2 Weeks Later

So I was planning to write this very reflective post to mark my first 2 weeks in India, but as 2 weeks turned into 2 and 1/2 weeks, inspiration has yet to hit. Instead I've been keeping a running list about the everyday things that I love/ amaze me about India, so here's a selection:

• My new bike- well, it's not exactly new. It looks like it could be at least 20 years old, its brake don't really work, it only has one gear, and my butt is sore from the incredibly hard seat, but now I can bike to class in about 10 minutes rather than walking for 30! Also, the other day I successfully gave my friend Denise a ride on the back of my bike, which made me feel very Indian (minus the fact that I'm a white girl, and glow in the dark in comparison to everyone else).
• Before I got my bike, my friends and I hitched a ride on this tractor that was pulling a flat-bed behind it. We couldn't really communicate with the men driving, but they thought we were hilarious.
• All of the Indian trucks are painted bright colors-- red, yellow, green-- and have individually painted designs on them. I would wish that American truck drivers would pick up this practice except I'm a little afraid of what would get painted on the 18-wheelers.
• Everyone is continually sweeping in India. I think they might be fighting a losing battle because there is dust absolutely everywhere, but that doesn't stop the women from sweeping the dust of the dirt path in front of the academic buildings.
• You can buy almost anything from a man on the side of the road. My personal favorite so far is the chandeliers. 
• At sunset, when the temperature starts to drop to maybe 60 degrees, the auto drivers break out their earmuffs.
• The batting cage at the park is for practicing cricket.
• Mango juice boxes.
• At the largest art museum in Hyderabad the most popular exhibit is a cuckoo clock. The clock is in the center of the museum with its own viewing room including video hook-up so people who don't get seats can watch the little man come out and hit a bell on the hour on TV screens.
• "Tie and dye" is an art form, not just something kids do at summer camp.
• The Indian boy/girl scouts where these fanny packs with the moto "proud to be Indian."
• Two days ago I visited the cobbler who works on campus. I got to pick out the material and style of sandal I wanted, paid a Rs. 100 deposit for shoes that will cost about $6, and will pick them up next week. I don't think I've ever had something made just for me! It's quite a nice feeling.
• The other day, my human rights professor explained why he is always 10-20 minutes late to class: he grew up in an agrarian village where there were no clocks, and so he has never outgrown his sense of "timelessness." I wish I could use this excuse when I was late.

This list could go on and on, or include things that are slightly more significant. I find, however, that I really enjoy noticing these little details about India because back home I would never really think to take note of them.