Without a doubt, this is the most common question on the Lonely Planet chat board for the Indian Subcontinent. What should I bring? should I bring a camcorder? tampons? and so on and on.

I must confess that I was warned by old India hands on that board and others against overpacking, that virtually everything was available here and at a much better price. I didn't believe them, and loaded down with heavy and expensive saline solution, diarrhea medication, and a brand new pair of prescription solar-sensitive spectacles (among a backbreaking ton of other stuff) - all of which were available, at lower prices and most importantly, the same quality - here in India. By the time I dragged out the door, I resembled Steve Martin in that scene from 'The Jerk': ALL I need is this blanket, this blanket, that's all I need, and this lampshade, and this thermos, and this remote control, and this set of golf clubs, and....

Some of the best things I did bring, and am very glad of, were:
1-my Maglite flashlight with four-legged holder attachment (Night Eyez Flashlight Friend, from REI retail store or web site). Cheaper flashlights have a way of blinking out if you touch them the wrong way, and the Maglite has a superior design - they have thought of everything, even a spare bulb hidden in the handle (try finding a spare flashlight bulb to fit your Western model here). The NightEyez attachment with its Gumby-like bendable legs enables you to prop up or even wear your Maglite in situations where your hands are needed. Total cost: about $15.00 including tax. Worth every penny.

2-My digital camera (in this case a Kodak Easyshare DX4330). One of the best decisions I made was to spring for this, and if I could do it over I'd spend another $100 or so to get an even better one. But don't forget -

3- Plenty - and I can't reiterate this enough - plenty of batteries, both alkaline and lithium, especially if you have a digital camera. Digicams munch down an insane amount of battery, and all Indian- made batteries - even those with reliable brand names like Duracell - last about half to a third as long as any made in Japan or US. Lithium batteries, especially the CRV3 my camera takes, are found only in larger cities and often not in the needed denomination.

4- *One* pair of shoes only - strap-on Tevas. You do not want backless Birkenstocks or any type of flip flop model - these put terrible strain on your ankle when doing a great deal of walking. Get a thick-soled trekking-type sandal with good ankle straps.

5-Good ink pens (Pilot, Uniball and so forth). Only stationery stores in the larger cities will have this quality of pen.

6-a Bic lighter. The lighters and matches here, like the batteries, are not as reliable as those at home. But don't loan this lighter to anyone - there is a good chance it will not reappear!

7- A good pair of UVA/UVB sunglasses. No, the locals don't wear them much, but the tropical sun will blind you in mid day. Also lends some welcome anonymity and cuts down on eye contact, especially important for women.

8-For women only: the Keeper, aka a menstrual cup. Much better than carting around bulky pads or tampons, which are costly anyway, and one Keeper will last you nearly forever. It functions and looks much like a large diaphragm device. The Keeper needs to be removed and cleaned about every 12 hours. Otherwise it's maintenance free.

9-Good UVA/UVB sun block, containing the ingredient Parsol (best for defense against both types of rays). Though Indians do have what amounts to a national mania for fair skin, good sunblocks are hard to find and when you do find them, expensive especially by Indian standards.

To be continued!......August 15, 2003, Mysore, Karnataka