bangalore

makaya

my girlfriend is going to bangalore on business for three months and i may join her after the first of the year. i'm alittle apprehensive. is there any tips or useful information for two women that i should be aware of. what is it like going out at night?
annie

indiamike

Bangalore is a pretty westernized city, especially the area around MG Road. Take a street out of Manhattan and plop it down in India, add some cows, and there you go.

There are many expats and westerners living and working in Bangalore and I don't figure that you would have many problems as women.

What is it like going out at night?--I assume that you are talking about bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Well for one thing it's a big culture shock from the west, since woman are usually seated separate from the men and placed in a family section. Don't expect free drinks from men and someone constantly trying to pick you up....it won't happen. On the street Indian men may grope you (not in Bangalore though), but in a nightclub that's a whole different story and usually the club won't let the hormones mix, if you catch my drift.

Some people don't like Bangalore because they feel it's to westernized. I thought it was good and there are plenty of clubs and after-hours places to go to and for two women you should have no problems.

Cheers
Mike

makaya

thanks. and while i have you. what creature comforts should we take. can you get western goods there. like oreo cookies?

indiamike

Oreos......doubtful, but it's been awhile since I have been to Bangalore but to be on the safe side I would bring my own...double stuff oreos...hmmmmm...probably get crushed in your luggage though, use a cookie tin.

Some western goodies are available imported, but at a price. Things like a can of Pringles may set you back 100 rupees (around two US) much more than I would pay at home. Chips Ahoy if you can find them would also be expensive.

My advice, if your friend is going to be there first, make a big care package of the stuff you like and send it UPS to meet you there.

Mike

makaya

thanks a bunch. i am also worried about the impending war with iraq. what do you think will happen if it that does come about? i have never been to india and i fear that things could get very bad if the usa attacks iraq.
annie

indiamike

Just cross your fingers and hope for the best. Odds are that a decision will be made before you take your trip.

Mike

makaya

i have so many other questions and this may not be the best question for a guy. but here goes. what about things like tampax and hair care products, perscriptions. in response to and earlier reply. i don't usually let guys buy me drinks in the states but do i have to sit in a seperate area? also, if this is not too personal , do you live in india now? if not, when was the last time you were there? i have a millon other questions. if you don't mind , can i just ask these things as i think about them? i really apreciate your opinion and feel much better being able to talk to someone about this stuff.
annie

indiamike

Hi Annie,

I was hoping that some of the ladies here can answer the questions about the feminine hygiene products. I am sure you can, but really lack the knowledge about those sort of products and what brands are available and am trying to keep it that way

Hair care products, yes, but not top end brands like Paul Mitchell, Nexus, Biolage, etc... local brands are actually decent.

Most prescription drugs are easily available, or at least a generic type. Prescription drugs are about 1/50 of the price in the US. Stock up on all the valium you can.

With the bars, I don't think you have to sit separate. It's just a preferred method of seating.

Do I live in India, no as you can see by my name in my post I live in New Jersey, the Soprano's state (and yes the people around me are just like the show). I was in India last winter for a few months and will be back shortly. I should say when it gets to cold in Jersey and I start freezing my butt off, I will hop on the first plane out.
Though I it has been a few years since I have been to Bangalore so some of my tips may be outdated.


Hope this helps some.

Layman

Hello Makaya, I live in Bangalore. Regarding fem hygiene products, you get them here, not sure about foreign brands though. Any pharmacy/drug store should have them.
Since your gf is here for 3 months, which means around the new year, just one word of caution. Do not have ladies go to MG Road (and nearby areas) on New Year's Eve. The street is packed with drunken guys and any woman unlucky to be there, esp solo, will be groped, fondled etc. Happens every year on MG Road, the cops have a tough time. MG Road is Mahatma Gandhi Road, the main hangout for Westerners and well-to-do Bangloreans, THE place for shopping, movies, dining etc.

Layman

To continue, the problem is only during New Years Eve, otherwise, MG Road is a nice and safe place for Westerners, with a few pubs, movie theatres etc.

makaya

thanks for the advise. your input is very helpful
annie

Ankur

And, women don't have to sit in a separate area in pubs or bars, you can sit just where you want.

Ankur

Also, I don't think you will find Oreos, but if you like Cookies, Britannia has come up with a new line of cookies, called "Pure Magic" which are quite delicious. They also have danish butter cookies as part of that line of products, and those are great too, but not as great as REAL danish butter cookies.

roop

BANGALORE HAS EVERYTHING , GO AND ENJOY .
YOU CAN EVEN FLY OVER TO KERELA FOR BEAUTY TREATMENTS FOR THE WEEKEND , OR GOA FOR WONDERFUL SAFE BEACHES .
WHEN YOU EVENTUALLY GET BACK TO THE STATES ,, THREE MOUNTHS HOME YOU WILL WANT TO GO BACK TO INDIA , AND YOU WILL NOT KNOW WHY ,------------ THATS INDIA -------------
BUT THRUST ME YOU WILL .
ENJOY .

makaya

okay more questions and thanks for all the repiles to my other inquires.
if i wanted to rent a place to live where would you suggest?
is there any way to watch friends, ER or football in bangalore?

again thanks,
makaya