Motorcycles and Culture Lessons

You will find many kinds of vehicles/animals/objects on Indian roads, motorcycles being one of the most common. Victoria, the girl I am teaching, is obsessed with them and wants one when she's old enough to drive. She knows the exact one she wants, down to the very last detail of which engine she wants. It's pretty funny actually. Anyway, today we went over to her friend Lisa's house. Her dad has a motorcycle and Victoria asks to ride it every time she's there. So her dad actually took us home (in two trips of course...4 people on a bike would be a little crazy). And, to my surprise, I loved it! My mom probably would have freaked out if she'd known we rode without helmets, but what can I say? I'm a rebel without a cause! ha! Here's a pic of Lisa, her dad, and I. ps - Lisa's dad is one of the jolliest Indian men!

CULTURE LESSONS

I've only been in India for a week, but it feels like I've been here for months. I think that's a good thing! But I am having to get used to some cultural norms, most of which are extremely different than America's. For instance, honking is used not to say, "Hey crazy, get outta my way!" but instead, "Just want to let you know I'm here. Don't hit me!" So the roads are crazy, but for some reason I trust Indian drivers more than the ones in America...which is insane because Indian roads are about 1000% crazier and more chaotic.

And, of course, DON'T DRINK THE WATER! There is a corner of the kitchen dedicated to bottles of water to use for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth.

Almost no one has a dryer, and although the Wards do have one, it is not often used. Therefore, you do it the "old-fashioned" way...although it's always been the way in India.

Fans are absolutely IMPERATIVE. Since we only turn on the AC at night, it gets up to about 90 degrees inside the house. If the fans aren't going, it's noticeable. I've come to be extremely appreciative of them. Also, the electricity where we live is spotty, so sometimes they can go off, or the AC goes off at night. Those are sad times!

There are parts of the grass that Nelson (the gardener) cuts by hand with a small tool. He actually makes designs in it. It's pretty sweet! I guess you have to find some enjoyment in cutting grass by hand!

Obviously, tea is a staple in India. It's funny because in America I got used to plain green or black tea...no milk or sugar. And I come here, and they load it with anything and everything to make it taste delectable. So Menuka has started to make me Ginger Tea, and it's super good! But I'm still craving green tea, so I'll have to search for it (since black tea is most common).

Playing too much soccer can cause bruises...hence my foot.

Indian food is INCREDIBLE! This is one of its staples...rice, vegetables, and "doll" (sp?)...a yellow liquid you can poor over anything to make it taste good. Kind of like gravy, if you're from the South.