The Far North, part 1

Hating to agree
I read your blog just before going to Manali and was a little dissapointed that you had so many unpleasant things to say about your trip [people centric experiences]. I have recently visited and returned and have come back to comment because I felt exactly the same way in North India. The constant pushyness and the not-so-clever ways to conning people were pitiful. The natural beauty actually takes a back seat as the people there make your holiday such an unpleasant episode. Although after a certain horrible mistake we realised that we would do exactly the opposite of what we were suggested and ended up having a great time. I just wanted to come and say that please don't think that all of India is like this. The southern part of the county is very different. Here people are not very street smart but are very warm and generous. No one imposes their products and services on you and they are not friendly only with the expectation of monetory compensation. {of course I'm grossly generalising - there are exceptions everywhere} Also unfortunately India still remains an inately racist country - therefore a White man will be hounded by everyone as for some reason we all seem to think rich white man has dollars spilling from his pockets. I'm very glad that you stuck to your guns and didn't really allow people to take you for a ride..but do visit India again [the southern part primarily] and notice the vast difference in the culture and attitudes. Shruti - I'm also from the north originally but have moved to the South and love it here. Thus the suggestion.