Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not do anything that would require me to live life with a small child without running hot and clean water.

OP didn't say she was without clean water. She said she was without running hot water. Big difference.

"Running hot and clean water" was my requirement. Clean cold water would not be enough for me.

Ok, enjoy living in the highly developed world, but you'll be missing out on some amazing experiences. Even in Europe there are some cold water flats, and it's much colder than India (where a hot shower isn't a necessity). OP may miss her hot shower, but there are huge benefits in terms of availability of family members, inexpensive childcare, amazing fruits and vegetables year round and fantastic places to visit.

None of this trumps clean hot water.

And with regards to cheap labor, many Americans are rightfully squeamish about paying indentured servant wages or having people live like slaves for their convenience.

OP here. My husbands family does not have servants. They can afford extra help but they prefer to to do the work themselves. They live in a small town in south India. I think they're upper middle class. They have a 4 story house and lots of land and gates around the land. I feel safe here. They're looking into getting running hot water. I think they can afford it. My husband has another brother living in Europe and they send money back to family here. My husbands sister works as well.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not do anything that would require me to live life with a small child without running hot and clean water.

OP didn't say she was without clean water. She said she was without running hot water. Big difference.

"Running hot and clean water" was my requirement. Clean cold water would not be enough for me.

Ok, enjoy living in the highly developed world, but you'll be missing out on some amazing experiences. Even in Europe there are some cold water flats, and it's much colder than India (where a hot shower isn't a necessity). OP may miss her hot shower, but there are huge benefits in terms of availability of family members, inexpensive childcare, amazing fruits and vegetables year round and fantastic places to visit.

None of this trumps clean hot water.

And with regards to cheap labor, many Americans are rightfully squeamish about paying indentured servant wages or having people live like slaves for their convenience.

Anonymous wrote:Where in India is OP planning to live? That will make a dramatic difference in the response.

Agree that matters! Summer with no AC in some parts of India are so brutal. And dont forget Monsoon season!

Yes! A year of family, adventure, culture, and exploration that your family will always treasure. Do it.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You always hear about so many deformities in children from India, like the tree man or the spider girl. When I see those documentaries, I wonder if this is due to something they are dumping into their environment or water supply.

Never. I'm a woman and am totally turned off by the gang rape stories coming out of there.

Indian-American here...so my perspective is a little different since I travel to India frequently and love to see my family there..

In your situation I would do it in a minute. I can't really see any downside for you as long as it really doesn't impact your DH's career. Frankly, DH (not Indian-American) and I have discussed this sort of thing, but logistically it wouldn't work with our careers and now that our kids are older.

I say you should go for it!

Where in India is OP planning to live? That will make a dramatic difference in the response.

Anonymous wrote:I would not do anything that would require me to live life with a small child without running hot and clean water.

You do you.

Yes! Your memories will last a lifetime. You might miss a few things, but it’s only one year. Consider the benefits. Good luck and enjoy!!

No. I am not an adventurous eater, the culture of family being all up in everyone's business is not for me, and I wilt and die in heat (literally, I pass out from overheating).

OP, where would you be living??

Hell, no. Hell no, man.

Everywhere has hot water. Unless you are poor.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not do anything that would require me to live life with a small child without running hot and clean water.

OP didn't say she was without clean water. She said she was without running hot water. Big difference.

"Running hot and clean water" was my requirement. Clean cold water would not be enough for me.

Ok, enjoy living in the highly developed world, but you'll be missing out on some amazing experiences. Even in Europe there are some cold water flats, and it's much colder than India (where a hot shower isn't a necessity). OP may miss her hot shower, but there are huge benefits in terms of availability of family members, inexpensive childcare, amazing fruits and vegetables year round and fantastic places to visit.

I would consider vacationing to those places, especially by myself or with DH. But I have a three year old and a one year old and you could not pay me to willingly live in a place without hot water while dealing with them day in and day out.