Q and A?!

Thanks for playing my game! Here's the answers! 

I should also warn that I am in South India, which is VERY different from North India.  Because North India is home to the Taj Mahal (and other well-known tombs and temples) it tends to receive a large number of international visitors.  Due to the tourism and its easy-access location, North India tends to be a bit more  culturally progressive than south India.  I, however, have spent the last month in South India. I love south India--- most of South India (Tamil Nadu specifically) is very traditional and we’ve really been able to a get a true feel for Indian culture.  Tamil Nadu also has its share of temples and tourist attractions too (just not as easy to get to!)

Heads up: this always-informal blog's grammar is about to get a whole lot worse with these answers: 

What's been your favorite food that you've had in India?

We are currently on a parrota kick—its like a big crescent roll pancake

(Lunch yesterday)

What do you miss most about America 

(Besides you, Hannah) I miss running so much! Every part of me is dying to go on a never-ending run. Also: I feel a bit lonely when I sneeze here and no one says “bless you”

What will you miss most about India?

Mangoes, flip-flops (worn everywhere-including the OR), the wonderful people we’ve met, the fact that people are not attached to their phones....and  I will definitely miss how much everything costs. I converted some things to dollars to give you all a better understanding:

Dinner for 4, with an appetizer and 4 drinks…..$12.00 TOTAL (tip included)

Ice Cream….$1

Slice of cake from the bakery…….30cents

Personal Pan Pizza…….$1.50

Salwar Kameeze……$10

Is the heat unbearable?

Its really not been that hot! Our rooms have A/C and there are fans just about everywhere else we go. Its been between 90-100 everyday but we aren't outside much-- could use a bit more vitamin D though.

What do grocery stores look like, you talk about them a lot
They are pretty similar to home but much smaller (picture a grocery store without a refrigerated section, meat section, microwavable things section, or already-prepared meals section)

What are the most common foods you have seen people eating over there?
Breakfast/Dinner is typically a gravy and a chutney with different Indian bread.  Lunch is served with copious amounts of rice.  Lunch is the biggest meal of the day and is usually: rice, 2 gravies, fried veggies, sambar (soup) and something sweet!

Do most of the people seem happy-do they think they are living in a poverty stricken area or is that just us projecting what we think on them? 

Hmm…not totally sure how to answer this. People are happy here and its not all “poverty stricken.” Its easy to hear someone’s income here (40,000Rupees/month) and panic and think they are in poverty but the cost of living here is so much lower than at home! Additionally, people here tend to have an idealest view of America.  People seem to be "impressed" with our American status but its not as if they are pining away wishing they also lived in America… It doesn't feel like we are visiting a third-world country if thats what you mean...it feels like everywhere else- just a bit busier! ...Does that answer it? Sorry...I struggled with this one a bit.

If you could bring one thing back from India what would it be?
Tangible: Mangoes.  I realize we have mangoes in America....but if you tasted an Indian mango...you would understand. 
Intangible: Humility. I am doing my best to bring this one back with me.  But the Indian people could teach our culture a lot when it comes to humility...and it's hard to put that in a suitcase. 

Were their any religious ceremonies and/or practices that interested you?

Yes! When we were touring Srirangam (massive Hindu temple) we saw a bunch of people yelling into a corner (see pic below)...this specific corner really amplifies the voice so you can hear it from far away.  The Hindus believe that yelling into this specific corner will be heard by the gods and will bring you good fortune and riches.  It was really interesting to hear!

I recieved a lot of questions about clothes but it just so happens that Danielle's whole blog today was about clothes (with helpful pics) so go look! http://danigoestoindia.blogspot.com