India is a hard place to describe to someone who asks 'what is it like?' For the most part, the stereotypes are true, but not completely.
It is hot. But India also has parts which get snow and single digit temps. Even right now in the southern tip of India where Bangalore is- its 10am and about 60 degrees, no sun and very cold breeze. I love it, but guarantee I'll see hundreds of people in winter hats and jackets. (the women with jackets over their sari's and tennis shoes are the best)
It is dirty. Most street sides are filled with garbage, empty lots used as dumping grounds, and just an overall lack of cleanliness. You read that the Eastern countries have a different idea of cleanliness than the west, and it is true- at least for how the outside is kept. Most people keep their homes so super clean, but think nothing of throwing garbage outside their window. However, there are giant malls with marble floors everywhere, modern shops, restaurants of all kinds, and super clean bathrooms WITH toilet paper.There are and certain areas where the streets are all well maintained with beautiful landscaping and curbing, medians, stop signs- just like home. Big parks with trees and exotic flowers and small lakes where families go to walk or young people hang out.
It is crowded. People per square mile in India: over 1000. US- 80. So obviously, its pretty crowded. And the problem is that most cities were not planned, so it built quickly without a specific design in mind, therefore lots of the streets are small and don't flow well. The buildings are on top each other and seem misplaced. This is true in Bangalore where we are, as well as many other big cities. Also, village people (not The Village People....people from small towns) come to big cities for jobs or to study. Bangalore has tons of world class colleges, so there is a big college district which I happen to really like. I can't say much on this one, because it is crowded. I haven't been many places that aren't. Its a little disorienting at times, but it is what it is.
Outside of the stereotypes, India gives off a vibe I have never experienced before. It's very exotic. There are beautiful women everywhere. They dress in bright colors and tons of gold jewelry. They have long dark hair and piercing black eyes. Most are slim built and shapely. Its quite intimidating really.
Its very peaceful. Being 80% Hindu, known for their deep religious beliefs most people are very kind and respectful and spend a fair amount of time praying or doing religious activities. They say 'guests are god', so always want you to come to their home and are very proud to show off their culture. They would give you the shirt off their back or share their only meal if you needed it. I don't feel scared or threatened here, even though we do get stared at quite a bit and for an uncomfortable amount of time. But, most stares are innocent and inquisitive as there just aren't many white people around. They strategically place god pictures on walls that they wish to keep 'clean' writing 'do not urinate'.
It makes you realize what is really important. Most people live with so very little and appreciate what they have so much, that it makes you really think whether than $100 pair of new shoes you wanted are really necessary or that $60 meal. Americans are so excessive. Enough is never enough. No wonder we have the reputation of being spoiled, when you think of how lots of people won't be caught dead in a 5 year old car or last year's jeans. People here make due and are extremely resourceful in re-purposing things. Its very enlightening and makes you really question your sanity when considering buying your kids the newest xbox when they demand that last year's is just not good enough for them.
What I personally like best is the odd moments and encounters I have had in my travels here and how somehow they seem totally normal.
-Going down a back alley where a man is sleeping on the ground across from giant dirt piles littered with garbage in order to exchange your money for Indian Rupees, where a guy in a dress (they call them uniks) walks up and stares at you and then abruptly turns and walks away, and nobody in the shop is phased.
-Walking down a seemingly normal street which suddenly seems like a parade route as people walk out onto their overlooking balconies and stare continuously as you walk by.
-Purchasing crackers to feed to local street dogs who follow you down the street as onlooking walkers gasp in utter shock.
-Going to Taco Bell in a mall because you know they have unlimited serve yourself soda with ice (an extreme rarity in India)
-While stopped alongside the road, an auto rickshaw driver turns to put down a makeshift plastic curtain because its raining so bad. I ask my husband to take above mentioned taco bell cup and put it down on the curb (still filled with soda) for the next homeless person who might be walking by, but then discovering a sad looking donkey across the road who I thought would prefer it. I ask him to deliver it there instead, to which to auto rickshaw driver retorts- 'mam, donkeys only eat paper' as he winks at me in his rearview mirror and flashes a toothless grin.
Only in India my friends.
It is hot. But India also has parts which get snow and single digit temps. Even right now in the southern tip of India where Bangalore is- its 10am and about 60 degrees, no sun and very cold breeze. I love it, but guarantee I'll see hundreds of people in winter hats and jackets. (the women with jackets over their sari's and tennis shoes are the best)
It is dirty. Most street sides are filled with garbage, empty lots used as dumping grounds, and just an overall lack of cleanliness. You read that the Eastern countries have a different idea of cleanliness than the west, and it is true- at least for how the outside is kept. Most people keep their homes so super clean, but think nothing of throwing garbage outside their window. However, there are giant malls with marble floors everywhere, modern shops, restaurants of all kinds, and super clean bathrooms WITH toilet paper.There are and certain areas where the streets are all well maintained with beautiful landscaping and curbing, medians, stop signs- just like home. Big parks with trees and exotic flowers and small lakes where families go to walk or young people hang out.
It is crowded. People per square mile in India: over 1000. US- 80. So obviously, its pretty crowded. And the problem is that most cities were not planned, so it built quickly without a specific design in mind, therefore lots of the streets are small and don't flow well. The buildings are on top each other and seem misplaced. This is true in Bangalore where we are, as well as many other big cities. Also, village people (not The Village People....people from small towns) come to big cities for jobs or to study. Bangalore has tons of world class colleges, so there is a big college district which I happen to really like. I can't say much on this one, because it is crowded. I haven't been many places that aren't. Its a little disorienting at times, but it is what it is.
Outside of the stereotypes, India gives off a vibe I have never experienced before. It's very exotic. There are beautiful women everywhere. They dress in bright colors and tons of gold jewelry. They have long dark hair and piercing black eyes. Most are slim built and shapely. Its quite intimidating really.
Its very peaceful. Being 80% Hindu, known for their deep religious beliefs most people are very kind and respectful and spend a fair amount of time praying or doing religious activities. They say 'guests are god', so always want you to come to their home and are very proud to show off their culture. They would give you the shirt off their back or share their only meal if you needed it. I don't feel scared or threatened here, even though we do get stared at quite a bit and for an uncomfortable amount of time. But, most stares are innocent and inquisitive as there just aren't many white people around. They strategically place god pictures on walls that they wish to keep 'clean' writing 'do not urinate'.
It makes you realize what is really important. Most people live with so very little and appreciate what they have so much, that it makes you really think whether than $100 pair of new shoes you wanted are really necessary or that $60 meal. Americans are so excessive. Enough is never enough. No wonder we have the reputation of being spoiled, when you think of how lots of people won't be caught dead in a 5 year old car or last year's jeans. People here make due and are extremely resourceful in re-purposing things. Its very enlightening and makes you really question your sanity when considering buying your kids the newest xbox when they demand that last year's is just not good enough for them.
What I personally like best is the odd moments and encounters I have had in my travels here and how somehow they seem totally normal.
-Going down a back alley where a man is sleeping on the ground across from giant dirt piles littered with garbage in order to exchange your money for Indian Rupees, where a guy in a dress (they call them uniks) walks up and stares at you and then abruptly turns and walks away, and nobody in the shop is phased.
-Walking down a seemingly normal street which suddenly seems like a parade route as people walk out onto their overlooking balconies and stare continuously as you walk by.
-Purchasing crackers to feed to local street dogs who follow you down the street as onlooking walkers gasp in utter shock.
-Going to Taco Bell in a mall because you know they have unlimited serve yourself soda with ice (an extreme rarity in India)
-While stopped alongside the road, an auto rickshaw driver turns to put down a makeshift plastic curtain because its raining so bad. I ask my husband to take above mentioned taco bell cup and put it down on the curb (still filled with soda) for the next homeless person who might be walking by, but then discovering a sad looking donkey across the road who I thought would prefer it. I ask him to deliver it there instead, to which to auto rickshaw driver retorts- 'mam, donkeys only eat paper' as he winks at me in his rearview mirror and flashes a toothless grin.
Only in India my friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment