Part Three demonstrate the process and hardships of an extensive journey. Personal growth is a strong element behind a journey, so this section marks a transition toward a deeper style of travel writing (than parts 1 & 2). This section, based in India, is also designed to show the differences between a seasoned traveler and a basic tourist. (more…)
This journey begins with a horrid temp job in Portland, Oregon. Employees are forced to unload a container full of merchandise from India. It has been sprayed with toxic chemicals by the US Customs Department to kill rodents and pathogens. As my eyes and skin burn, I realize that I will escape this life inside the United States. (more…)
Newly arrived at 2:30 am, the gates of India swing open to me at the airport. I set out on my journey loaded with luggage and mental baggage. Cultural shock kicks in as I seek a cheap dive to crash. (more…)
An old friend persuades me to visit his family in Bangalore. He introduces me to well-developed aspects of his country and points out the economically progressive side of India. We listen to Jazz, drink Karnataka rum. and go on a road trip. (more…)
After 58 hours of non-stop travel, I arrive in the mountainous town of Manali. Here, I am promptly introduced to the dark side of tourism as several long term tourists sell hash or opium to fund their travel. Meanwhile, other travelers attempt to parasitically feed off new arrivals. I eventually met a quasi-guru named Black Gift, who offers me an unusual lesson. (more…)
India can be a schizophrenic nation. There is a progressive and wealthy side, which I saw firsthand in various exclusive nightclubs. There is also the traditional, conservative, side that can reflect deep levels of poverty. As I was surfing a wave among the wealthy and privileged in Dehli, these two side of one nation suddenly crashed - resulting in some seriously shocked housemaids and the eviction of the French women that I was staying with. (more…)
The magic of India slowly seeps in. The mood of a journey can give special meaning to brief encounters that you experience along the way. Even the act of getting swarmed by gangs of begging children can be a learning opportunity. (more…)
A journey may involve spontaneous expenses in the form of bribes. Corruption is commonplace in India, and it can drain your budget quickly. This story looks at the time that I refused to pay a bribe to a government official, and the resulting night in which I was forced to wander aimlessly around a strange city because I could not find an opened place to sleep. (more…)
Unprepared tourist can be a cash cow for many touts and vendors. There are many ways to take advantage of someone by pretending to offer assistance. At the same time, many tourists attempt to exploit locals to save a few coins. It is a two-way street. As Westerners collide with locals in Asia, there is sometimes a tug-a-war to see who can exploit whom. (more…)
What is the connection that we make with other Westerners while traveling? Is there a spiritual connection behind the chance encounters? Is it romance of lust? This story looks at the blessing of meeting somebody that you can connect with while traveling solo. (more…)
Every now and then, one gets tired of having to deal with other tourists on a “spiritual” journey. This story looks at a particularly claustrophobic train ride with some “religious” travelers. Despite our sharing a common goal in India, this encounter results in a clash of wills as we fight over the material possession of a single train seat. (more…)
This story looks at the Manali-Goa tourist loop. In this experience, I meet up with some Western travelers on a bus that have smuggled hashish and opium from Manali to sell on the Goa rave scene. I also have a bad encounter with a monkey as I run out of travel money. While racing a motorcycle around the city, I find out that a good friend has just died on the road. (more…)
All good journeys must come to an end. This story is about my struggle to return home in time for my friend’s funeral. He had drowned while swimming in Thailand, so I decided to go back to the United States — where I had the greatest culture shock of my life. (more…)