Indian Custom Confusion

Over the last three weeks, I haven’t been able to get over the lack of “please” and “thank yous” I have heard around the office. It has actually been a little upsetting (here is me of course assuming rudeness – oh the naivety) but today REVELATION has come from a book entitled, “A Traveller’s Guide to Customs and Culture – India” – I quote, “In traditional homes, there is a formal, institutionalised code of conduct for family members. Everyone knows their place and how to behave. People rarely say “please” or “thank you,” as there is no need. This is also carried into the workplace.”

How random is that?!

An Education in All Things Food

I realised that somehow I have failed to mentioned my appreciation of Indian food! Here is a quick education in South Indian cuisine - it is not your typical butter chicken or tikka masala! I know it’s cruel but I have included some photos.

Dosai (pancake made from rice batter) with coconut chutney and sambar (seasoned lentil broth)

Idly (steamed rice cakes) and Vadai (deep fried doughnuts made from a lentil batter with yummy spices)

Pongal (mashed rice and lentils boiled and seasoned with ghee, cashew nuts, pepper and cumin seed)

Lassi (delish drink made from curd)

Oh and not to forget the filter coffee I drink twice daily... I have watched Annapurni make it work and it is quite a task! Coffee beans are roasted and ground into a powder. This is then put into a filter set and boiling water is added and left to set. The milk and sugar are added and stirred rapidly to create froth. TA-DA!

I will leave the food talk to that but know that I could go on and on AND ON.

A Cheer Up

Following yesterday’s disappointments, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to work today. To combat my bad mood, I decided to wear my sari.

I clearly had no idea how to put it on myself so I enlisted the assistance of Sharon at work, I will leave you to judge my level of “Indian-ness” for yourself...

Bad Day

Today was not great at all. Lost a third of the data I painstakingly put into this database. Sigh.

Oh Saturday, I Heart You

I have been away for 3 weeks now which means my legs desperately needed a wax. It is certainly something I have not looked forward to. I got a voucher in the paper so decided today was the day. I arrived and seriously questioned what I had got myself into. It looked like a hair salon with two reclinable seats in a little booth and that was it! I agreed on the waxing, a ‘diamond’ facial (whatever that was), eyebrow threading and a massage. It actually turned out the best, once my eyes were closed and I forgot that I was down a dark alley off the streets ofChennai in a suss looking beauty salon, I loved it. The waxing was interesting – plenty of hairs still remain on my legs and she used the same strip 50 times (literally had clumps of wax left on the strip after she had done a half leg using only ONE strip)!!

Then I stopped in at a supermarket on the way home and bought a bunch of groceries (see below) and can you believe that my whole morning only cost me Rs. 1,000 which is less than $25!! Gahhh I think it has taken me awhile to realise how cheap it is living here (and I am pretty grateful because the ATMs don’t let me withdraw any more than $220.00 at a time!!)

Tonight I am going to an Anglo-Indian country music concert. The appropriate dress is country and western but I am afraid I didn’t bring any checks. Anyway, should be a bunch of fun!! Got two hours to get ready and to get some work done for the project.

Last Saturday in Chennai – tick!

These Are a Few of my Favourite Things

I love coffee breaks and this tea cup and Annapurni, the gorgeous woman who makes it for me.

I love my night light. I don’t use it, in fact, I have always hated light when I am trying to sleep but I just like knowing I have one.

I love my camera and all that it manages to capture in a single frame.

I love Indian sized almonds – check it out, they are at LEAST double the size!!!

And I love street art/graffiti that proclaims the truth.

Another Weekend Races By

So to keep my mind off how late I am running for work (big queue at the petrol station), I will recap on my weekend. Saturday I shopped, covering off on the renowned Pondy Bazaar and Ranganathan Street – bought a gorgeous sari (I have just got to figure out how to wear it) and some other bits and pieces.

Sunday, I went to church and afterwards headed off to meet my neighbour in Sydney’s sister, Liz who lives out of Chennai on the East Coast Road. It was nice to get out of the city for a bit – finally some P&Q! She took me to Dakshinachitra Heritage and Craft Centre that has examples of traditional housing that can be found in each of the southern Indian states. In each of the houses were women doing arts and crafts. I was talked into getting henna done and she drew a peacock up my arm – rather impressive but a bit of an eyesore at the same time! I bought some local crafts and enjoyed relaxing in the lovely gardens. I then trekked it back home.

All in all, another lovely weekend in India...