The absolute stupidest thing that some hippy backpacker tourists say is that the water in India is just fine, that it's only our weak western digestive tracks that aren't used to the particular melange of nasty stuff here. So they drink the water, get sick, and somehow rejoice in their moral triumph over their body's inadequacy.
One problem: reliable access to potable water is the greatest problem of the developing world, much of India included. Here's some news to folks thinking about going native: the leading cause of hospitalization in India is diarrhea. The water sucks. Don't drink it, if you can afford to.
When I arrived, I did some research and found out that the water in Bikaner is quite good, so I took my chances and have been drinking it for the past four weeks. So far, so good: I've been laid low with a nasty head cold, but am happy just not to be stuck in the bathroom.
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