Business:
People run businesses out of their homes. Restaurants, jewelry, artists, clothing, massage and any spiritual quest. I would not starve in India with my entrepreneurial spirit. I could sell artwork or give colour therapy to tourists. There is a visionary artist here who does chakra readings and colour meditation.
Spirituality:
India is the 'McReligion' of the world. There is a temple on every street corner for you to pop in for your prayers. They dish up all sorts of worship here to any God or Deity of your choice...Buddhist, Hindu (with many deities: Krishna, Shiva, Ganeshe, Lakshim), Catholic, etc. Every business and home has a shrine.
Toilets:
Best advice I got before I came was- bring toilet paper with you wherever you go! Here the toilets are squat style into a porcelain bowl in the ground. You pour water down when you are done and use a little hand held spray to wash yourself with after. Consider yourself fortunate if there is a sink or even soap to wash up with. Forget towels. I imagine plumper ladies trying to maneuver in the tiny stall or Indian women is saris dragging the silk on the sloppy floor. Even an elderly person trying to hover over the hole to aim is a scary thought (especially if the hips aren't open from yoga!)
Yoga:
Indians don't practice yoga! It is mostly a Western thing taught by the Gurus. Indian people don't have time- maybe because they work 6 days a week, 12 hours a day. Kids go to school on Saturdays and only Sunday is a holiday.
Food:
I can't understand the dish names, so its always a stab in the dark ordering off a menu. With the language barrier, trying to find out ingredients is especially challenging. My favourites are "Palaak paneer" which is fried spinach and onion with chunks of cheese made from milk and lime juice cooked in a pan. For dessert: Carrot Halwa (Fried grated carrot with 'ghee'-butter, condensed milk, raisins, cashews and cardamom.) And lots of chai with honey:)
"However it comes to you, is how you should go to it." ~Shoba.
Manners:
I am shocked at how loud Indian women burp like it is no big deal. Horking is also often heard and people blow their nose out on the street without Kleenex.
Dress:
It is very conservative dress for women here. Knees, shoulders and chest covered. Women in saris is the standard, with some Muslim women who are completely covered except their eyes. I wonder if this is empowering to women to not expose their bodies or is it oppression? Body image seems healthier and chubby is considered attractive. On the other hand, I find pornography oppressive, as well as women who dress overly provocative, i.e. Brittany Spears? (In a perfect world, is freedom to choose ideal?) Seen on billboard here in India- "Behind every successful woman is herself"
Shopping:
I am overwhelmed by the high pressure sales here. "Yes madame!" is yelled every few seconds and staff stand outside the store to lure you in. It's difficult to 'look' through a store without someone talking, pushing items in my face to look at. It makes me run away with a burnt and scorching trail behind me.
Marriage:
For those looking for a spouse within their caste can go to the 'Marriage Bureau' for a typical arranged marriage. Some fall in love, even outside their religion/ caste which is also OK I am told.
Driving:
No seatbelts, no helmets...no worries! OMG!!! I just call on the name of Jesus everytime I get in a vehicle. Seen on a highway: A man asleep on a pile of coconuts in the back of a truck.
Poverty:
Poverty is very upfront. In Bangalore I saw rows of tents and shacks on land the size of several football fields. Bookended by highrises, as Bangalore is the IT capital of the world. Begger etiquette: Older people are given handouts as they don't have anyone to help them as they are abandoned, their life is almost over, and those with handicaps because they can't work. Kids are not often given handouts as it will become a bad habit for them, and it is discouraged. Orphanages are quite common. I am going today to volunteer at one behind my house.
Celebration:
There are many colourful events, parties and celebrations here. When one wakes up New years day, all the cows on the street are painted yellow. People throw colourful powder around and on each other during Holy Festival (more up North).
"Everything happens in India...get used to it!" Another word of wisdom from my local friend Shoba.
No comments:
Post a Comment