the year gone by...

as is expected, i must write something thoughtful and meaningful at the beginning of the new year eh?
well...i can't think of anything ground breaking and i have no pearls of wisdom so i will tell you what i learnt over the last year. 2007 began with a flurry of activity and nervousness in preparation for my departure to the much-fabled Vilayet.
and the rest of the year has been (and still is...) a series of "revealations" and learning experiences and that is essentially what the past year has been for me.

...i've learnt that no amount of TV can prepare you for the realVilayet
...i've learnt that i have an indian accent inspite of everything. i'm most often not understood because i speaktoofast not because i'm inarticulate. i've also learnt that its excruciatingly hard to develop a drawl.
...i've learnt that Indians and Chinese are the most proactive nations in the world because i'm sure we're represented in every country of the world!
...i've learnt that the more choices and more opportunity you have, the more complacent you become.
...i've learnt that even in the land of the world champions of cricket, cricket isn't half as big a deal and not even Steve Waugh is worshipped here forget cricket being a religion!
...i've learnt that india is more americanised than probably even america itself. i was amazed to not find simple things like Lays chips here and realised that the Aussies take pride in Aussie stuff and have their own brands for 'most everything.
...i've learnt that women here sometimes shave their legs as often as twice a week but have never shaved their arms!
...i've learnt that the "educated" west is not so educated and don't understand most words i use. i've realised that education is a part of an indian's being; it's seldom considered important here.
...i've learnt that even friendships can be different in different cultures.
...i've learnt that every human being is racist. even you. even me.
...i've learnt that people are essentially the SAME all over the world. the "west" isn't as broadminded about everything as it is made out to be.
...i've learnt that indian food = butter chicken!
...i've learnt that indians inherently know how to save and pinch pennies and within days of arrival will find the best bargains..even ones that Aussies don't know exist!
...i've learnt that indians have the best general knowledge in the world
...i've learnt that Calcutta has the best food... Chinese, Indian, Thai, Tibetan... anything!... and I've also learnt that Indians really have big appetites!
...i've learnt that Kookie Jar makes the best chocolate cakes in the world!
...i've learnt that toilet paper leaves me feeling dirty...
...i've learnt that indian women really are the prettiest(*grin grin*) and i am often mistaken for being underage because i have such "fantastic skin" (quote unquote!)
...i've learnt that indians aren't doing anything to help the environment. at least people attempt to recyle here.
...i've learnt that you could sell Rs. 10 havai chappals here for $30 as havainas and people would wear it to a nightclub!
...i've learnt that as a nation, we are rude without even realising it sometimes and have found my manners again. i've learnt that a please and a thank you are really essential in everyday life.
...i've learnt that a wine is not just red or white but can in fact be a sauvignon blanc, a chardonnay, a shiraz, a cabernet sauvignon, a blend....and the like.

...this list really could go on forever especially since i am in such an introspective mood but i am compelleing myself to stop for now and may add to this late in the future.
for now, lets just conclude i am a wise old woman. heh!