My Worst Travel and Living Experiences: France, Ukraine, and Bolivia
Traveling and living in different countries can be a wonderful experience, but not all travels are created equal. Over the years, I've visited a multitude of countries, and two of them stand out as notably the worst experiences for me. In this article, I'll share my personal experiences in France and Ukraine, as well as add a new twist with my recent experiences in Bolivia. Along the way, I'll also delve into the challenges of traveling and living in certain environments and why these countries were the worst for me.
1. France: An Unforgettable Nightmare
While France is often celebrated for its culture, history, and gastronomy, its less glamorous side left me bewildered. I had the fortune (or misfortune) of visiting France twice, which unfortunately left me with deeply negative impressions.
2014: EuroNaval Exhibition in Paris
On my first visit, I attended the EuroNaval exhibition in 2014. The city, which should have been a sight to behold, instead greeted me with an unsettling surprise. The streets were overwhelmingly littered with garbage, much to my dismay. Even outside the city, the cleanliness issues persisted. This was just the beginning of my less-than-pleasurable experience in France.
2018: A City Enveloped in Protest and Uncleanliness
My second visit to Paris in 2018 was meant to be a simple layover, but it ended up turning into a full-blown nightmare. The city was filled with roadblocks, protests, and altogether a dirty environment. The street food was another disaster, so unappetizing that it didn't pass even the most basic test of palatability. The combination of these factors made my stay in France both unpleasant and challenging.
2. Ukraine: A Resort Turned Nightmare
Before the onset of the conflict, Ukraine offered a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. However, my visit in 2007 to the resort town of Karolina Bugaz brought an entirely different experience. From the moment I arrived, the trip felt like it was steeped in a sort of dystopia, comparable to a proverbial African country.
Terrible Service and Facilities
The service and facilities were monstrous. Employees were rude, and the attempts at taking advantage of tourists were all too evident. The overall experience was so grueling that every aspect seemed to fail, from the attitudes of the staff to the infrastructure itself. This visit left me with a lasting negative impression of Ukraine.
3. Bolivia: Altitude Sickness and Travel Diarrhea
Bolivia stands out from my negative travel experiences as a particularly taxing journey due to its high-altitude landscape. Although I tried twice, both attempts ended in sickness and discomfort.
Altitude Sickness in La Paz
My first attempt in La Paz in 2022 brought an immediate hit of altitude sickness. The city sits at an elevation of approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, which is notably higher than the highest city in the United States, Leadville, Colorado, at 10,158 feet. Within minutes of landing, my body was overtaken by an intense headache and muscle weakness. I endured multiple instances of vomiting over the next three days.
Travel Diarrhea or Food Poisoning
Adding to my misery was travel diarrhea or food poisoning. This version of the condition was relentless, causing me to have bowel movements every 30 to 45 minutes for three days. Due to severe dehydration, I needed an IV drip for three consecutive days. This was a harrowing experience that stamped Bolivia as one of the worst travel destinations for me.
4. India and Egypt: Tourist Hell
The atmosphere in India and Egypt is often overwhelming, mainly due to the traffic, excessive locals, and the omnipresent evidence of extreme poverty.
India: Men’s Disrespect and Harassment
India has a particular aspect that makes it stand out in my travel experiences – the attitude of men. During one of my trips, my group consisted of four women, including myself, a Swiss woman, a French woman, and two Japanese women. The men's behavior was not just staring intensely; they swarmed around us, attempting to take pictures and making inappropriate physical contact. This experience was so unsettling that it deterred me from visiting India again.
Update: October 2024
A recent update shows that my concerns are not isolated incidents. When my Filipina friend and her sister, along with a Korean friend, returned from India despite my warnings, they experienced the same level of harassment. This suggests that the problem is systemic and a recurring issue in the country. Therefore, it’s not just me and my friends who have had such negative experiences.
Conclusion
Each of these experiences left its distinct mark on my perception of these countries. Traveling and living in these places can be challenging for many reasons, from extreme conditions to human behavior. While some may seek out these experiences for adventure or cultural immersion, they are not for everyone.
For future travelers considering these destinations, it's essential to conduct thorough research and follow travel advisories. Always assess the current situation and your own comfort level before making a decision.