India Tips from a Facebook friend

The excitement is building... 3 more days of work and we are off!!!

A facebook friend was nice enough to send me some India travel tips (thanks, KL!). Here they are, with my comments in RED.

1. Don't drink mixed drinks - they water down bottles just like some bars here in the states do - but you don't want that water.

2. When you get bottles of beer make sure they open it in front of you. Same with bottles of water - in fact if you can have them give you the bottle, seal in tact, the better.

3. Do NOT use your left hand for anything. Do not expect to find toilet paper in city bathrooms. In the airports you will find Eastern (squat toilets) and western (US style) so pay attention where you go in. If you use an Eastern toilet your left hand IS the paper (yeah its disgusting to us, but they think we're nasty for using paper). Avi assures me that we will always have toilet paper. We shall see. Bringing some in case.

4. Brush your teeth in bottled water - don't even run the brush under the tap. 3rd water awareness tip in the first 4 points.... I truly hope that there will be no alcohol-induced amnesia on these points.

5. EAT EVERYTHING YOU CAN FIND - the food there is ridiculously good. If you've had Indian food in America you have not had anything. Oh and you make sure you eat everything on your plate or you'll upset your host family. And they most likely will not give you utensils - use your right hand only and learn to eat with your fingers. I am looking forward to the food. In fact, I am going to ask Avi's mom for some recipes for things like this delicious dish.

6. Always put your hands together as if in prayer and bow to all parents. Elders are the leaders in a family and house and bowing is a sign of respect. It is customary to bring a gift so before you leave the U.S. pick some things up - souvenirs at the airport, etc. Bring a gift. Desserts/Cookies are a good gift. Bring some American style treats for them. Still a work in progress. Avi has shot down pretty much every good idea I've had so far.

7. Don't expect anything safe in vehicles. The traffic lights are just pretty colors and the stripes on the road are just for design. Yes it is normal to have 6 people on a motorcycle.

8. If you get sick drink chilled coconut water with electrol (Indian Gatorade powder) in it and eat curd rice (white rice with yogurt basically) and you'll get better right away.

Oh hey one more thing. When you get there hit a mall and get some traditional Indian clothing. Two reasons:
One, its a sign of respect and they will accept you more quickly if they see you taking an interest in their culture. (your friends parents will be impressed). Two, our synthetic materials here in the U.S. feel like crap in the hot humid weather there. Literally, the light loose cottons and silks feel great and they don't stick like the polyester blends we have do.