I forgot to mention Obama's inauguration. I had video for this but it's gone now so old fashioned words will have to do. On the highly anticipated day, the expats celebrated by going to the single most recognized American company: McDonald's. The thing is, sine so many Indians are vegetarians, and people don't eat beef, the food is very different. It's actually edible. I was a fan of the Maharaja Mac and the Pizza McPuff. They also have french fries that you can put into a bag, shake around with spice and then eat as seasoned fries.
India Mickey D's is not as good as the scrumptious vegetarian food you find elsewhere, but it's not something to fear either.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Outsourced
If you want to get a sense for what India is like, at least from an American perspective, watch the movie Outsourced.
We saw this after a couple weeks in the country - just long enough to be able to appreciate the string of cultural references and have experienced many of them firsthand.
One of my favorite parts is when the American guy is talking to the Indian couple about his relationship back home. He had a girlfriend but wasn't ready to get married. The couple doesn't seem to comprehend this. The woman asks how old he is (early to mid thirties) and she exclaims "My goodness! You're old enough to be a grandfather!"
We saw this after a couple weeks in the country - just long enough to be able to appreciate the string of cultural references and have experienced many of them firsthand.
One of my favorite parts is when the American guy is talking to the Indian couple about his relationship back home. He had a girlfriend but wasn't ready to get married. The couple doesn't seem to comprehend this. The woman asks how old he is (early to mid thirties) and she exclaims "My goodness! You're old enough to be a grandfather!"
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Rajasthan Trip: Part 8 - THE FINAL EPISODE!
Jan. 23-36
When I told a co-worker friend who shall remain nameless that I was going to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, she said "Oh you should get these cookies. They have liquor in them called Bhang. They make you feel funny." Her request was for me to bring back 4 of them.
Liquor cookies huh? Seemed harmless enough. But when I explained the Bhang cookie to my driver and Megan (an American who has lived here for over a year), I was told the truth: these do not contain alcohol but in fact something else.
Did she actually expect me to pass questionable items across state lines? I happen to value my freedom...
When I told a co-worker friend who shall remain nameless that I was going to Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, she said "Oh you should get these cookies. They have liquor in them called Bhang. They make you feel funny." Her request was for me to bring back 4 of them.
Liquor cookies huh? Seemed harmless enough. But when I explained the Bhang cookie to my driver and Megan (an American who has lived here for over a year), I was told the truth: these do not contain alcohol but in fact something else.
Did she actually expect me to pass questionable items across state lines? I happen to value my freedom...
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Rajasthan Trip: Part 5
Jan 23-36
Riding camels is cool - more regal than horseback since you're higher up. Our camels each had names:
Carla's: Babaloo
Jon's: Bubbles
Megan's: Micheal Jackson (side note: the people of Jaisalmer appear to be big MJ fans, since we came across two things named after him during our two days there. The other was a puppet.)
Jen's: Rockette
Sherry's: couldn't remember but thinks "it had an r and z so something like Ritztec"
But the real fun begins when you race. On the home stretch, we kicked it up a notch and the strong yet graceful athletic prowess of Babaloo left the others in the dust...or should I say sand.
The others thought it strange that while racing I handed the remainder of my 40 to Tak, my 9 year old guide. But Tak was too busy as a winning jockey to think about underage drinking, and I couldn't bear to litter in the beauty of the desert.
Plus I wanted to finish my beer.
The card game I taught the child guides was war. I thought this was a good game, but apparently they thought it was easy. Tough crowd. Still, I got them smiling.
Riding camels is cool - more regal than horseback since you're higher up. Our camels each had names:
Carla's: Babaloo
Jon's: Bubbles
Megan's: Micheal Jackson (side note: the people of Jaisalmer appear to be big MJ fans, since we came across two things named after him during our two days there. The other was a puppet.)
Jen's: Rockette
Sherry's: couldn't remember but thinks "it had an r and z so something like Ritztec"
But the real fun begins when you race. On the home stretch, we kicked it up a notch and the strong yet graceful athletic prowess of Babaloo left the others in the dust...or should I say sand.
The others thought it strange that while racing I handed the remainder of my 40 to Tak, my 9 year old guide. But Tak was too busy as a winning jockey to think about underage drinking, and I couldn't bear to litter in the beauty of the desert.
Plus I wanted to finish my beer.
The card game I taught the child guides was war. I thought this was a good game, but apparently they thought it was easy. Tough crowd. Still, I got them smiling.
Rajasthan Trip: Part 4
Jan 23-26
From the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, aptly nicknamed "The Blue City" from it's views from above:
From the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, aptly nicknamed "The Blue City" from it's views from above:
Rajasthan Trip: Part 3
Jan 23-26
Our hotel in Jodhpur was the Pal Havelli - absolutely charming and right in the action.
When we left the hotel for the first time, we were picked up by our driver in a van clarly marked "Tourist." Perfect, as if we didn't stand out enough.
Our hotel in Jodhpur was the Pal Havelli - absolutely charming and right in the action.
When we left the hotel for the first time, we were picked up by our driver in a van clarly marked "Tourist." Perfect, as if we didn't stand out enough.
Monday, March 2, 2009
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