Neither Badminton nor Squash

Look like racquets used for familiar sports? In this case the sport is mosquito swatting. No really! These electrified swatters are commercially available. A whole team of swatters, equipped with these, patrol our Lemon Tree Hotel and they are good at what they do! Inspired by them, Kalie just picked one up this week, in preparation for our trip to the backwaters of Kerala.

Mosquitoes here are large and slow. They hover a bit before landing, so I have managed to swat all away .... well, except one.

Not everyone here takes all of the recommended precautions, but for me, my malaria pills and application of repellant are regular "must dos."

And while I'm at it, here's an update on water and food.

All of us have been diligent using bottled water when away from the Lemon Tree. There have been a couple of "uneasy moments" among us, but all episodes have been pretty manageable.

Almost all of the Indian food is very spicy. Those who don't make "spicy" a regular part of their diets have had a harder time adapting than those who do. If you are interested in the immersion program, it wouldn't be a bad idea to engage in a little "palate adjustment" before your departure. Here at the hotel, pasta is usually available. The trusty peanut butter sandwich has become a regular part of at least one BTA diet.