More Photos: Bathroom and Rickshaw - Gonna try for the video as well!!

I put this photo in because it should be noted that 1) This man is probably committing some sort of unspoken crime given that he only has 2 people on is motorcycle. Typically there are 4-5 on one motorcycle or moped. I will try to get a photo of that. 2) One of the craziest thing about India is that almost no one wears a helmet. You see all the time whole families on a motorcyle in the middle of horrible traffic with LITTLE children sitting on their laps and infront of them with no protection of anykind. I am just waiting for the day I see my first horrific accident. Honestly, it is crazy. I took this photos on my way to work.

This is my rickshaw and rickshaw driver Chanti. He was very excited to have his picture taken. I sit in the backseat. The vehicle is very small (I am probably taller than it!). If we get in an accident I am totally screwed. Say prayers for Chanti and I. We have lots of traveling ahead of us.

This is my bathroom...note the US toilet. The thing used to spray off your 'regions' is hanging on the wall next to the toilet. Showers are not separate in India so it is located between the toilet and the sink. The floor just gets soaked and dries during the day. The red and white bucket on the floor slightly hidden by the sink is filled with water that I use to rinse out my hair since the water pressure is not strong enough. Get ready for when you visit. It is like camping!

A couple of other notes...

1) Another crazy thing aout India is that a sacred symbol here is the swastika...yes the one bastardized by Hitler. It is really interesting because you see it on graves and on bumper stickers and as a symbol in many places. It takes a little adjustment to get used to seeing swastikas everywhere. They date back to the Neolithic period and are a very popular symbol in many eastern religions.

2) One of the best things about working at LifeSpring is that when you are feeling a little down or just need a break from stuff I can walk down 2 floors and visit the BABIES. No, I am not baby crazy but it is pretty great. I mean, honestly.

Believe It or Not, Nov. 23, 2009

Things to know and master about India: Lessons from my first 3 days.
1) Always carry a roll of toilet paper or package of baby wipes in your purse/on your person – at all times. In India you can not assume there will be toilet paper. The typical Indian toilet is something you squat over not sit on and the floors are often wet and dirty. The traditional way of cleaning yourself after using the toilet is to spray yourself down with water from a hose on the wall. The idea is not a bad one but it leaves you with the issue of having a very wet nether region….hmmmm. Please see video of toilet - I thought it was a picture but apparently I was too jet lagged and took a video instead.
2) Get used to cold showers – I have yet to take a warm one! I believe this is likely due to the fact that right now it is WINTER in India and the average temp is about 70 degrees. Come February the temps should jump to about 100 and saturated. I think a cold shower will feel good then.
3) Master the NOD. If you have ever read Shantaram or know anything about Indian culture you have likely been informed about the infamous Indian head wag/nod. Please see attached video which provides a classic example. The head wag/nod is actually far more difficult than it appears. It involves a certain relaxation of the neck which I have yet to master. You will not be seeing a video of me doing the nod until I have mastered it.
4) The cats here are HUGE. I am not kidding. Today, I saw one for the first time. It was across the street prowling on the roof tops and from across the street I thought it was a panther of some sort. HUGE. These are the house cats in India…I am second guessing my thoughts on getting a cat. But, pretty cool when you think about it!
5) Barter, barter, barter: When you are white every price shoots up by about 20 rupees. Walk away from the rickshaw…walk away from the rickshaw. Someone else is always waiting.
6) Surrender your personal space – there is none in India. Period.
7) Cross the road with confidence. Breath and tell yourself that they will not hit you (they shouldn’t –right!). Put your hand out in a sign to STOP and they usually do…but prepare yourself for the last second swerve.
8) Don’t wear shorts.
9) Learn to eat with your hands - its fun!
10) Let go of the NYC black….colors are beautiful.