Oh the things you learn in one month...

I really can’t believe I have been in India for one month! It seems like just yesterday that I landed in Bangalore at 2 am with no clue what to do or where to go. I like to think I have quickly adapted to the lifestyle in India and somewhat understand what is going on. I have spent the last few weeks taking in everything around me and enjoying my experiences in a country where chaos is the norm. I thought I would share some of my observations/revelations over the last four weeks that truly make India a unique and puzzling little place. These are in no particular order. Enjoy.

1. Routines do not exist. The one thing I am certain of is that I go to work Monday through Friday. I don’t take the same route, it doesn’t take the same amount of time. Some days I feel good, some days I feel terrible. Some nights I sleep, some nights I don’t. Sometimes stores have diet coke, sometimes they don’t. I think you get the picture. You can be certain that the when you think you’ve got it down or have established some type of routine it will be interrupted.

2. Traffic rules do not apply, seat belts are not worn, honking never stops, a family of four CAN fit on a motorcycle (baby included), and every time you cross the street you risk your life.

3. It is wise not to eat/drink an hour to two hours prior to getting into a car. This is important for a few reasons. First, there is no way of telling how long you will actually be in the car. The commute to work can take 45 mins or it could take an hour and a half. Second, if you happen to be on the longer side, there is definitely no way you will find a bathroom if necessary. Third, with cars passing you on both sides and weaving in an out of traffic, motion sickness is inevitable and I have come to realize, the less that is in your stomach the better. (Thanks Cassie)

4. Real authentic home cooked Indian food is amazing. Although, it may not always agree with my stomach, it tastes delicious. A dedicated food blog is coming after I have had a few more samplings! I promise it will be worth the wait.

5. Showering and using the bathroom on the side of the road are acceptable actions and should not cause alarm. Neither should the cows that literally roam free.

6. The best and worst smells can be experienced here. There are these little white flowers that smell like heaven and induce a calming feeling. I love them. In the semi-organized grocery store I have found the Perishables smell like fresh herbs, fruit, and vegetables. Just lovely. However, since my nose picks up every little scent in a five mile radius, I often pick up smells of garbage, body odor, and poo. Not so great.

7. Using the street as a garbage can happens often. It is completely unfortunate.

8. Saying NO doesn’t always translate into NO. It appears that sometimes is means, please continue to stand here and repeat the question or pressure me into buying something that is ridiculously over priced that I don’t want or need.

9. When “security guards” rush at you when you enter a store and try to take your bags, they are not stealing from you, but apparently preventing you from stealing. They will also always check your receipt when you leave and punch or stamp it. They don’t at all look in your bags, so I am not sure what they are checking, but it is must be important.

10. I have never been in a place filled with so much color. Buildings, temples, and signs are various shades of purple, blue, orange, and yellow. Everything is bold and everything is vibrant. It is quite intriguing.

Well, that about wraps up my one month worth of insight into India. I am so lucky to have this experience and look forward to what the next four months hold for me.