Where is Roberg?

I have had some terrific questions posed to me since I have been in India.

I think I will be most efficient if I answer many of the most commonly asked questions in this one post so that you will not have to search for the answers, and I will not have to respond multiple times (I have to actually spend some time out experiencing India after all, I can’t spend all of my time in internet cafes!).

How much do things cost in India? Will your wife have to get yet another job to pay for your travels?

It truly depends on the day and a traveler’s choices, but in general, India is FAR cheaper to travel in than the United States.

For example, I am currently staying in a hotel that is charging about $21 per day. However, on my first night in India, I stayed in a hotel that cost $60 dollars per day. Now, compare those prices to an average hotel in the U.S. that costs anywhere between $40 – $120 in most places.

In fact, I was able to book an overnight train, an 8 hour train ride on which I will have a bunk bed and be able to sleep, for only $13! That means that I will not only have a REALLY cheap place to stay for the night, but I won’t waste time traveling during the day. If you ever go abroad, my suggestion is to travel by sleeper trains as often as possible.

One last comparison: The average meal I have had has cost about $4 – $6, after which I have been full every time.

So, unless I really splurge, my wife will only have to get <em>one </em>extra job to pay for my worldwide travels!

When I was in Mexico, I got a lot of strange looks and was treated like I was special because I looked different. Do Indians look at you in a strange way, like you are something special? (edited)
Sarah Worden, on January 11th, 2008 at 4:56 pm Said: Edit Comment

My Reply:
Great question / comment! In short, the answer is yes – many Indians have looked at me like I have two heads; others have looked at me with fascination; still others see me as a human ATM machine, trying to get me to buy things from them or give them charity. For me, most of the looks are not awe: closer to curiosity, envy, surprise (especially when I walk off the beaten path), etc. I’ve also tried to look like any other Westerner. Most people have had to ask me where I’m from because I am not wearing jeans, a baseball hat, or even any clothing with writing on it.

Most of the looks I get are a mixture of many things. Sometimes I can’t tell whether it’s loathing, or curiosity, but for the most part I just ignore it. In fact, my travels in Japan were good training for India because I stood out there even more so than I do here (there are a lot more Westerners here than in Japan on the whole).

If it’s a traveler’s first time overseas in a country where they don’t blend in, it can be disconcerting. Overall, though, the looks are harmless.

Thanks again for a great comment. Hope the answer wasn’t too long.

Mr. Roberg

How does a hotel in India compare to one in the US?

too be continued tomorrow… the internet cafe is about to close, and I need some sleep.  More to come, check back soon…

Filed under: FAQs, India, Travel