Few things....

During my last 3 weeks here in India I've encountered a few things I'd like to share. Some are new to me and some I just have to blog about...

A head shake in a horizontal direction (notably a NO shake) can mean many things. It can me yes (usually does), it can me no, it can mean "How are you?" "Fine, thanks." "It's hot outside." "My son just graduate with honors from college." This is a fine art of communication, you'll never experience anything quite like it.

Hospitality here is phenomenal. The women of the house are educated early on how to be a good hostess. Water is brought out on a tray as soon as you arrive to cool you down from you journey to their home. This follows with an array of snacks, tea and/or soda. Any need you may have will be taken care of. And don't even think about helping yourself, it will be served for you. Smiles will always greet you and imposing is not a word known here. People stop by like on an episode of "Friends," except anyone is always welcome at any time.

Doorbells will ring as early as 7AM here.

Milk comes from a cow into cannister and then positioned on a bicycle and then brought to your door. (Note I didn't say pasturized.)

All dishes are metal.

The first time you enter someone's home you are given a gift or an envelope of money. I like this one!

Highchairs are not a common usage for feeding small children, this is done by negotiation and chasing. Hmm.

His parents have soap on a rope at the sink. It is shaped like a fish :)

Instead of saying "Don't worry!" They say "Don't take tension!"

Your newly developed health aliments are up for discussion at the dinner table with strangers.

Doctors still make house calls.

Commericals are bad here just like the US.

Soap operas have long pauses and camera angle changes to draw out air time just like the soaps in the US.

Cookies are called biscuits.

Chickens here are extremely organic. They weight about a 1/3 of a chicken back home. Eggs are also not refridgerated.

People here have strong religious values and extreme respect for thier elders.

All buildings are made of concrete.

Street food is a culinary art form. I will watch this, but will not eat it.

Trains carry passengers inside and on top.

Traffic laws don't really apply here. You go where you fit and everyone has the right of way. You become religious on the streets of Mumbai in an autorickshaw... "Oh God! Oh God!"

There are few stop lights and even fewer street signs.

Freckles are a spectacle.

You can introduce yourself, but don't expect the same in return, but you may get a smile.

Police officers do not carry firearms. Just a stick.

Hotel security is tight since the bomb blasts last year. They have armed guards, dogs, gates, metal detectors, and scanners.

Resturants are called hotels.

Country clubs double as hotels.

There is about 1 stray dog for every 6 people here in Mumbai.

If you don't give the slum kids money they may spit at you or throw something at you. If you don't give them enough, they ask for more. Whatever happened to beggers can't be choosy?

Cricket is huge here, the stadiums are filled with wild fans. The catch is that most of the fans are sober!

News consists of celebrity reports, politics, and cricket scores. The US does the same.

Any place of business has someone to open the door.

There are only two seasons here, wet and dry. I see only one, SUPER FREAKING HOT!!!