.... thats not sucha bad thing really is it?
Not at all! They are very poor, and appreciate anything you can give.
A lot of people get disillusioned when they discover that the gifts they gave the children are missing when they go back to the slum for another visit.
Im uneblievable scared doing this research. Its not putting me off in terms of wanting to do it, im doing it regardless. If i got scammed or robbed, well it would be awful but at least, so long as i survived, i could say i had achieved the challenge that is india.
You are not the first to do it, and neither are you the first to be so scared. A lot of us went through that, then went to India where nothing terrible happened and when home with great stories to tell.
Robberies happen more to naive people who dont do enough research. If you have read all the advice of course you could possibly still get robbed but the chances are slim. I have been to India 3 times and was never robbed, but I can see how easily it could happen if you dont know what to beware of. Just about all you need to know will be in the Lonely Planet Guide.
...landing in Delhi at 9.20am and then first task, having to walk god knows how far with all of my belongings (obviously nothing valuable) sounds very daunting.
Dont bring too much stuff. Carrying a very heavy backpack can become a real pain. But, you wont have far to walk. you can take a bicyclerickshaw too when you get off the bus, or out of the taxi. They will charge you 20 to 50 Rupees to take you to the hotel door in Pahargunj.
Finally, the pre-paid taxies. Are these easy enough to locate in the airport?
Yes, and if you cant find them ask anybody where their office is. But dont get side tracked by any taxi drivers on your way to the pre paid office. Whatever they say, dont trust them. Just use the official ones. And dont forget to change money in the airport, before going to the pre paid taxi office. And it would be wise to look through the notes they give you to make sure none have pieces missing from the edges or tears on the edges. Many shops and restaruants wont take these and the banks may not exchange them for better notes of their full worth.
....will it be fairly obvious that they are lying.
Unfortunately not. Listen to nobody on the street. Sometimes respectable middle classed type Indians will help you out, but mostly be determined to stick with the Lonely Planet recommendations. Insist that you are going to the official train office. Insist that you are going to the hotel of your choice listed in the Lonely Planet book. etc.
Never accept free tours. Never believe that anything is closed. Check it for yourself.
I feel like the whole ora around india is to trust absolutely nobody,.....
Well dressed middle classed Indians can be very helpful and honest. Also, the hotel receptionist where you are staying will probably give trustworthy advice.
If this is the case perhaps its best to get out of Delhi and go elsewhere straight away? What do you think?
HaHaHaHa!!! No, it is not better. Have at least a few days rest, before venturing out of Delhi. It is just as chaotic in other places.
But, if you do want to break yourself in gently, Mumbai is a much easier place to be these days than Delhi is. You could fly in there instead.
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