April 03, 2006 Well, here I am in a tropical paradise, Varkala, Kerala, India, with nothing but outstretched hands. All the local people, and religious pilgrims, who do not have tourist contact, want to welcome me. Their smiles warm my heart. Total strangers will greet me, so happy to even say hi, to a foreigner. Unfortunely, the ones who want to suck up all your money are the ones who break your heart, fill your mind, and cause you to cry. All the Indians who have contact with tourists want their money, and nothing else.

I went to the temple in Varkala junction, today, filled with wonderful expectations. I have been to this very temple many, many times during my 5 visits to Varkala. It is beautiful during festivals. I went at the evening puja time, thinking I would see the temple elephant. No. There were two men blowing horns, two with drums, and not much else. No banana tree decorations, no flowers. some men were lighting the many lamps which gave a beautiful glow to the surroundings, made it feel peaceful, and holy. A few women prayed. The rest was emptiness. I took a couple of pictures.

A man came to me, and said I MUST sign a book. This book was open in the area where pujas are held. I walked on, and he followed. Now he told me I must pay him 100 rupees to take a picture in the temple. I said, I have never been asked to pay. He said it has always been 100 rupees. I have come here 5 times already, staying even 4 months once. I said no one has ever asked befoe. His attitude was nasty, I must pay. I refused. I said he cheapens his religion. Now he is selling it. He got angry and said as I wish, and went off to get his cohorts. I left crying. I have never paid to take pictures before, no one ever asked. I never will.

India advertises to see "Incrediable India", but no one mentions, paying every step of the way. Foreigners must pay endlessly, for what would be free in a true democratic country. For foreigners are charged, and charged a lot, for things that are free to Indians or a few rupees. Now the Indians are busy adding new charges to fill their pockets, and disgust foreign visitors. I graduated not so long ago, in the study of culture, anthropology. I loved Indian culture. I sold everything I owned, or gave it away, so I could travel in India. India was my dream since I was a child, and learned to read. Now I see the rot in Indian soceity. I have been cheated, insulted, and even met physial violence in India. Not because I have done wrong, but because the government does nothing to protect tourists. Tourists are fair game for anyone, any bully, any cheat, these days. I worked hard for my money, let them work for theirs. If India want tourists, then encourage cultural sharing, not this endless greed. I am sorry, but I would advise anyone to never travel in India, if they are going to be treated like me. I mailed this to a lot of people in India, but who will care?

home