Different Country = Different Culture

I've been in India for about two weeks and I have already learned a lot about the Indian culture!
Here are some of them:

1. Indians like to shake their heads!
Haha. Yes, it sounds weird but it's true! (At least in Chennai and Vizag..)
I think it's when they either say yes, or maybe. Oh, and when they mean something like "ok I understand." From little kids to seniors, they ALL shake their heads! I think I might even pick that up and start shaking my head!!!!

2. the toilet situation
I'm pretty sure that everyone is aware of the fact that majority of Indians do NOT use toilet paper. They are eco-friendly; they use water! I was lucky to have a host family that provided toilet paper for me but some of my friends, unfortunately, are not allowed to use them because toilet paper might clog the toilets. I have also noticed that the "no toilet paper phenomenon" also resulted in absence of trashcans. I know that this is a sensitive subject but trashcans are necessary for women; I think you know what I mean...

3. Water, water, water.
One of the many comments that I got before I came here was "don't drink the water there." This meant that I should only drink bottled water. I have been drinking the filtered tap water; I think the filters here have excellent quality because I haven't gotten sick. (yet. haha) A couple of days ago I finally understood why the tap water here is dangerous; apparently, Indians don't pay for tap water. So I think that the lack of "budget" for clean water resulted as unsafe tap water. This piece of information was provided by my host sister, who is 11 years old...... I'm not doubting or discrediting her but I'm not sure if it is actually possible to not pay for the water... Readers, if you know anything about this, will you leave me a comment?!?! Thanks!!!

4. no taxis. AUTO RICKSHAWS!
Frankly speaking, no one calls auto rickshaws rickshaws or auto rickshaws. (wow that was a horrible sentence. sorry about that.) They're called "autos." In Vizag, autos can pretty much take me anywhere; prices range from 20 to 50 rupees. I live on the "other side" (I live REALLY far away from other SYA kids.. at least a 20 min. drive...) so I usually need 50 rupees to ride an auto. oh.. breaking news! Yesterday, I was on an auto by myself!!! Since I didn't really know how to get to my host family's house, it took a while, but I did it!!! The driver was nice, stopping numerous times to ask for the direction, so I tipped him 2 rupees (I wasn't really sure how to calculate tips here..) When I came back the host family asked me about my auto adventure and when I told them that I tipped him they were surprised..

I'll try to write more and update my blog as much as I can but internet here is kind of slow.. and when school starts I don't think I'll have enough time to go online. I'm so thankful that my host family takes care of me all the time. I'm usually online for a couple of hours everyday but ever since I came to India, I haven't been online or watching TV. They have been really helpful. I'm having such a great time that I'm starting to think that going online would be a waste of time; why should I be online when I can be spending time with my Indian family and friends?!?

Please leave comments if you have any questions.. I'll be glad to answer/ find out about them.


INDIA IS SIMPLY FANTASTIC!