Going to India

[jimotis4heisman]

We arrive in Hyderabaad on the 27th this month, which is a ways from Mumbai. We then go southwest to Nellore, a remote part of the southwest tip of India. However, the part I'm going to hasn't exactly been the kindest to Americans or Christians. Our group is pretty much humanitarian, so I doubt we'll get much hassle but you never know. Thanks for the suggestions on the delicious Indian stream water, though the Dayton Health Clinic had different advice I hope I get the chance to eat food from vendors (I've seen that show before and I love it) but we have a guide that will steer us in the right direction. I am actually getting to help with sports for rec time though and apparently they like soccer in India, so I'm bringing a football for the kids to keep, to hope they can see the light. You best believe it will have a big OSU logo on it. Also, the only bad thing abou the timing of the trip is I don't get back to watch the Fiesta Bowl, but thankfully I have DVR.

hey maybe someday youll be able to write a poem and be on npr like cinci!!

joking aside sounds cool, i always wished i had the time to do something like that. id like to think once i retire ill spend a few months somewhere in need working for hab for hum or some other cause like that...

 

[RB07OSU]

Where in India are you going? My family is from Vodadara, about 447 km- 280 mi Nort of Mumbai. Be safe! For water stay with either Aquafina, Bisleri or YES products. If you have no choice make sure the water is boiled for a good 15 minutes before you drink and I hope you have some chloroquine for malaria. Also, I'm a meat eater but when I go back to India I'm a vegetarian and not due to religious purposes, it's due to cleanliness of meat. If you do eat meat only eat chicken or better yet just go vegetarian until you touch Europe. What airlines are you going on? Any questions you may have feel free to ask.

Hyderabaad, then southwest to Kurnool and Nellore. We're also going to Visakhapatnam (spelling?), home to the Indian Navy. The food will be chosen with American's in mind by the mission group that organized it, so I think we should be safe with food and water. I'm not sure what airlines we are traveling on either (the organization selected it). I'm taking United to get to NYC, which is where we fly out from. How much is it for checked baggage anymore. Thanks for the suggestions. I literally know nothing about the culture, so it helps.

 

[patel.748]

Hyderabaad, then southwest to Kurnool and Nellore. We're also going to Visakhapatnam (spelling?), home to the Indian Navy. The food will be chosen with American's in mind by the mission group that organized it, so I think we should be safe with food and water. I'm not sure what airlines we are traveling on either (the organization selected it). I'm taking United to get to NYC, which is where we fly out from. How much is it for checked baggage anymore. Thanks for the suggestions. I literally know nothing about the culture, so it helps.

I'm not sure for checked baggage either on domestic flights. When I fly domestic for work my company pre-pay's for everything so I have no idea. Visakhapattanamu- is shortened to Visakha/Vizag by the locals. That will be a lot of fun. You are at the beach! Also, I would stay away from any dairy/milk product. The milk they use is of buffalo's and it's much higher in fat content compared to the U.S. and other parts of the world. You are guaranteed to get the "Shits". On the airplane be prepared for very ignorant and impolite people. You will get stared at and will know people are talking about you. Ignore it, do your best to blend in. I'm usually the one that helps tourists out as I know what it would feel like to be in a strange country and no one to help. I was born in the States in Columbus, but I my mother's whole family is back in India (parents came to Columbus/U.S.A in 1977), so I know about the culture shock when I went back my first time. It's also good that you will be traveling with others. Keep your money USD or INR (Indian Rupees) in several areas on your body in small sums. Never in one pocket. Their are pick pockets out there and they are really good. I have special undershirts sewn with an inside pocket for when I travel to India. Plenty of common medication Tylenonl, Aleve, Advil, Pepto Bismol, Imodium A.D. anything you can think of. If you do eat at street vendors or restaurants, don't eat meat (my suggestion), bring your own water, never ask for ice in your soda (could be river water for all you know) and always take your bottled water and clean your silverware before you eat, learn to carry a handkerchief or towel now, it's going to come handy.

I'll say a Hindu Mantra tonight for you and please be safe, do your good deed and come back safe and sound. We'll be thinking of you come Jan. 5th!

Please let me know your air lines I could of more help to you.