Selfies
During our Red Fort visit, we had dozens of selfie requests – at one point, they were literally queuing up. I decided on a strategy: agree to any selfie request, but get a shot on my camera, too. Interested to see how many we’ll collect by the end of the trip.
Money, money, money
As a western tourist travelling in second- and third-world countries, you get used to the constant attempts to empty your wallet. Except you don’t, really – it’s just as tiring now as it was when I first travelled. But so far in India, it’s been worse – everyone’s after my money. Which drives the behaviour of not trusting anyone. And that’s a shame.
Tuk-tuks
Related to the “money, money, money”, the tuktuk drivers are some of the worst offenders. Even if you’ve rejected the two in front, the third driver will still hassle to take you somewhere.
Bland food
First week over and I still haven’t tasted any spicy food. But I’m also using tourist restaurants to reduce the chances of a dodgy tummy (although *that* didn’t work, did it?). Hoping it’ll get hotter soon.
Slogan t-shirts
Not so prevalent as in other places I’ve been but had a few brain-teasers. Try to work out these:
- I Would Everyday To Justify
- Sometimes think something else (with a picture of a rose)
- Dimond Perfect
And the best one I’ve ever seen (unfortuately no picture because I wasn’t quick enough) – it had a silhouette of the Eiffel Tower and underneath the words…. “I love London”. Brilliant!
Driving
It’s not that much different to other Asian countries, to be honest. But I do admire the Indian drivers – that they are the best in the world might just be true. They weave in and out of the traffic – with seemingly little etiquette – and yet I haven’t seen a single accident. There’s still time, I guess.
Oh, and as a hang over from the British (I assume), they drive on the left.
Life is… a photoshoot
Sightseeing seems to be more of a photoshoot. People spend precious little time looking at the monument, temple or site and much more time smiling inanely into their phone. I’m clearly not cut out to be normal.
Karwa Chodh
Komel mentioned the practice of “Karwa Chodh” – where Indian women fast to show devotion to their husbands. But there doesn’t seem to be anything reciprocal – what a surprise 🙁