"It Takes a Lot to Laugh, it takes a Train to Cry:" India by richiecdisc

India Travel Guide: 31,391 reviews and 73,086 photos

When I planned a trip to Nepal a few years back I couldn't find a reasonable flight from the States to Kathmandu. A friend in the UK got me a cheap flight from London but I would have to change in Delhi. And so I figured, "why not do a stopover on the return trip and rest after tackling the Everest trek in Nepal . . ."
Rest and India are not words that seem even remotely related now that I've been there. India is a country of extremes, poverty and great wealth, opulence and destitution. Some people go there to find peace, but I think this takes time. I didn't have this luxury and I found a chaotic swirl of images and sound. Rested wasn't how I left India, I was very drained. I do not even pretend to know a lot about this country. I only had a little over two weeks and had already spent six weeks in Nepal so I wasn't fresh. My travels were confined to Rajistan and Goa and being touristy places, I'm sure I saw the worst of the begging that has become synonomous with this country. If I get to return, I would go to the extreme south to get away from the tourist trail. But like most first time visitors, I just had to see the Taj Mahal.

Last visit to India: Nov 1996
Intro Written Sep 11, 2002
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Reviews (16)

Visit Goa. Things to Do (8)

Much more relaxed than Rajistan. Great beaches and a warm ocean with excellent waves. more travel advice

Not quite as popular, but... Things to Do (8)

Not quite as popular, but equally pretty was Jodpur. A very completely walled city. more travel advice

Visit Jaipur. Things to Do (8)

It's known as the pink city as the wall around the city and the older buildings have a pink hue. more travel advice

Take the time to visit the... Things to Do (8)

Take the time to visit the Agra Fort. Beautiful red sandstone fort with excellent views of the Taj from afar. more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Sep 6, 2002

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Comments (194)

850prc Jun 22, 2009 at 5:27 PM Report Abuse

Nice overview of India, Richie. We visited there (first visit ever) in October and had a great time. So very different and interesting.
Bwana_Brown Aug 7, 2007 at 5:53 PM Report Abuse

Interesting tips on your experiences, confirming what my thoughts were on this quixotic country! I love their food but I do like my 'space' at times. Sue and I only had the briefest experiences in Mumbai on our way back to Papua.
freya_heaven Aug 13, 2005 at 3:29 AM Report Abuse

Interesting page, informative title, lol! We are planning to use the train a lot there. Taj Mahal is just stunning. (~_~)
thelittlevoice Dec 17, 2004 at 5:10 AM Report Abuse

cool title :) i might feel the same way when i was there.
ukirsari Dec 4, 2004 at 4:51 AM Report Abuse

brings my memory back ... one of my fave destination, richie!
Sharrie Feb 25, 2004 at 6:39 PM Report Abuse

Richie dear, you certainly can do better than this :p... Hm, I thought you had something here when we first started building, no? Seems like ages ago! Following your footsteps... let's see if I'm a survivor ;-)
acemj Dec 9, 2003 at 5:07 PM Report Abuse

Did you rename this? That's a great title.
pollon Sep 8, 2003 at 4:34 PM Report Abuse

spectacular images and I mean both your pics and the ones of your mind which you have expressed so well with your charming way of writing!!!
Eddie101 Jul 8, 2003 at 11:57 AM Report Abuse

Hi Richie, thanks for sharing your impressions on India. Great pics and tips, most helpful. Safe travels :o))
Bonobo2005 May 20, 2003 at 1:02 AM Report Abuse

I felt about the same even after 6 weeks; was happy to leave! However, I enjoyed your page and pics!!