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As we near the end of our trip, it's time to reflect on what we have learned from our experience.
The Roads
- Everyone in India seems to drive with one hand over their horn and the road soundtrack is a chaotic symphony of beeping intermixed with musical reversing tunes such as the theme from Titanic or La Bamba.
-There is a strict species pecking order on the roads. Pedestrians are at the bottom of this chain and crossing the road is not for the faint hearted. Top of the chain is the holy cow. cows parade the road like kings while bus, truck, car and bike drivers risk death to steer from their path. The cow knows he is king of the road and struts through the streets at a lazy pace, staring down drivers who dare to cross his path.
The people
-The people (particularly the younger generation) LOVE the westerners. We are already on many mantelpieces across India. "Hello!" they call to us. We know what is coming next. "One photo?" They ask. One photo soon turns into a full ream of film as we are made to pose in every single combination with the family. Me with Grandma. Me and Dean with Grandma. Me with husband. Me with husband and wife. Me and Dean with husbannd and wife. (They like me) Me full length. Me in profile. sometimes it all becomes too much. We hear the familiar "Hello" and we run for it.
-People in India do not nod. They do not shake their heads or shrug their shoulders. Instead they have something else and it covers all of the above...the 'Head Wobble'. It means yes, no and maybe. It's very helpful. Here's some examples of it in action;
us: "That is a high price!" them: head wobble
us: "Do you have French Fries?" them: head wobble
us: "Can you tell us where the bus station is?" them: head wobble
The head wobble seems to get them out of mant sticky situations, especially because they never like to say no.
Accomodation
-You should always set aside time to check in and out of hotels as this can be a very lengthy process, which uses up atleast one tree every time. Luckily it is only Dean who has to deal with the bureaucracy as I am mere simple wife. A blessing in disguise.
-Always lock your door in Indian hotels as their is a strict 'knock and enter' policy. I don't know why they even bother to knock...it's not like they give you enough time to conceal yourself if you're naked or on the toilet. Some hotels also have a helpful policy or ringing you up at daft-o-clock in the morning to see if you want breakfast or to ask you what time you are checking out or to tell you that your taxi has arrived three hours early (a long and bitter story which i'm sure Dean will bore you wih sometime)
Religion
-Did I mention that Dean and I are married? He bought me a ring and everything because here it is unheard of to be unmarried- or atleast makes me a w****. We are also raging Christians because everyone must worship a God. It's the rule...or the law...or something.
Clack x
oh yeah, and the local rum is strong. Very strong.
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