India Online Journal, November 2001
Author: Jennifer Kumar
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Day 13
Today morning, I wrote my second exam, the subject was Environment and Ecology. With relief, it was quite easy. This is against the popular 'sayings' of MCC. In 99% of the cases when someone is asked "How was the paper?" (aka How was the test?) the reply should be "It was OK." If you say more than that, others feel you are bragging.
This evening Amma and I went to the market. I was pleasantly surprized by the sight of somethings and the abscence of another. Today, the sight which popped up was that of the "fire cracker" shops. Fire cracker shops are like small stalls.They are 'seasonal shops,' similiar to the Halloween and Christmas stores seen in American malls. These shops come up only for Diwali season. The other years I was here, these shops started springing up three to four weeks before Diwali. This year I am noticing them only two days before Diwali.
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The ID I used to get into the test. This must be presented
along with the hall ticket. If either or both are not
present when examiner comes to your desk, you are not
allowed to write the exam. |
So, for the wonder if it all, the thing which was missing was the Diwali crowd! There was more of a crowd than usual. But it was easier to get through the crowd than it would be if it were fully crowded. In the case the place is fully crowded, forget walking on your own accord! But the crowd is still much more than a foreigner not used to Indian crowds can take. In such crowds, I highly suggest you NOT to carry a big purse. Women here carry a hand held wallet. If you must carry a purse, make sure it zips and keep it close to your body at all times. It must have a thick strap. Beggars in the crowd are good theifs. In Urban life they have to survive. They will cut holes in your bag without your knowledge. Men should keep their wallets in their shirt pocket. Never carry a lot of money and don't carry credit cards or important ID unless you know you need it. If you need ID take several xerox copies of your passport ID and keep one in all your suitcases and your wallet. Also, if you have to carry a purse, never keep all your money in one place (ie. wallet) keep some in an inner zip pocket, in a book, in a makeup case, or something of the sort. In case your wallet is stolen then you will still have money. Wallet stealing is far from the dramatic representation shown in American movies where a person is brutally robbed and maybe killed. In India, I call this a silent crime. You will not even know it has happened to you until you reach your house, or reach for your wallet! The 'robbers' whom are mostly women, do not want to hurt you, they just want your money and valuables. This happens to all types of people not just foreigners. Mostly it is heard on trains that women get their gold chain snatched from their neck. This is somewhat brutal as it can choke the woman. Do not be afraid, just be weary of your surroundings, is all I reccommend.
On the way back home, the power had gone out. It is such a pain when the power goes out at dusk. This is when the mosquitoes come out in cities. Hence, I have a few pointers to minimize this torment if you are in such a situation:
Have an emergency 'power outage kit' with a flashlight (ie. torch), extra batteries (ie. cells) of the size to fit in the flashlight, mosquito cream repellent, mosquito candle, matches, and a hand fan.
Keep these items in a place you will remember if the power goes out. If it goes out at night, it is difficult to see anything. I will detail the items which I have listed above.
Flashlight with batteries. Make sure before hand the lightbulb in the flashlight works and that the batteries in the kit are new. Try to have a very bright flashlight. This is especially needed if you need to use the bathroom during the power outage. It is very difficult to use Indian toliets when there is no light!
Mosquito repellent. If this is available in your country bring the brand suitable to your skin to India. If not, the one I use is called MOSFREE. I have tried other brands, but as I have sensitive skin, this is non-irritable. Apply liberally to arms, neck, legs and especially feet.
Moquito candle and extra matches. I am not sure if this is available in India, at least I have not seen it. Bring a good one like OFF or some well known brand from your country. In India you can buy mosquito coils. These burn and release a lot of smoke. I highly recommend you do not use these. As there is enough pollution in the air already, this only adds to it. In addition, the smoke released from this penetrates into your clothes and bedding and will not come out easily. This coil only works if you keep it very close to you, hence it is also difficult to sleep since one has to breathe in these fumes. It is possible to buy matches and lighters in India, but due to the recent terroist attacks, tourists leaving from US are not allowed to carry these items.
Hand fan. This is very important to keep cool. In US there are small battery powered fans. Don't waste money on these because I did that, and the heat is too much here that using those fans only make you feel hotter! I suggest going to a roadside vendor who sells the fans made of palm leaves. These cost Rs 5 each, and they work very well.
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