Three words…Ali Baba Trousers.
The fashion fad of all fashion fads for the 2007-2008 India travel season is the Ali Baba trousers…also affectionately known by us as genie pants, diaper covers, grungy hippie premium denim, and load in the pants. They are made with billowy material usually with an elastic waist and about two yards more fabric from the waist to knees than you actually need. In fact most of these pants hang well below the knees and this- in essence- is what makes it look like the person has taken a dump in them.
And they are EVERYWHERE…I challenge any of you to go to any Western travelers haven in India- be it Goa, Hampi, Puri, Mamallapuram, or Varkala and NOT see these pants on someone. Male or female- it doesn’t matter- although in my humble opinion, men should NEVER wear these pants unless they are very comfortable with their masculinity and don’t mind looking like a big dork.
So to be an completely individual traveler in India, get your Ali Baba Trousers, sport your Om tattoo, carry around the Lonely Planet guide, read Shantaram, do yoga while you are just standing around, buy a drum, stare off into space and wear your hair in dreadlocks and you will look just like every other twenty-something backpacker that I have seen for the last six months.
Ed note: I am not knocking Shantaram- it is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone. Read it now before Johnny Depp ruins it on film.
India has become an exotic destination for backpackers all over the world. And why wouldn’t you find a 20 odd people who look the same , they all wanted the same thing for themselves and so they ended up at the same place, no harm done!!
By: Pune Hotels on January 28, 2008
at 10:25 am
@ Pune Hotels:
I don’t think you understood my post based on the comment you left. I was talking about these backpackers that come to India to be “different” or “spiritual” and end up looking and sounding the same as everyone else they are trying to avoid being like.
By: indiatraveller on January 30, 2008
at 8:47 am