Summary

The author, an Indian traveler, reflects on their European trip, appreciating the luxuries of clean air, consistent electricity, and freedom of dress, yet also highlighting the superiority of Indian metro systems, the need for better climate control in Europe, the benefits of India's labor abundance, and the exceptional hospitality found back home.

Abstract

After a four-week journey through Europe, the author, who hails from India, shares insights on the stark differences between European cities and their home country. Despite the allure of European cities like Paris, Brussels, and Berlin, the author points out that India offers certain conveniences and cultural experiences that are lacking in Europe. They note the efficiency and accessibility of the Delhi metro compared to those in European cities, the absence of adequate cooling systems in Europe despite changing climates, and the ample availability of labor in India which enhances service experiences. The author also emphasizes the unique level of hospitality in India, rooted in the cultural belief that "guest is god," which surpasses what they experienced in Europe. While acknowledging the beauty and appeal of Europe, the author expresses a deep appreciation for the comforts and warmth of their developing country, India.

Opinions

The author envies the European lifestyle that allows for wearing whatever one wants without feeling unsafe and the ability to walk extensively without concern.
Despite the charm of European cities, the author finds the Delhi metro system to be superior in terms of space, air conditioning, and the presence of escalators and elevators.
The author criticizes the lack of air conditioning in European public transport, especially during extreme weather conditions, and suggests that Europe needs to adapt to recent climate changes.
The author appreciates the abundance of labor in India, which leads to better service in the hospitality sector compared to the staff shortages observed in Europe.
The author acknowledges a cultural pride in Indian hospitality, attributing it to the deep-rooted belief of treating guests as gods, and contrasts this with their experiences in Europe.
While the author enjoys the pet-friendly nature, connectivity of public transport, and architecture in Europe, they are deterred by the high cost of living in Switzerland.
The author concludes with a balanced view, cherishing their travel experiences in Europe while also expressing gratitude for the comforts and hospitality of India.

Travelling Across Europe Made Me Appreciate My Developing Country

This was over-the-top disappointing.

Image by the author (Location: Hallstatt Skywalk, Austria)

I took off four weeks in August to travel with my mum. We went to France, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Switzerland.

We come from India.

A place where I wish I had these few luxuries are ‘basic’ for some of you — clean air, 24/7 electricity, a culture to freely wear shorts and dresses, and indoor heating will be a bonus because I don’t enjoy winters.

A few days ago my mum and I were walking around Paris and I asked her,

“won’t you miss walking? Such a beautiful weather. We can wear whatever we want to without feeling unsafe. We can walk to so many places.”

I envy this.

I tried sixteen different Belgian beers, ate waffles, pizza, and crepes — and I’ve lost weight because we walked at least 10 km every day.

Effortlessly.

Eating waffles at Maison Dandoy, Brussels (credits: author)

BUT, here are some incidents which truly made me appreciate my home country.

The world views it as ‘developing’, but we’re a tad bit ahead in a few ways.

I’m Yet To See a Better Metro

I’ve taken the metro in London, Copenhagen, Berlin, Paris, Bangkok, and probably a few more cities. I kid you not that Delhi metro is the best.

On the first day of our trip, we landed in Paris at 8 pm. An hour later, we were in the metro on our way to the Airbnb. Imagine one backpack, suitcase, and stroller per person— and no elevators or escalators.

Two flights of stairs to climb.

I know this is because these metro stations are far older than Delhi.

Still, we not only have bigger and more spacious air-conditioned trains but also plenty of escalators and elevators even in small stations.

This one time in Berlin, our train was stuck at 5 pm for 75 minutes due to a technical fault. There was no ventilation because there was no air conditioning.

Getting evacuated in Berlin (credits: author)

We had really old people, toddlers, and pregnant women on board too.

Imagine the heat. While my tropical skin could take it, I saw so many locals getting red.

What’s With No Air Cooling?

Where I live, we have extreme heat and cold. So we have fans, air conditioners, and heaters. No central cooling because it’s expensive.

I know Europe hasn’t seen the heat it is facing lately in forever and never felt the need for fans…. but times are changing.

And it’s not this year or last year.

Even when I was studying in England five years ago, there was a cold wave and then later a heat wave. I had to buy a tiny fan even then.

In the last five years of extreme summers, hotels and airbnbs only have one wall fan.

Labour

Before this, I’d never seen the benefit of coming from a populous country. We have people — yay!

So I’ll explain to you how this helps.

In Brussels, we were at a really touristy restaurant because we were starving and smaller places didn’t accept cards.

Imagine 60 people sitting, with only two staff members. It took me 20 minutes to get mayonnaise, which I got by walking in and getting it for myself.

There was a shortage of staff in nearly all places except Switzerland. Of course, it’s understandable because the hospitality sector was hit hard when the world shut down and adequate staff requires more funds.

In India, there’s always an ample amount of staff and other labour because of the simple economics of demand and supply — lots of supply leads to low wages of labour.

Hospitality

I used to think my relatives from the States or tourists I interact with are just kind when they say they’ve never experienced hospitality like they do in India.

I now know it’s true.

One reason could be a famous saying, which is a cultural value we have —

अतिथि देवो भावी

This translates to — guest is god.

We love taking care of our guests and going out of our way. I think a part of it is because we want that person to think that ours is the best family/house they’ve been to because we love competing for stupid things.

But the hospitality sector also goes out of its way for you.

It’s probably just a South Asian thing, I suppose. If you’re from a different country and you visit an Indian household, the elders will feed you till you can no longer take it.

However…

This is by no means throwing Europe into bad light.

Firstly, because it's an entire continent that I haven’t explored.

Secondly, I love travelling to Europe. There’s something about the vibe and the beauty which makes me want to explore again and again.

This was simply a comparison with my home country.

Apart from the ‘basics’ I mentioned, I also love how pet-friendly everything there is. From Louis Vuitton to Zara to McDonald's — pets are welcome everywhere.

I love how well connected public transport is, how pleasant evenings get even in scorching summer, and the stunning architecture.

However, I do not love how crazily expensive Switzerland is. But that’s an article for another time.

I can’t wait to visit again already, honestly. But for now, I’m grateful to have travelled after three years.

Click here to grab your free Side Hustler Checklist.

My 5 Weird Experiences in These 5 Countries

I didn’t expect this at all.

medium.com