Depending on the types of interactions I’ve had all day, I either feel that everyone here is out to rob/screw me, or is trying to just make an honest living.
For example, I’m sometimes overcharged 30 rupees for an autorickshaw ride of under 4 kilometers. I never know when and how much to haggle, and [...]
Archive for the ‘Travel logistics’ Category
Autorickshaws and haggling over 50 cents
Posted in Malayalam, Travel logistics, tagged Books, Humor, Malayalam, Trivandrum on 14 July 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Being unfriendly or being defensive?
Posted in Gender and sexuality, Travel logistics, Women and feminism, tagged Two worlds on 22 June 2009 | 4 Comments »
Before coming to India, I was warned –in program materials and by my relatives– to be extra careful because of my female gender.
I’m usually pretty careful when strangers approach me in America, so I admit I didn’t pay much attention to the advice I received for three reasons: My parents, as much as I love [...]
International film festival!
Posted in TV and film, Travel logistics, tagged Fashion and beauty, Trivandrum on 20 June 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Thanks to the help of a fellow classmate’s host family, we’ve been lucky enough to quickly secure passes to Kerala’s international documentary and short film festival here in TRV.*
I’m looking forward to seeing many of the films, especially one in particular, given my earlier posts: Bleach my Skin White, a film from the [...]
Sweating Buckets
Posted in Travel logistics, tagged Trivandrum on 15 June 2009 | 1 Comment »
I have arrived in Trivandrum, a city full of coconut and palm trees –a nice change from Mumbai.
However, while Trivandrum is slightly cooler than Mumbai, it’s still hot. I have not figured out yet why David and I are unattractively sweating buckets, while every Indian around us looks refreshed and dry (and many are [...]
Maintenance
Posted in Travel logistics, tagged Trivandrum on 11 June 2009 | 3 Comments »
It was recommended to us to buy and pack a few things in America before coming to India, because these items would be hard to find in India. These items include: deodorant, contact lens solution, sunscreen, dental floss, and other toiletries.
I heeded the advice I received, and this I know for sure now: 3 [...]
Medicines, Vaccinations, Health
Posted in Travel logistics on 2 May 2009 | 1 Comment »
Although Kerala has a good reputation for health care (compared to most other parts of India especially), you wouldn’t know that from the doctors and dentists I have been and will be visiting before leaving for India.
And my bank balance is suffering as a result.
Within the next few weeks, I need to schedule an emergency [...]
If you come to San Francisco to get an Indian visa
Posted in Travel logistics on 12 December 2008 | Leave a Comment »
-Make an appointment for same day service, and just stick around the city.
-Make sure you go to the right office on MISSION ST (NOT the Consulate on Arguello).
-Get there early, and way before 11am –lines will be long and chaotic.
They’re not joking about NO cell phones or electronics or strollers. You may want to [...]
