tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451552276256750355.post5050230564332924067..comments2023-04-14T07:05:28.371-07:00Comments on Videsi Girl in Mumbai: I Don't Normally Do Serious...Sophiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12991469080521336102noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451552276256750355.post-62531329780586443352011-07-22T06:28:58.362-07:002011-07-22T06:28:58.362-07:00I am an Indian living in Mumbai too. And I am tell...I am an Indian living in Mumbai too. And I am telling you girl NEVER EVER give anything to those beggers, forget about emptying your pockets. Begging is a profession here in India and a very profitable one. The amputees you see have been "made" that way through surgeries. The kids telling you "No mama, No Papa" are "trained" to say that so they can earn better. And they are specifically told to target foreigners and whites. So beware. This is one thing about my country that I am not proud of.<br /><br />Try and learn to ignore them as Ray Day has said above. Its a business for them and you are a customer. Ignore eye contact and make sure you keep your windows closed when in a taxi. You may have some nasty experiences or some chain/mobile snatching happening.Yashhttp://www.yash.infonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451552276256750355.post-18121348327296826272011-07-05T06:15:27.621-07:002011-07-05T06:15:27.621-07:00Finding work in mumbai is not hard. Even an illite...Finding work in mumbai is not hard. Even an illiterate individual can make 4000-5000/month in mumbai doing odd jobs here and there.<br /><br />But for some reason, these beggars don't participate in the traditional 9-5 jobs.Nakohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12512861870626302077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451552276256750355.post-75936937907740074192011-07-03T23:58:49.005-07:002011-07-03T23:58:49.005-07:00I understand, after nearly 6 months I get that thi...I understand, after nearly 6 months I get that this is part of everyday life here, but I don't like it. I wrote this post as I wanted people who are thinking of moving here to know that its not all fun and games and somethings are hard to laugh at. (I think you can tell by the blog I laugh at most things) xSophiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12991469080521336102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451552276256750355.post-69028699753642383852011-07-03T17:00:51.903-07:002011-07-03T17:00:51.903-07:00Uh, I commented on the wrong post (earlier comment...Uh, I commented on the wrong post (earlier comment).<br /><br />Pay no attention to beggars. It is a fact of all third world countries. Not just India.<br /><br />BTW, beggars love the way they live - they love to be free. There have been many efforts to integrate them, and they have felt abused with rules of society. Beggars are ppl who refuse to take responsibility and are v.happy with their setup. They are v.well connected and know resources to get food. It is other poor ppl like household help, farmers, and other working ppl under the poverty line who have many worries, and struggle to make ends meet. The poor working have no sympathy for beggars.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451552276256750355.post-20812176764355934812011-07-03T16:53:57.827-07:002011-07-03T16:53:57.827-07:00Seems like you enjoy the good life. As a shopaholi...Seems like you enjoy the good life. As a shopaholic, I suggest you pick up a copy of Indian mags, if you havent done so: Living etc, Elle decor, and Good Homes. They are filled with NUMEROUS stores / restaurants for you to try out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451552276256750355.post-77593259898964710642011-07-02T21:51:47.271-07:002011-07-02T21:51:47.271-07:00I completely understand the culture shock and sadn...I completely understand the culture shock and sadness of beggars. It really gets to you. Ugh, what a sad reminder as I have 7 weeks til I am back in India! On sad/funny/inappropriate thought: when I first went to India, I took a friend with and after the first 2 days around Delhi she asked, "Do Indians do a lot of camping? I have seen a lot of tents around!" referring to all the slums. sometimes the culture shock/sadness gets to you so much, you have to find something to laugh about. Like the totally agressive scratching teenager - yikes!Kelly!noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4451552276256750355.post-20173562098790497442011-07-02T12:51:04.142-07:002011-07-02T12:51:04.142-07:00Hi, I moved to Pune, (not far from Mumbai) this Ja...Hi, I moved to Pune, (not far from Mumbai) this January and begging is also an issue here. When I first arrived, I was hounded as well. I found that the more I acknowledged the beggar, by saying 'No' or 'Sorry' the more they hassled me and some children would even follow me into shops! So now I've learnt to just ignore them, give no eye contact or speak, just walk away fast with a purpose and they give up. Now all the locals know my face they don't even bother me now. This treatment may sound harsh but it may help you to relax and enjoy India a bit more, it really is a fantastic place to live. I know the poverty is really hard to accept and can be upsetting but to help out your conscience a bit you could always volunteer for a charity that helps the local people, like I do; or donate a small amount of money to one; a little really does go a long way here. <br /><br />www.rayinpune.blogspot.comMISS DAYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13449172260525294929noreply@blogger.com