a question for hippies..and spiritual travelers.. this title sounds so lame but i dunno what to write here lol
Alternative Lifestyles and Subcultures
Hey there,
I'll be all over the country and will be flying into Chennai. I'll be in Tiruvannamalai (about 4 hr away from Madras) for a few mo., then I'll head to an ashram in Kerala, afterward I'll head north (since it will be getting very hot) to Dharamsala and then to Nepal and I'm sure I'll make my way to a few other places in between and thing will most likely get mixed around as I find my flow. You're more then welcome to join us in any of these places.
I don't know much about the certification and if it provides gainful employment. I would research it. Last time I was in India (a few mo. ago) my friends boy friend went to visit Goa and ended up working as a massage therapist there (massages here and there) and then ended up getting offered a job to work there. There is something special about India that I've never found anywhere else and that is that life takes you and you don't have to push hard to find your way, doors open up when you're open to it. If I were you I would put together some money not too much just enough to travel around for a few mo. (taking trains, eating cheap, staying in ashrams) and see how you like it, if you love it then after a few mo. you should have your footing enough to know what is out there or if you want to pursue some training then to travel. I say get your feet wet a little, then you would have a better idea of what works for you and what doesn't. FYI as you set off on your adventure you will find a lot of people to travel with along the way and opportunities too. I know its intimidating and the first step is a daring one, but you'll be okay. Oh someone suggested couch surfer, I think in India its a hit and miss thing, you may get someone good or a rapist the chances are about even. With so many ashrams and non-profits needing help I think you'll be okay.
christina bird said:
thanks a lot for taking time to write even though u were tired ! yeah i agree i dont have a very big advantage in terms of money being in india and for indian women especially to wander around its still not 100% appreciated everywhere people judge us n assume we'r into drugs or "open"sex n things like that,, u're right i'd never travel alone..
yeah im very interested in ashrams n places like that.. have u stayed in or visited one ?? my english well i guess is alright i can teach i hope, i was thinking of getting a TEFL (teach english as a foreign language) certification do u think thats a good idea ?? thanks a lot for being willing to give me more advice n i'd love to meet u when u're here !where do u plan to visit ? have a good day/evening <3
Siri Nam Simran Kaur said:
Hey there,
I'm exhausted and writing this so I hope I don't leave anything out. I'll start by saying I'm not a hippie and my spirit is always free no matter where my body goes. I've been to India on a few occasions and I'll be moving there in Jan. 2014. The dynamics for a westerner to live a life of travel is different then an Indian, we have access to more money. Many of the people I know work in their country of origin and then travel to Bali, India, etc and live off of the money for a while. I don't recommend raving or partying as that's a great way to ruin a good mind, lose all of your money and get raped. I've come across NGO's in India that need help and are willing to provide room and board, there are also ashrams that you can't find by a google search and don't charge you money that will allow you to stay with them, you just have to familiarize yourself with spiritual circles. You can also go up north and help teach English (assuming your English is fair) to the Tibetan monks. I travel through India alone, however I don't recommend and suggest that if you decide to travel a bit to do so with another woman. Like I said I'll be there in Jan and would be happy to meet you and tell you everything I know. Please keep in mind that the westerns have access to money with a good conversion rate that you don't have and many also have families that will help them. I am a single mother with kids and have no family so if I can travel around the world starting up homes for abandon girls then I'm sure you will find your way too. Feel free to message me here or via email @ iamphoto@ yahoo.com . Oh to answer your other question about skilled work, I think it would be wise of you to pick up a skill that you can use in tourist areas like healing work, yoga training, etc. It always good to have a way to make money here and there. The first step in flying is taking a leap.