About the author

Tim Moss

Tim Moss has supported over 100 expeditions across all seven continents. He has climbed new mountains, crossed a desert on foot and recently cycled 13,000 miles around the world. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society London and a Guinness World Record Holder. He aims to encourage more people to live adventurously. Read more...

8 Comments

  1. 1

    Christian Benke

    The last one made me laugh out loud!

    I’m still stunned how kids manage to reset my GPS-recorder within seconds by randomly pressing buttons. Nowadays i’m quick to shout “Don’t touch”.

    Practice the “headwaggle and smile” to get a reaction.

    Reply
    1. 1.1

      Tim Moss

      …and it’s not just the kids! Fully grown adults seem to be just as curious/shameless with their investigations.

      Reply
  2. 2

    Najeeb Ahmed Khan

    Hi Tim
    this is an eye opener, this is same everywhere you go in the entire Indian subcontinent,

    Reply
    1. 2.1

      Tim Moss

      I’m hoping Nepal doesn’t count as part of the subcontinent… That’s where we’re heading to escape the madness!

      Reply
  3. 3

    Dan Page

    Hi Guys,

    Sounds interesting!

    When I drove through Mongolia in 2005 it was a similar story. I remember one incident in particular. We stopped for petrol beside a local gentleman with a small canister of fuel (the local equivalent of a Shell / BP garage) and whilst negotiating how much petrol we needed, a local child got in the driver seat, played with the buttons and started the engine. It was a touch concerning at first but we soon learned that this was just the norm in a country where personal space does not exist and it is normal for three generations to live in the same (albeit usually large) tent.

    Reply
    1. 3.1

      Tim Moss

      Cheers Dan. I worry enough when someone tries to ride my heavy bike, but a car…!

      Reply
  4. 4

    Snigdha

    I’m an Indian. To be perfectly honest, privacy and personal space is not even a thing in India. As much as it pains me say this, it is true. Even in households, cousins grow up under the same roof and joint family system exists, so there is no concept of privacy. Even though my family is a nuclear family, my dad still views the concept of privacy and personal space to be something we youngsters trying to copy westerners. It is sad, really. There mustn’t be a password to your phone either cause if you do, it means you’re hiding something from them. They understand it that way. The only consolation in this situation would be that our generation is a lot better in this aspect. Also, I apologise on behalf of all of them who did not respect your privacy. I hope that you make better memories the next time you visit India. Because, it may have a million problems, but it is still a paradise once you get to know it deeply. Good day!

    Reply
    1. 4.1

      Tim Moss

      Hi Snigdha. Thanks for the thoughtful comment. It is interesting to hear about it from an Indian.

      In many ways, it is a more normal way to be. Why are so many of us so precious about our “personal space”? And since most of us don’t usually have major secrets to hide at all times, what are we so concerned about?

      I guess that’s one of the reasons for travelling. To see different ways of life and challenge our assumptions.

      And don’t worry, I am still a big fan of India! We have many fond memories from that trip and had a wonderful time on our previous visit.

      All the best,
      Tim.

      Reply

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