Backpacking: people, places and personalities.

Im writing this for 2 reasons. The first because Goa (as mentioned in my last post) is a place that makes the majority of us Brits, say stuff like 'that'll be lush/amazing/awesome' based on selctive images and over indulgent journalism written to sell itself and/or a destination. I don't think it's amazing. 

Secondly, because bumming around India means very few encounters with other Brits or even Westerners...or anyone who is not Indian, in fact. They don't do 'backpackers' or hostels, which is part of the reason. There's also that we are grain of rice in a rice factory in comparison to the population here!

..or just decent?

The most irritating people you meet when travelling are those that claim that everything they have seen and done commands the use of superlatives like 'amazing' 'epic' or 'off the hook' (or 10 at once). It absolutely makes me cringe!! I've seen some amazing stuff, but dont feel compelled to bleet on about it, loudly to others. It's not always what you see of course, that makes it memorable. 

That's the thing about backpacking the classic 'round the world ticket' route though, meeting shed loads of people doing the same thing as you, but with wildly different ways of experiencing it is part of the fun. One thing it does teach you mind, is that you absolutely have to travel with like minded people. 

My sister who hasn't blogged here yet (but will) lacks affinity with two groups you meet in particular who are prone to the above typicalities; surfers and divers. Collectively she can't stand them. The snow board set are similar. 8 years ago we did the mandatory Oz and NZ and have laughed ever since at a post on a wall by someone looking for accommodation, who simply stated 'I'm here to shred' (as in snow - board)

I went to Snip Spa in Panjim today. I was impressed, they've got it bang on and it's not up itself. £30 and the power of Kerastase and I feel decent! 

It was AMAZING ;)

I am India!

As I lay on the to bunk of the night train on the 3rd night, I reflected on why I do this type (budget/no itinerary/backpacking) of travelling year in, year out. There are times I wonder if I'm enjoying it and for the last 3 years, anyway, I've said (although unconvinced) 'this is the last time i'll do a trip like this'...and then do it again often less than 6 months later, sometimes twice a year! Why don't I just have a nice, easy, mid range international package holiday for 2 weeks instead?

Dunno. But i've concluded, if I was to categorise myself into a generalised stereotype of a country, I'd be India. Whether I liked it or not. 

I love all the usual trappings of a 20 something girl, comfort (The White Company linen), elaborate cocktails (Lychee Martinis), fashion, spas, Jo Malone perfume, amazing food, expensive handbags...bla bla, and love nothing more than the idea of a long white beach, a hammock and a coconut. But, I feel at ease amongst chaos, am relatively unphased by smells/dirt and intimidated by very little (maybe not a good thing, ok). I don't waste time, like a fast pace and LOVE a bargain! 

That's pretty much India to me. It has everything, many sides and idiosyncrasies. None of which will ever exist without the other.