INDIA

Commiserations
I am sorry you did not enjoy India. I feel that you might have been unduly influenced by your upset stomach. A friend of mine just spent two weeks living with friends in a slum in India at Christmas. They do community development work. My friend gloried in telling us all the gruesome details of the plumbing arrangements and of the onslaught of humanity living on top of one another (dodgy mud housing that just goes up and up). He was only there for two weeks, he had his son with him and he was staying with Australians who live there - so I think he might have stood up better to some of the challenges you describe. And I believe he had no trouble with digestion. But actually I don't recall him saying he enjoyed himself either. Maybe if you had done India on $1000 dollars a day, it would have had an entirely different impact on you. I hear Turkey is renowned for its cleanliness - Turkish baths etc. I don't think I could stand up to the challenges of traveling on a budget in India either. You will definitely renew yourself in Europe. Good luck. Theresa

We Feel Your Pain!
We just finished our tour of India and feel much the same way you do (our post is actually the one right under yours). We made it 10 weeks but it never really gets easier. We learned to tolerate the discomfort but it never goes away. Turkey on the other hand is fantastic and much easier than India! Splurge on a balloon ride in Goreme, it actually is incredible. Good luck and enjoy the rest of your travels. Best wishes, Amarryn + Kevin.

So brave !!!!
It is great to read about your travels and I am sorry I have not replied more often as I always read them with much interest. I have heard many similar stories of India so I think you are VERY brave to have even endured it for that long! I love the Indian cuisine but have NO desire to go there at all, Turkey on the other hand could tempt me!! Hope that your jouney through Europe will be more pleasant and be sure you will make me miss Europe very much and very envious. Have fun and take care, Cherie xxxx

Hey Nic!
I guess you'll be able to say goodbye to your cheap travel by entering Europe!!! Stu had a blast in Turkey when he was there. He even got a piercing! (eyebrow!!) There are just so many amazing things to see and do there. I would never have the strength to travel alone like you are my dear! Such an inspiration!