I'm Going to India!

Yeah, I've pretty much been in denial about it, but it looks like the real deal, and I'm going for business. I've got a list of things to do before then...and have to be militant about what I put in my body when i'm there (e.g. no ice cubes in my drinks, which will KILL ME since I put ice in EVERYTHING).

Has anyone ever been there (besides you, Huggles LOL! )

What would you recommend I do before hand? During? And the thing I'm most upset about? Leaving my kitties to the care of my boyfriend! He loves them, and they adore him, but I am their mom and I will be so sad when I am there without my kitties curling up next to me

i havent been there so i cant really help you out-- but WOW id love that opportunity. How long will you be there? Good luck. I'm sure someone else will come along to help ya out with suggestions.

My dad went to India two summers ago for a few months to study hinduism and yoga. He called home asking me to mail him motrin.... so I'd reccomend you bring along a bottle of tylenol or advil if you plan on taking a yoga class. Dad also brought a mist bottle with him and kept it in his bag when he went on day trips.

I've never been there, but it sounds like fun!, have a blast and take tons of pictures

India is a big country; what part of India are you going to? I'm assuming that you are going to one of the big cities if it is a business trip.

I've been to India twice (though admittedly it has been a long time since the last trip), but my friends who have been there recently (two months ago), insist that the pace of life in India's big cities now rivals NYC. Be prepared for huge crowds everywhere you go...personal space is difficult to maintain in a large crush of people. Also, since everything is so crowded, exercise the usual precautions about guarding your valuables. There are TONS of pickpockets everywhere, and India is no exception.

That being said, modern India has most of the conveniences of the US...big hotels will be able to accomodate your requests for ice in your water. However, drinking water outside that's not bottled is a HUGE NO-NO. Stick to the soft drinks and juices.

Originally Posted by Ali012281

My dad went to India two summers ago for a few months to study hinduism and yoga. He called home asking me to mail him motrin.... so I'd reccomend you bring along a bottle of tylenol or advil if you plan on taking a yoga class. Dad also brought a mist bottle with him and kept it in his bag when he went on day trips.

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That's funny...I am not a big "drug" person like that, but I got a coupon for Nuprin the other day and thought...I should buy it *now* for when I go on my trip LOL.

I am also thinking of FedExing a case or two of water to "greet" me there.

Originally Posted by amitya

i havent been there so i cant really help you out-- but WOW id love that opportunity. How long will you be there? Good luck. I'm sure someone else will come along to help ya out with suggestions.

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I will be there approx three weeks. Everyone is getting a christmas gift from India LOL -- pashminas for all!!!

OH! And you HAVE to get a mango lassi. Mmmmmmmm And they have this great dessert called Dolces (I think that is how it is spelt) but its a bananna with honey and coconut... its heavenly.

Originally Posted by AbsolutChaos

India is a big country; what part of India are you going to? I'm assuming that you are going to one of the big cities if it is a business trip.

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Yes, I will be in Bangalore -- the country's "Silicon Valley."

Originally Posted by AbsolutChaos

I've been to India twice (though admittedly it has been a long time since the last trip), but my friends who have been there recently (two months ago), insist that the pace of life in India's big cities now rivals NYC. Be prepared for huge crowds everywhere you go...personal space is difficult to maintain in a large crush of people. Also, since everything is so crowded, exercise the usual precautions about guarding your valuables. There are TONS of pickpockets everywhere, and India is no exception.

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Yeah, I'm the only caucasian female who has gone to or will be going thus far...my colleague is a Canadian national but Indian heritage, and the other is a Chinese national. I've been given all the warnings about pickpockets and singling out fair haired, fair skinned women...I'm going to be at the office, then back in my hotel room LOL.

Originally Posted by AbsolutChaos

That being said, modern India has most of the conveniences of the US...big hotels will be able to accomodate your requests for ice in your water.

However, drinking water outside that's not bottled is a HUGE NO-NO. Stick to the soft drinks and juices.

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I'm still making my own ice, with my own bottled water! My drunk of a boss also suggested doing a shot of bourbon every night. Um, I don't even like bourbon! But my colleagues are all like "YES! Have at least one drink a night!" Well, if it's for health sake...

Originally Posted by Ali012281

OH! And you HAVE to get a mango lassi. Mmmmmmmm And they have this great dessert called Dolces (I think that is how it is spelt) but its a bananna with honey and coconut... its heavenly.

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Actually, want to hear something ironic. My boyfriend and I LOOOOOOOOVE Indian food, and he got some take out last night. For some strange reason today, I started getting wicked stomach cramps, then BANG! On the pot! (sorry for the TMI LOL).

Then out of the blue tonight, BF had a barfing spell. We think it might be the Indian food doing us in. As I said, how ironic. I've had the mango lassi, but of course, it's here, so who knows? Never tried the dolcis though.

too much curry and spice can really do a number on your belly LOL

Originally Posted by Ali012281

too much curry and spice can really do a number on your belly LOL

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It normally doesn't though...as a rule, I have jalapenos every day...I am not joking! I need spicy food, it's my lifeblood LOL. Indian food has never done a number on me...must have been some bad chicken, we both had chicken, just different styles.

I have been twice and loved it, though not to Bangalore. I loved it, the colour, history, food, everything. India is so big that every region is different in culture. It is a shock though, seeing so many beggars. You really end up having to ignore them or you get swamped. I managed not to get ill, though I have a strong stomach and I was careful - no ice, icecream, lettuce or parsley (their cellular structure means they soak up contaminated water). And make sure that you open your bottled water yourself - some cafes will refill opened bottles. Have a great time!

I am so jealous! I'd love to go! For me the colors the history are just fascinating. Of course if I ever went - I'd have to go jewlery shopping. India has the best sapphires!

Originally Posted by Talon

I am so jealous! I'd love to go! For me the colors the history are just fascinating. Of course if I ever went - I'd have to go jewlery shopping. India has the best sapphires!

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Sapphires! Oh my goodness! I had forgotten about their jewels!!! Huh, how about some irony...the nail color I got the other day was called "jewel of India." LOL More Christmas present ideas!!! LOL

Originally Posted by blue_monday_88

Sapphires! Oh my goodness! I had forgotten about their jewels!!! Huh, how about some irony...the nail color I got the other day was called "jewel of India." LOL

More Christmas present ideas!!! LOL

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Oh the silver jewlery they have is amazing. My father got me a silver anklet (they don't have gold ones because gold is a pure metal and being below the waist is unsanitary.... ) and it is beautiful. It has little bells and tinkles while I walk.

You're going to have to take a ton of pictures and show us all. I am so excited for you. You'll have to get some sandalwood oil. Mmmm. It smells so nice. You can put a little in plain lotion.

Originally Posted by Ali012281

Oh the silver jewlery they have is amazing. My father got me a silver anklet (they don't have gold ones because gold is a pure metal and being below the waist is unsanitary.... ) and it is beautiful. It has little bells and tinkles while I walk.

You're going to have to take a ton of pictures and show us all. I am so excited for you. You'll have to get some sandalwood oil. Mmmm. It smells so nice. You can put a little in plain lotion.

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Ali - your father sounds wicked cool . Why did he study yoga? Is he just a hippie at heart? A yoga instructor? Just curious -- it's very rare to see men who are that in touch with themselves . He also sounds like he has superb taste in accessories .

HA HA HA. My dad is a gay hippie at heart. No joke. He's been studying yoga for 5 years and is thinking about becoming an instructor.....

If your dad wants another daughter - I am available for adoption. He sounds great!

Originally Posted by Ali012281

HA HA HA. My dad is a gay hippie at heart. No joke.

He's been studying yoga for 5 years and is thinking about becoming an instructor.....

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Well I think that is awesome! I wish my dad would take yoga. It's funny, the difference between my mom and dad...My mom is a prima donna but FLIPPED OUT when I told her I was going to India (she totally doesn't want me to go LOL). My dad was like "Whatever." But he has no memory or attention span to deal with anything like that LOL.

They have yoga schools in my town but all NYC instructors have studied in India at one time or another. I gotta take me some meditation courses when I am there.