Ten random travel tips

I have been traveling a bit in the last two weeks across the length and breadth of India. Sundry experiences popped in to cook up this top ten list, which could save your life or avoid an infection! Some interesting travelling tips-

1. Avoid rubbing your face too hard with hotel towels. Nuf said.

2. If you find the local women beautiful, keep your opinion to yourself. Your self-assumed innocent, aesthetic senses and evolved, refined eye could nevertheless get you a black eye.

3. If you know very little of the local language, do not experiment with questions unless you are sure you will understand the answers. It can be quite embarrassing to ask for the answers to be repeated in English or end up with sign language.

4. Research your food before getting adventurous with new cuisine at a restaurant. You don't want to look surprised and make faces when the dish arrives.

5. If the last (or first) names are hard to pronounce, do not create your own 'short and cool' versions. It may not be received well. Stick to the easier first (or last) name when referring to or speaking with the person.

6. If it's a road trip, do not depend too much on Google maps for directions. It is not at it's best at all times. I have ended up with longer routes. Stop the damn car and ask for directions.

7. Do not lie about your location on phone calls. Goddamn tech is way too smart these days.

8. On a serious note- do ask for packaged water.

9. Go easy on the quantity of food you eat in a new location. Let your insides get used to the climate and stuff.

10. Smile and be nice to locals. If people like you, you may get help or tips before you get into trouble. If you are rude, locals will just become silent on pending trouble (for you). Silence from people who know better is the worst weapon that can be used against you.

Hey on second thought, the hell with this list. Pack your bags, leave, do your own thing. But that last tip holds.