India

Today we got a package from our future school that included, among other things, a suggested shipping list. Do you know what they suggest we ship to India? Toilet paper! Here's a quote: "Bring soft toilet paper. Toilet paper is available, but not like the brands at home. It is rough and comes in tiny rolls."

I'm just going to quote a few more things from our information packets:
Power Shutdowns:
"It is likely that you will have power cuts especially in the summer or when there are heavy rains. Some apartments have common generators to run lights and fans during a power cut. However, candles can light up your home during such times. There are other emergency lighting systems, but candles are more romantic. Usually the power is not off for long periods."

"candles are more romantic." I love that.

Examinations and Immunization:
"Our consulting physician recommends updating the following:
Tetanus
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Rabies
Japanese B Encephalitis"

And from the book At Home, In Madras
Beating Disease:
"All water must be treated. The best method is to fit an Aquaguard to your tap and boil the aquaguarded water for 20 minutes."

In summary: In order to avoid any of the aforementioned diseases, water must be filtered and boiled (over a candle in case of a power shutdown). If that fails you are left with only one thing: a tiny, scratchy roll of toilet paper.