@Indian: Thank you for sharing; your comment is welcome. Yes, I’ve heard that backpackers aren’t welcome visitors in places… maybe many. I wish these places would hang a sign up to let us know to avoid them or to simply turn us away. That would save much time.=-)

As for ‘attitude’, I can understand why that evolves: each country’s standards, cultures, daily lifestyles are different. As travelers, we want change and difference and we try our best to accept and appreciate them, but it’s not always that easy if the difference is greater than what we’re used to. Sometimes, we’re taken aback by this. I actually love India and it’s my second time visiting. I love the culture and the people… and a part of me wishes I could live there for a year to get to know the country and people better. The country is both, amazing and scary to me. Some aspects of the lifestyle definitely challenge me, as it will others… it’s not the lifestyle I come from. But I won’t be dishonest or apologize about what I experience, what I write or how I feel. If I chose to travel India on a budget, then I got what I paid for. Simple as that.

@Travelyn: Thanks so much. I’m sure so many of us share similar experiences. It’s why I love meeting fellow travelers! If it’s my posts are a heads up for future travel planning, great. If it’s for commiseration, that works just as good. =)

@Mariellen: As an expat of India, I thank you for your comment. I didn’t realize the backpacker look worked against travelers, but I guess there are many of us who can look pretty scroungy. I’m sure no respectable family would want to house someone who’s homeless looking, even if they bring cash. I was at a gh in Mumbai (which wasn’t so “dazzling” but speaking with the management, I remember them saying that they didn’t want any Indians/locals to stay there. They led me to believe that Indians wouldn’t respect the accommodations and that they spit and stuff… Interesting.

However, I think you have to avoid looking like a back-packer. If you are clean and well-dressed you will be more welcome at a family run guest house.

I’ve actually seen an Australian female back-packer turned away from a nice place I was staying in Rajasthan by the owners/managers because she was unkempt.

@Sarah: Apologies for the late response. Traveling & homelessness makes me forgetful sometimes! ha ha..
I’m glad you’re finding some of my posts helpful!

Bangkok’s medical infrastructure and their ability to deal with international clients (in English) is stronger than Korea’s at the moment, I feel… I took my first two rabies shots in Thailand (was on a vacation) and the cost was a sizeable difference to the U.S.. 1/4 the cost literally! Had to get the last shot in Korea & phenomenally, Korea totally failed. Daegu didn’t have the rabies drug so I had to order it from a private clinic and get it done in Seoul. A bit more costly than Thailand but still cheaper than the U.S. Korea is good but I tend to think of Thailand as the leader and if the best is cheaper, I’d definitely go with it. 😉