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Started By
Message
Any pointers on India?
Posted on 11/12/23 at 7:58 am
Posted on 11/12/23 at 7:58 am
Heading to India this week for work. Going to be a whirlwind trip with Chennai, Bagalaru, Mumbai, and New Delhi all on the schedule. Won’t have time for tourist activities but just curious if anyone’s been and what I should expect.
9
Posted on 11/12/23 at 9:12 am to Geauxtac260
I've been.
It will just be a lot. I don't think you can prepare yourself for that. Sad you won't be able to do tourism, as I fear it will give you a better impression of the place if you did.
It is a pretty polarizing place. Either you dislike the mass of humanity, poverty, and unkempt nature of the place or you lock into the history and exotic parts of it.
Oh, as a foreigner there may be a lot of people staring at you and want to take pictures. It was mostly harmless but you'll know what a celebrity deals with and perhaps understand why some get grumpy.
I imagine being a work trip you'll stay away from food/water that could get you in trouble. Food is great. Pack some Pepto bismol tablets.
It will just be a lot. I don't think you can prepare yourself for that. Sad you won't be able to do tourism, as I fear it will give you a better impression of the place if you did.
It is a pretty polarizing place. Either you dislike the mass of humanity, poverty, and unkempt nature of the place or you lock into the history and exotic parts of it.
Oh, as a foreigner there may be a lot of people staring at you and want to take pictures. It was mostly harmless but you'll know what a celebrity deals with and perhaps understand why some get grumpy.
I imagine being a work trip you'll stay away from food/water that could get you in trouble. Food is great. Pack some Pepto bismol tablets.
This post was edited on 11/12/23 at 9:14 am
Posted on 11/12/23 at 11:09 am to Geauxtac260
Teddy Ruxpin's comments are very good. Your business travel may keep you in a pretty tight cocoon where airport, hotel and restaurant experiences can be top international quality. Exposure to real India might be limited to city-street transportation. Be prepared for beggers tapping on your car window.
See a travel doc or clinic before you go and get a kit of anti-diarrhea meds and an antibiotic for really bad cases. Food illnesses are no joke, and even the cleanest hotel restaurant can't avoid contaminated produce. Hygiene is poor on the farm.
See a travel doc or clinic before you go and get a kit of anti-diarrhea meds and an antibiotic for really bad cases. Food illnesses are no joke, and even the cleanest hotel restaurant can't avoid contaminated produce. Hygiene is poor on the farm.
Posted on 11/12/23 at 11:13 am to Tree_Fall
quote:
Be prepared for beggers tapping on your car window.
Ya, OP whatever you do, do not engage. Just stare ahead and ignore. Believe me your driver wants you to ignore them too, and is not judging you for being an uncharitable Westerner.
This post was edited on 11/12/23 at 11:15 am
Posted on 11/12/23 at 8:27 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
Thanks for the tips!
I’ve traveled many places, including not so great 3rd world places, but I’ve always heard about the poverty and mass amounts of people in India, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it honestly.
My host is a client of mine who wants to tour me around India and conduct some demo work. My time will be very packed, but he just mentioned to me that we might try to squeeze in tourist day or two. As he’s my host I’ll do whatever he feels is best.
Basics apply I’m sure….don’t drink the water, stay away from fruit and veggies, etc.
I’ll hop back on sometime during or after the trip and give some of my thoughts!
Thanks again!
I’ve traveled many places, including not so great 3rd world places, but I’ve always heard about the poverty and mass amounts of people in India, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it honestly.
My host is a client of mine who wants to tour me around India and conduct some demo work. My time will be very packed, but he just mentioned to me that we might try to squeeze in tourist day or two. As he’s my host I’ll do whatever he feels is best.
Basics apply I’m sure….don’t drink the water, stay away from fruit and veggies, etc.
I’ll hop back on sometime during or after the trip and give some of my thoughts!
Thanks again!
Posted on 11/13/23 at 12:14 pm to Geauxtac260
Focusing on the positive...many Indian cities have great parks and public open spaces where Indian families enjoy themselves and things are not too crowded. Maybe your host can include a few.
Whole fruit that you peel yourself is fine. I don't know what's in season now, but you should find an interesting mix.
Whole fruit that you peel yourself is fine. I don't know what's in season now, but you should find an interesting mix.
Posted on 11/14/23 at 11:28 pm to Geauxtac260
I'm in Chennai for the entire month. This is my 7th trip here and the second time that I'm doing a full month. All work, no fun.
Expect an overload to your senses. Every single one.
You're in luck coming this week... lots of rain in Chennai, it will be a bit muggy and dirty on the streets, but it will keep the heat bearable.
Lots of smog in Delhi, especially after Diwali celebrations.
Other things you can expect to see lots of:
Absolute poverty.
Terrible living conditions.
Terrible working conditions.
Thousands of stray dogs roaming the streets.
Trash everywhere.
An absolutely new definition of "that's really spicy" -- for us Americans, "spicy" means "peppery hot". For Indians, there is no such thing as "spicy", but you will find EVERYTHING is a new type of spicy -- overload of corriander, curry, and tumeric -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even the American chains that are here have very little in common with their US versions: KFC, McDs, Subway, Popeyes, et al all have significantly altered menus here.
People are very friendly; however, you must be careful on the streets as there are more than enough people willing to steal you blind.
Have fun adjusting to the non-stop honking in the traffic. After a month here, I honestly have significant culture shock when I get back stateside because it is so much quieter.
ETA: as others have said, stay away from raw fruits and veggies -- even the raw cilantro sprinkled on dishes as a garnish is enough to make your trip to most miserable week in your existence. Bottle water only, and never use ice. Don't even brush your teeth with faucet water. Delhi Belly is no fun at all.
Expect an overload to your senses. Every single one.
You're in luck coming this week... lots of rain in Chennai, it will be a bit muggy and dirty on the streets, but it will keep the heat bearable.
Lots of smog in Delhi, especially after Diwali celebrations.
Other things you can expect to see lots of:
Absolute poverty.
Terrible living conditions.
Terrible working conditions.
Thousands of stray dogs roaming the streets.
Trash everywhere.
An absolutely new definition of "that's really spicy" -- for us Americans, "spicy" means "peppery hot". For Indians, there is no such thing as "spicy", but you will find EVERYTHING is a new type of spicy -- overload of corriander, curry, and tumeric -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even the American chains that are here have very little in common with their US versions: KFC, McDs, Subway, Popeyes, et al all have significantly altered menus here.
People are very friendly; however, you must be careful on the streets as there are more than enough people willing to steal you blind.
Have fun adjusting to the non-stop honking in the traffic. After a month here, I honestly have significant culture shock when I get back stateside because it is so much quieter.
ETA: as others have said, stay away from raw fruits and veggies -- even the raw cilantro sprinkled on dishes as a garnish is enough to make your trip to most miserable week in your existence. Bottle water only, and never use ice. Don't even brush your teeth with faucet water. Delhi Belly is no fun at all.
This post was edited on 11/15/23 at 12:30 am
Posted on 11/15/23 at 12:46 am to Floating Change Up
Just confirms on why I have no interest in seeing India
Posted on 11/15/23 at 8:27 am to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
Ya, OP whatever you do, do not engage. Just stare ahead and ignore. Believe me your driver wants you to ignore them too, and is not judging you for being an uncharitable Westerner.
I have a friend who grew up in Varanasi and was atour guide for Americans. Whenever they went over there he would tell them not to give anything to anyone.
Posted on 11/15/23 at 10:53 am to Geauxtac260
There was a pretty long thread within a few months ago on India. It was enjoyable to read and pretty funny.
Try the search function on here first. If nothing comes up I’ve found you can google something like “Tigerdroppings India Travel” and get results that go back years and years. The search function on this site doesn’t seem to go back very far in time.
Try the search function on here first. If nothing comes up I’ve found you can google something like “Tigerdroppings India Travel” and get results that go back years and years. The search function on this site doesn’t seem to go back very far in time.
Posted on 11/15/23 at 12:22 pm to Floating Change Up
quote:
McDs
59 US cents for a McChicken is a hell of a deal
Posted on 11/15/23 at 1:32 pm to Geauxtac260
My goodness….Im on my flight from Dubai to Chennai. These poor flight attendants. CONSTANTLY having to tell people to sit bc the seatbelt sign is on. Absolutely zero regard for personal space. They’ll just cut right through a row of people to get to the other aisle.
Standing and waiting for the restroom to open….yeah they’re just pretty much standing on top of me.
Food comes out, some meat with gravy and rice. Apparently silverware is still optional here. And the flavor is just like the smell, very strong. And the food smells like the people, or vice versa.
Oh man I’m trying to prepare myself haha.
Oh, I assume coffee is a no go, but what about tea? Do they boil their water for tea? Soda? Assuming their fountains are just tied into the city water so that’s probably a no go also right?
Standing and waiting for the restroom to open….yeah they’re just pretty much standing on top of me.
Food comes out, some meat with gravy and rice. Apparently silverware is still optional here. And the flavor is just like the smell, very strong. And the food smells like the people, or vice versa.
Oh man I’m trying to prepare myself haha.
Oh, I assume coffee is a no go, but what about tea? Do they boil their water for tea? Soda? Assuming their fountains are just tied into the city water so that’s probably a no go also right?
Posted on 11/15/23 at 6:58 pm to Geauxtac260
Pretty much all of the American style hotels use reverse osmosis water so coffee is safe.
The problem with the fresh veggies and fruit is because they wash them in the sink with normal tap water.
The problem with the fresh veggies and fruit is because they wash them in the sink with normal tap water.
Posted on 11/15/23 at 7:01 pm to GetCocky11
I hit up the Pizza Hut in Connaught Place on like Day 10 and it was great. It looked brand new, so good AC and a clean bathroom were really my hopes on a muggy day.
The pizza being comparable to American Pizza Hut was a nice surprise.
Walking into a foreign McDonald's or other chain is a fun distraction overseas. Just like going into a local grocery store. Underrated activity.
The pizza being comparable to American Pizza Hut was a nice surprise.
Walking into a foreign McDonald's or other chain is a fun distraction overseas. Just like going into a local grocery store. Underrated activity.
This post was edited on 11/15/23 at 7:03 pm
Posted on 11/15/23 at 7:05 pm to Geauxtac260
What airline you on?
The stories you hear about the back of the plane on the way to less developed countries are amazing. Someone should collect them all into a book. Wild stuff goes on.
The stories you hear about the back of the plane on the way to less developed countries are amazing. Someone should collect them all into a book. Wild stuff goes on.
Posted on 11/16/23 at 1:18 am to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
Walking into a foreign McDonald's or other chain is a fun distraction overseas.
McD’s in Japan and Taiwan are virtually identical to US versions. Only difference is the Japan and Taiwan food is better quality… similar to US McDonalds in the late 70’s early 80’s. I love getting a BigMac at the Tokyo airport.
Posted on 11/16/23 at 4:44 am to Teddy Ruxpin
Flew in on Emirates.
One thing I’m learning quickly is they have a different sense of time. These guys are starting their day around 10, taking “lunch” at 4, and saying dinner will be at 9. Woof. I just wanna sleep lol.
One thing I’m learning quickly is they have a different sense of time. These guys are starting their day around 10, taking “lunch” at 4, and saying dinner will be at 9. Woof. I just wanna sleep lol.
This post was edited on 11/16/23 at 4:45 am
Posted on 11/16/23 at 9:04 am to Floating Change Up
I had a "McFarm" in Greece but now it's only in Hungary. Was a little weird.
Perhaps I'll slide into Japan's in April.
Perhaps I'll slide into Japan's in April.
Posted on 11/16/23 at 9:43 am to Teddy Ruxpin
I have zero desire to ever go to India but I am fascinated reading threads like this.
What is it about the water that is so dangerous? I assume their pipes/filters/infrastructure are crap so tap water is not as pure as in America, but why isn't everyone in India constantly sick? Is it just that their systems are used to it?
What is it about the water that is so dangerous? I assume their pipes/filters/infrastructure are crap so tap water is not as pure as in America, but why isn't everyone in India constantly sick? Is it just that their systems are used to it?
Posted on 11/16/23 at 11:43 am to WG_Dawg
quote:Yes. I assume an American would probably get used to it after awhile but the path getting there is unpleasant.
Is it just that their systems are used to it?
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