I love the way shop owners are often called “Aunty” or “Uncle;” I love reading about the amazing women in the Pro Wrestling League; learning regional dance moves that have nothing to do with Bollywood; discussing with my friends the beautiful natural resources that help make India the diverse place that it is. Did you know about these parts of Indian culture?
I also really love the way kids interact with their parents, the kind of affection friends have for each other (it is extremely common to see boys casually holding hands), and even the huge difference in cuisine between North and South India. These are all things that I’ve witnessed and enjoyed since living here, and these experiences couldn’t have been explained to me in any book.
Lastly, as a traveler, I’ve experienced first hand how difficult it is to explain societal problems to people who are curious about the U.S. From racial justice issues to gun rights, I’ve been asked questions about issues in the U.S. that are complicated, and I’m just one person with one opinion. I think about this whenever I ask someone questions about societal problems in India, and I do my best to stay informed about politics in both my host country and my home country.
