Still crazy - Back to Ma India for the 3rd time! Hints welcome

BabeInTheWoods · May 6th, 2007, 09:06

Hi all.

Well, here we go again - back to Ma India for the 3rd time! Once my man announced in January that he was going back again (his 10th visit), I somehow talked myself into ignoring my dastardly credit card debt and indeed endeared myself to the Credit Card company even further by racking up another ticket to India. I then spent the next few days reeling and saying "How the hell did THAT happen??!!"

I continued to wallow in a state of utter disbelief - nay, denial - that this was a reality, whilst waiting for Thai Airways to make up their minds about actually confirming our seats. They played the suspense game well and confirmed our flights at the very last minute Friday afternoon a week ago, having had us on tenderhooks for several weeks first. What a tease! That's okay, even the stumpiest of fingernails apparently grow back.

So it's finally sunken in. We're off again for more dubious adventures on the craziest sub-continent in the world. I actually wouldn't allow myself the enjoyment of planning our trip until the flights were confirmed, so last Wednesday night (didn't have to go to work on Thursday) we hauled out the various remnants of alchohol stashed in the pantry, logged onto Wikimapia and had a jolly night planning a route into the Himalayas.

Friendly arguments ensued back and forth. I.e. "We are NOT going there!" says Paul. "Why not?" queried I. "Because it's on the tourist trail and tourist places equal tourists, touts and torturous tariffs, that's why." he stated emphatically. "Then lead on MacDuff.", said I, in a genial way, fueled with euphoria induced by the now-sunken-in reality of us going to the Himalayas, not to mention a tot or two of nicely aged Glayva liquer. "So long as it doesn't require me to climb up hills all the bluddy day long and you stock up on Valium for the mountain bus rides, take me where you will." I said, stating my personal conditions right at the start.

And so it continued until we were seeing two of every village and both clocks told us it wasn't far from dawn. Isn't it nice how the journey begins well before actually getting to the airport?! And even if I did have a thumping great headache the next day, it was still well worth it for the fun we had. And, as Paul so practically put it, it was great training for the mountain-sickness I'm at least 50% likely to suffer from once there. I do love his pragmatism.

So there we have it. We leave our little down-under country on the 21st of June, actually together this time. The last couple of times I met Paul over there, so leaving New Zealand together should be novel. And, crafty wench that I am, I was the first to request window seats at the travel agent's, so I get to be the goldfish in the bowl. Heh heh. That man has to learn to move faster to keep up with me. Like heck do I ever want to sit in an aluminium tube for 12 hours and not be able to see out the window. That's a job for earthworms and idiots in my books.

By the way - if anyone has hints about clothing, medicines, the state of the laundry situation or anything else they can think of in regards to travelling in the Baspa Valley area in June/July, they'd be gladly welcome.

Cheers.
BabeInTheWoods

BabeInTheWoods · May 6th, 2007, 10:07

Yes, he's good at that alright! Beaten tracks are definately not his thing - the only-slightly-kissed-with-a-dusty-Lama's-sandal is more his thing. This does require a certain amount of compromise on both our parts. I know I will probably never lay eyes on the Taj Mahal, while he doesn't get to play mountain goat and get lost for months on end in a jungle somewhere. Still, we manage to find happy mediums. We did Orchha a couple of times before the prices quadrupled, saw no white faces in Bundi and struggled to find english-speakers in Bharmour, so I think that fulfills his anti-beaten-track requirements while giving me a safeish feeling, adventure-laden sojourn or two. And, as I've repeated before ad-nauseum, many a look at the unpredictable workings of the Indian Railway system.

Aishah · May 6th, 2007, 10:24

I'm curious to know where the Baspa Valley area is? BTW enjoy your writing style Babe in the Woods! Will it be pouring with rain when you get there??? June 21 is the traditional date for arrival of real monsoon to McLeod Ganj...

BabeInTheWoods · May 6th, 2007, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aishah

I'm curious to know where the Baspa Valley area is? BTW enjoy your writing style Babe in the Woods! Will it be pouring with rain when you get there??? June 21 is the traditional date for arrival of real monsoon to McLeod Ganj...

Thanks for those cheery thoughts Aishah.

Crumbs - I dunno! I guess we'll just start heading up there and see what happens. We've given ourselves a couple of weeks up that way, even though we actually have a month together in India. We'll get going after a few days in Delhi to rest and whatnot. So that gives us extra days on the other side to allow for unexpected happenings.

Maybe I should start taking valiums now...

This is what I've found in Wikipedia.

Baspa Valley - Kannaur District of Himachal Pradesh (also known as Sangla Valley according to Wikipedia).

"Most of Kinnaur enjoys a temperate climate due to its high elevation, with long winters from October to May, and short summers from June to September. The lower parts of the Sutlej Valley and the Baspa Valley receive monsoon rains. The upper areas of the valleys fall mainly in the rain-shadow area. These areas are considered to be arid regions, similar to the climate of Tibet."

Aishah · May 6th, 2007, 16:16

Location puts a different complexion on things! I think that area may be fine - I know when much rain is in Dharamsala (2nd highest rainfall area in India as far as I know) Manali has much less. A friend of my daughter's went to Kinnaur area about three years ago and said it was fabulous.So keep fingers crossed, take your fold up brolly just in case, but should be o.k.! Have a great time and let us know how it went.
No need for valiums!!!

BabeInTheWoods · May 6th, 2007, 17:19

Thanks Aishah, that cheers me up a little.

I'm not really that keen on swollen rivers and nasty surprises. Having kids gave me enough gray hairs.

I'm wondering what the food is going to be like up there. Should I pack a box of muesli bars? I'm definately taking a tube or two of that preprepared coffee stuff. I don't care what anyone says. The coffee I had in India last year was gross, and much as I love chai (they do have chai in the Himalayas, don't they?

) I just gotta have at least one decentish coffee a day. I already have my Vegemite packed. I wonder what it's like on chapati with yak butter...?

I hope my camera's fixed by then. It broke down on me a few weeks ago and it's away having diagnosis and I'm really bad at drawing.

I tried some umbrellas out in a shop the other day and I don't know whether to buy one now or wait till I get to Delhi. And what do I pack to wear? It's cold here now, it'll be hot and steamy in Bangkok, downright stinking hot in Delhi and colder again as we get up in the mountains. I hate carrying heavy backpacks and I especially hate carrying even myself uphill and I just know that I'll wait till the last minute to pack then get in a dither and... (walks off muttering and gesticulating wildly)

Aishah · May 6th, 2007, 19:21

There is a good thread on bringing or not bringing your coffee to India and what you need - I'm not adept at locating and putting in here but type coffee into search - another IM could help?? Yes, bring your vegemite - you can get Marmite but same price as back in NZ - bring those plastic packs, they're good. Umbrellas easily bought in India - cost around 200r- 350r for fold up ones - cheaper I think than in NZ. Muesli bars handy - it is surprising what food things you can now get in Delhi though. Lots of packaged tasty snack stuff. Go to Khan Market if you really want western type things, (bit expensive) or general stores near where you are staying. I like Karol Bagh market down the Macdonald's end of Ajmal Khan Rd and towards the Metro. There are some good provision stores for snacks there and also just the street backside north parallel to Ajmal khan and not far from Metro line, good general stores.
As to your camera - well, I am very happy with my new telephone which has all gizmos for 5000 rupees - and the camera (digital) inside is brilliant!! So small to carry - I am leaving my old Pentax at home when I go travelling now and also my laptop which I thought I would take but find if i can get the GPRS to work can leave that at home as well.
As to your one decent coffee - I am the same! I have friends bring me coffee or else I buy South Indian, finally available here. North India coffee on the streets is terrible but there are some good coffee houses springing up. Not where you are going though I should imagine. Packing?? Go for layers - cotton essential for heat. I don't think it is going to be freezing where you are going - a polar fleece lightweight jacket would do the trick I think.

BabeInTheWoods · May 7th, 2007, 03:29

Thanks Aishah. You're a veritable well of information.

I do like my camera though. I have a spare battery for it ($100!!) and several cards which are bigger than the ones they use now. That means I have a few days of taking pics without having to download. And the camera has a lovely little swivel screen that allows me to take pics without having the camera up to my eye all the time. I took some photos of a peacock recently and it got really agro with me. We figured it thought I was staring it out with my one big eye. It stalked me for a good hour afterwards. (Either that or it wanted to mate with me - either thought is a little alarming.) I'd hate to have a monkey take exception to me. Or want to mate with me. Eeek!

Horrible little thugs, some of them, but they do make for great photos.

Layers of cotton sounds good. I was hoping I'd be able to buy, or get made, a little bit of the traditional clothing while I was up in one of the mountain villages. If anyone's been up there and knows about the market situation, I'd be rapt to hear the best way of acquiring such things.

Yes, I have done a bit of searching, but there's not so much of the above subjects relating to the area we'll be in.

Right. Better go to work now and earn some money to throw to the Credit Card buzzards.

Cheers
BabeITW

machadinha · May 7th, 2007, 06:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aishah

There is a good thread on bringing or not bringing your coffee to India and what you need - I'm not adept at locating and putting in here but type coffee into search - another IM could help??

The recent coffee thread: coffee addict... will I survive????

No idea about that area though. I was never too impressed with my coffee whether north or south, save for some happy breaks (Indian Coffee House!). Must have frequented the wrong places.

noflylist · May 7th, 2007, 06:23

...even coffeehouses in India like Barista do not interest me as much as Starbucks do here!

Aishah · May 7th, 2007, 09:48

We won't change the thread topic but noflylist I think Barista's in Delhi is better than Starbucks in NZ!! The best coffee places are those individually owned where they often roast their own coffee beans and grind etc. Much more flavour in the coffee and there are some fabulous coffee/cafes in NZ! Starbucks capppucino is a very milky light coffee and the latte not much better.
BinW - sounds like you have one of those nice little light digital cameras? Great for travelling - I have a bulky Pentax old fashioned one so you can see why i am excited about my new telephone! It does take a very nice photo! I had in mind your camera might have been like mine! Heavy and bulky to tote about.

Yes, you could get traditional tops and pants made - .where there is a largish town on your route close to area there is bound to be a tailor and material shops. The local people need clothes too!!

BabeInTheWoods · May 7th, 2007, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aishah

BinW - sounds like you have one of those nice little light digital cameras? Great for travelling - I have a bulky Pentax old fashioned one so you can see why i am excited about my new telephone! It does take a very nice photo! I had in mind your camera might have been like mine! Heavy and bulky to tote about.

Yes, you could get traditional tops and pants made - .where there is a largish town on your route close to area there is bound to be a tailor and material shops. The local people need clothes too!!

No, I don't have one of those nice little light digital cameras (LDC). Mug that I am, I stubbornly cart around a Nikon Coolpix which is about the size of yer average SLR. Sigh. Essentially, it's either have a ticket to India or buy a nice little LDC and various cards, batteries and chargers that I'd have to have also to support my photo addiction. I cannee have both. And you know that the things that us Indiophiles do don't always make sense.

Maybe I should sell my car over here (worth $500 approx) so I can hire someone over there to cart my camera around for me. And my backpack. And my umbrella...

Hey Aishah - I only just cottoned on that you are a Kiwi. No wonder you know what the price of Vegemite is in NZ. Do you import it by the tonne for yourself in India? And does anyone else understand when you say the word 'jandel'? Bet you're just dying to know that it's freezing cold over here at the moment. I thought I'd tell you that just so you could feel all smug and warm.

The clothes thing - yay. It's good that people up there wear clothes 'cos apparently it gets a little cold in them hills sometimes and that would make it hard to tell between them and the Shiva statues. I've been caught talking to mannequins before, thinking they were people and it's really embarrassing.

So, I'm definately packing my coffee tubes then and my vegemite. That's the most crucial life-support systems covered then.

Thanks again
Babe

Aishah · May 7th, 2007, 16:16

Babe - my Oz friend who visited me earlier this year had a small rucksack solely for her camera gear - carted it everywhere. I thought it a bit heavy but she didn't seem to mind. She's like you - big camera, zoom lens etc. old-fashioned type. Takes terrific photos though. Nobody would know what a jandal is here!! They are all chappels! I'm not THAT addicted to vegemite! Good when friends bring some, but I substitute with Marmite bought in Delhi on occasional visits! I wouldn't mind a bit of your freezing - currently daily 45'c here. Hideous! I am off to Kathmandu next week for a week then 5 weeks in Mussoorie to escape the heat.

PRIYA · May 7th, 2007, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabeInTheWoods

I'm definately taking a tube or two of that preprepared coffee stuff. I don't care what anyone says. The coffee I had in India last year was gross, and much as I love chai (they do have chai in the Himalayas, don't they?

) I just gotta have at least one decentish coffee a day. I already have my Vegemite packed. I wonder what it's like on chapati with yak butter...?

Sorry about being OT here, but what are these tubes of prepared coffee

Vegemite with roti sounds yummy - but I'm not too sure of the yak butter.........

BabeInTheWoods · May 7th, 2007, 17:50

Aishah - that's funny - we're leaving NZ to escape the cold! Although 45 deg is a little at the radical end of the scale. It's just so hard to imagine being hot when you're cold and vice versa...

Priya - the tubes have coffee, milk and sugar all in one. All you need is hot water. I like it, but it's not for people who don't like sugar in their coffee!

I'm not sure about the yak butter either. I hope it doesn't come to that. But if it does, I'll use twice the vegemite and close my eyes while I eat it.I wish I could take some New Zealand butter with me, but can you imagine the state of it after being in Delhi for about 5 minutes in June?! Yecchh. Just imagine it - (Taxi Driver) "Excuse me madam. I have been trying to put your good backpack in the trunk, but it is keeping on sliding out again!"

May 6th, 2007, 09:06	#1
BabeInTheWoods Hedonist Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 233	Still crazy - Back to Ma India for the 3rd time! Hints welcome Hi all. Well, here we go again - back to Ma India for the 3rd time! Once my man announced in January that he was going back again (his 10th visit), I somehow talked myself into ignoring my dastardly credit card debt and indeed endeared myself to the Credit Card company even further by racking up another ticket to India. I then spent the next few days reeling and saying "How the hell did THAT happen??!!" I continued to wallow in a state of utter disbelief - nay, denial - that this was a reality, whilst waiting for Thai Airways to make up their minds about actually confirming our seats. They played the suspense game well and confirmed our flights at the very last minute Friday afternoon a week ago, having had us on tenderhooks for several weeks first. What a tease! That's okay, even the stumpiest of fingernails apparently grow back. So it's finally sunken in. We're off again for more dubious adventures on the craziest sub-continent in the world. I actually wouldn't allow myself the enjoyment of planning our trip until the flights were confirmed, so last Wednesday night (didn't have to go to work on Thursday) we hauled out the various remnants of alchohol stashed in the pantry, logged onto Wikimapia and had a jolly night planning a route into the Himalayas. Friendly arguments ensued back and forth. I.e. "We are NOT going there!" says Paul. "Why not?" queried I. "Because it's on the tourist trail and tourist places equal tourists, touts and torturous tariffs, that's why." he stated emphatically. "Then lead on MacDuff.", said I, in a genial way, fueled with euphoria induced by the now-sunken-in reality of us going to the Himalayas, not to mention a tot or two of nicely aged Glayva liquer. "So long as it doesn't require me to climb up hills all the bluddy day long and you stock up on Valium for the mountain bus rides, take me where you will." I said, stating my personal conditions right at the start. And so it continued until we were seeing two of every village and both clocks told us it wasn't far from dawn. Isn't it nice how the journey begins well before actually getting to the airport?! And even if I did have a thumping great headache the next day, it was still well worth it for the fun we had. And, as Paul so practically put it, it was great training for the mountain-sickness I'm at least 50% likely to suffer from once there. I do love his pragmatism. So there we have it. We leave our little down-under country on the 21st of June, actually together this time. The last couple of times I met Paul over there, so leaving New Zealand together should be novel. And, crafty wench that I am, I was the first to request window seats at the travel agent's, so I get to be the goldfish in the bowl. Heh heh. That man has to learn to move faster to keep up with me. Like heck do I ever want to sit in an aluminium tube for 12 hours and not be able to see out the window. That's a job for earthworms and idiots in my books. By the way - if anyone has hints about clothing, medicines, the state of the laundry situation or anything else they can think of in regards to travelling in the Baspa Valley area in June/July, they'd be gladly welcome. Cheers. BabeInTheWoods __________________ My Journal: http://www.indiamike.com/india/journ...howjournal&j=6 My Photos: http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/m...8255&protype=1

May 6th, 2007, 17:19	#6
BabeInTheWoods Hedonist Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 233	Thanks Aishah, that cheers me up a little. I'm not really that keen on swollen rivers and nasty surprises. Having kids gave me enough gray hairs. I'm wondering what the food is going to be like up there. Should I pack a box of muesli bars? I'm definately taking a tube or two of that preprepared coffee stuff. I don't care what anyone says. The coffee I had in India last year was gross, and much as I love chai (they do have chai in the Himalayas, don't they?) I just gotta have at least one decentish coffee a day. I already have my Vegemite packed. I wonder what it's like on chapati with yak butter...? I hope my camera's fixed by then. It broke down on me a few weeks ago and it's away having diagnosis and I'm really bad at drawing. I tried some umbrellas out in a shop the other day and I don't know whether to buy one now or wait till I get to Delhi. And what do I pack to wear? It's cold here now, it'll be hot and steamy in Bangkok, downright stinking hot in Delhi and colder again as we get up in the mountains. I hate carrying heavy backpacks and I especially hate carrying even myself uphill and I just know that I'll wait till the last minute to pack then get in a dither and... (walks off muttering and gesticulating wildly)

May 7th, 2007, 03:29	#8
BabeInTheWoods Hedonist Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 233	Thanks Aishah. You're a veritable well of information. I do like my camera though. I have a spare battery for it ($100!!) and several cards which are bigger than the ones they use now. That means I have a few days of taking pics without having to download. And the camera has a lovely little swivel screen that allows me to take pics without having the camera up to my eye all the time. I took some photos of a peacock recently and it got really agro with me. We figured it thought I was staring it out with my one big eye. It stalked me for a good hour afterwards. (Either that or it wanted to mate with me - either thought is a little alarming.) I'd hate to have a monkey take exception to me. Or want to mate with me. Eeek! Horrible little thugs, some of them, but they do make for great photos. Layers of cotton sounds good. I was hoping I'd be able to buy, or get made, a little bit of the traditional clothing while I was up in one of the mountain villages. If anyone's been up there and knows about the market situation, I'd be rapt to hear the best way of acquiring such things. Yes, I have done a bit of searching, but there's not so much of the above subjects relating to the area we'll be in. Right. Better go to work now and earn some money to throw to the Credit Card buzzards. Cheers BabeITW Last edited by BabeInTheWoods : May 11th, 2007 at 05:00.

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May 6th, 2007, 10:07	#2
BabeInTheWoods Hedonist Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 233	Yes, he's good at that alright! Beaten tracks are definately not his thing - the only-slightly-kissed-with-a-dusty-Lama's-sandal is more his thing. This does require a certain amount of compromise on both our parts. I know I will probably never lay eyes on the Taj Mahal, while he doesn't get to play mountain goat and get lost for months on end in a jungle somewhere. Still, we manage to find happy mediums. We did Orchha a couple of times before the prices quadrupled, saw no white faces in Bundi and struggled to find english-speakers in Bharmour, so I think that fulfills his anti-beaten-track requirements while giving me a safeish feeling, adventure-laden sojourn or two. And, as I've repeated before ad-nauseum, many a look at the unpredictable workings of the Indian Railway system.

May 6th, 2007, 10:24	#3
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 5,378	I'm curious to know where the Baspa Valley area is? BTW enjoy your writing style Babe in the Woods! Will it be pouring with rain when you get there??? June 21 is the traditional date for arrival of real monsoon to McLeod Ganj...

May 6th, 2007, 16:16	#5
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 5,378	Location puts a different complexion on things! I think that area may be fine - I know when much rain is in Dharamsala (2nd highest rainfall area in India as far as I know) Manali has much less. A friend of my daughter's went to Kinnaur area about three years ago and said it was fabulous.So keep fingers crossed, take your fold up brolly just in case, but should be o.k.! Have a great time and let us know how it went. No need for valiums!!!

May 6th, 2007, 19:21	#7
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 5,378	There is a good thread on bringing or not bringing your coffee to India and what you need - I'm not adept at locating and putting in here but type coffee into search - another IM could help?? Yes, bring your vegemite - you can get Marmite but same price as back in NZ - bring those plastic packs, they're good. Umbrellas easily bought in India - cost around 200r- 350r for fold up ones - cheaper I think than in NZ. Muesli bars handy - it is surprising what food things you can now get in Delhi though. Lots of packaged tasty snack stuff. Go to Khan Market if you really want western type things, (bit expensive) or general stores near where you are staying. I like Karol Bagh market down the Macdonald's end of Ajmal Khan Rd and towards the Metro. There are some good provision stores for snacks there and also just the street backside north parallel to Ajmal khan and not far from Metro line, good general stores. As to your camera - well, I am very happy with my new telephone which has all gizmos for 5000 rupees - and the camera (digital) inside is brilliant!! So small to carry - I am leaving my old Pentax at home when I go travelling now and also my laptop which I thought I would take but find if i can get the GPRS to work can leave that at home as well. As to your one decent coffee - I am the same! I have friends bring me coffee or else I buy South Indian, finally available here. North India coffee on the streets is terrible but there are some good coffee houses springing up. Not where you are going though I should imagine. Packing?? Go for layers - cotton essential for heat. I don't think it is going to be freezing where you are going - a polar fleece lightweight jacket would do the trick I think.

May 7th, 2007, 06:23	#10
noflylist Account Closed on User's Request Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 840	...even coffeehouses in India like Barista do not interest me as much as Starbucks do here!

May 7th, 2007, 09:48	#11
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 5,378	We won't change the thread topic but noflylist I think Barista's in Delhi is better than Starbucks in NZ!! The best coffee places are those individually owned where they often roast their own coffee beans and grind etc. Much more flavour in the coffee and there are some fabulous coffee/cafes in NZ! Starbucks capppucino is a very milky light coffee and the latte not much better. BinW - sounds like you have one of those nice little light digital cameras? Great for travelling - I have a bulky Pentax old fashioned one so you can see why i am excited about my new telephone! It does take a very nice photo! I had in mind your camera might have been like mine! Heavy and bulky to tote about. Yes, you could get traditional tops and pants made - .where there is a largish town on your route close to area there is bound to be a tailor and material shops. The local people need clothes too!!

May 7th, 2007, 16:16	#13
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 5,378	Babe - my Oz friend who visited me earlier this year had a small rucksack solely for her camera gear - carted it everywhere. I thought it a bit heavy but she didn't seem to mind. She's like you - big camera, zoom lens etc. old-fashioned type. Takes terrific photos though. Nobody would know what a jandal is here!! They are all chappels! I'm not THAT addicted to vegemite! Good when friends bring some, but I substitute with Marmite bought in Delhi on occasional visits! I wouldn't mind a bit of your freezing - currently daily 45'c here. Hideous! I am off to Kathmandu next week for a week then 5 weeks in Mussoorie to escape the heat.

May 7th, 2007, 17:50	#15
BabeInTheWoods Hedonist Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 233	Aishah - that's funny - we're leaving NZ to escape the cold! Although 45 deg is a little at the radical end of the scale. It's just so hard to imagine being hot when you're cold and vice versa... Priya - the tubes have coffee, milk and sugar all in one. All you need is hot water. I like it, but it's not for people who don't like sugar in their coffee! I'm not sure about the yak butter either. I hope it doesn't come to that. But if it does, I'll use twice the vegemite and close my eyes while I eat it.I wish I could take some New Zealand butter with me, but can you imagine the state of it after being in Delhi for about 5 minutes in June?! Yecchh. Just imagine it - (Taxi Driver) "Excuse me madam. I have been trying to put your good backpack in the trunk, but it is keeping on sliding out again!"

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