I find that I am developing an everyday routine now. It is human nature, things that used to surprise me I hardly notice anymore. So I thought that I would share with you some things I see almost every day in India.
Fruit Carts
Fruit carts are everywhere. I was warned by locals not to eat any of the fresh fruits and vegetables because I might get sick, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to live a year without fresh fruits and veggies, so I took a risk. I’m glad I did because I haven’t gotten sick to my stomach yet and they are quite delicious. My favorite is fresh guava. They cut it up for you and dip it in salt. Yummy!
Shopping Malls
Shopping malls are everywhere; big and small, modern and primitive. I guess it is necessary in a city of over 20 million people. One of my favorites is walking distance to my hotel and must contain over 100 tiny ma and pa stores in a 2 story building. It has everything, from clothing and electronics to food and art.
Food Vendors
Street food is quite delicious here. I like to stop for masala chai tea, dosa or chicken biryani. It’s very cheap too. You can buy a huge dosa for only 40 rupees, which is less than $1.00 USD! Many Indians are always asking me about food carts in America. Seems the word has gotten out!
Free Roaming Animals
Animals are everywhere! I see cows, wild dogs and big harry pigs every day roaming around freely. Cows are considered holy so it is good luck to feed them or show them affection. I have yet to see a cat. Occasionally I see monkeys. I saw one wearing a dress riding on the back of a motorcycle the every day! I also saw a donkey wandering around. Guess someone lost their ass!
Poverty
There is a lot of poverty here so I see slums and many homeless people asking for food and money. The Indians tell me that they are forced to beg by crime lords that then take their money. It’s hardest to see the homeless children. Somehow they still manage to smile. It really breaks my heart to see the horrible conditions they live in.
Street Barbers
Everyday I pass by a street barber that gives hair cuts and shaves to men. There are also cigarette stands on every corner. Lots of Indian people smoke. You can buy single cigarettes, cloves and beedis. A beedi is a thin natural non filtered Indian cigarette made from rolled tobacco leaves. Just past that is a very large mud puddle where I always see people bathing. I am so thankful that I have shelter and running water! Give thanks! We Americans are very spoiled!
The longer I am in India the more gratitude I feel for every day comforts such as hot water, air conditioning or heat, clean water, shelter, transportation and a bed. Many Indians don’t even have the very basic necessities of life.
View Comments (2)
You are truly experiencing a different world. It always amazes me how many smiles there are on the kids in developing countries. The human spirit shines through some of the most awful situations. Which, of course, doesn't relieve us of trying to do our best to make things better for everyone. Whether it's the US or India or anywhere else, it's just not right that some have so much and so many lack even basic necessities like sanitation, clean water, basic shelter, etc. And I see it getting worse here. I'm sure President Trump will fix it all!!! (Although i plan to move to New Zealand in that event.) Keep experiencing and sharing ... and eating the fruit!
President Trump???? No freakin way! But yes, kids are kids throughout the world and like to play and smile. I gave each of those kids and the mom 10 rupees, which is about the equivalent of fifteen cents. Boy did their face light up!!