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Travel Tips
A well-planned trip is not only blissful but lingers fresh in
the memory for a long time. One obviously would love a hassle-free
holiday, as it is meant for rest and enjoyment and above all
to escape from the daily ordeal of life. If on a holiday too,
one finds oneself running from pillar to post and making last-minute
arrangements, one would love to forget the holiday and the horrifying
memories associated with it. India is a tough country, in terms
of temperament and terrain. Before venturing on a sojourn to
India, one needs to follow some simple guidelines to make the
stay a pleasant one. Follow the tips in earnest and put your
best foot forth and come to India with a desire, and India promises
that you will leave the land with an ardent wish to come back
again.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Mind Your Language: In communicating verbal
instructions, it is vital that you not only insist on the recipient
repeating them but also see from his face that he actually understands
the meaning of the words. Indian ears are more attuned to the
slurred vowels of English than to the nasal's drawl of an American.
Permission for Photography: To avoid causing
neurosis when you photograph railway property it is advisable
to take permission (if you have not done so at home) from Indian
Railways headquarters in New Delhi. Rail Bhawan looks very formidable
but the entry procedure is remarkably simple. You sign the visitor's
book at the reception and ask to see the Public Relations Officer.
Beware: Two unpleasant brutalities need to
be summoned up to make it clear that you are not a soft touch.
Never respond to the genial 'hello' of a conman and never catch
the eye of professional beggar.
Bargaining: Haggling is an exhausting exercise
for the greenhorn to India, a delectable sport for the shopkeeper
who stands to make a huge killing. Remember that the first sale
of the day is considered religiously auspicious, so the chances
of being ripped off are somewhat less. The rule for buyers is
to start at less than half of the announced price and then work
towards a settlement at a price neither party considers unreasonable.
Short-term visitors who lack the sporting instinct will find
it much easier to stick to government emporia where the prices
are fixed.
MIND THE NOISE: Loudspeakers are a status symbol
in India and what seems like the blare of a screeching siren
may only be a devotional song sung by a national legend. Film
songs are basic to Indian life and their influence is more pervasive
than pop. Make a practice of asking people the words and you
will discover the words and you will discover an innocent world
of romance and poetry totally at variance with the level of
noise.
BEWARE OF DOGS: Give all dogs that cross your
path a wide berth. Only make friends if you have to. If this
sounds mean, remember the alternative may be two weeks of painful
injections in a hospital that seems more frightening than the
dog.
COMPLAINTS: Always register a suggestion or
complaint. In India, the complaint book is available everywhere
and people do respond to suggestions. Avoid the unfortunate
habit of only criticizing. Sometimes take the trouble to write
to the editor of a newspaper praising India. You will be surprised
how many other people share your feelings. Practical hints should
be penned to the publishers of guidebooks. Share travel experience
and you can pick up valuable hints.
SAVE BILLS, TICKETS, RECEIPTS, ETC.: If you
save all the bills, tickets, receipts and miscellaneous vouchers
accumulated on a tour, these will in later years bring back
more vividly the memories you will cherish. Keep an envelope
aside for this travel flotsam and consider nothing too menial
for inclusion. If you want to be really efficient, then date
the additions as they swell your collection. A lot of lingering
pleasure can be found by this simple discipline of not throwing
away your travel trash.
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