What I meant by "constructive criticism" was to put her suggestions regarding visiting India in a less emotional way. For example, saying I went to India and got sick despite trying to be careful. So if you are going to India, please be mindful that you may get sick.

Instead of that, she's overly negative in her description of India that it seems harsh and unfair.

Look, there is nothing wrong with having negative experiences when traveling - everyone has them. But there is a way to be tactful about it and there is a way to be insulting about it. To me, Susan's original comments were insulting - especially since my family is from India and I live in Asia. There are many poor countries in the world aside from India. i just think there need's to be a respect that thing's are not like they are in the West everywhere in the world cause if it were, why travel?

rv224,
Let me gently suggest that it is Susanwr's prerogative to adopt whatever tone she wishes to describe her experiences. Try not to expose your dainty heart to the hurly-burly of the real world; it might not survive the next "insult." I am from India, too, and I wasn't in the least insulted by Susanwr's remarks. Many people brought up in the West in comfortable surroundings are unable to comprehend that the vast majority of humanity isn't as fortunate in the manner of their physical condition. It takes education and knowledge of the world, its peoples and its history, to transcend the tyranny of one's immediate neighbourhood. Quite clearly, Susanwr's mental horizons are limited. I do not wish to make light of some of the ungainly OUTWARD aspects India presents. But if Susanwr had gone armed with the necessary mental equipment, her experiences would have been richer and she would not have come back poorer. I actually felt sorry for her, not insulted by her.

Jeez, I thought this was a travel forum.

A really interesting discussion. Sad we can't all meet in person. So much I'd like to say but it's late. So - SidB - you seem to think that because it's a "travel forum" we must restrict ourselves to comments on the merits or otherwise of various hotels? Don't you think there's more to travel than that?

And to Guenmai - good, but inaccurate swipe. I take your point - the government isn't the people (as I think I said before) but you are now holding the British PEOPLE (ie me) reponsible for events that happened a couple of hundred years ago. You can't have your cake and eat it too. If I am responsible for - what should we say? - you name an event - then you are responsible for current events.

Don't you think?

I think original poster has every right to present her comments in any way she pleases. Its like a restaurant review or a movie review, you don't have to agree. In fact, I found her title very humourous, the fact that it attracted so many comments shows that a catchy title is good to generate interest.
If some of you can't take criticism, go buy the fodors guide book and everything will be presented nice and rosy. This forum gives you the raw material, uncut and uncensored, thats why it is so important.
And give susan some slack for goodness sake, you expect everyone to be discovery channel explorers? We are all ordinary people trying to go for a good holiday!

This is good. There is some thoughtful discussion of travel experiences on this thread. In particular, I am learning more about being prepared for visiting India.

Also, I think it is relevant to discuss how we go about posting about our travel experiences. One thing to consider is that if you feel the need to say "I apologize in advance" then you might reconsider what you wrote before you post it. Still, the OP might deserve some credit for going despite warnings from friends.

As far as emotional responses go, I would hope that the replies to criticisms are are honest. Some people focus on negatives and others overstate the positives (could be defensive, could be enthusiasm). For example, I just learned that one steak I had in Buenos Aires could not have been low quality because all Argentine beef is excellent.

I would also like to point out that the people who are staying at 5* places and riding in aircon cars just to boast about it might accidentally expose themselves 10 minutes or so of the real world and gain some understanding despite themselves. That would be 10 minutes more experience than most people I know have.

Alice my point is that I visit this forum to discuss travel matters. I don't want to hear anybodies view about the war in Iraq, the outcome of the presidential election or any other similar matters. Racial slurs have been made against the Americans and British in this thread, and other nations elsewhere. No need to indulge political feelings here.

And if people want to discuss and disagree about touristic subjects that's great. The original poster gave her opinion and others have disagreed. That's exactly what this forum should be about. It's not the place for racist behaviour.

mrwunrfl:
There is no right way or wrong way to travel. Backpack and stay in hostels or go first class in 5 star hotels. Its your vacation and you get to decide what you want to do with it. You are not a better person by staying in a hostel or a bad person by staying in a 5 star hotel. People work hard for their vacations -lets drop the diatribes about 5 star hotels and air conditioned cars.

Craig...there was only the main dining room open when I was there. The other restaurant - normally used for serving breakfast - was closed for renovation. However, I suspect that both would have used the same kitchen anyway since they are right next door to each other. The unfortuate part of the dinner was that it tasted SO GOOD while we were eating it! I've been home for a week and I'm still having stomach problems...although now the symptons may be due to the darn anti-biotic! This is getting very old...along with some of the interpretations of other readers about my personality, attitudes, etc.

To SidB: I see nothing to be gained by trying to reason with Alice. It would be like that scene in the movie "European Vacation" with Chevy Chase where he is stuck going round and round in Piccadilly Circle all day and all night. :S-
To Agtoau: I agree with most of what you say but am unclear about the meaning of "tyranny of ones own neighborhood." I have heard an expression by some Indian friends used to describe naivete as a "frog who just came out of the well." Is it something like that, that is if you are familiar with that expression? BTW where are you from in India and are you aware of any fast trains from Delhi to Shimla? Thank you, Larry

Alice...As for your comment to me. All I have to say to you is...."If you can't take it, then don't dish it".It's not the first time you've made some sarcastic/sly remark. Now you see how it is to have the shoe on the other foot...after all YOU started up this whole unnecessary political commentary. The rest of us were commenting on India. And further more, it was YOU who commented,"The American public have voted him in again". Are the people not part of the government's opinion....so what are you talking about when you infer that it's not the people, but the government that you have a problem with? You can't have YOUR cake and eat it,too.As for me holding anyone responsible for events that happened in your country's history... that is not what I was inferring...you have totally missed the point. Enough said on this topic.

Jacketwatch,

Re. "tyranny of one's own neighbourhood" - it is an expression to refer to insularity of outlook, or the "frog-in-the-well" attitude, if you will.

I am from Goa, born and bred there. I now live in Silicon Valley, Californa.

No, I don't know about the Simla train.

I think its a safe bet to say that for a first time traveler to Asia- India would not be at the top of the list of countries to visit for the reasons stated in this thread. The more seasoned traveler would be better prepared for the challanges of India!

Thank you Agtoau: One more ? please. Do you know of a fast train from Del. to Goa? Seems pretty far for a normal train ride and I would like to see some of the country. Thus train vs. flying.

An easier route for Delhi to Goa would be to take the Rajdhani Express from Delhi to Bombay and then to Goa. They were talking about a train from Delhi to Goa but not sure if that ever happened. The one that I have taken is tedious..and had flying roaches!

Yes, Rajdhani express to Mumbai and then the Konkan Railway to Goa would be optimal. However, my recommendation for anyone in Delhi wanting to be in Goa is: take the Sahara Airlines direct flight from Delhi to Goa (assuming, of course, one's budget allows it).

Thank you gentlemen. I hate to keep asking but would it be less expensive to book air once in India for that trip or do it here before? I have heard it would be less if I waited. Any ideas? Thanks again. Larry

jacketwatch
My hubby is off to India next month and he had his brother book tickets for internal travel - it was cheaper than any rate we saw on the web. So if you have family there - that might be a way to go.

Also second agtoau's comment - fly if you can. Its been years since I did the Delhi B'bay train trip - but I remember it was fairly dreary countryside -especially the part that goes through Madhya Pradesh.

Jacketwatch,

The rupee-rate for air tickets works out a little cheaper. If you know your itinerary well enough, you should have someone in India buy the tickets for you (instead of waiting until after you get there) since availability can be an issue sometimes, especially in the Dec-Jan timeframe.