Had the same quandry last RTW - in the end went through Africa first, then on to OZ,NZ,US etc. Apart from anything it made getting visas a bit easier, as we could do it in the UK with whatever paperwork needed, and also we were on top of the meds and malaria situation a lot better. I think doing a 'challenging' country last and having to think about long sleeves, deet, pills, AND hassle, touts etc, might of finished us off!
This time we'll do the same - India first, then SE asia, OZ, NZ etc, a sort of 'sliding scale'! But as before it I can only say what worked for us.
Ditto #8 too, a more westernised country last can help lessen the re-entry maybe? But then maybe you'd be so relieved not to be asked on every corner 'You wan see my shop? I make you very good price...' that it would be a blissful home coming!
This is not meant to be a patronising suggestion (I have read your bio) so please don't be offended!
Have you read 'are you experienced?' by William Sutcliffe?
It's hillarious and about about a guy on a gap year who travels for the first time (ever) to India. That is with his friends GF just because he fancies her.
On subject of books to read before going to India ...
Also can recommend Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts (autobiog of Aussie armed robber who escapes jail, flees to India, joins the Bombay mafia, starts a health clinic in a slum, etc etc)
#11 This is a good suggestion. There are lot of great books about india and on here are some great threads about books on india. I read shantaram on the plane home (and for several weeks afterwards of course). Its a good fun book and could be as good to read going in, as it was for me coming out of India.
I don't know why but i didn't much like the Sutcliffe book, perhaps because i am older and would never even be tempted to do India the way those kids were doing it. One i would recommend to OP is something by Rohinton Mistry. I have only read Family Matters but think this would give you a good sense of something about the private side of India a traveller rarely gets close to but naturally would be curious about.
People say its a bit superficial but i think Holy Cow is a good book for travellers to India. It taps in to the sorts of things most travellers want to know more about and experience to some extent. The author afterall was just like us, a westerner.
And William Dalrymple of course. City of Djinns, Age of Kali.
#12
I also read Shantaram on the plane going home. I got it in a random way when a streetseller thrust it under my nose a couple of days before I left. Good on him - I sat around for 2 days unable to put it down! I thought it could have done with a good editing - too much flord prose and repitition, but none the less, thought it brilliant on many levels.
I thought the Sutcliffe book was funny - particularly his observations about the culture shock feelings, and the competition between young travellers of who was the most experienced (epsecially the girls who worked in the leper mission). His description of travellers tummy was a bit too spot-on for me : D
Now can't hear the track 'Comfortably Numb' without thinking of it.
Wonder it you would like 'Yoga School Drop-out' by Lucy Edge. She's an advertising exec. who gives it up to go to various ashrams. Good observations (again) about the competition between Yoga school pupils - who is the most spiritual, who has the best body, designer pajamas etc. Mixed with good info about different ashrams/yoga too. Not a brilliant book IMO, but entertaining and informative.
Also 'the God of Small things' (Arundhati Roy) but can't comment as only just started it.
Do India first! I have just come out of India after a 14 months trip and was totally exhausted. You need a lot of patience and to be on your toes the whole time. I wish I had done it the other way round. You may be a bit wet behind the ears, but nothing can quite prepare you for India anyway! Have fun.
NewIslander - I found the quote on the wall inside an old cafe in upper Washington State (in a heavily forested part of the state, where it rains - cold rain - for six months a year) . . . written, I believe, by a Buddhist logger . . . and you're right, bad weather is very person-specific . . . as are wise sayings . . .
Andi : is so funny you mention Shantaram because I just read it last december!!! I was completely stuck, couldn't leave it until I finished...what an amazing story!
I read a piece of "The God of Small Things" years ago in one of my English books, but didn't quite like it. Maybe I should try to read the whole book.
Thanks for your advices on books, I'll try and read some of them!
When I visited India I was pretty sure that I wouldn´t have any problem with culture shocks and things like that. I travelled all over Southamerica,sometimes in very rough conditions, off the beaten track. But when I arrived at Chennai I remembered a friend of mine who just wanted to take the next airplane to leave again. The first days were pretty hard but of course it all depends on a lot of things. After dealing with the chaos of a big indian city. I decided to move to Mahaballipuram (a small town on the beach) on the 3rd day and it was perfect. After some days i was completely used to indian way of life and everything was fine. I think that it is sometimes very important to get a more relaxed place for the first days and not the cheapest hotel, downtown in a big city, especially if you arrive after a long flight, maybe involving changes of planes and long stays at airports, delays etc.
hijack continued but i think op has her answer anyway...:-)
Nahuel, its true that often the first few days in a new place are difficult. I have found this in places as various as istanbul, barcelona, melbourne. I think its just the total disorientation one experiences. Not knowing how anything works. Once you get to know a few streets and how the transport systems work, you will be fine but your suggestion of finding a small place is good too.
darmabum, i like your story, thanks for coming back.
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