Gypsy Wednesday – Wander India With Beth Whitman

Welcome to Gypsy Wednesday!  Every Wednesday, I strive to highlight all the juicy morsels related to travel and beyond.

Beth Whitman’s Wanderlust and Lipstick: For Women Traveling in India woke me up to two things – reality and dreams.

Published just 2 years ago, Ms. Whitman’s book is best absorbed with a pot of tea and a plate of scones.  While interlaced with first-hand accounts of traveling in this big, bold country, the guide is also dang thorough.

My disjointed knowledge of India, which happens to be my first overseas stop underwent a transformation.  Beth fills in the gaps of everything from India’s divergent global personality to cultural events worth pursuing, or practical safety tips.

Weary female travelers can be rest assured, India is not a constant sinister playground of scamming touts or blind, anonymous gropes on a bustling train platform.  Sure, there are touts, or the odd unwelcome experience, but this guide rounds out a complete picture.

In the chapter Emerging India, Beth describes how tourism has exploded in the post 9-11 world, the results materializing in cafes, shops or accommodation cropping up in every city, this makes India’s charms easier to manage and enjoy.  And what are those charms? A country where spirituality is worn on its sleeve, evident in daily life.  A place rich in ritual and small, joyous pleasures.

But, with everything India – there is also a flip side.  Miles and miles of slums and middle class mansions are in close proximity to each other.  A grown-up lesson in status hierarchies. Oppressive pollution can choke even the strongest lungs, and feminists might seethe at the archaic gender practices.

A novice to India quickly realizes that any relatable experiences just don’t apply here – you must reinvent your perceptions.  Wanderlust’s guide is spot on with the chapter Culture Shock.  Beth describes the worship of cows, which results in the animal having free reign, on roads or pathways.  Anything or everything is wonderfully explained, right down to how males react to Western women.  Our assertive, independent natures can sadly be misconstrued.  Never fear, social cues are fleshed out, so you’re never at a loss on how to react.

Rather than feel bombarded, it’s a relief to have this information accessible.  It takes the ‘difficult’ out of India and opens the door to dreaming up culinary pleasures, historical sightseeing or fabric/jewelry expeditions.

Beth eventually delves into travel planning with detailed transport ideas such as boating or how to navigate the rail system (buy a Indrail pass, open to foreigners).  How to tackle money, lodging, even keeping in touch with loved ones are a few examples springing forth from this über, multi-layered guide.

Even worrisome things like security is addressed – who would have thought a rubber doorstop and padlock would add up to traveling smart?  And that’s what this lovely guide does, offer smarts.  Each chapter covers every conceivable question a woman might have, with extra tips slipped in.

After your teapot is drained, the scones consumed, take what you’ve learned and gather your girlfriends for a long brunch.  The tidbits in this guide are worth sharing over mimosas and sisterhood.

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Tagged as: Adventure, Guides, Solo, Women's Travel