Oh man. The past few days have left us laughing and at times crying! it has been such a ride! Heidi, let me tell you a thing or two about "Heaven" as you say!!!
India is a Man's town. that is, I'm sure the women are around there somewhere but out and about, to see a women is often a rarity- a game we play- "hey look, there's a girl!"
not only that but the gender differentials are striking. most of our dealings with waiters, hotel managers, bus drivers, etc. Never even acknowledge Marcie. It is expected that Carmen will speak for Marcie most of the time. For example, at a restaurant, we sit down. The menu goes to Carmen, Carmen is often expected to order for both of us, the bill goes to Carmen. Marcie is happy for the odd time where this is not the case. Given our personalities, this has been totally interesting and weird for both of us! Another thing, girls do not initiate conversation. We have spoken to many Indian Men but never (that I can remember) an Indian woman
Not only that, but I (Marcie) have learned many times that the dress code of women here is best to be followed. Any slight deviation outside this (even just wearing normal north-american-girl-clothes) is basically "eye candy". Having said that, those picturesque, idyllic beaches can be seen from the window, and I could not so much as wade in the in the water, fully clothed, without having (literally) throngs of young adult boys stand and stare. I am completely SHOCKED as to the way men act here! They stare at women, they pee openly and spit in the street, and not only do they not talk to me, they often glare. (Some people are exceptionally nice and this is not always the case. I am just venting).
I would go on and remind you about the smells, the garbage, the stray animals, the smells of burning plastic, the absolutely despicable bathrooms, but I would like to leave some things up the imagination! Plus, the good far outweighs the bad!
Ok on to the crazy events of our last few days!
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