We love us some Jeannie. She’s fiesty, funky and hilarious, and her blog, Nomadic Chick is one of our faves.
In this week’s Girls that Go! find out a bit more about the notorious Nomadic Chick’s life in India (including the truth about Delhi Belly) and some things you never knew about her.
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GGG: You’re currently in India–awesome! Where are you originally from? What was it that drew you there?
JM: I’m a Canuck, through and through. You never appreciate your own country until you travel. Whenever someone asks, I realize, hey man, I’m Canadian, that’s pretty cool.
As for India, I blindly pick the most insane countries. India is so full of life, you can’t ignore it no matter how hard you try. It’s a good thing I don’t have a boyfriend right now, based on my travel choices. He’d be trussed up, head lopped off by now. I’d most definitely survive. 
GGG: Haha! Okay tell the truth–does everyone have to get Delhi belly? We don’t want it! Is it avoidable?
JM: Sorry chicas, the truth sucks, but you gotta swallow it. Everyone gets it, totally unavoidable. The food is too spicy for some, the heat, the vehicles alone roll over near pot holes and mountain-like speed bumps so much that your stable belly is battered around like a punching bag. I’m pretty casual about food. I like fruits and salads and my Steripen.
My tip? You can’t in India.
All the paranoid crap that guidebooks pour on is true here.
Don’t eat any fruit unless you wash it, peel it yourself. Stick to bottled water. Do not eat any salads. Throw in a stack of french fries once in a while to stabilize your tummy. And when you do get sick, slow down!
GGG: Are you living over there? Do you have an apartment or hop around between guesthouses?
JM: I was volunteering for three months and had a free place to stay. Did have to pay a small volunteer fee though. Mostly though, it’s been guesthouses of varying degrees of cleanliness. Ick.
GGG: What’s been your greatest surprise in your life abroad?
JM: We always make rash assumptions about people all the time. My preconceived ideas of people are always being shattered. When you get past the touts, people are really wonderful. Funny, full of stories and want the same things we do. Oh man, and I use to like my prejudices.
GGG: YUM! What advice would you give to women traveling to India alone?
JM: I sound like an anti-feminist ad, but seriously, do not wear tight tank tops and mini-skirts. I see it all the time and the chick from Paris or England wonders why such and such is staring intensely. Males will stare anyway, but it’s much worse if you refuse to dress at least similar to how Indian women do.
Other tips? Don’t be afraid to explore. I’ve been admitted to some places because I’m a foreigner, where I was the only woman. If you’re ever lost, ask a shopkeeper, they usually speak English and are helpful. People will ask you questions a lot, which seems intrusive, but they are only intrigued that someone came to their country and do you like it? Just answer with humour and ask the same questions, you learn a lot!
If you’re freaked about safety, bring a rubber doorstop, a whistle and if you feel someone is sketchy, tell them you have a boyfriend or husband back home. I’ve never really had to do that, but it’s always there if you need.
GGG: I’ll never forget the time I ______.
JM: I’ll never forget the time I crashed the last Maharaja’s funeral in Jaipur. I walked up to the police barricades, asked if I could go in. A cop shrugged and let me pass through. I’d never seen a funeral pyre in my life, let alone a once alive hero to India. It was surreal. And hot. I recommend staying a few feet away from those funeral pyres.
GGG: People don’t know that I’m _______.
JM: People don’t know that I’m a three alarm snorer. Past boyfriends have woken up pretty pissed and surprised.
GGG: Before I die, I’d like to _______.
JM: Before I die, I’d like to scuba dive at some of the hottest sites. Philippines, Dahab, Egypt, Honduras and The Great Barrier Reef. That’s a lot of dives, but why not dream huge?
Thanks Jeannie! To find out more about Jeannie, check out her site Nomadic Chick, or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Completely agree on “never fully appreciate your own country until you leave”- I felt that same way. Saying with pride where I’m from! Kelly, I love this series!
Exactly. And you don’t realize it until you meet people from other countries. I love this series too, was floored when they wanted to interview me.
A great interview. I love your honesty about Delhi Belly. I was the same with Bali Belly, you just get it and you have to get over it, theres no point trying to get away from it! India is at the very top of my bucket list! One day…
India has been kicking my ass on the health front, but I still want to come back. Ooh, I’ll have to remember that re: Bali Belly. Here I thought nothing could ever be wrong in paradise.
But whyyyyyy?? I still don’t want it. In fact I don’t want anything belly. Except maybe skinny belly.
Ha. Right.
Yeahhh.. the sure fire way to skinny belly is Delhi Belly. Food out, skinny in.
Such a great read… I have a guy friend living in India right now, but the female perspective is so much better to read about! Thanks for the tips and candid conversation!
You’re welcome!
I like your quote: “All the paranoid crap that guidebooks pour on is true here!”
Oh yeah and Canadian Chicks Kick Ass!
Yeah, we do. Thanks for putting that in print.
Love this Jeannie and Kelly! ugh, there goes my last hope to not get Delhi Belly while in India! lol
oooo, I would like to scuba dive at those places too!
I hope that knee is fully healed by now? Frickin scary photos. I know! Delhi Belly is so un-fun, but it will always be a good story in the long run.
Dude, I’ve had it 3 times now. I hold the record. Can you beat me?
GREAT interview! I too love Jeannie and Nomadic Chick!
Noo, I LOVE YOU Connie babe. :0