Would you move to India for a year?

[Anonymous]

No thank you.

[Anonymous]

Sure I would. I’m not sure where you’re staying that there’s no hot running water or American foods but in the cities neither of those things should be big issues. Even in the villages running water and even hot running water is pretty common in the wealthier homes.

[Anonymous]

To Delhi or Kanpur or Lucknow? No, the pollution is too bad nowadays (and Kanpur, or anywhere in Bihar, is too isolated and dangerous). But to Pune or Chennai or Bangalore? In a heartbeat — assuming we’d stay in our own flat and not with family or in-laws.

That said, if you’ve not got running hot water, I assume you aren’t in a major metropolis, which changes things. I couldn’t do a year in any place smaller a Tier II city. Too claustrophobic and isolating.

[Anonymous]

Not under the circumstances you describe- no hot water or washer/dryer. Deal breaker.

I would absolutely do it with my family if my job sent me and I could live with the basic household amenities I am used to.

[Anonymous]

If everything else is great, then sure, why not? It sounds like a one year adventure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes.

That’s sight unseen, but a year goes by so fast and I like adventures.

Same! I've lived in 10+ countries, so if I already stayed at home I would embrace this as an adventure.

[Anonymous]

I've never been to India. But not having hot, running water would be a deal breaker for me. Nope, couldn't do it.

[Anonymous]

Well your husband is South Asian looking, but what kind of ethnic look do you and your child have? The color of your skin highly matters for day-to-day experience for most non-Western and certain Latin American countries.

[Anonymous]

I've only had extended visits (for work & play) the Delhi/Agra area. Based on that I would say no.

Any other area may be up for consideration.

[Anonymous]

Are you actually going to have to wash your clothes in India and that is why you miss having a washer/dryer? Or you have a maid there and miss that dried clothes can feel softer than clothes hung out to dry?
You need to explain more about your living situation in India? Does your husband's family have a lot of servants so you don't have to do much? What city? Do you own a home in the US? Will you be saving a year's rent? Will there be more money to go on vacation?

[Anonymous]

This would depend on my husband and his family and how progressive or not they were

[Anonymous]

Where in India? I would not go to Delhi because of the air quality but I would decamp to Bangalore in a heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, but not in Delhi. Air pollution there is unbelievable.

My cousin is living in Delhi for a few years and the pollution is shocking. He says it leaves a burning taste and it’s unhealthy to even walk outside during bad spells (which can last a month or more). No young children to worry about. Otherwise they are taking advantage of the time to travel and enjoy the country. He says they love India but not living in Delhi.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where in India? I would not go to Delhi because of the air quality but I would decamp to Bangalore in a heartbeat.

And I wanted to add that in all the major cities like Mumbai, Chennai etc you will find sizable expat populations and American schools though they don't come cheap. So you can choose how you want to live. Household help is affordable for anyone above middle class. Most homes have a maid, nanny, cook and driver at the minimum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If everything else is great, then sure, why not? It sounds like a one year adventure.

+1. Get a flat nearby that has running hot water. Washer/dryers aren’t so common because household labor is so cheap. Get a servant to help you with the clothes.