Bonnie Jazzman

Greetings all.. I am a American woman from NY livin in India, on and off for the past five years, and travlin, studying, volunteering, working, etc., to and fro for the past twelve. I love the country with my heart and soul, have traveleled to almost every region, am a student of the culture, religions, languages, etc., and definately think India is the most fascintating colorful country on earth..Do visit!!..I have been lving over there through thick and thin, never a dull mkoment..It is a amazing country, the people are warm, hospitable, extremely curious,, friendly, funny, generally kind, sometimes maddening, but what a wonder..To travel in India is like no other......so rewarding, eye-opening, often bewildering, sometimes challanging, but definately worthwhile and memeorable..What experiences!!!..it may sometimes be challanging for our western sensibilities and perspective, but it is a slice of life so rich and wonderful......i have been all over the world, but never cease to be amazed and enthralled by INDIA...As an American, you will be greeted with the utmost respect and kindness, and it is fine, fine, fine, to travel on your own, male or female, if your are travel savy, sensitive to the culture, and condient..Do come..The tourism industry is way down in India, and this has hurt many people...The country is as safe as anywhere these days and more amazing then just about anywhere..I have traveled up and down the continent, visited almost every region, and have even led American Tour Groups throughout India/Nepalover the years...If ANYONE has any questions, concerns, or needs any type of assistance /suggestions with itinerary planning, etc, it would be my pleasure to help..Do contact me, Bonnie, via E-mail at [email protected] I definately know the ins and outs, love the country with all my heart, and can assist anyone with anything INDIAN!!..

Kristina

Bonnie-<BR>Thanks for your offer of info. I'd really like to travel in India, but like most Americans, I'm limited to 2 weeks vacation a year.<BR>Do you think it's worth the trip to only go for 2 weeks? If so, what type of itinerary would you recommend for a well-traveled(but never been to India) couple in their mid-thirties? Keep in mind that with travel time, we'd probably only have 11 full days in the country and we'd have to come in July or August.

Jenne

Hello there Bonnie<BR><BR>Could you help me out? I plan on travelling through India and want to buy beautiful beaded and silk fabrics, beaded slippers and so forth.<BR><BR>Where are the best areas? Rajastan, the south of India? Calcutta?<BR><BR>Many thanks in advance for any help.

Bonnie

Hello Kristina...<BR> This is Bonnie, responding to your questions...Yes, I definately think that even with two weeks, a visit to India is worthwile, and Yes, even though July and August are not the best months weatherwise to travel, India still can be visited...Of course, the monsoons come, but it does not rain all the day, and it is also a magical time to visit and far less touristy..There are still plenty of destinations that could be visited during this period, if ya don't mind a little heat and rain...Plus, you generally get lower prices...By the by, during this period you will also encounter more Indians traveling...Please E-mail at my personal address, and I will give you much more information and help you come up with some intersting itineraries, [email protected] but some off hand ideas even in the limited time could be, Delhi-Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varansi....That is the general intro to North India and could be done in 11/12 days......Also, a South India trip could be another option(Bombay-Goa and kerala, or even a MOuntain trip to the Himalayan hill stations....Give me a personal E-mail and i will help you come up with a wonderful trip...warm regards. Bonnie

Bonnie Jazzman

Greetings jeanne...Livng in India, beleive it or not, I am not the biggest shopper......However, Rajasthan is definately shopping heaven, specifically the capital JAIPUR, for handicrafts, gems, carpets, clothing, everything ethnic Indian,etc., and for SILK, definately Varansi, also called Benares..The silk from Varansi is famous the world over, and in India, made into saris, other garmets, bags, rugs, carpets, etc....Bombay is also a great shopping city, and then also Delhi, both filled with everything imaginable, endless bazarrs, and more...India is a shpping paradise, really, wherever you are.....Namste..Bonnie

Kristina

Bonnie-<BR>Thanks for the reply. I don't know if it will be this year or in the next few that I'd be able to go. First, I have to convince my husband (India is not high on his list).

Jenne

Thank you Bonnie, you are very kind to share your time and info.

Alison

Bonnie,<BR>Thank you for the encouraging words for Americans who are apprehensive about visiting India. I plan to go solo soon and will ask for you help in planning. Just curious what you do for living in India to sustain yourself? I've always wondered about how people move to other countries and find work. Thanks for your help!<BR>Alison