India 101
Your First Trip to India: A Love Letter to Chaos, Color, and Incredible Adventures!
by Lotte van Uum
What I wish I'd known before falling head-over-heels
for India (and Nilesh!)
So you're heading to India for the first time? Get ready to experience a country that will gently assault every single one of your senses in the most spectacular way possible. India doesn't just welcome you – it wraps you in a warm hug, feeds you the most incredible food you've ever tasted, and then casually asks if you want some chai. Welcome to a place where color, chaos, and joy collide in the most beautiful way!
The India Survival Kit (Essential Life Hacks)
February Weather = Pure Luck
February in Bangalore is absolute perfection – think warm, pleasant days and cool evenings with zero monsoon drama. I packed way too many clothes thinking I'd need layers, but really you just need light cotton for the day and maybe one warm layer for evenings. Time to trade those Dutch rain boots for some sparkly Indian sandals!
Getting Around (It's An Adventure)
Dutch traffic has nothing on Indian traffic – it's like a beautifully choreographed dance where somehow everyone knows the steps except you. Download Uber immediately. Auto-rickshaws are adorable but always negotiate the fare first (or just book them via Uber). And yes, that 20-minute journey Google Maps promised? Add another 30 minutes and enjoy the ride.
Language Adventures
English is widely spoken, but learning "Namaste" (hello/goodbye), "Dhanyawad" (thank you), and "Kitna?" (how much?) will earn you instant smiles and possibly extra food. Don't worry about your accent – Indians are just thrilled you're making the effort.
Keeping Your Stomach Happy (Delhi Belly Prevention 101)
The golden rules: bottled water is your friend, avoid raw salads and cut fruits from street vendors, and stick to hot, freshly cooked food. If locals are eating there and it's busy, it's probably safe. Start with milder dishes and work your way up to spicier foods. Pack some probiotics and basic stomach remedies – your future self will thank you. Pro tip: stick to vegetarian food to reduce the risks which is just as flavourful!
Food Adventures (Your Taste Buds' New Best Life)
Street Food Changed My Life
If the place is crowded with locals, it's safe and probably incredible. You're trading stroopwafels for samosas, and honestly, your taste buds are about to have a religious experience. Must-tries include:
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Chaat – Sweet, spicy, crunchy heaven in a bowl
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Dosa – Crispy crepe perfection (Bangalore's pride and joy!)
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Kulfi – Indian ice cream that will ruin regular ice cream forever
Spice Level Reality Check:
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"No spice" = Still more exciting than mild Dutch mustard
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"Little spice" = You might glow a bit
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"Medium spice" = Have tissues handy
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"Indian spice" = You've been lovingly warned!
Cultural Magic Moments
Temple Visits Are Soul-Stirring
Remove your shoes, cover your shoulders, and prepare to be amazed. The architecture, chanting, and incense create an otherworldly experience. Don't stress about "doing it wrong" – good intentions matter more than perfect execution.
Shopping is Performance Art
Bargaining isn't rude – it's expected! Start at half the asking price and work your way up. Brigade Road and Commercial Street in Bangalore are perfect training grounds. It's like a friendly game where everyone wins and you get beautiful things. Warning: you will need an extra suitcase.
Every Day is Festival Day
Indians celebrate everything with infectious enthusiasm. If there's music and dancing in the streets, just join in. Nobody will question it – they'll hand you sweets and teach you the moves. It's like having multiple King's Day celebrations but with better weather and more color.
The Real Talk Section
Yes, It Will Be A Lot
India doesn't do subtle, and that's exactly the point. The sounds, smells, colors, and energy can be beautifully overwhelming. When it feels like too much, find a quiet café, order some chai, and just watch the world go by. This sensory symphony is what makes India unforgettable – embrace it in small doses if you need to.
Photo Etiquette Made Simple
Always ask before photographing people, especially women and children. Most folks are delighted to pose, but that simple "photo?" gesture shows respect and often leads to wonderful interactions. Also, prepare for random strangers wanting selfies with you – you're as fascinating to them as they are to you! It's actually a lovely way to connect across cultures.
Cultural Patience is Key
Things move differently here. "Indian Standard Time" is real, and fighting it will only stress you out. Embrace the flexible approach to scheduling – some of the best experiences happen when plans go beautifully sideways.
The Bottom Line
India will challenge everything you think you know about the world, and that's the gift. You're not just attending a wedding – you're getting a masterclass in joy, family, tradition, and the art of celebration.
Pack your curiosity, bring your appetite (literally and figuratively), and get ready for the trip that will spoil you for all other destinations. India doesn't just show you a different way of life – it shows you a different way of being fully alive.
And who knows? You might just end up planning your own Indian wedding adventure.
Welcome to India, friend. Your world is about to become infinitely more colorful!
Love,
Lotte
P.S. – The masala chai is basically a warm hug in a cup, and you'll understand why we are completely obsessed. Just remember to call it 'chai' – saying 'chai tea' screams 'I learned about this at Starbucks' and will definitely earn you some politely amused looks from people who've been perfecting this recipe for centuries!
