Camp Forktail Creek - Minimising Culture Shock

Minimising Culture Shock

For many travelers in India, its diverse crowds, sights, smells, sounds and the general vibe can be quite an

exciting yet daunting experience. And when they go from the urban vistas of the metros to the rural

splendor of Camp Forktail Creek, this culture shock is likely to be compounded! So here are some gentle

tips to hasten and facilitate their Indian experience.

Social Etiquette

1. The first thing to note is that in rural India, it’s NOT rude to stare! People are curious and be prepared

to accept their looking at you as innocent curiosity, not an invasion of privacy.

2. The areas around Camp Forktail Creek are very rural and traditional. Public entertainment of any sort is

nonexistent. Public drinking, displays of affection etc are frowned upon.

3. Smoking is not allowed at public places. All properties of the Indian Railways including trains and railway

stations are strictly non smoking zones with stiff penalties for violations.

4. To show respect and sensitivity and minimise attracting attention to yourself, dress conservatively, i.e.

women should avoid low-cut tops and shorts/ skirts high above the knee, and men should not wander

topless.

5. Dress codes for religious places can include covering your head, being barefoot etc. Ask, so that you

don't unknowingly offend. Some temples do not permit any leather articles at all on their premises. Certain

temples are not open to Non-Hindus. Most museums in India are closed on Mondays and Site Museums,

those near archaeological monuments, on Fridays.

Language

* The easiest way to blend in and get one’s bearings is to get a smattering of local language phrases. The

predominant language around Camp Forktail Creek is Hindi. Here are some general phrases that could help

travelers get around.

Namaste (literally "I greet the God within you"): A Hindu greeting of hello or goodbye (accompanied

with your palms facing, as if in prayer).

Namaskar: A more respectful term of the above

Salaam: A Muslim greeting

Dhanyavaad / Shukriya: Thank you - Hindu / Muslim

Bahut Achcha: Very Good

Ha: Yes

Na / Nahee: No

*Also, it is friendly to call men 'Bhai' and women 'Didi' during interactions, or to get attention. These

literally translate to brother and sister respectively.

Begging

India is notorious for beggars. It is a serious issue in developing nations, but one that need not make you

feel uncomfortable when visiting. Often people do not know what they should do, and of course there is no

right or wrong answer.

Begging is a negative interaction created from goodwill. The outcome of giving money is a short-term

satisfaction, either for the person begging or the frustrated target. Foreign tourists are the main target,

but try not to give into frustration. Judge each situation individually and act upon your feelings at the

time. Talking back often breaks down barriers or you may wish to carry fruits or biscuits to share. Avoid

giving into children as there are many schemes that are encouraging street kids into education.

If you would really like to help begging and poverty in India, there are many programmes that welcome

donations and other forms of help.