Facts & Observations

This week I thought instead of telling you how I worked hard and the fact I shopped my butt off I would share some of the facts of Indian culture as well as some personal observations...

It is common to pimp out your car with reverse sounds or music. Christmas songs are quite the rage.
One of the most popular mobile phone ring tones is Celine Dion’s "My Heat Will go On" from Titanic. I must clarify and say this is popular with the men!
It is common to have 2 mobile phones. One for incoming and one for outgoing calls.
Men in tight pants that flare is cool.
Women spend more time in the restroom primping then doing the duty.
Side to side head bob (think of a bobble head moving) can mean yes OR no OR ah huh. I fear I may have picked this one up so please correct me when I am on US ground.
Men holding hands is nothing weird and simply means they are friends. This is seen everywhere from the office to general public places.
Hugging is pretty much taboo as well as any PDA (public display of affection).
There has to be close to a 1:10 ratio of stray dogs versus people.
Arranged marriages are still most common. Love marriages are becoming more popular however it still remains up to the families to approve and agree to the marriage. The saying goes “Marry then fall in love”.
If you are 30 and unmarried people assume something is wrong with you.
Majority of people do not vote as they feel politics as well as the police are all corrupt. Many times political parties pay the poor to vote (this just happened this week!).
Driving on the left side of the road may be obvious but try walking up or down stairs or down the hall and remembering to stay to the left!
The most popular two wheeler accessory is a sari guard that comes with a foot rest. Many women ride side saddle due to wearing dresses.
Everyone wants fair skin here so there is a HUGE market for skin whitening creams for both men and women. I mistakenly bought skin whitening body soap!
IT is the only industry here that works 5 day work weeks. All other industries work 6 day work weeks. And the only reason for the one day off is factories/plants have a power down day. There is current debate on if they need to power down even more. This is due to the lack of infrastructure.
It is illegal to know the sex of an unborn baby. This is because everyone wants a boy and if they knew it was going to be a girl they would take drastic measures.
Most newborn babies go without a name for up to a month. The names are typically based on the date, time, season, place of the delivery. The parents may also consult a specialist of sorts for assistance on the appropriate name based on sun sign.

I may do another update as I have dinner at a co-worker's house tonight so if I have new snaps I'll be sure to share.
Until next time...