Comments on: How researching destinations opens up doors http://www.vagablogging.net/how-researching-destinations-opens-up-doors.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 07:10:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: Vagabundo http://www.vagablogging.net/how-researching-destinations-opens-up-doors.html/comment-page-1#comment-1864 Vagabundo Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:57:22 +0000 http://qs1937.pair.com/users/bootlabs/vagablogging.net/_wp/how-researching-destinations-opens-up-doors.html#comment-1864 Ignorance is bliss. I'm sure the same people who eat goat eye and crickets must find Taco Bell and McDonald's just as "disgusting" lol Ignorance is bliss. I’m sure the same people who eat goat eye and crickets must find Taco Bell and McDonald’s just as “disgusting” lol

]]> By: hobotourist http://www.vagablogging.net/how-researching-destinations-opens-up-doors.html/comment-page-1#comment-1863 hobotourist Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:20:55 +0000 http://qs1937.pair.com/users/bootlabs/vagablogging.net/_wp/how-researching-destinations-opens-up-doors.html#comment-1863 You are absolutely right Aaron. I'm originally from Mumbai and people often return from India and recount how poverty stricken the country is. Well, that's part of the experience. Before you visit India or any third world country, you have to prime yourself into accepting that along with the interesting sights and vibrant culture, you will encounter a lot of poor people, beggars and filth. Once you get past that, you will be able to approach your trip as an adventure. Just like rock climbing or white water rafting. Would you take up rock climbing and complain that the rocks are way too steep? No, because you know that's what you signed up for. And that's precisely what gives you the adrenaline rush. I would only suggest that even after priming yourself for adventure, try and stick to the more tourist friendly areas. I know, we all want to experience a country as a traveler not a tourist, but just accept that if you are from a Europe or North America you're just not ready to tour the country like a local. So for example, if you are visiting Mumbai, stick to South Bombay. Don't go anywhere near the slums in Central Mumbai or ride the local trains (even I avoid them). I can promise, you'll get more than your fair share of adventure. You are absolutely right Aaron. I’m originally from Mumbai and people often return from India and recount how poverty stricken the country is. Well, that’s part of the experience. Before you visit India or any third world country, you have to prime yourself into accepting that along with the interesting sights and vibrant culture, you will encounter a lot of poor people, beggars and filth. Once you get past that, you will be able to approach your trip as an adventure. Just like rock climbing or white water rafting. Would you take up rock climbing and complain that the rocks are way too steep? No, because you know that’s what you signed up for. And that’s precisely what gives you the adrenaline rush.

I would only suggest that even after priming yourself for adventure, try and stick to the more tourist friendly areas. I know, we all want to experience a country as a traveler not a tourist, but just accept that if you are from a Europe or North America you’re just not ready to tour the country like a local. So for example, if you are visiting Mumbai, stick to South Bombay. Don’t go anywhere near the slums in Central Mumbai or ride the local trains (even I avoid them). I can promise, you’ll get more than your fair share of adventure.

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