Here are some random Indian facts that we have picked up so far during our time here-
-always wear shoes and carry a fire torch with you at night because rattlesnakes, sand vipers and cobras are found on the campus grounds
-during the summer months no one takes showers from eight in the morning until five at night because the change from the intense heat into the freezing water will make you vomit….absolutely absurd
-also during the summer months you must cover your face at all times because the cross breeze of the heat carries many diseases
-we are currently in the rainy, winter months and it is still ridiculously hot. When you get out of the shower you don't know if your not dry or still sweating
-buy toilet paper whenever you see it because no one uses it, they rely on their good ole left hand
-NEVER eat, shake hands, take money, come into any contact with an Indian's left hand..EVER
-If a woman and man were to walk down the street together and then that same man walked down the street with another girl the next day it is seen as scandalous
don't go for a high five from a man in public, again scandal
-however the men hold hands walking down the road and grab each others upper thighs when they are talking about each other
-salamanders live in your room with you, deal with it
-chai tea is the best thing you will ever drink, to bad it only comes in tiny cups made for elfs
-women are not aloud to wear anything above the knee and sleeves must cover your shoulders
-where the southern region is really developed the northern part of India is about 50 years behind in every aspect.
-the food is truly amazing here. we have loved everything except this weird syrup ball that they call dessert.
-the ants here are huge and can fly. I have never seen so many large bugs in my life
-Don't attempt to wash your clothes unless the sun is out in full force, the longer this water sits in your clothes the more funk they soak in and you smell just terrible
-speaking of smell did you know the smell of your sweat changes depending on what you are eating….we all officially smell like Indians!
-the traffic is insane. cows, goats, bikes, motorcycles, people walking with huge loads on their heads, cars, buss with loads of people on top all are driving in every which direction. Horns are a constant.
-it is not impolite to stop everything you are doing to stare at the awkward white people
-the currency exchange is 43 ruppies to 1 USD
-people take pilgrimages from all over India to visit the Ganges river in Varanasi. They believe you can wash your spiritual, mental and physical problems away in these waters. Also when a person dies they set the body on fire and float it down the river. It is said to be where life and death meet.
-The people here on our campus are beautiful and have the most loving servants hearts. They greet one another by saying praise the lord. Its just about the only common phrase you can say to everyone since there are about 90 different languages present in the north.
-We are loving India and everything it has to offer. The people and children have stolen my heart and I am learning so much.
-Thank you thank you for helping me get to India to enjoy this adventure. I am still in need of $2,800 to keep me going and be fully funded for the entire year. Please consider supporting me in my journey by either prayer for the year or a financial donation. Love and Miss you all!
Above are some of our favorite Indian friends who serve us daily. Mom,Dad, meet Phillip (right). He is the secret pick for my fake Indian wedding!!
