https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb9IVxjdlCs This song will always be tied to Banaras! I am back in the states..as we say on the road... As I am waiting here in NY for sun to rise and noon to comel...I shall pass time by writing. I tried to sleep...fail. I tried lying on the ground, chairs, on the pillow I took from the plane (I paid for the ticket so its mine anyway)..yet no luck falling asleep at the airport. Its raining outside JFK.. Normally rain makes me sleepy but I am wide awake! It is the time change I bet. i slept like a baby on the plane which would have been India's night time. So with keeping my phone's battery life in mind, here are pointers from my trip. 1) women can travel alone in India 2) one must be wise and street smart 3) do not go with a closed mind 4) blend in like a local no matter where you are in the world 5) follow your instincts and do not worry about being rude if that keeps you safe 6) Eventhough Gandhiji said "satya ahimsa chori na karvi" ...dont lie, be violent, or steal, for your safety, especially as a female, make up stories. I call them cover ups for when people you doubt try to inquire about you. You should never tell them you are a solo female traveller. i always had cover ups, but they were for my own safety such as saying my friends are waiting for me etc... 7) bargain but be respectful that the seller or auto rikshaw driver needs to make a living through your business too..there is a fine line. I consider myself bargaining expert and can get away with my fluent Hindi or Gujarati, local outfits...but I try to be mindful that the other person needs to make a profit too...it will often be mere couple rupees. 8) get to know locals but remember not to give out too much info especially to people you cannot trust 9) i generally trusted women more but that is common sense as I am a female myself 10) shuttlenor shared rikshaws will save you money...they are my preferred method of commuting to places besides on foot..for instance I. Went to Sarnath from Banaras/Varanasi for 30Rs through shared rikshaws and changing at one place..private rikshaw or cab would have cost tons more. I dont like doing touristy things but if you fear your safety, then go im a safer cab or private rikshaw. I dont fear my safety when in shared rikshaws as I have travelled ton of times in them in many cities and towns in India. Again, dont give out too much info and act like you know where you are going. Guard your brlongings too. I try to travel with less...for me, less is more anyway. People in my experience have always been nice to me and made room for me. For instance, men will go sit up front with the driver when there are more women in the back. And if someone does not respect you, demand respect. I speak up and give people lectures if they try to rip me off when negotiating a price for a rikshaw ride. I dont remember what number I am on, but overall, just have fun and be smart. Solo travel will change you in ways that you will not even realize...flexibility, being your own support, gps, guide, safety net...endurance, new perspectives in life, greater acceptance, how to be simple and value more through less, remind you life is a journey and our day to day lives can be seen through different lens if we wish to do so....thats it for now. By the way, I love Emirates! Best entertainment system in the sky!! So grateful for a safe and incredibly beautiful journey!! Thank you God! P.s.I will probably upload a photo album when I have time and battery life. Life is about to get super busy again so we will see...

the last photo is the back of one of my boarding passes...Sharukh Khan travelling with me in spirit!