I tend to forget that everything that has become normal and routine to me, is not really normal at all. Some things that happen to me on a daily basis are totally worth writing about, and something that many back in America will find strange, humorous, disgusting, etc..
Some things that have become normal to me and/or a fact of life...
1) Every Thursday there is no electricity for the majority of the day. It is something we all plan on happening anyway, so thats not a big deal. This past Sunday I had no electricity for most of the day, and it has been randomly going out at night for the past week. Sometimes frustrating.. but I am getting used to reading by candlelight.
2) Cows. Water Buffalo's. Flocks of Crows. I don't think I am fully used to these things though. I have realized my fear of big animals able to roam freely. Most days on my way home from work I encounter at least one of said things. I always am that White Girl who runs to the other side of the road to avoid the giant herd of cows, or lets out a little scream when one looks me in the eyes and says, "I am going to run you over right now." So maybe a cow hasn't said that to me, but I am sure they are thinking it. Many of these cows are decorated with necklaces, paint, etc. Whatever. Scary
3) Number two on this list is involved with number three. Poop. Everywhere. Lots of it. Cows poop. Cows roam freely. Cows poop freely. I have to watch my step.
4) Rickshaw Men. So, since I am white, rickshaw drivers tend think they can charge me about 50-100 rupees more than I should actually pay. Which is a joke. So we spend about 10 minutes before every rickshaw ride to argue about a price that they know isn't fair, and they know that I know it isn't fair. I tend to get a little frustrated, angry, loud with these men. But sometimes it is my entertainment for the day.. Especially when they speak English and we just laugh about how ridiculous they actually are.
5) Eating with my hands. I am an accomplished eater. Here, as some may know, the left hand is usually for washing yourself after you have gone to the toilet. So you are supposed to only eat with your right hand. You eat chapati and then some rice with dal and such. No utensils necessary. I am very proud about the fact that I can do it, and do it with class... for the most part.
6) FOREIGNER. That is my name now. Since we are the only people in the city we are also very popular, or maybe more unpopular. Anyway, while walking down the street many people will just yell "Foreigner" Which, I obviously am. Thank you. Many other's just stare. Some snicker. Some whistle (sick). Some of the precious kids say hello and smile. Walking around...always an adventure.
7) Milk in a bag. What? Milk... in a bag? Worst idea anyone has ever had. BUT, as long as you keep it in a bowl, cut a little corner no major spillage occurs. Though I didn't know the tricks the first couple of weeks I was here... let's just say I wasted quite a bit of milk for awhile.
8) Chai. I love this tradition, really. I loved it in Africa as well. Every morning at the school I work at we have chai and a snack, normally we keep working while drinking and eating. But sometimes we do as we should and stop what were doing and talk with each other and just enjoy the time together. While in Delhi we went to the Taj Mahal, as said in previous post, On the car ride there it got to the time where we would normally have chai. We pulled to the side of the road and got some cola and chips and had a nice "chai" time. So frands, when I get home we will have chai times. Or something along those lines.
9) Cockroaches. Maybe it's just because I am from Michigan and I haven't ever really experienced dealing with cockroaches and/or large bugs. But they are the most annoying thing that ever happened to me. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating. But still. I am never going to get used to waking up to a lovely family of cockroaches who decided to set up camp in my kitchen. Ew.
That is all for now, I am sure I missed some major oddities of India. I will be sure to fill you all in when I can remember them.
Kids on a little boat ride!
Trip to the local garden!
One of the local hospitals had a Christmas party for House of Hope and one other orphanage... filled with games, food, coloring, and an Indian Santa even came to visit.
Shaheena.
Took the kids to an Indian amusement park over their Christmas holiday, I believe the park consisted of all of the reject rides from America.. no problem. The kids had a blast.
The House of Hope boys on Christmas!
Anneloes, my roommate, and I decorated a Christmas tree and filled each other's stockings for Christmas!
Sakshi and Simon at the schools Christmas program.
Sahara.
The boys received hats from someone, and are now obsessed with them.
