Crossing the Street
So crossing the street is a tricky feat. What you have to do it always keep your eyes open and your peripheral on par, or you will get hit. So when you are approaching the section of the road you want to cross, it is always nice to go to a crosswalk (they are all raised, like a speed bump), however, it is not mandatory. Only a select few follow traffic laws, so when the light is red, there is no guarantee that it is safe to cross. So, as you approach the edge of the sidewalk, you need to be looking first to your right (that's the closest oncoming traffic), then to your left, then across the street. Then do it again. Once you are sure that the traffic on your right has stopped, start to briskly walk across the road. Never run. As you approach the middle of the road, the traffic from the left might already be going. Stop in the middle of the road, between oncoming traffic and the cars behind you and wait. Once the cars coming from
your left slow or start to have big gaps between them, you can start to cross, and hope that if anyone turns they will go around you. Again, never run. There is a second option to cross the street, but it takes a skilled eye and a quick step to not get smooshed. We will dub this method "The Frogger." Now, The Frogger is no joke, this is a life and death game you are about to play. First, you need to select the section of the road you are going to cross. Make sure that there is no fence in the median, or you are going to have one hell of a time hopping over it to get to the other side, plus the risk of falling into oncoming traffic is too great. So, once you have selected your spot you need to start looking around. You need to look for a few things. The first is how heavy the flow of traffic is, that will gauge the speed in which you need to cross; the more congested the traffic, the slower you can go, the more spread out, the faster (because people will driving like they are a main character in The Fast and the Furious, Tokyo Drift). A helpful hint is to leach yourself to a local. Now, they will be giving you the "who the hell is this white girl who is basically holding my hand" look, but just ignore it, they will soon face their attention to the oncoming rush of vehicles. So, from this point forward you NEED to stay stuck to this person. If you get separated, you are doomed. Stay with them, as close as possible. When they step onto the street, step with them. Once you are down on the street lever you want to start cautiously walking into traffic. Be prepared for massive amounts of honking, people do it to let you know they are there, and to also let you know that they are about to run you down. Just use you're judgement, and remember, don't run. So as you are walking, you need to be strategic about walking forwards and taking steps back as well. In order to attempt to make cars stop, hold out your hand (if, for some reason you are in between your local and the car) to let them know that you are going to walk in front of them. Now, about 89% of the people don't care if your hand is up or not, they will just keep driving, so it is your responsibility to jump out of the way, backwards is usually the safest because the cars in front of you will not slow down to let you go. It is best to put the local between you and the car, though, then your sole mission is to stay as close to them as possible. So, once you step into traffic you need to start walking at a constant pace, as to not confuse the drivers. Keep your head up, you're eyes alert, and make sure to be ready to dodge vehicles as they come. Then, just as in the game Frogger, you need to walk and stop and walk again in between cars, going to the left and the right to adjust yourself to a free space, then, hopefully, you successfully reach the median. Step up onto the median, it is less likely that you will get hit up there, and wait for your local to make their first move. Once you get some space, step down onto the street and repeat the process until you have reached the other side. Beware of busses, though, they stop for no one. This process can take anywhere from twenty seconds to twenty minutes. Just be patient, your life is more important than being on time. Once you have successfully made it to the other side, give your local a knowing, thankful smile and mentally pat yourself on the back; you have survived yet another street crossing.
Getting Hit By a Car No Matter Where You Walk
Nowhere is safe to walk here, and it's not because of the people who are walking along side you or loitering along the roadside; it is because of the drivers. Now, you may think that because you are on the sidewalk, you are safe to take a breather and enjoy the scenery. Well, you are sadly mistaken. You are safe nowhere on the sidewalks of India. Pedestrians have the right of way nowhere here, not even on strictly pedestrian sidewalks. When walking in the road, which is a common occurrence here, seeing as how the sidewalks are a mess and are sometimes too torn up to walk on, it is just common sense to watch out for cars, and move out of the way when you hear the honk. On the sidewalks, however, you need to be more alert because rickshaw drivers and motorcyclists, and the occasional car, will just roll up and start using it as another lane. Now, once this happens, everyone after them is going to do it too, so when you see one get up there and start to cruise, get out of the way. It is a pretty safe bet, though, that once traffic starts to move (because people use the sidewalks to try to avoid traffic jams), the drivers will stick to the road where they can go much faster. Just beware, though, and keep you're eyes open.
People Taking Pictures of Our White White Skin
So apparently having white pasty skin is a big thing here. You know me, I forget that I am not a local at times, so when I see people taking pictures of me from their cars I am still like "what the..." So there are a few methods that I have observed, and experienced, of the people here taking photos of the whities. The first is the sneak attack. This happens mostly on the streets when we are walking to school or to to the market. Everyone here is always on their phones, either texting, calling, checking the time, whatever. So we are never alarmed when we see someone who is holding a phone. Now, there are two kinds of sneak attacks. The first is the sly photo taking. How this works is the person who is taking the picture holds their phone up so it kind of looks like they are scratching their neck, or just raising their
hand to their head or chest, but they are actually snapping a picture. You know they are taking one because they are staring into your soul as it happens. You can also sometimes hear the picture click or see the flash, very discrete. THe second form of sneak attack is the blatant picture snap. This is when someone walking by, or on the other side of the street, just holds up their phone to us, looks at the screen, and snaps the picture. Sometimes it is very close, as in when people are passing us on the sidewalk they come within a foot of u to get a close up. Kind of makes us feel like freaks, but I guess it could be worse. There is also the more friendly, but sort of more creepy, picture taking method. This is when people ask us if they can take our picture. There are also two versions of this, one is slightly less creepy than the other. On the less creepy side, people ask if they can be in a picture with us. We have come to the conclusion (with the help of one of our professors) that they do this so they can tell all their friends that they know Americans. Although why they would want to brag about that is beyond me. So it is kind of fun when this happens, we get some shy people who come timidly ask us if they can get in a picture with us, and we have some that just run right up and ask. Either way we always say yes, why the hell not? The way more creepy way is when people just ask if they can take a picture of us, without them in it. This happens frequently. We usually say yes because we know they are going to do it anyways, but it is still so creepy. I hope I don't see my face photoshopped onto some naked girls body any time soon. Or ever. But yes, moral of the story is that we are freaks, and we forget it sometimes, until something like this happens. We just have to laugh about it, though, what else can we do?
Bargaining
Locals will not bargain with you unless you have an Indian with or around you. That is all.
Broad Shoulders, Hulking Out
Everyone here has such a sleek frame that the shirts that are pre made are always too small. My size is a 38, because apparently I have freakishly big arms and broad shoulders. In order to get a shirt to fit my arms I need to go up to a 40, but then it looks like I am pregnant because it is to big everywhere else. It is a lose lose situation. Luckily, though you can get an entire outfit handmade for about fifteen dollars, and that will prevent you from hulking out of the pre made shirts, which is what it feels like when you squeeze into them. Also, you can get shirts tailored, which only costs about 40 cents per shirt, but it is a pain in the rear and takes about a day or two for them to finish. Moral of the story is if you are at all shapely or have broad shoulders in the least, you need to get your clothes custom made because they are just not going to fit.
Averting Your Eyes
Eye contact is a no go when you are walking down the street. It isn't such a big deal if you make it with other women, but men, it's jut never a good idea. There are a few reasons why. One of them is respect, if you are looking at them in the eye then it might come across as a challenge or disrespect, it is just better to avoid the blow to a strangers ego. Another is it might give them the wrong idea. As in I might
just happen to glance up at a stranger and make awkward eye contact, then quickly look away, but they might take it as "hey, come follow me and really creepy me out." People stare at us to begin with so it is really hard to avery eye contact a lot of the time, but you just have to try. Rickshaw drivers a whole other story. If you make eye contact with them, even if it was just fleeting, then it automatically means that you want a ride. To avoid the awkward rickshaw-driving-next-to-us-walking-and-incessantly-asking-us-where-we-need-to-go, you need to avoid eye contact with them at all costs. This is nearly impossible, but it is a goal to which I am still working towards. On the other hand, if you do really need to catch one it is really easy to flag them down. Getting them to agree on a reasonable price is near impossible, though.
Just Point at What You Want to Order
If no one is there to help you order, just point to something at the menu and say how many of each thing you want. Short words are the best. Hopefully you're not a picky eater because there are no descriptions or pictures on menus. Also, if you are outgoing, you can ask the people around you what their favorite dishes are and then try that. Usually, though, just point to it and hand the cashier your money.
Wave Your Money to Get What You Want. Also, Change is Not Important.
If you are going to get anything you need to push your way up front and start waving your money around. There are no lines here, so it is basically just a mosh pit to the front. Once you push your way through, just take out the amount of money you need (try to not use big bills, as you might not get the right amount of change back) and start waving it in the air. Someone from the counter will come over and take your money and as they do you need to tell them what you want. If you need change, say "change" loudly and make sure they hear you. Change is not important here, so if they don't have the correct amount handy they might just give you some change and a piece of candy, or tell you to get one more of what you ordered, or just not give you the right amount. That is why it is best to give them exact, or as close to exact, change as you have. Remember, lines don't exist here. Be assertive or you will be waiting forever.
When Eating Out, Look For the Most Crowded Places
This means that the food is good. Even though an empty restaurant or cafe looks appealing, for the simple need for some peace and quiet, it probably means that there is something wrong with the food. Stick to crowded places and only eat food that is hot. Hot food is safe food.
Trying to Blend In
Attempting to speak the language makes everyone more comfortable. Also, wearing the local garb makes the locals see that you aren't here to just fool around, or to just gawk at how Indians live, you are here to experience what they are experiencing. People will actually come up to you and thank you for respecting the Indian ways and when you bust out some Hindi or Kannada, everyone is always impressed. It is a sure fire way to make new friends.
Don't Drink the Water
Just don't. It will make you poop. You won't be able to stop.
Always Bring Water and a Snack With You
You never know when you are going to be able to get water that you can actually drink without getting the runs, so it is always a good idea to bring a water bottle with you. You can use the filtered water anywhere in the city, but don't trust water that you can't see being poured, it may come from the tap. Also, it is always smart to have some sort of snack with you in case you are stuck in traffic, at school, or have no time to stop. Adults can turn into crabby five year olds if they are too hungry or thirsty. Believe me, I am the worst offender of hanger, and no one wants to deal with that.
Don't Step in Anything Wet
It's probably pee.
Being Late is Never a Problem, Except For Getting to Class
Everyone runs on "Indian Time," so if you really need to get somewhere on time, tell whoever you are going with that you will be actively leaving a half an hour early before you are actually going to leave. With some people it needs to be an hour. This is no joke, no one is ever on time. The only thing you don't want to be late for is class, if you are more than ten minutes late not only will you get a dirty look from the teacher and everyone in class, they might not even let you in and they will mark you absent, and a certain amount of absences will add up to a failing grade. No one wants that.
Learn How to Dougie, Make Instant Friends
I know how to Dougie and it works. Learn how, make friends. That is all.
Being Homesick is Normal, Staying Off Facebook Helps
Even people who have never really gotten homesick before (me) are going to experience a bit of homesickness when they study abroad. It helps to not think about what you are missing back at school, and going on FaceBook and seeing what everyone is up to is never a good idea. Focus on what you are doing here and try to think of all the exciting things you are going through. Obviously your mind is going to wander to the place that you came from, and that's ok. Just try to not let yourself be sad that you aren't there. You are having a great experience and you will get to go home soon enough. THe adjustment period is hard, but after a couple of weeks I have come to realize that I am ere only until December, and I need to make the most of India while I am here, because how knows if I am ever going to be able to return.
Eating Food from Home is More Than Comforting
Just because you are in a foreign country does not mean you have to only eat the local food. Eating food that is familiar to you can cure a bout of homesickness in under a minute. Thank God we have a Pap Johns here, it tastes JUST like the pizza back home!
Never Go Anywhere Alone
To me this is just common sense, but to some apparently it is not. We get a false sense of security that we are safe, because walking in a group no one usually gives us any trouble. But we live in a third
world country, people here are more poor than most can imagine, and sometimes morals can fly out the window in a time of need. Education is also very low, which can be the root of a lot of the problems here. Anyways, even though if feels like you are safe, and you can trust the people who are around you, you need to always be on guard. People are very good actors sometimes and can be very deceiving. Have fun without getting yourself in trouble. Don't trust anyone right off the bat and always, always travel with at least one other person. Know who your girls are and stick with them.
Bring Toilet Paper with You EVERYWHERE! Also Hand Sanitizer.
Usually there isn't even a real toilet to go in, so obviously they are not going to have toilet paper for a hole in the ground. Bring some everywhere you go just in case you really have to use the hole. Also, water is not guaranteed or mandatory for bathrooms here, so it is always a good idea to bring hand sanitizer, especially because we eat with our hands!
Eat Food with Your Malaria Pills.
You will puke if you don't. Just do it.
Hot Water is Precious, Shower Whenever You Have It.
Showering with cold water is never fun, and it can get you sick. The trick for that is turn on the lower, foot washing part of the shower so the ice cold water doesn't hit your body and wash one limb at a time, hair last, and make it quick or you will freeze. So whenever you have hot water get in the shower and start to scrub. You need to scrub fast, because no one knows how long the heat will last. Once you are totally scrubbed you can just stand there and appreciate the warmth.
Sweat is a Part of Life, Embrace It.
It's true. You are going to sweat wherever you go here, even if it is just right across the street. Try to avoid backpacks with a shirt that you can see sweat through, because that takes a while to dry. Pack deodorant when walking to school and try to buy clothing that is light (like cotton), a little looser, and a color where you can't see pit stains. It's pretty guaranteed, though, that at some point in the week you are going to sweat through a shirt. All you can do is embrace it and know that everyone else is suffering from the heat as well.
Wear a Scarf, Not Only For the Fashion Statement, But For the Smog.
You will suffocate if you never wear a scarf. Going out once in a while with no scarf is fine, but at times, you just need to cover your mouth in order to breathe. It is nice because a scarf is a part of our uniform, so on school days we have them with us. Whenever you are driving in a rickshaw (also called an auto), I almost always have my scarf around my nose and mouth and have my eyes squinted because of the smog. Also, riding on a bike you need to keep your eyes really squinty because the dirt that is flying around will blind you. A scarf is a necessity if you want to have a day where you are not coughing or blowing out dirt.
Mosquitoes Are the Devil.
End of story.
Don't Pet Stray Dogs.
They might seem friendly and be wagging their tails, and they might be friendly, but you don't know what they are carrying. Almost all of them have fleas and lice. A majority of them have mange, and rabies is running rampid through the city. I am a dog fanatic, and they can be really cute, but I would never touch one, for my own safety.
Cows Are Awesome.
If you love cows you will fit in just fine here. They are revered and are everywhere. They are the only thing that cars would never dream of hitting; they don't even bother honking at them. They run the show and the locals love them.
If You Need to Be at School at 9am and Your RD Tells You it is a Half an Hour Walk, Leave at Least an Hour Early Because it Will Take Twice as Long as He Told You to Get There.
Again, Indian time goes both ways. There really is no sense of time, so if someone tells you it takes a half an hour to get somewhere, leave at least an hour early.
When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go
There is no waiting when you need to go, let's say, to the ATM, for modesty's sake. When you really need money, there is no waiting, you need it now or something really bad might happen, like dropping your ATM card in the street. You never know what is going to make you sick when you are eating out
so often, and with the iffy water situation and all, so when you need to go to the ATM, you need to find one as quickly as you possibly can, or some coins might come slipping out of your pocket before you even know it. Never rush going to the ATM either, if you do, you might not get out all the money you need and then there might be an accident and no way to prevent it. When you feel the urge coming on, let someone know that you need the ATM and then get up to find one. If you wait, there might be very embarrassing consequences. Don't be too picky about AMTs either, if they look a little sketchy, just don't touch anything, go in, take out your money, and leave. Sanitize thoroughly. It is always a relief, though, when you come across a really nice ATM with all the accommodations. Take advantage of that, and when you are in a nasty ATM, just remember the nice ones you have experienced, do your transaction, and get out. Moral of the story: when you have to use the ATM, use the ATM; that money won't wait for anyone.
So crossing the street is a tricky feat. What you have to do it always keep your eyes open and your peripheral on par, or you will get hit. So when you are approaching the section of the road you want to cross, it is always nice to go to a crosswalk (they are all raised, like a speed bump), however, it is not mandatory. Only a select few follow traffic laws, so when the light is red, there is no guarantee that it is safe to cross. So, as you approach the edge of the sidewalk, you need to be looking first to your right (that's the closest oncoming traffic), then to your left, then across the street. Then do it again. Once you are sure that the traffic on your right has stopped, start to briskly walk across the road. Never run. As you approach the middle of the road, the traffic from the left might already be going. Stop in the middle of the road, between oncoming traffic and the cars behind you and wait. Once the cars coming from
 |
| Have Fun Crossing THAT! |
Getting Hit By a Car No Matter Where You Walk
Nowhere is safe to walk here, and it's not because of the people who are walking along side you or loitering along the roadside; it is because of the drivers. Now, you may think that because you are on the sidewalk, you are safe to take a breather and enjoy the scenery. Well, you are sadly mistaken. You are safe nowhere on the sidewalks of India. Pedestrians have the right of way nowhere here, not even on strictly pedestrian sidewalks. When walking in the road, which is a common occurrence here, seeing as how the sidewalks are a mess and are sometimes too torn up to walk on, it is just common sense to watch out for cars, and move out of the way when you hear the honk. On the sidewalks, however, you need to be more alert because rickshaw drivers and motorcyclists, and the occasional car, will just roll up and start using it as another lane. Now, once this happens, everyone after them is going to do it too, so when you see one get up there and start to cruise, get out of the way. It is a pretty safe bet, though, that once traffic starts to move (because people use the sidewalks to try to avoid traffic jams), the drivers will stick to the road where they can go much faster. Just beware, though, and keep you're eyes open.
People Taking Pictures of Our White White Skin
So apparently having white pasty skin is a big thing here. You know me, I forget that I am not a local at times, so when I see people taking pictures of me from their cars I am still like "what the..." So there are a few methods that I have observed, and experienced, of the people here taking photos of the whities. The first is the sneak attack. This happens mostly on the streets when we are walking to school or to to the market. Everyone here is always on their phones, either texting, calling, checking the time, whatever. So we are never alarmed when we see someone who is holding a phone. Now, there are two kinds of sneak attacks. The first is the sly photo taking. How this works is the person who is taking the picture holds their phone up so it kind of looks like they are scratching their neck, or just raising their
hand to their head or chest, but they are actually snapping a picture. You know they are taking one because they are staring into your soul as it happens. You can also sometimes hear the picture click or see the flash, very discrete. THe second form of sneak attack is the blatant picture snap. This is when someone walking by, or on the other side of the street, just holds up their phone to us, looks at the screen, and snaps the picture. Sometimes it is very close, as in when people are passing us on the sidewalk they come within a foot of u to get a close up. Kind of makes us feel like freaks, but I guess it could be worse. There is also the more friendly, but sort of more creepy, picture taking method. This is when people ask us if they can take our picture. There are also two versions of this, one is slightly less creepy than the other. On the less creepy side, people ask if they can be in a picture with us. We have come to the conclusion (with the help of one of our professors) that they do this so they can tell all their friends that they know Americans. Although why they would want to brag about that is beyond me. So it is kind of fun when this happens, we get some shy people who come timidly ask us if they can get in a picture with us, and we have some that just run right up and ask. Either way we always say yes, why the hell not? The way more creepy way is when people just ask if they can take a picture of us, without them in it. This happens frequently. We usually say yes because we know they are going to do it anyways, but it is still so creepy. I hope I don't see my face photoshopped onto some naked girls body any time soon. Or ever. But yes, moral of the story is that we are freaks, and we forget it sometimes, until something like this happens. We just have to laugh about it, though, what else can we do?
Bargaining
Locals will not bargain with you unless you have an Indian with or around you. That is all.
Broad Shoulders, Hulking Out
Everyone here has such a sleek frame that the shirts that are pre made are always too small. My size is a 38, because apparently I have freakishly big arms and broad shoulders. In order to get a shirt to fit my arms I need to go up to a 40, but then it looks like I am pregnant because it is to big everywhere else. It is a lose lose situation. Luckily, though you can get an entire outfit handmade for about fifteen dollars, and that will prevent you from hulking out of the pre made shirts, which is what it feels like when you squeeze into them. Also, you can get shirts tailored, which only costs about 40 cents per shirt, but it is a pain in the rear and takes about a day or two for them to finish. Moral of the story is if you are at all shapely or have broad shoulders in the least, you need to get your clothes custom made because they are just not going to fit.
Averting Your Eyes
Eye contact is a no go when you are walking down the street. It isn't such a big deal if you make it with other women, but men, it's jut never a good idea. There are a few reasons why. One of them is respect, if you are looking at them in the eye then it might come across as a challenge or disrespect, it is just better to avoid the blow to a strangers ego. Another is it might give them the wrong idea. As in I might
 |
| When You See This (a Rickshaw) Avert Your Eyes |
Just Point at What You Want to Order
If no one is there to help you order, just point to something at the menu and say how many of each thing you want. Short words are the best. Hopefully you're not a picky eater because there are no descriptions or pictures on menus. Also, if you are outgoing, you can ask the people around you what their favorite dishes are and then try that. Usually, though, just point to it and hand the cashier your money.
Wave Your Money to Get What You Want. Also, Change is Not Important.
If you are going to get anything you need to push your way up front and start waving your money around. There are no lines here, so it is basically just a mosh pit to the front. Once you push your way through, just take out the amount of money you need (try to not use big bills, as you might not get the right amount of change back) and start waving it in the air. Someone from the counter will come over and take your money and as they do you need to tell them what you want. If you need change, say "change" loudly and make sure they hear you. Change is not important here, so if they don't have the correct amount handy they might just give you some change and a piece of candy, or tell you to get one more of what you ordered, or just not give you the right amount. That is why it is best to give them exact, or as close to exact, change as you have. Remember, lines don't exist here. Be assertive or you will be waiting forever.
When Eating Out, Look For the Most Crowded Places
This means that the food is good. Even though an empty restaurant or cafe looks appealing, for the simple need for some peace and quiet, it probably means that there is something wrong with the food. Stick to crowded places and only eat food that is hot. Hot food is safe food.
Trying to Blend In
 |
| Dress Like a Local, Think Like a Local |
Don't Drink the Water
Just don't. It will make you poop. You won't be able to stop.
Always Bring Water and a Snack With You
You never know when you are going to be able to get water that you can actually drink without getting the runs, so it is always a good idea to bring a water bottle with you. You can use the filtered water anywhere in the city, but don't trust water that you can't see being poured, it may come from the tap. Also, it is always smart to have some sort of snack with you in case you are stuck in traffic, at school, or have no time to stop. Adults can turn into crabby five year olds if they are too hungry or thirsty. Believe me, I am the worst offender of hanger, and no one wants to deal with that.
Don't Step in Anything Wet
It's probably pee.
Being Late is Never a Problem, Except For Getting to Class
Everyone runs on "Indian Time," so if you really need to get somewhere on time, tell whoever you are going with that you will be actively leaving a half an hour early before you are actually going to leave. With some people it needs to be an hour. This is no joke, no one is ever on time. The only thing you don't want to be late for is class, if you are more than ten minutes late not only will you get a dirty look from the teacher and everyone in class, they might not even let you in and they will mark you absent, and a certain amount of absences will add up to a failing grade. No one wants that.
Learn How to Dougie, Make Instant Friends
I know how to Dougie and it works. Learn how, make friends. That is all.
Being Homesick is Normal, Staying Off Facebook Helps
Even people who have never really gotten homesick before (me) are going to experience a bit of homesickness when they study abroad. It helps to not think about what you are missing back at school, and going on FaceBook and seeing what everyone is up to is never a good idea. Focus on what you are doing here and try to think of all the exciting things you are going through. Obviously your mind is going to wander to the place that you came from, and that's ok. Just try to not let yourself be sad that you aren't there. You are having a great experience and you will get to go home soon enough. THe adjustment period is hard, but after a couple of weeks I have come to realize that I am ere only until December, and I need to make the most of India while I am here, because how knows if I am ever going to be able to return.
Eating Food from Home is More Than Comforting
Just because you are in a foreign country does not mean you have to only eat the local food. Eating food that is familiar to you can cure a bout of homesickness in under a minute. Thank God we have a Pap Johns here, it tastes JUST like the pizza back home!
Never Go Anywhere Alone
To me this is just common sense, but to some apparently it is not. We get a false sense of security that we are safe, because walking in a group no one usually gives us any trouble. But we live in a third
 |
| Find a Good Group of People and Stick With Them |
Bring Toilet Paper with You EVERYWHERE! Also Hand Sanitizer.
Usually there isn't even a real toilet to go in, so obviously they are not going to have toilet paper for a hole in the ground. Bring some everywhere you go just in case you really have to use the hole. Also, water is not guaranteed or mandatory for bathrooms here, so it is always a good idea to bring hand sanitizer, especially because we eat with our hands!
Eat Food with Your Malaria Pills.
You will puke if you don't. Just do it.
Hot Water is Precious, Shower Whenever You Have It.
Showering with cold water is never fun, and it can get you sick. The trick for that is turn on the lower, foot washing part of the shower so the ice cold water doesn't hit your body and wash one limb at a time, hair last, and make it quick or you will freeze. So whenever you have hot water get in the shower and start to scrub. You need to scrub fast, because no one knows how long the heat will last. Once you are totally scrubbed you can just stand there and appreciate the warmth.
Sweat is a Part of Life, Embrace It.
It's true. You are going to sweat wherever you go here, even if it is just right across the street. Try to avoid backpacks with a shirt that you can see sweat through, because that takes a while to dry. Pack deodorant when walking to school and try to buy clothing that is light (like cotton), a little looser, and a color where you can't see pit stains. It's pretty guaranteed, though, that at some point in the week you are going to sweat through a shirt. All you can do is embrace it and know that everyone else is suffering from the heat as well.
Wear a Scarf, Not Only For the Fashion Statement, But For the Smog.
You will suffocate if you never wear a scarf. Going out once in a while with no scarf is fine, but at times, you just need to cover your mouth in order to breathe. It is nice because a scarf is a part of our uniform, so on school days we have them with us. Whenever you are driving in a rickshaw (also called an auto), I almost always have my scarf around my nose and mouth and have my eyes squinted because of the smog. Also, riding on a bike you need to keep your eyes really squinty because the dirt that is flying around will blind you. A scarf is a necessity if you want to have a day where you are not coughing or blowing out dirt.
Mosquitoes Are the Devil.
End of story.
Don't Pet Stray Dogs.
They might seem friendly and be wagging their tails, and they might be friendly, but you don't know what they are carrying. Almost all of them have fleas and lice. A majority of them have mange, and rabies is running rampid through the city. I am a dog fanatic, and they can be really cute, but I would never touch one, for my own safety.
Cows Are Awesome.
 |
| Cows Are Awesome. |
If you love cows you will fit in just fine here. They are revered and are everywhere. They are the only thing that cars would never dream of hitting; they don't even bother honking at them. They run the show and the locals love them.
If You Need to Be at School at 9am and Your RD Tells You it is a Half an Hour Walk, Leave at Least an Hour Early Because it Will Take Twice as Long as He Told You to Get There.
Again, Indian time goes both ways. There really is no sense of time, so if someone tells you it takes a half an hour to get somewhere, leave at least an hour early.
When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go
There is no waiting when you need to go, let's say, to the ATM, for modesty's sake. When you really need money, there is no waiting, you need it now or something really bad might happen, like dropping your ATM card in the street. You never know what is going to make you sick when you are eating out
 |
| A Very, Very Nice ATM |
Today, my life is just Shelby.
No comments:
Post a Comment