Men and Women in India

Just a few little observations about men and women...

* It is accepted here that men can hold hands, put their arms around each other, walk down the street holding hands, etc. It took me off guard at first, not expecting this cultural difference, but it is innocent and a sign of friendship.

* It is also accepted that men can urinate right on the side of the road! I hate to sound crude but it's true. Thankfully they turn their backs to the street but they do not bother to hide behind a tree or bush:) So oncoming traffic knows exactly what they are doing. One time our rickshaw driver pulled over to relieve himself:) We even saw a commercial advertising motorcycles and the actor pulled over on the side of the road to go to the bathroom--it's that accepted!!

* Women, as far as I know, don't wear bathing suits, so there won't be any women swimming or laying out at the apt. complex pool. They also don't wear shorts. It's acceptable for women to wear pants and jeans but the majority of the population wear sarees like these, even to clean houses.

* Many women go to live with their mother after giving birth...for about 6 months. I'm not sure if this is just for the firstborn child or even when you have 4 or 5, but it's a common practice to live with your mom so she can help you. Poor husband...he's left alone to fend for himself:)

* You always want what you don't have...while many American woman are going for that tropical tan, via the tanning bed or spray tans, woman here are hoping to become lighter. L'Oreal sells a product to whiten your face and i'm sure many other brands do as well.