"well i'm convinced the whole day long that all i learn is always wrong and things are true that i forget but no one taught that to me yet"

some of the things i have learned so far in mumbai:
--the ubiquitous side to side head bobble here means something like yes, ok, maybe, thanks...
--indians have a wicked spit projectile.
--wear a sports bra on the rickshaws.
--if possible, spend the extra money to get soundproof walls. last night i though someone was hawking a loogie in my bed.
--diapers, tampons and toilet paper are luxuries.
--always wash behind and in your ears (you may find dirt from several continents.)
--americans need to learn some hospitality.
--distance in mumbai is measured in minutes (usually underestimated) not miles or kilometers) and the concepts of north,south, east and west are nonexistent.
--heterosexual men holding hands is normal, men and women holding hands is not.
--praying before leaving the house is non-negotiable, and probably a good idea considering the likelihood of dying in transit.
--having two thumbs is auspicious, as is being a hermaphrodite.
--car horns should be used excessively to warn, distract, enrage, or just make nice rhythms.
--to me, indian music sounds like dying cats.
--some of the beggars arrive at their posts in cars from their nice homes in the suburbs.
--to get someone's attention, hiss like a snake or make a kissing sound.
--wherever you are, get familiar with the breaker box/room
--barefoot is the way to go. thank goodness for the harvey leather soles.
--no one touches their lips to their bottle or glass; they pour it into their mouths. i only figured this out after every person on the train stared at me as i guzzled my water.
--madeleine l'engle died (i wish someone had told me!) hopefully she has escaped camazotz for a better place.