Cousin Pratheep

Romesh and Shanthi kick off their trip in Tampa, Florida, where they have arranged to meet Romesh's cousin Pratheep, who has set up an all-American week. Romesh starts the trip as his means to go on by trying to get rid of his mother at a Floridian retirement park, but Shanthi is having none of it.

Pratheep's first activity is to get Romesh to take part in a spicy food competition - one that involves downing a vomit-inducing concentrated Naga chilli soup. With a tender stomach, he is then introduced to a group of locals whose idea of fun is to drive monster trucks and shoot AK47s.

Romesh and his mum's relationship hits an all time low when he breaks free from her to attend a beer-chugging frat party initiation. On the final day, Pratheep has arranged the one thing Shanthi wanted to do - see a gospel choir.