random observations about India

1. Indian people are the friendliest most hospitable people I have ever had the privilege of encountering in my life. They will go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome and comfortable, wherever you are at. And all you really have to do to start an interaction with them is give them a genuine warm smile.

2. Indian people value cleanliness. Despite the fact that this country is dusty and ultimately dirty; I have never seen so many people obsessed with making sure things are clean. Ranging from people washing their cars quite regularly (makes me feel bad about how I've not taken care of mine) to people bathing in the streets to constantly sweeping and mopping in the guest house I'm currently in. They like things to be clean!

3. Indian people value their family! Family is the most important aspect of life in India. They love each other and look out for each other in ways that Americans should consider adopting. I need to treat my family better. And even if you aren't a biological family member, doesn't mean you aren't part of the family.

4. Indian people are happy. Americans do not know poverty the way Indians do. By that I mean, even the most down on their luck, homeless person in America is better off than a good chunk of Indians. Despite how hard their lives may be, they still smile, are happy, cherish their families, enjoy their lives and make the most of it. Don't mind the fact that they are sleeping on the sidewalk and their kids have no clothes. Literally, NO clothes. Not just a matter of only having a couple outfits, the kids are naked on the street! Seeing all of this definitely puts some things in perspective.

5. Indian people are affectionate. While it's taboo for opposite genders to touch each other unless they are family or married, it doesn't stop them from showing their affections towards each other. The men openly hold hands with each other and hang all over each other, as do the women. This can be a little confusing for an American girl from the San Francisco area. It just goes to show that the whole macho "men can't be affectionate with each other" is a stupid American thing.

Americans have a LOT of hangups.... and stupid ones at that. I wish that more Americans traveled. I haven't run in to very many Americans on my trip so far. Actually the first ones I've run into have been people here in India doing volunteer stuff. But I think if more of us got out and saw the world, the United States would become a better place. We have so many opportunities. Even the most unfortunate person has opportunities! I just wish we all realized it!