Travel tips for India:

a few helpful insights to keep in mind while visiting the beautiful country of india:

• Don't let a guy take your bag at the train station - for any reason! he will lead you to a sketchy cab and try to rip you off.
• Always cary tissues with for TP
• Don't make a habit of flying out the night of the Cricket World Cup semi-finals India/Pakistan game. No one wants to miss the game to take you to the airport, and if you wait til its over (and India wins) you have to doge parties in the streets and will arrive barely in time - just as they call your seat number for boarding.
• When you give something away use your right hand.
• Don't give change for 1000 rupes - it may be counterfeit. especially if its from the sketchy cab driver
• When on a sleeper car train, try to avoid booking a spot in the same car as the world-famous fart/burp/snorer!
• Don't use a green pen to fill out the customs sheet at the Mumbai airport. They will make you redo it.
• When trying to fall asleep on the train between Kolhapur and Mumbai, listening to Yo Yo Ma helps to drown out the world famous FBSer.
• Don't be alarmed by lizards above the sink, or mice, roaches and spiders visiting your room. They tend to be friendly and/or scared of you.
• If wearing a dupita (scarf) and you need to use the traditional squatter toilet, be sure to wrap your scarf up around your neck securely, or take it off and hang it up until you are done.
• When you give a cild something to hold or play with, don't expect to get it back.

• Taxi fare is whats on the meeter times 9 + 2. Expect to be asked for more, and perhaps to get into a discussion about fairness, justice and the law.
• Avoid drinks made with fresh ground water, and ice, whenever possible - yet don't be rude. This can be challenging.
• Don't be alarmed if a cow or herd of goats or sheep cross in front of your car on the road. Expect to walk by pigs in the neighborhood sleeping in a trash pile.
• Be prepared to receive a florist shop worth of flowers if/when you go visiting churches and schools.
• Be careful when flushing the toilet - you may get sprayed with water.
• Avoid eye contact with the opposite gender when walking on the street, but an occasional smile might make their day!
• Expect to see cars trucks, motor bikes and buses come barreling down on you in your lane as they swerve around a cart pulled by water buffalo. Miraculously they get back to their side of the road before you collide.
• If water comes out of the shower head brown and rusty colored, stick with bucket showers. If the bucket is moldy wash it first.
• Don't give money to the kids begging on the streets - but ask for their name (learn to ask in their language first). smile and touch their nose.
• Empty water bottles can be cut down to make vases for all the flowers received.
• Chai will be offered to you several times a day - be careful of caffeine/sugar overdose.
• take any opportunity to have freshly roasted corn with lime, salt and chili powder! especially on the roadside in the farmlands of Kolhapur. yum.