One of the best things I learned while living in Colombia was to ask for what you don't see.  If you know what you want, and you don't see it on the shelf, just ask the shopkeeper for it, and most often, he'll either have it in the back somewhere or be able to tell you where to get it.

Unfortunately, this doesn't always work in India. Instead, the lesson seems to be to keep repeating what you want until they say 'yes'.  Literally, just say the same thing over and over and over again, and eventually, the answer will be 'yes' and you'll get what you want.

Now, this might occur because they didn't understand what you were saying the first time;

or because other people were talking over you because they just walked into the shop and wanted to be waited on immediately;

or because you couldn't be heard over the honking in the street;

or because the shopkeeper wanted you to buy what he wanted to sell;

or because you're a woman and ... wait, what? Oh, you're saying something?


But in the end, the lesson is clearly to become a broken record. It'll all be good in the end. And if it's not, then it's not the end. So just keep repeating yourself. 

Motorcycle Diaries

I love motorcycles. I'm fascinated at how their used in different parts of the world. This might just one day become a coffee table book.

Me vs. Climbing Rodent

An effective way to cause retreat of an exterior wall-climbing squirrel/chipmunk-looking rodent while on your 7th floor balcony, is to jump, squeal, and scream like a complete lunatic such that several neighbors peek out their window at the wierdo white lady.

Back to Work

A quick glimpse of my commute to work each day. 

Typical morning traffic.

I live near the 'auto district' - mechanics, body shops, tire works, and chop shops. 

Indians love to name and decorate their vehicles. But some names make me giggle.

Renewing My CPR/First Aid Certification

Things Learned Renewing CPR/First Aid on a Saturday Morning In India:

- The sternum is the strongest bone in the body

- It is possible to swallow your tongue

- Never put a tourniquet around the neck

-When in a railway accident, remember to collect your body part when going to the hospital to reattach.