Nuances of India, from our perspective:

• Personal space is literally nonexistent, examples are way too numerous to add here but the more memorable ones have been jotted down for your entertainment.
• A family of five or six utilizes one moped or motorcycle
• Three grown men or one family of three young children fit into a bus sleeping berth which is the size of a standard American bathtub, with a height of no more than three feet
• Motorcycle drivers have the irritating habit of blasting their earsplitting horns only as they are passing within inches from your body
• Strangers will recline against each other during transport
• Although it is fun, we have been engulfed by numerous packs of school children all shouting hello and pressing in to shake our hands
• The smell of raw sewage is a regular fragrance and just as typical as the daily spotting of people squatting to relieve themselves, and men lining any vertical walls
• Beggars, street dwellers, and people with disabilities are everywhere and force us into the uncomfortable decisions of who "deserves" our generosity and who doesn't. The positive aspect is that Indians show an unusual amount of tenacity and ingenuity - street food is served in cups formed from leaves, street side hair cuts are convenient, people with disabilities find all sorts of creative ways to augment their mobility, and although they don't directly try to steal from you, an agreed upon price may suddenly drastically elevate after a service is rendered.
• The caste system is still obvious as people either proudly state their disposition or explain how future wives must be of a certain status.
• It is entertaining for us to be asked whether our marriage was a "love" marriage or an arranged marriage. According to many of the 20something Indians we have meet, all will end up with arranged marriages as love marriages are rare and difficult due to a lack of support from ones community and family.
• Family is everything. For the practical reason that one must live with them, money, decisions, and property is all shared.
• Poverty is harsh and back breaking: for us the hardest is watching the women sweep the streets or dig ditches with pick axes, while their children play in the dirt nearby, often without the protection of older siblings.
• Men regard a friendly, smile done in greeting, as a come on - Has been VERY difficult to break myself from this gesture. In addition, a Western women is often openly stared at, comments are made to her, or cell phone photos taken of her (all much to the chagrin of Mike).
• Cows rule the road and often bring traffic to a screeching halt
• Directions are vague at best and misguiding at worst. Lesson; ask for directions often and every few feet!
• The infamous, delightful, and indiscernible Indian head waggle which can mean; yes, no, I am saying yes but mean no, I don't know, I know, I agree, I don't agree, I understand, I don't understand, I like you, I dismiss you, hello, goodbye, I'm confused but listening, I'm confused but don't want to listen, I wish I could help you, your welcome, thank you, .... did I miss something, well if I did and when in doubt, head waggle.
• Everyone has piercings! In Rajasthan the both genders from very young to the very old have both ears pierced, while females also have noses, other parts of the ear, wrists, ankles, toes and fingers with adorned ornaments. In addition, children's eyes are enhanced with the application of eye liner. Adding orante saris to the mix, India is able to boast the most beautifully garbed people.
• No question, the best food in the WORLD. After a solid month of eating Indian for two to three meals we still crave, with mouth watering anticipation, the next time we get to sit down and eat more vegetarian.
• Only in India can you find deserts that are actually enhanced with fine sheets of sliver and gold

A guide to our favorite food:

• Paneer tikka Masala
• Panjab Baingan Bhartha Masala (an eggplant curry)
• Shai Paneer Masala
• Indian Masala Chai (galloons have been drunk, and actually a great substitute to coffee)
• Veg. Makahnwala
• samosas
• aloo gobi
• The best part is that no matter if we order the same dish, it varies daily/hourly depending on available veg. and from restaurant to restaurant

December 1st - 2nd
Mumbai

December 10th - 11th
Udaipur / The White City

December 12th
A Side trip to Kumbalgarh fort and Ranakpur Jain Temple

December 13th
Jodhpur / The Blue City

December 14th - 15th
Jaisalmer / The Golden City

December 16th
Random Stop : Bikaner and the close by Karni Mata Temple

December 17th - 20th
Pushkar / Important Hindu Pilgrimage Center

December 20th - 22nd
Bundi

December 23rdth - 24th
Agra

December 25th - 28th
New Delhi

Nuances of India

Volunteering in Mizoram