Research - not for the weak of spirit

I finally got my Lonely Planet India book but I haven't had a chance to crack it open yet. I know it is going to take a lot of time. And a lot of space.

Lovely Melissa, always so thoughtful, gave me a big (BIG) map of India that is specifically designed for planning your trip. I know it is going to be fully spread out with post-its at the ready for when I start Lonely Planeting.

What I have read so far is Wanderlust and Lipstick for Women Traveling in India. The linked review calls it a pre-guidebook guidebook. Too true. It doesn't really tell me anything about specific places. But it is full of advise on how to behave and what to expect. The chapter on Indian Men was eye opening. Basically, never be alone in a room with a man, don't look a man in the eye, don't where sleeveless shirts or you will be presumed a prostitute etc etc. Always assume that whatever you say, any gestures or basic North American politeness will be taken as some sort of sexual invitation. Female tourists will be generally ignored or harassed. Book advise - learn to avoid what can be avoided and live with what can't.

This was really only a couple of cautionary pages. Overall the book was very positive about travelling solo in India. One just has to be ready for transportation delays and impromptu festivals where people throw things at you. I think my time in Mexico will work as a primer for living in a slow moving culture. The book also mentioned (numerous times) that the people are beyond friendly and tourists will have lots of opportunities to meet Indian folk who will invite them to their homes for visits and meals. All good (unless the invitation comes from a man).

It also has interesting advice about what to wear and where to buy appropriate clothes. How to get around and how to find safe and cheap transportation - trains, cabs, cars for hire, in country flights. There was even a bird watching mention!

So I am trying not to let my pre-guide guide book scare me too much. Especially since I didn't start reading it until after I had already bought my ticket.