Month: December 2012

Tips on how to survive and enjoy travel in India

So you’ve decided to travel to India. You’ve done your research and been mesmerized by all it has to offer. The sub-continent can be a breathtakingly beautiful place, but the culture shock you’ll experience could cause headaches if you’re not prepared. It is definitely important to know how to survive travel through India.

For instance, dressing western isn’t necessarily a great idea, especially if you’re a woman or straying from the tourist areas. The upside to this is that Indian clothing is absolutely beautiful and comes in many different patterns, so you can be comfortable and fashionable every day of your stay. It is also good to know
how much to bargain in India because otherwise you will get ripped off very quickly.

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India is generally very hot, making you feel parched a good part of the time. As tempting as it may be, you’ll want to stay away from the tap water. Your body isn’t used to processing it and it could potentially give you all sorts of stomach problems you’ll want to avoid on your stay. Bottled water will be expensive but well worth it, and if you shop around, you’ll more than likely find some at a decent price. You may also find that the food there bothers your stomach as they’re used to a different cuisine than we are. Some people have cast-iron stomachs, but for those that don’t, probiotic pills will help with being able to process all the new things you’re introducing to your body.

Unless you’re on a budget, you should try and spend at least a couple of nights at a top-notch hotel. No one does luxury like the Indians, and if you’re luck enough to find a hotel that accepts rupees as currency, you’ll likely find yourself a great deal. On a related note, try not to take taxis from your hotel, you may find it to be a great deal cheaper by simply walking down to the closest village and talking to the cab company itself. Always remember to make sure they’ve included any extras (air conditioning), and try to agree on a price before getting into the cab. In India, you’re almost certain to see just what state of poverty they are in. Although it’s up to you whether or not you decide to support the local homeless while you are on your trip, one solution is to donate to a local charity, making your dollars go further and hopefully helping India as a whole.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have an exciting, eye opening adventure with your travel through India.

Tips to Eating Insects for Survival

If a situation arises where you are literally starving to death in the wilderness, you may consider eating just about anything. Sure, our common diet of fast food and home cooking does not typically include creepy, crawly bugs, but extreme survival situations may allow you to broaden your culinary horizons and try something new.

Insects are the most abundant life form on earth, so it is easy to see why such bugs are easy to catch for food in nearly any environment and under any circumstances. Eating these crawling creatures really does have several advantages if you are stranded out in the wilderness in need of protein.

Bugs are high in protein. Beef, for example, only provides about 20% protein. Insects, on the other hand, provide between 65% and 80% protein. Despite the unappetizing quality, insects really are a great source of food for the survivor. Eating insects will help to provide the energy you need to survive.

It is important to avoid eating adult insects that bite or sting. Brightly colored bugs are not a good idea for dinner. Hairy insects should be avoided. Spiders and flies frequently carry disease, so they should be avoided as food, too. Ticks are not fit for consumption. Caterpillars and mosquitoes do not make a great meal, either.

You can scavenge for insects near rotting logs. This is an excellent place to find termites, ants, grubs, and beetles. Insect nests that are in or on the ground are great places to locate food for survival. Insect larvae may also be eaten, if available in your area.

Insects with hard shells often have parasites. Remove barbed legs or wings before cooking these bugs. Mashing the insects into a paste may be helpful. Mix the paste with edible plants to help improve the taste. Some people find that preparing the insects in this manner helps to overcome the mental stigma associated with eating insects. This is the hardest part of the entire experience.

Experiment with the insects around you. All bugs will taste differently. Ants may have a sweet taste to them. Wood grubs are rather bland. The flavor from each bug will vary considerably. If several varieties of insects are abundant nearby, try some of each. Possibly one species in the variety will be more palatable than another.

It is probable that bugs don’t tempt your taste buds on a daily basis, but they can be critical to your survival in an outdoor survival emergency. It is important for you to be careful not to eat bugs that will harm you with stings or bites. Take advantage of the protein by consuming the insects in a paste or stew to improve the flavor. Your life rests upon your ability to remain healthy and nourished when fighting to survive.

Although the thought is initially unpleasant and unappealing, eating insects may be the key to survival until help arrives. Due to their abundance, insects are readily available until you can safely locate other sources of food for nourishment.