Now for some random disconnected thoughts and observations (not related to the educational component of the trip):
*The people in India don’t nod and shake their heads like we do in the US. Instead it is more of a side-to-side motion (kind of move your head like you want to touch your ears to your shoulders but in a quick, subtle way). In the US we would think that it is an “I don’t know” or a “maybe” signal but here is can mean yes or no….which I have found very confusing especially in my pitiful attempts to bargain. Anyway, I have found myself moving my head that way a couple of times.
*Apparently right now is the “off season” for selling rugs. (I wonder if they say that year-round?) Three of us went across the street from the hotel and found an incredible rug in colors that two of us really liked. They kept lowering the price for the 6’ by 8’ rug until it was around half their original offer and included free shipping to the US. I am sure it would go great with my furniture from Target. ;) Alas, my colleagues and I are still rug-less, if only I could buy it in installments...
*This city is supposed to be the place to get a particular type of silk. One of the workers gave us some tips about where to get ripped off for only 15-25% more than the locals instead of the other places where it would be 200-500%. I’ll let you know if I find anything. I must say that in Delhi, there was a shop my cooperating teacher took me to after one of our meetings (where the locals buy their material) and the choices were amazing. Since nothing is stitched ahead of time, any fabric you liked will “fit” because the clothes are made to order. That particular shop had much better prices than other places in Delhi but I hope that the place the hotel guy suggested will have better bargains.
*I am really enjoying India food. However, I have to admit that I was really excited that we did not have a buffet for lunch and could order off the hotel menu. I had spaghetti! Wow! I have to say that it was so cool to have food that I actually knew the name and that tasted familiar.
3 comments:
Spaghetti is good in any language!
Love you,
Mom
Isn't the head bob thingie just fascanating to watch? We so don't have that motion here in the US. It used to really distract me when I was talking to someone when I was over there.
PS I found your blog through your Mom....
Hello Dr. Missy,
I am enjoying taking a trip to India vicariously through your blog. I am most impressed that you are keeping such a detailed account of your experiences. I told myself that I would do the same while I was in China, but alas, I didn’t take my laptop and the rates at the business centers were outlandish. I found that head shaking ritual you mentioned fascinating. It made me remember that I often found myself bowing without thinking about it, every time I met someone new. I also felt like I got the two-handed pass off of business cards down this time. Several of the individuals on our tour received a few frowns for not knowing that this was proper etiquette when exchanging cards- such unschooled Americans. J Your observations about the students are intriguing. I concur that kids are the same the world over. I hope you get lots of great shopping in while there. We miss you in the office. Yes, some of us have to order textbooks in July.
Enjoy the remainder of your trip. I’ll catch you latter. By the way, your presenter is here. All seems to be going well. Many of us have offered to assist in any way we can.
Take good care of yourself and leave that water and fruit alone!
Best,
Monsieur J.
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