. So, there's that to consider.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Hang in there - I spent 6 months in India and know how you feel.

Shimla is very nice, though very touristy. Manali, to the north of Shimla is beautiful - surrounded by the Himalayas. Avoid the center of town (again, very touristy) & go a little futher north, towards the mountains.

Shimla is VERY different from other cities in India partially because of the strong reminants of the ex-British occupation. Be sure to visit the Hanuman Temple dedicated to the monkey god of the same name (a steep hike up a road in the middle of town). But be sure not to keep any food in your pockets or bags, as the monkeys will jump on you to get to it.

If you have time, you might also want to hit Amritsar to see the Golden Temple at dawn if you can. Grab some incrdible Punjabi food and you must have a lassi while you're there - best I've ever had anywhere in India (or the world for that matter).

The people in the south are very nice, but it is overall a bit cleaner in the north of India.

BTW - I sent you an email.

Michael said...

It gets better. Eventually. I don't think I ate anything that wasn't pre-wrapped for the first three days I was in India. Every conversation I had involved someone trying to cheat me out of money. You get used to it. Sometimes it even becomes funny. Good luck.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you've connected with kindred spirits. It's amazing how much one person can make a difference. You'll be fine, you'll always be fine because, well, you're Katie.

We're all pulling for you back here.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you're perserving, my friend. hang in there....these "less desirable" moments are essential parts of the experience....if they weren't, we'd all seriously die of jealousy! love you. linnea

Katie said...

Right now, touristy sounds pretty good to me.

Thanks for the support. It's reassuring to know others have survived in India...