First Experiences in India

I knew India piques a lot of curiosity worldwide because so much is said about it. For my first trip, I applied for a one-year visa, intending to enter and exit multiple times during that period to create a lot of content. However, when I faced the reality there, it was a shock. With such a massive population, the country is also intensely chaotic.

The noise pollution struck me the hardest. Honking is completely normal, and locals do it for any reason. Additionally, the stark contrast between the rich and poor is glaring. The streets are not only chaotic but also dirty and damaged. Personal space is perceived differently from what we are accustomed to, and people stand very close to you in every setting.

I started my first trip in Mumbai, then moved to Delhi, where I had the chance to visit Agra and see the Taj Mahal. Afterward, I left. I only stayed two weeks in the country, despite planning for at least a month. At that time, India was too overwhelming for me, and I needed to leave. Afterward, I decided to prepare myself better for a return trip. From late 2022 until mid-2024, I worked on getting ready to go back.

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My Trip to India in 2024

This year, I finally returned. My plan was to start in Kolkata, spend five days there, then five days in Delhi, and finish with five days in Mumbai. Once again, I applied for a one-year visa, but I encountered a similar situation as my first trip. Instead of staying for the full duration, I had to leave early.

This time, I discovered that if Delhi and Mumbai were chaotic for me, Kolkata took it to the next level. The heat and humidity were extreme, making it incredibly challenging to be outdoors. Walking for just five minutes left my shirt completely soaked in sweat—there was no escaping it. The pollution and chaos were unrelenting.

In Kolkata, I saw things I hadn’t seen anywhere else. Some streets had streams of water where people bathed, washed clothes and dishes, and even brushed their teeth. Public urination, especially by men, was common. While I was somewhat prepared this time, knowing what to expect, Kolkata still managed to overwhelm me.

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On this trip, I also ventured to try street food for the first time. Indian street food is highly controversial, particularly due to viral videos on TikTok and YouTube, which don’t exaggerate the lack of hygiene. For example, vendors often use their hands for everything and typically don’t wear shoes. Many cooks sit on small stools, and you might even see them touching their feet before handling food. However, there are also cleaner stalls where cooks wear caps and maintain better hygiene. Even so, it’s still food that can challenge our digestive systems.

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I hired a guide to show me around Kolkata and collaborated with a local content creator to make a street food video. I knew he would take me to the places locals love, which made that part of my experience enjoyable. In Delhi, I also joined a smaller food tour, but I had to leave the country before reaching Mumbai because I was utterly drained. Creating content is always tiring, but doing so in India brought a level of exhaustion I’d never experienced before, for all the reasons I’ve shared.

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Leaving the Country

^Feeling completely worn out, I decided to fly to Thailand, where I fell ill upon arrival. I spent days bedridden, dealing with vomiting and diarrhea. What bothered me the most was an intense fatigue. Even getting up to use the bathroom left me breathless. Standing up felt like a monumental effort, and I remained in that state for three days.

Leaving India was a relief, as experiencing those days of illness there would have been incredibly difficult. Hotels in India are quite expensive if you want to avoid staying in places with dust mites or dirty walls. It’s essential to invest in a decent hotel if you want a comfortable stay in India.

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Reflections on India

Despite everything, I plan to return. There are many aspects of India that I don’t like, but I always feel a pull to go back. I think this is because of the people. Indians are incredibly kind and attentive to tourists. While it’s true there are many scammers and you need to be cautious, and it’s also true that many beggars might be part of harmful mafias, most Indians are genuinely good and welcoming to visitors.

India is a place that made me question many things on this trip. In our countries, despite the challenges we face, we enjoy many comforts and often complain about trivial matters. Traveling to India makes you appreciate what you have, no matter how little or flawed it may be. It teaches you that many people have never experienced having a shower or access to clean water. Being there forces you to reflect on your blessings and to be more grateful.

For these reasons, I hope to give India a third chance, although I haven’t yet decided which new city I’ll explore next.

Remember, you can follow more of my travels and adventures on my travel YouTube channel, beauty channel, and Instagram account.

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