Unsolicited advice

When you travel to what some people consider a third world country, (FYI, it's not) you get a lot of unsolicited advice. Rather than argue with people who have never been, I simply listen and say thank you. Here are some words from the "wise":

1. Don't get raped. I feel like young women get this anytime they walk out the door. For the record no one ever tries to get raped, and rather than rant about that I will end the argument there.

2. Don't drink the water. Yes, the water is not safe to drink. I can't think of anything sassy to say.

3. Don't eat dairy. Their milk is diluted with the water. Okay, valid point.

4. Don't go off on your own. Pretty good advice. Besides the fact that I will be in a foreign country and have no idea where I am; I would have to insane to venture off by myself.

5. Don't get robbed. See rape comment.

6. Wear a burka to blend in. I'm going in a group with 15 other Americans. We're going to stick out regardless of what we wear.

7. Come back safe. As opposed to what?

8. Don't do drugs. International drug laws? Yeah, I don't really want to mess with those.

9. Don't get married. It's a safe bet I won't, but I can't make any promises.

10. Don't get sold into white slavery. This one is my personal favorite; anyone who knows me we'll enough knows they wouldn't want me. 

11. Don't smile at people, or they'll think you're a prostitute. Again, a valid point.

I love you all, and even though I think many of these are self explanatory I can't wait to come back rape-free, unmarried, and healthy. India might be vastly different from the United States, but I'm pretty sure I'll be okay.

सुरक्षित यात्रा (suraksita yatra - bon voyage)