But India has been a challenge because things seemed so counter-intuitive to what I know to be "right." It took me awhile to understand the real problem. I had let myself believe there was such a thing as the "right" way. In reality, there is an American way and an Indian way, and they're often very different.
India is a functioning society. Why aren't the cows on the road a problem? Because people still get to where they need to be. They leave sooner or they're expected to be where they need to be around a certain time as opposed to an exact time. What about the honking? It doesn't bother people who are used to it and it's a great tool for letting pedestrians and other vehicles know where you are so people don't get hurt. And as for the lack of orderly lines, I still get my masala chips and guava juice at the end of the day. It's not America, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work.
There are many things both countries can learn from each other. In America, things like Kinder eggs are banned because the little toys they come with pose a potential choking hazard. In India, they're at every supermarket in the city. At the same time in America, plastic bags (which are harmful to the environment) are used on a massive scale. In India, plastic bags are banned and reusable bags are mandatory. In India, close friends hold hands. It's not something that's perceived as sexual or romantic, just friendly. That's a concept (at least for straight men) that I don't see in America. There are things about India that I just find pleasant, too, like how instead of giving me change, small businesses will give me chocolate with the receipt.
This weekend I visited four temples representing different religions in India.
