What I will miss most

The people. The people, the people, the people. The people here are so good and so genuine. When you make a friend in India, you make a friend for life. They will go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable, happy, and safe. They will be your family. They will love you and guide you. Protect you and council you. They will heal your wounds and spoil you with good tea and good conversation. They will shower you with gifts. They will ask you to join them for five hour dinners and you will spend four of the five hours eating the delicious feast they have prepared. They will complement you and give you the truth. Even if I spent every minute of the rest of my life trying, I know I would NEVER be able to repay the kindness and goodness people have shared with me here. Indian people have given me a newfound appreciation for just being, enjoying, living, and loving. They have shared their piece of the world with me, and for that I am a better person. I will always remember, with gratitude, India. And it is because of you- you know who you are… thank you.

Okay people...

Yo! I know, I know, you are mad because I don't update my blog regularly (I'm obviously talking to the only person who cares, MOM). And when I do, I throw up a bunch of pics with NO story. Or a story with NO pics. DEAL with it! I mean, who has time to update a blog while attempting to soak up every waking moment India has to offer?

NOT I.

Enjoy the pics. I will try to give you a "rough cut" of each experience in the near future- hopefully before I return home to Arizona iced tea and big, fluffy couches (two things I miss).

"You are the hero of your own story..."

Bree

Leh

Goa

Diwali in Delhi- Aussie Style

Varanasi

Just in case you were wondering...

In India...

1.  Everyone wants to know if you have had your breakfast.

2.  Keys open up multiple locks.  My friend Jyotsna locked her keys in her car and used Lelu's keys to open her door.  Not the same model, not the same brand, not the same car.  Hmmm.  My neighbor Meenakshi uses her house key to open up the front door to my house.  Hmmm.

3.  Auto Rickshaw drivers often drive barefoot.  They like to take naps in their backseats on the side of the road as well.  

4.  People say, "I'll just come"- meaning, I will leave and come back in the future.  My brain still battles with this.  Aren't you already here?

5.  Toilet paper doesn't go in the toilet.  Nough said.

6.  Toilet paper is unavailable 96% of the time.  A bucket of water is in its place.  Nough said.

7.  If you say "no thanks" or politely refuse any type of dish, people automatically think you do not eat it ever.  

Friend: Oh, you don't take chutney?  

Me:  No, I just don't want it right now.  

Friend: Oh, you don't like chutney?

Me:  No, I just don't feel like eating it right now.

Friend (to other friend):  She doesn't eat chutney.

8.  If you are 30 an unmarried, it is a national calamity.

9.  Milk comes in plastic bags.  You boil it, then let it cool before you drink it.

10.  Nobody says "bless you" when you sneeze.  An Indian sneeze is the loneliest sneeze!

11.  If someone touches you with their foot on accident they will immediately touch their forehead and mouth in a small prayer of forgiveness.  It is extremely rude to touch someone or kick something with your foot.

12.  Indian men hold hands.  Not because they are gay- they just do.  Always have.  It is common and comfortable for two men to walk arm in arm, hand in hand.   Women as well.

13.  Bathing areas are not separate from the toilet area.  Bucket baths are most common, and you bathe in the same space as the toilet and the sink.

14.  Staring is common and "curious stares" are not intended to be rude.  People just openly look.  For a really long time.

15.  Most women use whitening cream.  Here we are, toasting in tanning booths while Indians are smothering themselves in whitening cream routinely.  The fairer, the better.  Is something wrong with this picture? 

16.  Men pee anywhere and everywhere.  The world is their toilet.  Close your eyes when you go, well, anywhere!

17.  Girls do not pluck their eyebrows.  They go for "threading."  This is where one woman takes a looong thread between her teeth, moves her neck back and fourth like a chicken, and ties knots around the hair with the thread then jerks them out of your head.  It is really, really cool.

18.  If you do not wax your arms people will ask you why you don't wax your arms.

19.  People eat lunch between 3-4pm and eat dinner between 10-11pm.

20.  The number one meal deal at McDonalds is the Veggie Burger.  And McDonalds does not serve beef.  And they deliver... on bikes!