Travel "No"s

November 16, 2006

A few thoughts on what has been less effective – in the practical sense – on this extended study tour to tropical climes, and which I would gladly let go on any return visit. While mostly personal preference, a little reality check for future travelers to India…

Water Filter/Iodine Bottled water is available almost everywhere, even in the nether reaches of the Tibetan Settlements, arguably the most remote space we were in this trip. If you are going to trek in the mountains, that might be another story… but I would think twice before carrying the weight.
Diarrhea pills Ok, you have to go prepared. But better preparation was to play it safe with foods, either who is selling or what you are eating. We stayed away from watered-down drinks and ices, and kept with good establishments and well-cooked meals. No problems yet… another prescription purchased but not employed.
Guide to India (complete) Lonely Planet makes guides for South India – I saw one, but not when I was buying, unfortunately – which is a third the size of the Tome of Tomes.
Bank of America All right, what the hell?? The single largest bank in America does not support Cirrus or other banking networks. Nice, good they are so important unto themselves that they don’t need anyone else (suond familiar, countryfolk?)… and I have been unable to withdraw funds from my account since Bangalore – where there was TWO banks (Citibank and HSBC) who would give me money. Ridiculous.
Solo travel on sleeper buses Who knows who I will have to sleep next to on my way back to Bangalore!
Skype headset Every Internet cafe with bandwidth enough for voice-over-IP telephony already has a better headset than what you are willing to buy and bring along. I wasted $10 at radio shack for something I haven’t and won’t use.

To be continued as our list grows.

03-Travel