An Overview of What I have Learned Thus Far…

1. It’s HOT here. The weather is almost unbearable. And not only is it hot, but we do not have air conditioning in our flat (yes, I will be referring to it as a flat from now on) AND there is no air conditioning at our work. I am not surprised considering the foundation I am working for is a new branch and they are worried about conserving money. So essentially, I am sweating 24/7. However I had a small confidence boost about the situation at work. Seema, one of the Indian women I work with, came up to me on my second day of work and asked me what I did to make my face so shiny. When I told her it was just because I was sweating… she didn’t believe me! She was convinced that I was taking medicine to make my face “glow” and that she had been paying Rs. 1000 per month to get her face to look like that. Well I’m glad at least one person thinks I look good as I melt away.

2. They weren’t kidding when they said people would stare at me. At first it was mild, but I think that is only because I was a bit oblivious. In general, 80-90% of all heads turn when I walk down the street. Maybe 25% of this attention is amusing. I mean, who doesn’t like being able to capture the attention of any person they want to? Some times it is also very amusing. For example, I was taking an auto rickshaw (small taxi-like contraption) to work one day and there were about 5 boys walking on the side of the road about 100 m away. I was looking at them and as soon as one saw me he immediately shook all his friends and they all started pointing at me. This was adorable because they all started waving as I was laughing and waving back. Good thing I was in a taxi though and the traffic started moving again because I think they decided to head right toward me.

3. Sure Jill, everyone speaks English in India! False. I thought sure, India, at least I wont have a problem communicating with people. The reality is, a small minority speaks fluent English, namely the upper middle class and above. A decent number of people speak very broken English who are in the middle class. As for the vast majority of India, not a word of English. So when I am buying food, no one understands me. Taking a taxi… no one. Numbers are usually okay, but I have resorted to learning some Hindi words and of course, hand signals.

4. The food. At first, the food was incredible! All the Indians at my work were surprised when I said I loved spicy food. Essentially what they eat here every day are chapatis (or some variation) which is like a thicker version of a medium-sized tortilla. Some are made with potatoes, and some just flour, sugar, etc. Then you can eat a variety of spicy mixes. These are all vegetarian too. Then you rip off the piece of chipati and use it to pick of one of the vegetarian mixes. No silverware. Also! (this part is my favorite) Everyone eats off of everyone else’s plates! You don’t even ask! Now that is my kind of culture. Unfortunately, I cannot look at Indian food right now because I feel sick (probably getting used to the high levels of spices) but hopefully that won’t last too long…

5. Toilet Paper. Indian people do not use it. End of story. I paid Rs. 55 (aka about $1.10) for one roll. One roll! Still not sure how they don’t use it yet…

6. Clothes. Soon after I came here I realized I had brought all the wrong clothes. Thinking I would be working in an office, I thought it would be safe to bring my western business attire – ohh was I wrong. And here it is okay to show your midriff as saris expose that area of the body… but your knees? Oh absolutely not! Shoulders? Never. So needless to say I need to buy a few more things to wear.

In other news, it’s Friday! So I will be heading off to Agra tomorrow with Kylie, Ali and Maria (the North American crowd) to see the Taj!!! Can you believe it only costs $2 to get there by train and $6 for a hotel? I hope it has some decent air conditioning…