Mom, if you're reading this, I'll be fine. Promise.

Although.

Perhaps I would be remiss if I didn't mention that while I'm completely and totally stoked about my upcoming trip to India, neither am I a complete moron. I'm aware of the likely trials, tribulations and, yes, dangers of traveling alone in a culture where women still throw themselves, alive, onto the funeral pyres of their deceased husbands because without a man they cease to exist. (Please note: this is becoming increasingly less common.) I've heard all the stories-- "you won't be able to walk down the street without being groped", "dress conservatively and you'll be treated better", "don't look men in the eye or they'll think you're a whore" and, perhaps my personal favorite: "I know several strong, independent female travelers and they were raped when they went to India alone."

Yeah, thanks, guys. I'm just glad none of you has my mom's phone number or email address, mmkay?

I'm not unaware. I KNOW it's a risk. I KNOW that traveling with a companion, especially a male companion, is far more desirable (in some respects) than going alone. I KNOW I'm going to be harrassed. But christ on a pogo stick, people. I get harrassed almost as bad as that wandering around any major European city or hell, even in Seattle on a night out. (Ok, that last one was a fib. Seattle is pretty tame.) What the hell am I supposed to do? Sit at home and not go anywhere in fear of what *might* happen just because I have a vagina? Sorry, I don't fricking think so. Besides, when I asked them last spring, none of my guy friends were interested in going to India with me. Har.

I'm taking precautions with my personal safety. And I'm traveling to parts of the country that have a more cosmopolitan view of lone female travelers. I'm going to be on my guard and will routinely *expect* harrassment in some form or another. And perhaps most importantly of all: I'm NOT going to be dyeing my hair blonde or red anytime soon, so I'll have a slightly easier time of blending in.