Responsible Travel!

It is wonderful to experience a glimpse of the world while traveling. It is so easy to get stuck in one’s own little bubble back home in Sweden—a life often filled with routine.

I always read newspapers to see what is happening in the here and now, and in doing so, I can often discern certain trends. For instance, there is a strong focus on highlighting the role of women in the workforce across Asia. Sometimes, I also notice specific words or combinations of words that catch my attention. Right now, the word “container” is quite popular—it’s being used as a visual device in writing.

Responsible travel is also gaining traction. Global warming is a reality, and the Paris Agreement seems to be losing its grip: the 1.5°C target has effectively shifted toward 2.8°C. Nepal, situated between the massive nations of India and China—which together account for billions of people—is inevitably affected by carbon dioxide emissions. You cannot choose your neighbors, so the key lies in maintaining a dialogue to ensure climate goals are met.

I spent only two days in Delhi, but I am glad that I at least got a feel for India. I was taken advantage of a few times because I didn’t realize that everyone was working on a commission basis—helping one another find customers for hotels, clothing shops, restaurants, and so on.

Tourism is truly a major industry in India. I was easily able to book a local guide for an entire day. We ended up stuck in traffic jams, and given the sheer number of cars on the road, it is easy to see why the goals of the Paris Agreement are so difficult to achieve.

I saw so much, and it was wonderful to discover that there are green oases to be found in Delhi. My guide took me to a shop where I bought a pashmina shawl. I realized I was being completely ripped off, but at the time it didn’t matter, because I was so happy with my shawl. I also ended up with a shawl from Kathmandu. They’re so great to have in Sweden—perfect for wrapping yourself up in now that it’s starting to get so cold!