I spend two weeks in India (Pune) this summer with my husband, who had to go there for work. The best way that I have found to describe it is, "dirty
chaos". If you are willing to be without ALL of the comforts and securities of North America, then by all means, check it out (it'll be an
experience, no matter what!). Here are the things I liked about India (followed by a longer list of things I did not like):
Liked:
Friendly, polite people (after you have been introduced)
Great historical beauty (outside of the busy-ness of the cities)
Good food
Interesting and unusual sights (shepard and his flock of goats walking down a busy street, motorcyclists carrying some WACK items while they drive)
Disliked:
Lots of people stare at you (rudely, for North American etiquette, maybe not so much for Indian etiquette)
Poor hygine (urinating and defacating on sidewalks is very common)
Too much crazy traffic
Too many people (for my comfort) all of the time, no matter where you are or what you are doing. I was overwhelmed almost all of the time!
Everything seemed to be dirty. Inside, outside, everywhere.
Communication with locals was difficult (sometimes impossible)
Liked:
Friendly, polite people (after you have been introduced)
Great historical beauty (outside of the busy-ness of the cities)
Good food
Interesting and unusual sights (shepard and his flock of goats walking down a busy street, motorcyclists carrying some WACK items while they drive)
Disliked:
Lots of people stare at you (rudely, for North American etiquette, maybe not so much for Indian etiquette)
Poor hygine (urinating and defacating on sidewalks is very common)
Too much crazy traffic
Too many people (for my comfort) all of the time, no matter where you are or what you are doing. I was overwhelmed almost all of the time!
Everything seemed to be dirty. Inside, outside, everywhere.
Communication with locals was difficult (sometimes impossible)
