Things I never knew existed

Researching for our trip to India has been an education in itself. I have found a good India travel forum online and it consists of posts and articles from expats, natives, casual travelers and backpackers.

My most fervent research has been about what I, as a foreign white woman, should wear while in India. Shorts? Nope. Sleeveless tops? No way. Snug fitting tops? Nope. A Bikini at the beach? No, unless in Goa. Since others have encountered the same limits, they have kindly posted alternatives such as the (no joke) Burquini. Which is basically a burqua that one can swim in. I think I'll pass on this one...

http://www.ahiida.com/index.php?a=subcats&cat=20

It has been highly recommended that western women try wearing a salwar kameez while in India. It is a long, loose, tunic type shirt (the kameez), worn with pants (salwar) and a scarf called a dupatta. They are said to be extremely comfortable and very cool in hot weather. This seems like something I'd be willing to wear:
http://www.cbazaar.com/salwar-kameez/casual-style/c-sb.html#prdtype_fq!salwar kameez|prdtype_fq!Salwar Kameez|&pno:1&sb:-1dintid=22649
Prices in India range from inexpensive to reasonable and it's also not expensive to have a salwar kameez custom made. Tempting, tempting...

From the backpackers, one item someone mentioned not wanting to go to India without was the shewee. http://www.shewee.com/ I don't think I'll be shelling out the money for that one...yet.

There are only a few weeks until I step foot on Indian soil for the first time. I imagine that's when my panic will really begin.

Use up, not stock up

I guess reality is starting to set in. We have applied for our Indian visas, and we are planning a 'look and see' trip in a few weeks. I guess we're actually going to go to India. The reality is taking up residence in my brain and making me plan ahead, which is a good thing. I was shopping at Sam's Club a while ago and had to restrain myself from stocking up on things. The little voice in my head said "No Meigan, we don't need: 4 more jars of peanut butter, 6 more jars of pasta sauce, 4 huge boxes of edamame.... You've got some at home right now...Use that up first!!!" I think I actually spoke outloud "Yeah, you're right".

So now the mentality is: "Use it up!" Exploring the depths of my cupboards & freezer is becoming a workout for my imagination. Canned pumpkin became cream of pumpkin soup. Cranberries?...hmm I might just have to eat those right out of the can. The real problem is what to do with those things I bought that only I will eat. I have 3 cans of canneloni beans and no ideas. So much for stocking up on things. If only everything you bought came with a recipe. Maybe we'll have to host a 'going away pot-luck' where I supply all of the food.