Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kurtz]

I've spent 4 months in the country. The first time it was mind blowing, the second time, I thought what an annoying shitehole.

What's a cultural trip? Do you mean walking around famous old cities and temples etc?

Here's some advice

1) Nothing is for free. Say no to any kind of "free tour" by a local. You'll be in a temple or something, some guy will start telling you stuff, then will ask for payment.

You'll be sitting down drinking a chai, and someone will probably start a chat, and possibly ask for money.

I was chatting to a guy who said he was an English teacher. We took a stroll to look at some havelis which I'd been shown before, and at the end he says I usually ask for payment when I do a tour. I gave him no money and was angry at myself for forgetting the golden rule..NOTHING IS FOR FREE.

2) Avoid the main tourist places set out in LP unless you want to be badgered to death by scam artists/tourist operators/street vendors/assorted hanger-oners. Rajasthan is the worst for that. It has some great places like Bundi though.

3) Travel by taxi. If you have the funds, or can get a small group, traveling by taxi is the way to go. You don't have to put up with any of the BS at the bus and train stations, and can get off the tourist trail.

4) Don't skimp on food. Some of the street food is good but if you go cheap, well you're in for a shock. A lot of Indian food is utter slop and I wouldn't feed it to a dog.

5)If you travel by train, try think ahead and pre-book trains as getting to and from the popular places can be a little difficult. Try do this in a small train station in a country area, as the big city stations are like zoos.

Mountain areas are much more shanti shanti than the lowlands.

Kashmir is nice but I'd avoid it if you don't like angry looking soldiers with big guns walking around.

Hampi is pretty awesome down south.

The far south I heard is more relaxed than most of the other parts in India.

First time in India is quite an experience. You'll be glad to know India is full of Koreans!

Enjoy