Laiba Homestay

The host, Aslam, was the worst part of staying here. He tried to control our plans and make money from every interaction. We couldn't even eat without hearing a business proposal, always priced outrageously in his favor. He kept pushing a family drive to Agra for 6000 rupees, with sightseeing we didn't want. We took a bus for 280 instead, and he still wouldn't drop the idea. It felt like we were being asked to pay for his family's vacation. He said he didn't set prices and that we could pay whatever we wanted. When I asked for a fair price to the Pink City, he wouldn't name one, apparently counting on us not knowing local prices. I asked what a tuktuk should cost and he said 150-200. The next day I found out it was 80-100. That small lie was the first warning. We had no privacy. He kept knocking and texting from outside our door. When he came into our room once, he was nosy about our things, kept touching my watch, and invaded my personal space. I worried about leaving our valuables there. We felt uncomfortable and unsafe around him. On my girlfriend's birthday, we wanted to visit an elephant place and give Aslam another chance. We'd read that prices could be negotiated and the activities should cost around 2000 rupees. He asked for 6000 up front, saying he'd told his friend he was treating us and was getting a "discount." He said otherwise he'd look like a liar, which made it seem he had lied. It took away our chance to negotiate a fair price with the Elephant Place's Host. The 6000 was supposed to cover the drive both ways and food. We went along with it, but when the day ended he asked for more money. It was awkward, and I didn't give him anything then. On the second day, he told my girlfriend she shouldn't wear her outfit because it went against his religion. She was insulted. I wasn't there, but later, when she was away, he tried to get me to tell "my woman" to dress differently. He started, "You're a guy, you'll understand..." I stopped him and said we don't believe what he believes, I don't care what he thinks, and she can wear what she wants because that's freedom. He never let the subject go. He kept commenting on her clothes and makeup and saying he wished she wore long sleeves. He seemed unable to understand freedom or equality. I feel sad for his daughter. The neighborhood felt like a snake pit. People kept asking for money as we walked to the main road. There were no restaurants or things to do nearby without taking a cab. Wifi was very slow, barely enough for email, and attachments wouldn't download. Social media was out of the question. The AC didn't work and there was no breakfast. Those were things we could have put up with, though. We came after reading the good reviews and felt we'd been trapped. When I reread them, it seemed they all had the same thing in common: the guests spent their whole time with Aslam and went along with his scam without knowing better. Don't be fooled. His word means nothing. He's a pathological liar.

Such a lovely place and family. I came away with an Indian friend!

Really good.

Good.