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The US vs. India:

 

For every Starbucks Manhattan has, India has general stores or pan shops.

 

In the US we feel good for buying “fair trade,” here there are many stores that claim “fair price.”

 

Afternoon naps in India are often times taken in the grass of a nearby park.

 

Honking ensues in this US when someone cuts you off while driving. In India, you honk before cutting someone off, then honk if someone cuts you off, then honk when someone is crossing the street, then honk because there’s nothing better to do sitting in Indian traffic.

 

Crossing the street is as bad as you’ve heard. I’m starting to learn the timing; you don’t do it all in once but weave in through the diagnols of traffic. One of the first days I was here, an Indian auntie half my size grabbed my hand and helped me cross the street.

 

Tractors in the US are used on farms, and rarely seen in a city. In India, tractors are used for a variety of tasks including construction work.

 

Rickshaws are too much fun. I’ve been learning some basic directional hindi terms to get around easier, but as someone I met said, “rickshaw drivers don’t speak anyone’s language.”

 

I like rickshaws because they’re at nearly every corner, and cheaper than taxis. There is also something so risky and freeing from riding along in a three-wheeled, half open vehicle, with the wind pulsing through your hair.

 

The other day I was trying to go for a run by the Hussein Sagar statue. I told the driver, who was convinced I wanted to go to another park. Nei, I firmly said. But he still headed that way. I knew generally how to get there so I began directing him there and away from the other park. He dropped me off at a bus stop and said 150 (rupees). I knew this was too much, and usually when I use bits and pieces of hindi I’m less likely to get ripped off. 100, I said handing him the  cash. 150, he insisted. “Yesterday it cost me 150 to go downtown, this is only 100.” “Thank you, he said with a head bob and left me on my way.” I knew the 30 min ride to Hyderabad was accurate as my rickshaw driver actually metered it. I have gotten ripped off a few times, but now am getting a better grasp on how much rickshaw rides should cost.

 

 

I’m obsessed with bargaining. I stumbled upon a street with various bangle and jewelry shops. I bought earrings for the wedding, but when I got back I realized they didn’t give me backs for them. The next day I headed back, but couldn’t remember where the shop was. I wanted some gold bangles so I stopped in a basement like shop tucked behind dozens of other bangle shops and street food vendors. It smelled musty inside and the woman working the store started pulling out different colors of the shimmering bangles. I offered her a lower price when I finally the perfect fit. She said “bargaining ohhh” with a chuckle. She refused my offer, so I did the walk away technique until I heard madam! I was still on the hunt for earring backs, however. I went into another store and kept saying all I wanted was earring backs, but a woman  pulled out every style they had, holding them up to my ears and shoving a mirror to my face. I insisted on only getting the backs which sent her into a giggle fit. 1 rupee. And so I was their prized customer for the day I presume.

Xoxo With shanti,

Mel