Miscellaneous 1
Bald is Beautiful
The Indian's seems to be blessed with great hair, me not so much. There is also some fascination with it on the part of a few folks. I have had a number of photo requests and even a 5 minute discussion about razor type, foam, and technique with an older guide who insisted that he finish his conversation with me before continuing to lead his visibly and verbally annoyed clients.
Currency Exchange
We have found ourselves being asked to be a currency exchanger a number of times. Once some rapport is established then the ask comes. The first time this happened I was suspicious that some kind of laundering scheme was roping me in, but the $10 was legit with watermark and security ribbon. We have exchanged for the equivalent of about Rs4000 (only about $55) rupees so far, the Bank of Huth is still liquid.
To Beep or not to Beep
Question answered - Beep - beep early, beep often. In the old cities the popular streets and corridors are very narrow and always completely packed with everything you can imagine but mostly people, motorbikes and Tuk Tuks. There is constant beeping coming at you in front and from behind. This sound has a few intended instructions I am sure. Move to the side or I will bump into you. If you move to the side I will bump into you. I beep therefore I am.
Smile
You can get a smile from almost anyone. Many people have a default facial expression that is non-emotional and maybe a little stern. I think I have been conditioned by American culture to not make eye contact or smile at strangers when in the big city streets, especially those that do not seem to be inviting interaction. It seems different here, while most do have a somewhat stern default face (Resting Stern Face) when you make eye contact and smile 9 times out 10 you will get a smile and a greeting in return. Maybe that would work in America? Or maybe it would just get me dead.
Obama
"I love Obama!" The number of times we hear this phrase is probably second only to "Where you from?" And usually one follows the other. I vote neither Dem or Repub but I do find this interesting. I think the presidency of Barak Obama is a sign to the world, as it should be, that, generally speaking, your opportunity in American life is not limited to the station of your birth. The caste system is still operating in India and for many to come to America would be to free themselves from those bonds. America is by no means color blind and without discrimination yet, we sinful humans continue to put groups of 'those people' into castes of their own. By God's grace this is something that could be solved in a generations time.
The Indian's seems to be blessed with great hair, me not so much. There is also some fascination with it on the part of a few folks. I have had a number of photo requests and even a 5 minute discussion about razor type, foam, and technique with an older guide who insisted that he finish his conversation with me before continuing to lead his visibly and verbally annoyed clients.
Currency Exchange
We have found ourselves being asked to be a currency exchanger a number of times. Once some rapport is established then the ask comes. The first time this happened I was suspicious that some kind of laundering scheme was roping me in, but the $10 was legit with watermark and security ribbon. We have exchanged for the equivalent of about Rs4000 (only about $55) rupees so far, the Bank of Huth is still liquid.
To Beep or not to Beep
Question answered - Beep - beep early, beep often. In the old cities the popular streets and corridors are very narrow and always completely packed with everything you can imagine but mostly people, motorbikes and Tuk Tuks. There is constant beeping coming at you in front and from behind. This sound has a few intended instructions I am sure. Move to the side or I will bump into you. If you move to the side I will bump into you. I beep therefore I am.
Smile
You can get a smile from almost anyone. Many people have a default facial expression that is non-emotional and maybe a little stern. I think I have been conditioned by American culture to not make eye contact or smile at strangers when in the big city streets, especially those that do not seem to be inviting interaction. It seems different here, while most do have a somewhat stern default face (Resting Stern Face) when you make eye contact and smile 9 times out 10 you will get a smile and a greeting in return. Maybe that would work in America? Or maybe it would just get me dead.
Obama
"I love Obama!" The number of times we hear this phrase is probably second only to "Where you from?" And usually one follows the other. I vote neither Dem or Repub but I do find this interesting. I think the presidency of Barak Obama is a sign to the world, as it should be, that, generally speaking, your opportunity in American life is not limited to the station of your birth. The caste system is still operating in India and for many to come to America would be to free themselves from those bonds. America is by no means color blind and without discrimination yet, we sinful humans continue to put groups of 'those people' into castes of their own. By God's grace this is something that could be solved in a generations time.
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