One of Joylani and my hopes for this trip was that it would be a scouting trip of sorts. We could explore the world and discover which regions we really like and hopefully return to explore further in the future. Perhaps even identify cities we could possibly live in the future. Early in the trip, Joylani knew she wanted to see more of Denmark, while we both have a desire to see more of Greece and Turkey. Our recent jaunt through Madhya Pradesh has convinced us not to visit MP again, and by extension most of central India, again. It’s not a terrible place, as I enjoyed visiting Khajuraho and Orchha this week (and other cities on past trips). But the cons outweigh the pros and having seen a lot of central India already, I am fine with not exploring further. Compared to the rest of India, I don’t think it offers much. It’s hot. Nearly all of India is hot this time of year, but MP is really hot. Then there are the bugs, mentioned in other posts. I am not really a squeamish person when it comes to that sort of stuff, even if they’re dropping in our food, etc, but it’s obviously not preferable.

Then there’s the endless number of people that want to talk. In the cities and touristy areas, there’s a ton of people that try to talk to you and get your money or business. That’s fine, because we can just say no/ignore them/walk away. But in rural India, there’s an endless amount of curious and/or friendly people that want to chat. Now before you label me as a scrooge, let me explain. I’m fine just having a friendly conversation with a couple strangers a day. But when two dozen people a day just want to chat about where I’m from, where I’m “really from,” how I like India, and a million other small-talk topics, its annoying. And if anyone sees my camera, they want me to take a photo of them. Not of us, just of them. People that don’t even speak English ask for “aik snap.” I have no idea why they want me to take a photo of them, but villagers always ask me to. I feel bad saying all this, because I know they’re just being friendly, but sometimes I want to say, “If I wanted a photo of you, I would’ve asked you” or “Can’t you see I’m eating, talking with someone else, reading, etc.” I can see how famous people get pissed off at reporters or even just common people that try to talk to them.

Besides the weather, bugs, lack of infrastructure, there is the limited selection of food, accommodation, and general goods and services. Ladakh was simple, but at least it was unbelievably beautiful. Dusty towns, rural villages, and fields of agriculture all make interesting scenery on a bus or train. They’re even okay to stop in for a bit and look around, but they’re not the kind of places I enjoy staying for multiple days. My advice for anyone that visits Central India: see the Taj Mahal in Agra, and do a quick circuit of Rajasthan, UP, and MP and don’t stay in any town for more than a day or two. Just my opinion.