Some things I’ve found interesting lately...

·People who live in makeshift tents in the dirtiest slum areas will still make the effort to sweep the dirt from their doorway each morning

·It’s not uncommon for people to sleep on mats on the floor here or for waiters not to wear shoes

·People in India put ketchup on pizza and fried rice

·In Mumbai, people prefer to bring their lunch from home but the food isn't prepared by the time they leave for work. To compensate for this, many people hire someone to go to your house, pick up your lunch and bring it to you at work.

·I’m not sure if safety pins are available here, because they literally sew ID labels into my clothes each time I have them laundered

·“Underwear” is called “Inner Wear”

·Diet Soda is not widely offered or consumed. McDonalds charges extra if you order it!

·People share water bottles, so they don't touch their mouths to the bottles when they drink from them

·There is no formal recycling program here. You just throw everything out, and then poor people go through the trash to find recyclables they can turn in for money.

·Drivers do not stay in their lanes. People tend to drive in the middle of 2 lanes or even directly into oncoming traffic if that lane is less congested. You say A LOT of prayers on the road in India!

·In foreign countries, you can’t assume that a manicure and pedicure involves nail polish

·It’s incredibly easy to fall into the “anti-Atkins” diet here. Basically I consume carbs (rice) and sugar (no splenda here!) and avoid most protein (meat). This combined with the fact that it’s quite difficult to “workout” here makes me glad I’m only here temporarily. Otherwise I might double in size : )

·Hindi soap operas can be pretty engrossing (and you can even make up your own storyline since you can’t follow the language). What impresses me the most though (from both a Marketing & NGO perspective) is that one popular show features a child with autism and during commercial breaks they educate viewers on autism and even feature the work of a NGO that works with autistic kids. What a unique way to build awareness!

·The pants here have such a funny fit. Huge at the top and tapered at the ankles. I call them "MC Hammer" pants. Check them out... They look ridiculous, but are really comfortable.