vanhulsenbeek Posted December 23, 2011 Share #41 Posted December 23, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Yes, I second the idea of the Lunghi/Dhoti and a kurta. It's comfortable in the heat, and people will relax around you a little more. One other piece of advice, about manners. Take and Give with your RIGHT hand, never with your left. It is an insult to use your Left hand for much of anything... like eating. I fully second this: very important. You left hand is for "bodily functions" only. So also do not accept anything given to you with a left hand. It is insulting and your refusal will gain respect with the onlookers and giving person himself. I have had this happen several times over the years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 23, 2011 Posted December 23, 2011 Hi vanhulsenbeek, Take a look here What to take to India. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
swamiji Posted December 23, 2011 Share #42 Posted December 23, 2011 Not being familiar with the indiginous dress, I went to Wikipedia for a quick explanation. While I am all for "immersing" in the local culture, do Western travelers, particularly of the male persuasion, actually make the transformation from blues jeans to the Lunghi/kurta? It does look comfortable as hell. I do! It is! In the heat, Jeans are very uncomfortable. Tying it is a bit of a trick, though. You should have somebody show you. There are regional differences in ways of tying. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/168928-what-to-take-to-india/?do=findComment&comment=1878713'>More sharing options...
vanhulsenbeek Posted December 23, 2011 Share #43 Posted December 23, 2011 Just try it out for sure! If you look cool and feel comfortable, wear it. I tried a sarong in Indonesia long time ago. I looked ridiculous , so...... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamiji Posted December 23, 2011 Share #44 Posted December 23, 2011 I tried a sarong in Indonesia long time ago. I looked ridiculous , so...... Who's to say I don't look ridiculous as well. I certainly think I do, but I got over that a long time ago... but in my case, I have a reason, it's not a fashion statement. But as they say YMMV Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deliberate1 Posted December 23, 2011 Author Share #45 Posted December 23, 2011 I do! It is! In the heat, Jeans are very uncomfortable. Tying it is a bit of a trick, though. You should have somebody show you. There are regional differences in ways of tying. I can definitely see myself in that. Where do he "locals" buy theirs? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted December 23, 2011 Share #46 Posted December 23, 2011 Be patient, smile, and only pay beggars and for pictures if you see locals do it. You can get exhausted by fighting the system, or trying to do too much. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamiji Posted December 24, 2011 Share #47 Posted December 24, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I can definitely see myself in that. Where do he "locals" buy theirs? Well it 20 years of study to be able to wear that color, but the white version is available everywhere. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
swamiji Posted December 24, 2011 Share #48 Posted December 24, 2011 Be patient, smile, and only pay beggars and for pictures if you see locals do it. DO NOT GIVE MONEY TO BEGGARS!!!!!! You will be mobbed. It can feel hard hearted, but India is the only country I know that has a beggar union... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olsen Posted December 24, 2011 Share #49 Posted December 24, 2011 Always keep on you small change.In India this useful to tip when taking photographs.In India when something is prohibited there is nearly somebody close at hand that wiull faciitate matters for a small tip, that is part of the culture. ....just like UK...? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanhulsenbeek Posted December 24, 2011 Share #50 Posted December 24, 2011 After Cameron got in power? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted December 26, 2011 Share #51 Posted December 26, 2011 I would occasionally give beggars money- but more often I would buy a bunch of bananas or similar and give them away instead. If you are working for a begging syndicate- the boss probably doesn't want your banana at the end of the day... so you can safely eat it. Also never listen to any stories from beggars that involve powdered milk... no matter how convincing- it is a well know scam. I fell for it the first time I ran into it... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deliberate1 Posted December 26, 2011 Author Share #52 Posted December 26, 2011 Also never listen to any stories from beggars that involve powdered milk... no matter how convincing- it is a well know scam. I fell for it the first time I ran into it... Oh, you can not just end the post with a comment like that. There's nothing I like better than a good dehydrated dairy product tale. Do tell.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stanjan0 Posted December 26, 2011 Share #53 Posted December 26, 2011 Please,don't forget to bring pills to counter act diarrhea. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olsen Posted December 26, 2011 Share #54 Posted December 26, 2011 Regarding stomac trouble; My wife and I have always taken Decural before visits to the FE. That has kept us out of serious trouble. The food is something I really look forward to in India. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dent Posted December 26, 2011 Share #55 Posted December 26, 2011 Particulary the cities are a breath taking, highly dynamic social firework. Perfect photo opportunities evolve and vanish within nanoseconds. Do not try to switch lenses to often. Better take one or two fast lenses and use Your legs for framing. When You want to move swiftly and successfully in these crowds You just don´t want a big equipment bag. Not even a middle sized one. A bag lets You get stuck in busses, crowded roads, ferries. A bag keeps You focused on it not being stolen. Better focus on shooting. Take four batteries. After a (cumulative) year in India my bag got smaller and lighter each time. Alwas have some 100-300 Rs in small bills in Your pants pocket and the big money in a money belt. Immediately try to get small change if You run low on it (You´ll know why after some days). If You plan to travel mainly on public transport, carry (like the Indians) a cheap light blanket for wrapping Yourself in or to sit on. There are hundreds of useful things to do with a blanket in India. Try to learn to completely ignore everyone showing the potential to get on Your nerves. Just ignore them, stare trough them and keep following Your buisness. Ignore them and they will lose interest very quickly. After some time in India Your behaviour (the Art of Ignoring) will change in a way that keeps most these people primary away in a more natural way. India is one of the really photo friendly spots on earth if You show just a basic sense of respect. Here is a one-lens-project. 28/2, M9, four days Photo Essays - mindful photography - by rainingflowers | SmugMug Enjoy this beautiful country. Keep good hand hygiene but do not get paranoid. Eat where the crowds eat at times when the crowds eat. Fresh Indian food is a universe to explore. Avoid cheap tourist restaurants with extensive menus - they often freeze the food and just thaw it for You. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted December 26, 2011 Share #56 Posted December 26, 2011 I do! It is! In the heat, Jeans are very uncomfortable. Tying it is a bit of a trick, though. You should have somebody show you. There are regional differences in ways of tying. Any man who travels with a Leica Universal Finder around his neck is obviously serious about his photography!!! Well done!!!! Stephen Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deliberate1 Posted December 27, 2011 Author Share #57 Posted December 27, 2011 Particulary the cities are a breath taking, highly dynamic social firework. Perfect photo opportunities evolve and vanish within nanoseconds. Do not try to switch lenses to often. Better take one or two fast lenses and use Your legs for framing. When You want to move swiftly and successfully in these crowds You just don´t want a big equipment bag. Not even a middle sized one. A bag lets You get stuck in busses, crowded roads, ferries. A bag keeps You focused on it not being stolen. Better focus on shooting. Take four batteries. After a (cumulative) year in India my bag got smaller and lighter each time. Alwas have some 100-300 Rs in small bills in Your pants pocket and the big money in a money belt. Immediately try to get small change if You run low on it (You´ll know why after some days). If You plan to travel mainly on public transport, carry (like the Indians) a cheap light blanket for wrapping Yourself in or to sit on. There are hundreds of useful things to do with a blanket in India. Try to learn to completely ignore everyone showing the potential to get on Your nerves. Just ignore them, stare trough them and keep following Your buisness. Ignore them and they will lose interest very quickly. After some time in India Your behaviour (the Art of Ignoring) will change in a way that keeps most these people primary away in a more natural way. India is one of the really photo friendly spots on earth if You show just a basic sense of respect. Here is a one-lens-project. 28/2, M9, four days Photo Essays - mindful photography - by rainingflowers | SmugMug Enjoy this beautiful country. Keep good hand hygiene but do not get paranoid. Eat where the crowds eat at times when the crowds eat. Fresh Indian food is a universe to explore. Avoid cheap tourist restaurants with extensive menus - they often freeze the food and just thaw it for You. Wonderful advice.I am obliged to you for it. I plan to bring a modest amount of gear, because I only own a modest amount of gear. Presently only a 50mm Summicron and 90mm Elmarit M. I am in the market for a wide, either a 35mm Summicron ASPH or 28 mm Elmarit M. Your wonderful images (truly) make a strong case for the 28mm pov. I am thinking that I may just leave the 90mm home and take just the 50mm for portraiture and 28/35mm for walk around. All my gear will fit into the smallest Lowe slingshot pack which is worn like a bandoleer (Lowepro | SlingShot). Also have a belt system that have various small pocket attachments as an alternative. Is dust an issue, and if so, is there a good way to deal with it, other than just minimizing lens changes? Again,thanks for the help. I am going t spend a bit more time on your site with your splendid work. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaques Posted December 27, 2011 Share #58 Posted December 27, 2011 Agree again with the comments given: eat in the big places with high turnover and freshly cooked food. You are more likely to get sick eating 'western food' from tourist restaurants ( even 4/5 star hotels) than eating a thali from an Indian lunch hall. Probably wise to avoid salads and cut fruit. Green cocunuts are a good way to get a very tastey healthy refreshing and safe drink. The milk powder scam has been around for years now. Basically a mother with a small child (baby) will approach you and start talking in a friendly manner. They will make it clear tey don't want any money- but after some time will mention that they desperately need some milk powder for the baby. This seams reasonable: there is the baby and it does look hungry... If you agree they will take you to a nearby shop where they wiol ask you to buy the largest tin of poweder you have ever seen... By this stage it may be hard ot back out... the trick is that they work with the shop owner- and after you are gone the tin goes back on the shelf- and the money is divided up... In a day god know how many times the same tin of powder may bet sold... In a large city like Calcutta the operation may be part of a larger professional begging/scamming network- possibly run by some kind of beggar king (who never begs himself of course) who ends up with most of the profits. Often the police will also take a share- and for that they ensure that only beggars from the team can work a given area. This is why a banana is a good thing to give away. One thing I will say about most scams in India- they are non violent and clever. If you have your wits about you you can avoid most of them with no harm done. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dent Posted December 27, 2011 Share #59 Posted December 27, 2011 Wonderful advice.I am obliged to you for it. I plan to bring a modest amount of gear, because I only own a modest amount of gear. Presently only a 50mm Summicron and 90mm Elmarit M. I am in the market for a wide, either a 35mm Summicron ASPH or 28 mm Elmarit M. Your wonderful images (truly) make a strong case for the 28mm pov. I am thinking that I may just leave the 90mm home and take just the 50mm for portraiture and 28/35mm for walk around. All my gear will fit into the smallest Lowe slingshot pack which is worn like a bandoleer (Lowepro | SlingShot). Also have a belt system that have various small pocket attachments as an alternative. Is dust an issue, and if so, is there a good way to deal with it, other than just minimizing lens changes? Again,thanks for the help. I am going t spend a bit more time on your site with your splendid work. David Thanks for Your feedback. Take whatever small bag You feel comfortable to carry for hours and hours even when sitting and eating. I usually carry a small (non photo-) shoulder bag and stuff the lenses into zipper plastic food bags. Just exchange the bags when they get gritty or moist. When it starts raining I double the plastic with a bigger supermarket plastic bag. IMHO "unobtrusive" does not work with tourists and their bags in India. Everyone who cares will recognize You as a tourist from a mile away. Some travellers wear clothes with the Indian stigmata of poverty with the intention or whish to look more "un-touristic". For Indians this is extremly confusing and sometimes insulting. They just do not understand that You (as a wealthy man) dress as a low cast member. This only works for some Indians on a spritual journey. Better wear a clean shirt with the obligatory ballpen in the shirt pocket. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted Lemon Posted December 27, 2011 Share #60 Posted December 27, 2011 Hi - just got back from India and Bangladesh where I spent the last month ...took 1 x M8 with fixed 28mm F2 Cron (my standard camera set-up since its intro) 1 x 50mm F2 Cron 3 x Batt 5 x 2 GB cards 5 x 8 GB cards 2 x 16 GB cards 1 x GF1 with fixed 20mm - so 40mm focal length (for backup, short videos and fast autofocus portraits in tight situations) 2 x GF1 Batt Chargers for both cameras Desktop tripod Small Billingham bag Imodium plus (but never used it) No laptop/Ipad - too much hassle for me. All the cards can obviously be used on both cameras and I came back with all cards used having edited out the (really) bad shots in camera and come back with around 1,000 images and 30 short HD film’s. Carrying this lot is not ideal but it covered all eventualities, I used the 50mm about 5 times so mostly the28mm. The GF1 is a perfect backup as I do not have an alternate M8 body. I have my M8 red dot/logos etc taped up and not a problem carrying the camera strapped at the end of my wrist in all locations – and believe me Bangladesh cities makes Indian cities look relatively peaceful. If you can carry an M8 around Dhaka in the open and have no problems you can carry it anywhere (well apart from Rome or Barcelona maybe – had bad experiences in those places). Also did not get sick – just be sensible – eat veg rather than non-veg and drink bottled water. Don’t avoid street food – its great there – and in most locations more fresh than a restaurant. Have a great trip. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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