Susan,

I find it almost comical that you come back from the worlds largest third world country and complain about how you were bothered by the poverty and lack of infrastructure. Last time I checked, third world countries are considered THIRD WORLD for those very reasons. I would have hoped that your experiences in India would have been an eye opener that most of the world lives in these conditions instead of moaning and whining.

Instead of complaining, I suggest you take this opportunity to do something good to help those who are less fortunate than you.

Just my two cents...

Sorry about the pedantry, but is there a "third world" any more? I thought the term was originally applied to non-aligned countries that supported neither the "first world" (the US and its allies) or the "second world" (the USSR, China and their allies). As many of these countries were in Africa and Asia, at some stage it must have become a synonym for "poor countries".

None of which detracts from UPtravel2004's point. I have no idea why susanwr would find any of the things she describes surprising.

Neither would I Neil - perhaps a quick perusal of Rohinton Mistry's "A Fine Balance" would have given susan a faint idea of what she was in for.

Lyndie, if you're reading this, my husband used to be just like yours. It took him a long time to make him see the light, and it has taken the best part of 20 years, now I can't keep him away from Indian cooking. He now appreciates the subtle use of spices, blended properly, some westerners think, as he used to that the whole thing was doused in chili and that was that.

UPtravel2004, My, aren't you the self-righteous one! Noticed your post complaining about the size of the rooms and the old style of the Holiday Inn Silom in Bangkok. You know, Susan posted almost 10 days ago & you're all still bashing her. Give it a rest!