The moment we decided not to become famous

India is an insane country and definitely worth a visit in all circumstances.

Unfortunately, there are not only positive or funny moments and qualities during Indian travel days. There are a few small things that european travlers better should avoid to not come into strange situations.

The following story is a good example of what one should not do in India as a trend-conscious european alternative student. ;-)

I already mentioned it a several times, but I cannot stop repeating: India is different to everything else you know as a traveler. I use to say "in India there is nothing like in Austria, except for Cola. Cola really exists everywhere ". It starts with hygiene articles and goes over foods and clothing. Everything that can be purchased south of the Himalayas is different to Europe.

India for spoiled "consumption" Europeans is not only another country, but a different planet.

This is exactly why India is so exciting.

As a traveler in West India, it's sometimes not to easy. It is obvious that you are not a local. In fact, it sometimes feels as if flashing lights were mounted on ones head and would bite for maximum attention. Traditionally, the Indians are a very busy people and do not leave any opportunity to offer their goods.

A pleasant exploration walk through a new city can then unfortunately very quickly become a stressful affair, as many street vendors perceive a good deal at the sight of a European and will not hesitate to offer their goods loudly. And yes there are damn many sellers in Indian cities. But please do not misunderstand me, in India there is no social security and from the perspective of a street vendor I would act similarly. But after 5 carpet offers in 10 minutes this understanding gets lost very quickly.

Well, now to our story.

We were three on the way: Pia, Michi and me. Michi is one of our best friends, an incredibly pleasant travel companion and ready for every adventure. With him we already experienced alot (LINKS). Michi had a somewhat more intense punk phase at the time and I was, well, how should I say, in my more wilder years. We scarcely were in our 20ies.

I already told you about the appearance of the European on Indians. Now imagine a pretty, blue-eyed and tall woman with long blond hair, who is for herself alone a reason to attract the attention of an Indian. Then she comes along with two big guys, the one with long smooth hair and blue eyes and the other one with ... well I told you he had his punk phase.

India is known for its barbers at every street corner and Michi couldn’t resist to go for a shave. But not for the beard. The barber had great fun in shaving Michi a remarkable Iroquois hairstyle. And with shaving I mean wet shaving. To complete the overall picture add an old British military backpack, that he received from his grandfather as a gift and, of course, sprinkler boots.

I think it was in Udaipur. Our driver left us at lunch anywhere in the middle of the city. We wanted to buy fresh fruit for the further journey and got out of the car. What happened then I still cannot grasp fully. Without exaggeration, the whole street turned to us. I can only estimate how many people were there at the time but I think more than 300. Cars stopped and the passengers turned to us. The women at the roofs waved to us and called their daughters to come and see us. There was a riksha collision because all the drivers turned to see us. Young Indians came towards and wanted to take photos, they touched my hair and asked if and what shampoo I use.

"Long hair long life. I like your hairstyle."

We were almost overwhelmed with compliments and toddlers were fetched and shown to us. Michi was constantly stroked over his head and asked whether someone had died. Some asked if we could give them something from Europe as a souvenir and I think I have never been touched by so many people at the same time. It was such an extremely surreal situation. Finally we were able to save ourselves in a side street and wait for our driver.

From that day on we dressed as inconspicuously as possible. Michi hid his hair under a cap, Pia often carried a scarf over her head and I tied my hair together. It was this one day as we all decided, that we never want to become famous.