Detailed Packing List with comments available.

TimMakins

A few years ago, my 2 x AA sized Maglite went through a rash of burning out bulbs, and I never could discover why. I actually wrote to Maglite about it (this was in the days before the Internet) but they weren't very helpful, apart from sending me some free bulbs. The only thought I did have was that maybe a really new battery, at peak-volts, may be just a little too much for some of the bulbs,but I have not got around to fully testing this theorem out yet. Of course we all know that there's a spare bulb in the base, under the spring; you may be able to persuade someone to sell you there's, especially if they are due to go home soon. Perhaps bulbs are available in Bangalore - does anyone know ?? Otherwise, on your next India trip, take an extra, extra bulb - then neither will blow - 'Murphy's Law' - it seems to work, though!

I once had a Maglite actually explode on me - well, truthfully I must say it was the locally bought battery,but it was in the Maglite at the time,and made quite a bang. Luckily, the Maglite was repairable, once I'd removed the bit that says 'do not remove', and it went on to last quite a few more years before I finally bought a new one.

I still like them,and wouldn't travel with anything else. One tip: before you go, smear Vaseline or other petroleum jelly on both the top and bottom screw threads - it makes them as-near-as-damn-it waterproof, as I happily found out when cave diving in Colombia.

TimMakins

You two guys are really confusing with the same Avatar-picture - can't you fight a duel to see who has exclusive right to it

P.S. Love your comments

xealot

Choose your weapon Nick.

Sword or Cutlass?



phobal .... had a rant at you on here a couple of days ago... did you get to read it before I deleted it? I hope so but I can always retype it i guess

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Laziness is not a real word! It's most literal translation is "Differing Priorities"

TimMakins

Hey phobal - I'm curious - you've made 74 posts to the India forum so far: that's a lot of advice to pass on. So, perhaps you'd care to enlighten us:

How many times have you been to India already ?
How long have you spent here, and in which areas ?
Which other 'third-world' countries have you been to ?

Nick-H

COWPATS of course ...what else?

Life's too short to get too upset about what we think about each other's packing lists Or each other's age and experience

xealot

Does make for an entertaining read though doesn't it

Tim: I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while for us to have said duel ... I'll be in Chennai in October

TimMakins

Hey now come on - this is the 21st century - I can't belive you will let a little thing like actual physical location stop you! How about a cyber-duel: a little lateral thinking and I'm sure two intelligent guys like you can come up with an answer...

Or there's always the old fall-back: lowest score at 'Solitaire'...

xealot

you can play games with people on msn right?

but if it comes down to lowest score on single player windows games ... I choose minesweeper all the way baby!

machadinha

I have a feeling Phobal will be going this way soon. Can't wait till he does really, let's hope he enjoys it. Excellent observation by Crvlvr there btw. And funny Xealot, yours wasn't the only rant-cum-dry-observation that got quickly auto-censored

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Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Nick-H

There is a pair of chopsticks in my box! Perhaps I should resurect the 'most useless things I took to India' thread.

Wait! Two sharp, japanese-style pointy chopsticks. Hmmm... Now where can I find two pointy, sharp people to prod?

xealot

"You two guys are really confusing with the same Avatar-picture - can't you fight a duel to see who has exclusive right to it "

You may have noticed I found a simpler solution .. .although my cow now looks like it has pneumonia with its big blue nose

Nick-H

Nice one, Xealot

Vale

Thanks for sharing.
I would add:
a termometre (sp.?), of course you can buy it for very cheap in India, but I think it's necessary, together with the meds you listed.

A few comments:

Eye Shades: usually on long haul plane travels, they give them to the first/business class, and not to the "normal people", but if you ask for one, they will give it. So, don't buy one at home: I looked for one in Italy, and they were at about 5 euros!!!

Washing Powder: I usually bring a bar of Marseille soap, it's the best thing for body washing and laundry, and good instead of shampoo. And it doesn't pour in your bag, if squeezed.

Scissors: don't keep them in your hand luggage, when travelling to India, or they will make you leave them.

Sewing Kit: don't keep needles (and small scissors) in your hand luggage, as well. Also, I read somewhere, that dental floss is great for strong sewing (i.e. if you have to sew your bag), but never tried.

Gas Lighter: I think it's not allowed on airplains, so maybe better buy it in India.

Ciao

Vale

wanderbug

good list. made me remember looooads of stuff