Rob and Anna's travel adventure

My View - Rich and Famous [Rob´s India Entry (#8)]

Rob’s Entry

Being rich and famous sucks. That's right, sucks! Oh yes, there are the perks, but overall it can become a hassle. That is the conclusion that I've drawn after traveling in India. It seems that with a billion people looking similar, and different from ourselves, being white (or as I was told, oriental, etc.) makes promotes us to somewhat celebrity status. For example, it has become commonplace to be asked by perfect strangers (usually at more touristed locations) to pose for pictures, usually with the local(s). Sometimes one picture turns into a mini-photoshoot, sometimes turning a little intense. That's the 'famous' part. The rich part (implied by the obvious fact that we have the resources to be in India in the first place) plays itself out by relentless offers to shop. "One minute to visit my shop", "Please look", "What are you looking for?" (being left alone often comes to mind), "Hello Sir!", and countless variations.

It is quite understandable how our rich and famous behave and the actions they take (sometimes at least). I understand the desire for unmolested shopping, shop people seen-but-not-heard, bodyguards, personal assistants and drivers, etc.

On the flip side, there are the mentioned perks. We have experienced situations where we 'take-a-number', only to be behind literally HUNDREDS. Never fear- WE go to the 'foreigner' line. No waiting! We have been told that as foreigners, we should NOT have to be waiting. A version of this was experienced in Central America when entering a bank (often a machine-gun-guarded establishment). An irony is that often in poor counties, people dress well. Then there is us, dirty backpackers. But yet, at the banks- the locals get the third degree while we waltz right in.

Our version of the 'country club set', The Johnathan Club, and other exclusive groups is the backpacker haunts, such as hotels. Here, we come from a common background, won't be hit up for money, tried to sell something, ask for a picture, etc. We have 'money' to travel, and do. Our micro-version of exclusivity, a place to relax, we can order anything on the menu without a second thought (decent meals are often USD$2 or less), and so on. Our concerns are whether to travel here or there, as opposed to how to sell enough trinkets to survive.

Those that know me understand how unpretentious I am, how respectful and sensitive to others I am, etc., so I hope that any of the above does not come off as elitist, snobbish, or just poor taste. I'm very sensitive to the struggles of the people where we visit, and we do our small part in supporting their local economy. It is just interesting me from a socialological perspective, the similarities, the experience of being, well, rich and famous.

Regarding the hassles and rewards, overall, it is probably a wash. And the typically friendly Indians give a pleasant spin to the whole experience. But we have had a taste of what the really famous suffer and enjoy.

*None of the following is especially profound, and many before I have commented on similar, but I thought I'd give my own slant.

posted by Rob and Anna @ 6:55 AM