2 weeks

Even after 2 weeks in Mysore there are 2 things that I am still not comfortable with . One, men stopping anywhere they feel appropriate to empty their bladders. This means on street corners, next to the coconut stands, in front of restaurants, near homes, literally anywhere and everywhere. The other day I was walking my usual route to come home and the guy walking in front of me randomly stops, turns to face the wall and begins to water the dirt with urine. At least he faced the wall. Not only is it inappropriate but it is sexist! Women would not be caught doing such an act, instead they must wait to find a toilet. The second thing that I am still not comfortable with is the driving! Being in a country where the roads are shared with cars, bikes, motor bikes, busses, cows, bull carts, and humans, there is only one road that applies – DO NOT HIT ANYTHING! Pretty simple rule which basically boils down to driving any which way you want as long as you avoid other road users. Cars can drive on opposite side of the road to pass other road users, they can turn anytime and stop anytime as long as they abide by the rule. Occasionally there will be stop lights which slightly complicate the rules. Oh and the common language for communication must be used , it usually sounds like this “ HONK HONK !!!!” . This translates to a number of things , 1. Move 2. I am going to enter the other side of the road so if anyone is there – move , 3. I am here, don’t hit me 4. MOVE (screaming ) ! . The horn is so readily used that the trucks and buses actually have a sign saying “ Horn Please” . I continue to get frightened with cars approaching head on , but I have to trust that these rules work . So far so good.