We are over halfway through our travels and its time to answer my questions from the second post.
What are we missing? More vitamins and probiotics
Should we have brought better shoes? No.
Should we have brought a computer? Definitely not.
Will the carseat ever be used? No.
Should we have packed more clothes? Less? No. We have the right amount.
Should we have packed sheet pouches and a sleeping bag? Warmer jackets? No and no.
Who forgot their toothbrush? Noone.
Things we brought that were amazing: Mostly medical things like the antibiotics for peace of mind, pepto bismal, scissors (the tied together socks from the laundry), nail clippers, tweezers, bactine (to wash cuts - we are all over the slightest cut), dramamine, seasickness bracelets, chewable tylenol, probiotics, protein bars, charcoal, beef jerky though we have to hide it because cows are sacred. Also ziplock bags (big ones), shoes that tie for our hikes, hand sanitizer, medical kit with bandaids and antibiotic ointment, deet, suntan lotion, hats., extra room in our bags for purchases, luggage with wheels, soap, bigish shampoo and conditioner.
Things we don't need: Malarone, pack covers (at least so far), nalgene (unfortunately for the environment we are using plastic water bottles. There often is clean water in hostels/hotels, but with the kids, we aren't risking it).
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Differences between Nepal and India -
Many napelese could be seen bathing with water and a bucket like i did (weekly) when i lived in sikkim. We haven't seen this in Rajasthan. There might be more touts in India and these toits might be more aggressive. It seems we have seen a broader array of economic classes in India. Homes of the super rich, and very very poor. India has a few stoplights! We wore a seatbelt in India (once in awhile as often they are broken), the roads are infinitely better than in Nepal. There are more western amenities in India.
So awesome. In spite of all the risks, you guys pulled it off. I was wondering what the kids were eating, given the spice levels. Pepto is now available in India, but no good for the kind of bacterial food poisoning which our western guts are not accustomed to. I used to carry prescription Ciprofloxacin, but that's and all antibiotics like amoxicillin are available in India without a prescription. I don't eat uncooked salads etc which might be washed in contaminated water. Or fruits with peelable skins. Fish is popular on the coastal areas like Mumbai, Goa. But chicken, and goat also safe. And most US chains like McDonald's, KFc Burger King are in the larger cities and have stricter Quality control on par with US, but no beef. Some Southern states have beef like in Kerala. Next time hope to join in your Southern India trip!!
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