my first trip t/India Nov-Dec 06

WriterRecruiter

Greeting! I will be departing for India on 11/25 out of Dulles, VA. I live in Philadelphia. Me and my girlfriend will be going for business and then some plesure at the end of the trip.

The business portion is 11/25 - 12/6. We will be in:

11/29 Chennai for business
12/1 Mumbai
12/3 Delhi
12/6 Delhi on YPO trip/vacation

We travelled throughout Asia the past 2 years for business and I found the food and people (our business agents) to be amazing.

I am very concerned about the food situation in India. My girlfriend has a stomach disease and we cannot eat red pepper or milk.

Any suggestions on cooked fish dishes or food would be helpful. Also, we are both fair. What's the sun / heat like?

I found it quite easy to adapt to Chinese cultre (not to mention Korean, Vietnamese, etc.). What do people wear for business? short sleeved polo shits and slacks?

Any suggestions about base safety, weather, food topics are welcomed. I find that if I sweat the small important things, the larger picture takes care of itself.

THANKS!

Bhaswaran

Hi,

the places you are staying are metropolis and they are pretty safe, although do not loiter much in lonely places after dark. that is a general precaution.

The time you are visiting will be warm in Chennai, pleasant in Mumbai, and cool in Delhi.

From Delhi, for a trip, you can visit the historical forts and palaces of majestic Rajasthan, and the desert of course, or you can head North and go up to cold grand himalayas to Shimla, Manali, Nainital, Mussouri, etc.

happy journey,

Bhaswaran

WriterRecruiter

thanks! i got around well in Asia on my own and with some help. we will have business agents helping us in the beginning. the 2nd part of the trip is through a professional orginization called Young President's Org. we will be with this group for this:

You will stay in fantastic palaces built by kings whose budgets and imagination had no limits. You will dine at banquets specially created in your honor by the erstwhile Maharaja's chef. You will rub shoulders with the present-day movers and shakers of this region.

There will be a royal touch to everything you do here. Visit towering, battle-scarred forts. Celebrate at a rural fair organized in your honor. Play elephant polo. Shop at the Gem Palace, jeweler to the kings. Learn the secrets of local crafts blue pottery, tie-and-dye fabric, jadau jewelry.

BUT I AM WORRIED ABOUT FOOD!!!

New-South-Welshman

WriterRecruiter says he is from Philadelphia, I'm sure he can manage the possible mean streets of India. I hear Camden near Philly is the most dangerous city in America though.

Anyway, the weather shouldn't be that bad, and with the food, it is so easy to get non spicy. I never ate one spicy thing in India, because I get a runny nose and teary eyes from the slightest pinch of spice.

__________________
Mr. Burns "Non-violence never solved anything!"

WriterRecruiter

haha. i appreciate any advice!

yes, camden was voted (not this year) most dangerous place, mostly based on physical violence. it's only a couple minutes away. i grew up in a real "city", with lots of different people. i love showing respect to other cultures and have enjoyed all of my travels and the people.

however, i have been known to break several noses in my day.

great, i have a friend who is Bengali, who will help me a little. i've had such little exposure to Indian food, i don't want to be stuck on the toilet all day.

Rich Anpoor

don't worry about the indian food, your girlfriends stomach problem re milk means you have to be careful and will mean not sampling many of the indian food delights. don't remember seeing red bell peppers only green ones (does it make a difference?) however I don't think they are used as often as other veggies so should be ok there (as for hot chili peppers ask, they could use powder or fresh ones). have a fab time.