Welcome to India: Expect the Unexpected
I've been in India for about a week now and I think the culture shock is finally starting to settle. Days before my departure I was honestly freaking out about traveling to India alone and frantically preparing myself for the worst. As nervous as I was I just couldn't ignore the yearning to visit this fascinating place. So, I packed my bags, took a deep breath and prepared to immerse myself in the dizzying colorful whirlwind that is Incredible India.
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Within minutes of arriving in India all of my senses were tickled. And I'm not talking about that innocent little tickle a lover lightly strokes you with as a sign of affection. I'm talking about the kind of tickle your big brother tortures you with in a corner as you twitch and scream and beg him to stop while you uncontrollably piss yourself. The kind of tickle that hurts. That kind of tickle.
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Let me just say you can spend countless hours on Google, YouTube or whatever means you use to get ready for India but nothing, and I mean NOTHING can prepare you for this place. What can you expect? Well, you can expect the unexpected.
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This is my initial experience with the things I was most worried about before my trip to India. If you're planning a trip here or if you're just curious, I hope to combat some of your fears and preconceived notions about India with this post.
Let's start with my favorite subject:
FOOD
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I was so terrified of eating in this country. I was prepared to live off of crackers or bread and even worst, McDonald's and Pizza Hut. Oh my, how ridiculous that thought process was! I travel for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is to eat. So the first thing I did after checking into my hotel in New Delhi was make my way to the restaurant and face my fears. I hesitantly nibbled on some garlic naan and paneer. I then spent the next few hours just waiting for the inevitable.
And you know what happened? NOTHING! I've been devouring all of this spicy Indian deliciousness since. I can't get enough palak paneer, masala chai tea and sweet lassis. Granted, I have been careful. I don't just eat anywhere. Some of these street food vendors have never even heard of the word hygiene. But there are plenty of reputable restaurants and even street food stalls with delicious food that is safe to eat. Just ask your hotel staff or check out Trip Advisor for recommendations in your area. Also, don't drink the water or anything with ice and avoid salads.
MEDS
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Prior to my trip I obviously stocked up on anti-diarrhea meds and all things tummy related and haven't used any of it once. But what I didn't bring enough of was allergy medicine. There is so much smog in New Delhi, lots of dust and dirt everywhere else and the air is incredibly dry in the north. I was so worried about Delhi Belly that I poorly prepared for anything else. You actually might not get diarrhea in India. I know, shocking.
WHAT TO WEAR
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Packing for India caused me so much unnecessary anxiety. Like, I want to be appropriate but I also don't want to compromise my style and purchase old lady moo moos that I will never wear again. Everything that I thought was remotely acceptable left me wondering if it showed too much bum or cleavage and nothing seemed right. So I settled for a giant poncho that basically covers my entire body because I just couldn't think anymore! I've worn this poncho once, as a blanket on a train.
Honestly, you can wear pretty much anything you want as long as it's not too revealing (I'm talking skanky revealing), try to cover your bum with long shirts when in leggings, jeans and tees are totally fine and shorts are a definite no (unless you're in Goa). It's really that simple. But don't compromise your style and frankly, don't overthink it. If you didn't bring enough of something there are plenty of shops here selling cute clothes dirt cheap. And most importantly, have fun and experiment with the fashion here. Bindis and bangles have become my new favorite accessories! At the end of the day, the boys will stare either way.
THE STARES
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Speaking of stares, I read so much about this online before my trip and stressed out about it way too much. Yes, the boys stare, the boys more than grown men. But I don't feel like I'm in danger, they're really just curious. I mean, I'm pretty curious and can't stop staring myself! I have to say I blend in a little more here compared to my blonde hair blue eyed friends. They get the never ending stares and the "can I get a picture with you?" much more than I do. I get more the "hmmm she's not from here, but she's also not that foreign looking; moving on." Some have even approached me speaking Hindi thinking I'm a local which I just absolutely love!!! Just don't pay too much attention to it and bask in the mini celebrity photo shoots!
THE CROWDS
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What has shocked me the most is the amount of people. We all know India is over populated. The city of New Delhi alone has 22 million people, the population of Australia, but nothing can prepare you for the overwhelming amount of jostling crowds and incessant honking traffic. But it's not like that everywhere.
I really enjoyed my time in Jaipur. The traffic is much more organized, the garbage is collected regularly and a there's a little hint of nature with the occasional garden.
There is beauty and magic waiting to be discovered. The sights, the sounds and even the smells, you'll learn to adjust to all of it and when you do the world will never be the same.
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Nothing teaches you more about discovering the beauty in things than India. It's so easy to focus on the negative here, which I think the Western media has done so well. Or, you can choose to see the glitter behind the grit because it's there, it's everywhere. It's in the imperfections, in the madness and the chaos. There is beauty in everything, especially in a place like Incredible India. Just not everybody sees it.
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If you ever plan on coming to India this is the best advice I can give you: let go of all preconceived notions, don't believe everything you read, open your mind and heart and just expect the unexpected.
