Visting India the first time back in December 2011 has made me realize that people here really believe that old saying:
"atiti devo bhava"
Literally, it means that the guest is God.
I couldn't have been treated better in a five-star hotel than on my tour. I got personal treatment everywhere I went, and people were surprisingly friendly. I didn't understand it first.
People in India, especially at my first stop, Badaun were not used to tourists as much as we are. They looked at you more like a guest and less than a commercial venture.
I have been to small village schools where all the polite kids shook hands with me and said "how do you do", and visited farms where they made mint for the largest toothpaste companies.
The journey was unbelievable and changed my life.
You only have to mention something once, and everyone will start trying to arrange a trip, I was interested in yoga at the time, and since I became a qualified yoga teacher, When I mentioned my friend that I wanted to find a person who teaches authentic Yoga, he found me two people. One of them was teaching me for a week, every night, for free, as he was a member of the Art of Living movement.
When I wanted to get a facial before Christmas, I was presented with an address, a taxi, and the prices in just five minutes by the hotel manager, who was also our tour operator.
If you ever visit India, you will leave as a friend, no matter how far you came from.
Do you have a question about travelling to India on a budget? Send a comment below and I will try to help.
Until next time.
"atiti devo bhava"
Literally, it means that the guest is God.
I couldn't have been treated better in a five-star hotel than on my tour. I got personal treatment everywhere I went, and people were surprisingly friendly. I didn't understand it first.
People in India, especially at my first stop, Badaun were not used to tourists as much as we are. They looked at you more like a guest and less than a commercial venture.
The journey was unbelievable and changed my life.
You only have to mention something once, and everyone will start trying to arrange a trip, I was interested in yoga at the time, and since I became a qualified yoga teacher, When I mentioned my friend that I wanted to find a person who teaches authentic Yoga, he found me two people. One of them was teaching me for a week, every night, for free, as he was a member of the Art of Living movement.
If you ever visit India, you will leave as a friend, no matter how far you came from.
Do you have a question about travelling to India on a budget? Send a comment below and I will try to help.
Until next time.
