Some Indian Quirks

 

Namaste- a greeting signified by bringing both hand together and bowing the head a bit. One hand represents divinity while the other represents “the worldly self”. While it is derived from Hinduism it is a cross-religious greeting in India.

 

The head bobble- a way of saying “ok”, generally, although it often looks like a sign of annoyance. Indians do it without thinking by simply bobbling their head from side, kind of like a sideways nod. It’s contagious!

 

Writing things down- not too popular. Anything that involves documentation is not valued here. We are told to ask where to get somewhere because maps aren’t used or accurate. Teachers decide when a test will be and then tell one or two students assuming it will be passed along. A class list isn’t presented until a week before courses start. Teachers will not e-mail. This is how it is.

 

Continual use of car horn- L.A’s got nothing on the streets of Hyderabad. Since lanes mean nothing in a street and side mirrors are not very common it is necessary to honk every time you pass by another vehicle. There are generally four to five vehicle-wide situations with a mixture of buses, rickshaws, mopeds, and sometimes cows. Most horns sound a lot like a clown nose, which is fitting because you are definitely in a circus! (I also imagine it is the sound a heffalump would make, if that helps.)

 

Crossing the street- Crosswalks, who needs them? Simply stick out your hand and walk confidently through the multiple lanes of traffic. It is common for motor vehicle operators to break hard or swerve to avoid you. Off-roading is also not uncommon. I think I would have just as much luck crossing the street safely with my eyes closed. It’s a miracle every time we make it!