The Journey of TJS

[vagabond]

I can second some of your feelings on India. Never had any problem with the food though it seems Brits/Aussies in general have a tough time with the spiciness of food in Asia. In India I guess you could've just had the Israeli food that was everywhere. Good luck on the rest of your travels and keep us updated.

[rickshaw92]

i wanted to meet the people but they all seemed to have the same agenda which was lie, deceive, rip off... anything which got my money into their pockets. There was no grace, no love, no freedom to get to know the people i met as they just wanted my money. Not once was my opinions or decisions respected, they don't understand the word 'no'. There are good and bad in every country, it just seems i had a run of bad luck.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!

Now that is some funny shit. Hey just wait till you get to Africa!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!

they don't understand the word 'no'.

You would be supprised at what the locals will understand when you speak with conviction and authority.

[Aussie TJS]

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!

Now that is some funny shit. Hey just wait till you get to Africa!

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!

I know it sounds stupid and ignorant saying that 'they just wanted my money' but even in my time in Africa a few years back i wasn't faced with such vultures - yes there were people who would rip off and deceive me and others (with charm or basic violence) but not EVERYONE there. There were plenty of people who would help or share their time with me where as in India i met Zero people like that. Having said that that was only Kenya, i'll find out later on about the other African countries. I just don't think words can explain my Indian experience.

When i arrived in Nepal a local bloke shared with me this known saying - i tend to agree with it:
I-N-D-I-A I'll Never Do It Again
N-E-P-A-L Never Ending Peace And Love

Anyhoo, I might go back there sometime.
TJS

[Foulplay]

Yeah, I think you're a bit wide of the mark there, Rickshaw. I've been robbed black and blue in Africa, but have also been extended great hosptitality and sincere friendship from people with no intention of going after my money.

In Morocco, I was taken on a tour of Merzouga and along the edge of the Erg Chebbi, and out to some village in the desert that wasn't even on the map; and I wasn't charged a cent. The guy just wanted my company and for me to meet his family.

In Uganda, my girlfriend left her day sack on the minibus, as it pulled out of Port Bell and headed back to the main terminus in Kampala. By the time I got back to Kampala half an hour later, the guy was waiting for me and insisted I check that everything was still there.

In Egypt, I lived on a boat with an all Arab crew for a few weeks, while I saved up some money from Dive Guide work, so that I could afford to get a room. They fed me and gave me somewhere to sleep and never asked for anything in return.

In DRC, I gave a guy $30 to change into local currency. He disappeared off down the road with it at a sprint, and was gone for over 15 minutes. He did return, however, with a carrier bag full of notes and was as honest as the day is long.

In Rwanda, our taxi driver was really keen to see the Nyungwe Forest, as he'd only ever driven through it and seen it from the road. So rather than get the guide to just charge us the extra bucks and tag along without asking, he asked us directly if we wouldn't mind him even suggesting it to the guard. The additional cost was something like $10. We insisted that he join us.

I could go on, but you're not that interested. The point is, my experiences in Africa are definitely weighted towards the positive end of the balance. I can't comment on India, as I have yet to go.

Cheers.

[Stiv]

The thing about India that you simply cannot let yourself forget or take for granted is there's over a billion people there.

Its not super large and it's incredibly poor. It's a full on assualt, if you can have a good time there everything/everywhere else will be gravy in many many regards.

To me Nepal was nice but REALLY boring compared to India, I was the other way around I couldn't wait to get out of Nepal, but India? Anything goes.

~Stiv

[vagabond]

It's not even the usual "foreigner paying higher prices" thing in India - returnees from the States and Britain also get charged higher too and even people from different provinces. Guess if they can sucker a little extra out of you they will no matter who you are. Would love for the Republicans from the US to go through those crowds as an average backpacker and learn what real capitalism is. So it goes.

[rickshaw92]

Having said that that was only Kenya, i'll find out later on about the other African countries.

Indeed you will.

I just don't think words can explain my Indian experience.

I know your still a bit new hearabouts but you could describe the place as being full of 'shit cunts'. Remember you came to the Mighty Flag to learn from others! :)


Note to Foulplay. I have experienced all kinds of way cool hospitality in Africa, even the parts of Africa that have them French people. Point I was tryin to make is that India was a cake walk compared to Africa. At least to me it was. Too fookin bad ya missed Pakistan there TJ, way more fookin cooler than the rest of the sub contanent put togeather.

[ReptilianKittenEater]

It's not even the usual "foreigner paying higher prices" thing in India - returnees from the States and Britain also get charged higher too and even people from different provinces. Guess if they can sucker a little extra out of you they will no matter who you are. Would love for the Republicans from the US to go through those crowds as an average backpacker and learn what real capitalism is. So it goes.

Has a Republican who is not a contractor ever left the US?

[ReptilianKittenEater]

I found India the worst for touting. Not only are the persistent they are aggressive and unfriendly about it. Actually they left me alone alot and pestered my friend (I must have a surly disposition). Best thing to do is if you say no and they ignore it, pretend you don't hear them. They get frustratated after a minute if they get no reaction from you.

In Cambodia they are persistent but friendlier. In Morocco they do it with more class. I always like their compliment if you negotiate a good price "You must have Berber blood in you".

In Bolivia, although its one of the poorer vountries around, I was struck by how little touting goes on (if you're not interested they leave you alone, except for the shoeshine boys) and how honest they are.

[vagabond]

I found India the worst for touting. Not only are the persistent they are aggressive and unfriendly about it. Actually they left me alone alot and pestered my friend (I must have a surly disposition). Best thing to do is if you say no and they ignore it, pretend you don't hear them. They get frustratated after a minute if they get no reaction from you.

Yeah, pretty much. Sometimes lots of arguments over nothing. I also had some teens throw rocks at me but a quick faux chase but a nix on that. I wouldn't mind if all the tuk-tuk drivers (esp in Bangalore) caught some type of special flu and keeled over.

Wonder how Nepal is (TJS?).

In Cambodia they are persistent but friendlier. In Morocco they do it with more class. I always like their compliment if you negotiate a good price "You must have Berber blood in you".

Yeah, everyone loves Cambodia cause they smile at you. It does have its effects. And the little kids at the Angkor temples were quite funny touts.

In Bolivia, although its one of the poorer vountries around, I was struck by how little touting goes on (if you're not interested they leave you alone, except for the shoeshine boys) and how honest they are.

Same for Laos outside Luang Prabang.

India did have a few long-term side effects for me (in a beneficial way) - I try and negotiate everything possible now and am much more likely to use my car horn when people are being stupid on the road (which is often).

[Woodsman]

It's not even the usual "foreigner paying higher prices" thing in India - returnees from the States and Britain also get charged higher too and even people from different provinces. Guess if they can sucker a little extra out of you they will no matter who you are. Would love for the Republicans from the US to go through those crowds as an average backpacker and learn what real capitalism is. So it goes.

Has a Republican who is not a contractor ever left the US?

That is not the question you want to ask, since it's answer is obviously a "yes". The question you want to ask is "Has a Republican who is not a contractor ever left the U.S. and entered into areas outside of the tourist/business places?"

[Tacos]

It's not even the usual "foreigner paying higher prices" thing in India - returnees from the States and Britain also get charged higher too and even people from different provinces. Guess if they can sucker a little extra out of you they will no matter who you are. Would love for the Republicans from the US to go through those crowds as an average backpacker and learn what real capitalism is. So it goes.

Has a Republican who is not a contractor ever left the US?

Yes

[Tacos]

It's not even the usual "foreigner paying higher prices" thing in India - returnees from the States and Britain also get charged higher too and even people from different provinces. Guess if they can sucker a little extra out of you they will no matter who you are. Would love for the Republicans from the US to go through those crowds as an average backpacker and learn what real capitalism is. So it goes.

Has a Republican who is not a contractor ever left the US?

That is not the question you want to ask, since it's answer is obviously a "yes". The question you want to ask is "Has a Republican who is not a contractor ever left the U.S. and entered into areas outside of the tourist/business places?"

Yes

[ReptilianKittenEater]

It's not even the usual "foreigner paying higher prices" thing in India - returnees from the States and Britain also get charged higher too and even people from different provinces. Guess if they can sucker a little extra out of you they will no matter who you are. Would love for the Republicans from the US to go through those crowds as an average backpacker and learn what real capitalism is. So it goes.

Has a Republican who is not a contractor ever left the US?

That is not the question you want to ask, since it's answer is obviously a "yes". The question you want to ask is "Has a Republican who is not a contractor ever left the U.S. and entered into areas outside of the tourist/business places?"[/quote

I wasn't serious. I've met Americans of a Republican bent off the beaten path in other countries.

[Aussie TJS]

....my experiences in Africa are definitely weighted towards the positive end of the balance

Good stories Foulplay, how long did you spend in Africa? and was it all in one hit?

To me Nepal was nice but REALLY boring....

I think i liked Nepal just cause i needed a chill out time cause it was after India and Afgh - although i'd go back to Afgh anyday even if i was energyless...

Too fookin bad ya missed Pakistan there TJ, way more fookin cooler than the rest of the sub contanent put togeather.

Yeah man i was cut i didn't end up going. I was really looking forward to it and had all the right contacts worked out. Felt like a kick in the guts when the Visa didn't work out, damn
TJS