Oh India!

The last few days have been an assault on my senses and emotions. But I think I'm finally starting to come around to normalcy.

Today's meltdown was averted. I forced myself to get out and saw the Victoria Memorial. I even took the subway..... WOW!!!!!!!!!! I can push and shove with the best of them. I have a ride on an Indian train under my belt to prove it. And shockingly, I didn't get groped. That sounds horrible I know, but it's a very real problem for women, especially foreign women, in India. Men take extra liberties with foreign women that they might not take with their own native women; but groping all around is an issue for all women in India. Everything about the train was a bit daunting though. Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only westerner crazy enough to try some of the things I try. Either way, I opted for a cab ride home and probably got swindled because I don't know exactly how much to expect to pay for some things and the guy had to find my guest house which was stopping and asking where the street was every 2 minutes. I bet he'll never forget where Swiss Park is though. I paid him more than he asked since he went out of his way to make sure he got me to the right place.

This place is crazy. Literally! I'm ok with crossing dangerous streets, Cambodia prepared me for that. The poverty isn't shocking me either. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that's so different about this place, but there is definitely something. Maybe it's chaos in a way I've never seen chaos before. I don't know. But I wish I could find somewhere to just sit and people watch, because that would result in some amazing pictures and provide entertainment for hours. However, there's no where that I can go to blend in and just watch. And you can't just stand still somewhere because you'll be in the way. Everything is busy and moving and active. I'm definitely noticed by everyone who walks by me. It's becoming entertaining now, watching people and their reactions to me. Especially when they notice the tattoos!

Later today I need to find my way to a place to get a SIM card for my phone. I'm waiting for the owner to get back so I can get a copy of my guest house bill, they told me I'd need that. I also need to see about getting some local attire. Indian women are very modest and while I'm not flashing skin all over the place, my legs aren't completely covered either. I think if I had pants on, it might help me blend in a bit more. And I want the proper attire before I start doing volunteer work so that it doesn't hinder anything. And I'm thinking the stuff the women wear here is appropriate for the climate, and it's colorful and neat.

And the food, I've only had breakfast so far. I didn't eat dinner or lunch yesterday. But at the guest house they give you an indian dish with your breakfast and so far it has not let me down. I think I'm going to arrange to eat dinner here tonight.