An Open Letter to Mr Ronnie Miller

Namaste Ronnie,

I have, on many occasions, promised to mention you on my blog. To date, this has not happened. Please accept my sincerest apologies.

So here you go. Your very own post. Especially for you.

You're going to India. That's great! However, I believe you're only going for two weeks, so you'll probably hate it. Sorry to be so candid, but it's true. India is the kind of place that grows on you, it gradually seeps into your blood and leaves you wanting more. Most people who go there and stay for only a short time never return to India. So this I say to you, give it a chance. Go there with an open mind.

I know you're going for business purposes and you'll probably have a guide of some sort and sleep in a nice air conditioned hotel. This isn't the real India. If you get the chance, go and explore! The India you will see on the streets is more exotic, more colourful, more vibrant. India isn't always sweet smelling. The streets are pretty much a public latrine, so watch where to step. The people are harmless and the children will probably beg. Ignore them if you can. If you really have to give them something, don't give them sweets, give them pens or pencils.

Talk to people. Guidebooks harp on about how you shouldn't talk to the natives. I disagree. We met some amazing people on our travels - both locals and other travellers. These people will be able to tell you the best places to go and eat and what to see and do.

You will get sick at some point. Bring rehydrating salts. I cannot possibly stress this enough. The rich gravies of India do not sit easily in delicate British stomaches. Before you start protesting, yes, yes, I know you're a Geordie. Yes, I know you can down 20 pints a night and follow it up with a vindaloo or three. British curries are very different from Indian curries. You will definitely get at least one case of Delhi Belly. I'll put money on that.

When Lydia and I went to India we went vegetarian for a while. Pune is in the South and not that far from the sea, so you should be able to get some decent seafood there. I'd recommend you steer clear of red or white meat unless you think it can be trusted. There will be Western food available, but why would you want that when you can get it in England? For breakfast you can usually find toast and cereal, but if you get the chance, try dosa. This is a South Indian crepe usually served at breakfast. If you decide to shy away from meat, try paneer, which is cheese in gravy, or chana masala (chickpeas).

The Indian head waggle means several things. Yes. No. Maybe. Hello. Very confusing, but you might get the hang of it in the end. Or not.

Bring industrial strength insect repellent with DEET. It smells awful - but at least you won't get bitten! Your room will have air conditioning, so you won't need a mosquito net.

The beer to drink over there is Kingfisher. You won't find Cobra anywhere. Oh, and don't drink the tap water. Stick to bottled water. And don't accept ice in your drinks.

Be careful on the roads. The only rule on Indian roads is "watch out for the cows". An Indian driver would rather mow you down than a cow. You have been warned.

Lydia wrote up a post called Secrets of India, with some of her tips. Click on the link to have a look.

I have never been to Pune personally - so I can't advise you on where to go or what to see and do. For more information and tips on surviving the Great India Experience refer to the "India" label on my blog.

Enjoy! I look forward to hearing all your complaints upon your return.

Caroline x