My first ever stretch of bona fide traveling came in India. I was 24 years old and pretty damn clueless. Nevertheless, I compensated for this with bags of positivity and anticipation for what felt like a huge step into the unknown.

I was supposed to be doing the trip alone. But then I unexpectedly made a friend in the visa queue at the Indian Embassy in Edinburgh. Looking back, I think I definitely needed that companionship. In fact, I’ve often wondered what kind of scrapes I’d have gotten myself into had I gone solo.  

Of course it turned out to be a wondrous trip. Moreover, it confirmed the suspicions I’d had about what kind of lifestyle I wanted to lead. Whetting my appetite, so to speak, for the flurry of international adventures that would follow.

There were so many unforgettable characters on that trip. Take Devda the Delhi ear cleaner, for example. And Guddu the Agra guesthouse manager. The Cashew Kid in Goa and Mr. Magoo, the camel guide from Jaisalmer.

To find out more about those long ago escapades, check out Incidents In India, twelve tales detailing my experiences across the country. 

1. Poor Me!

2. Come Ear!

3. What Do You Think Of Love?

4. The Shithole

5. Same Same But Different

6. Fear and Loathing In Jaipur

7. Lalou

8. The Bus Journey From Hell 

9. Octopussy

10. Butch Cassidy & The Cashew Kid

11. Lisa & Phil 

12. Forty Eight Hours

Incidents In India is dedicated to the memory of Janet Amos. Wife of Derek, friend to all, DIY queen, expert listener, talented knitter and the thoughtful bestower of lucky socks. I certainly wouldn’t have survived India without them.

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