I have some weird
questions: for example:
How was it possible to sleep on a moving bus?
When you're tired, believe me, you'll sleep anywhere. The fact that the bus was moving
didn't seem to bother me. On my trip, space (or the lack of it) was more of a problem, but
having said that, there was only one night where I had difficulty getting to sleep.
Sleeping on the bus is not ideal, but it is part of the GT experience, so it's up to you
to make the best of it. Also, travelling through the night makes it possible to keep long
daytime drives to a minimum.
Did the bus have a bathroom?
No.
Or do you just make rest stops?
Yes. This arrangement seemed to work pretty well.
Does privacy just go out the window (any place to change
clothes, for example?) on such a tour?
Privacy or the lack of it wasn't much of an issue. Generally, people showed a degree of
politeness to those around them when changing clothes, and tended not to expose themselves
much (using a sleeping bag as cover, for example). On the other hand, when taking swims or
bathing in hot springs, it was quite acceptable to go naked - 'clothes optional'.
What do people do who have contact lenses? Is there a place on the bus where you
can put out your disinfection equipment?
There were a couple of people on my trip who wore contacts. You are allowed to store
inside the bus one small backpack of personal belongings. I assume that that's where they
kept their lens equipment.
Also: I'm American and 31. Will there be others like me,
single Americans in their 30's?
Yes. If my trip was typical, the majority will probably be American, with Europeans close
behind. Plenty of people in their twenties and thirties, a few in their forties and maybe
one or two over fifty. Most will be single.
I noticed that a lot of people who put comments on the GT
"tales" board seemed to be children or families, but you didn't mention any
children on your tour. Perhaps each tour has some distinction in this regard?
There was a 9 year old girl on my trip with her father, but generally, I think it's pretty
uncommon to have children on the bus.
It does sound like a roughing-it experience, but
spectacular at the same time.
The roughing-it experience is an important part of the adventure - it brings people closer
together. Everyone becomes part of a big family.
I'm considering going on one of these tours but am a
wimpy New Yorker, used to the convenience of my accessories, etc and normal sleeping
conditions.
If you like being with people and if you can do without your usual home comforts for a few
days or weeks, I'd say go for it. Approach it with a sense of adventure and you'll
have a great time.
I was on a high for weeks after my Tortoise trip last year. The places we visited were
truly amazing, but what really made the experience so special was the human factor. What
began as a bunch of strangers who happened to be travelling on the same bus soon became a
magical community of friends, sharing a journey of discovery. It was certainly one of the
best vacations I've ever had.
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