After spending 1 month in India I noticed a few differences that made me smile. Here is a list of things very "Indian Style"

1. The famous nod of the head

Is it a yes, a no, a blah, an ok? We'll never know how to explain it, but this nodding in India is very common. It means everything and nothing and I love trying to guess every time what it means.

2. Respect for the elders

In India, respect for the elders is very important.

You've probably seen in a Bollywood movie, the characters bend down and touch the feet of an elder to ask for a blessing. It is very common in India and sometimes used to say hello to someone "important": family that we have not seen for a long time, parents of a friend.

3. The way of eating in a restaurant

In India, we share everything and especially food. Even if everyone orders a very specific dish at the restaurant, we always end up sharing everything and tasting the dish of the others. It is all about sharing, generosity and family.

4. The way of drinking

Again it is common to share your bottle of water. For hygiene, Indians never touch the bottle with their lips while drinking.

5. Medicines when you are sick in India

When you go to the pharmacy in India you are not given a full box of medicine. We give you the exact number of pills the doctor prescribed.

Of course, you can buy more if you want and need. And sometimes, without a prescription.

6. Electrical plugs

European sockets work in India, however, a small peculiarity here: you have to turn on the power for each plug. Next to each, you will find a switch.

7. We do not call each other by our first name but by a nickname

Bhabhi, bhaiya, didi, aunty, sir...

Each person has a nickname depending on the relationship you have with him. This is all pretty well summarized in this article.

I remember for our wedding my french cousin asking me "Who is Bhabhi ?" and me replying... "I think it's me !"

8. Shopping in India

Shopping in India is an experience on its own. You can spend hours in each store. In some large malls, you can browse and select what you like, such as in Europe.
But, usually, someone helps you and unpacks half of their store, while offering you a chai.

I also noted the patience of the sellers: can you imagine in Europe, saying in front of the saleswoman that this dress is ugly, that it is too expensive, or that the quality is not great? I guess not.

Let's say that in India people are really frank! Negotiations are common, and even if you tell the saleswoman that her dress is ugly, she will bring out ten more, always with a smile.

9. The country is very religious

Several religions are present in India, but Hinduism is one of the most practised. Many festivals are celebrated to honour different Gods, and religion is present and displayed in daily life in India.

Each store has for example a small temple, with the poster of a God / Goddess.
One day we were shopping at a jewellery shop and at a specific time, the staff began to sing and perform a ritual, also inviting customers to join them. Uncommon in Europe ...

10. Power cuts are frequent

We've been shopping, cooking, or having a business meeting by flashing the phone. It doesn't shock anyone here (pun intended).

Many homes are equipped with necessary appliances working on Battery power and/or Invertor.

11. Driving

It would take an entire blog post to describe driving in India ... We drive on the left, with the driver's seat on the right, and above all ... we honk !!

In France, we are told to honk only in case of danger. In India, the horn is to warn that you are coming. There aren't really any rules on the road (actually there are, but ignored most of the time); we overtake on the left, then on the right, we avoid a cow and a scooter with 5 people on it. It's an experience!

12. Weddings in India

When someone gets married we often ask "arranged marriage or love marriage?" Arranged marriages are still the majority in India.

13. The way of eating

In India, it is very common to eat with your hands and burp at the table. It shows that you have eaten well.

14. Sending parcels

You can have your package sent by putting it on a bus. The person will only have to come and pick it up at one of the bus stops.

15. Saying thank you is not very common

When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me "and the magic word?" when I would forget to say thank you. In France it is not very well seen to forget to say thank you, it can seem rude.

Here in India, it is so natural to help others that saying thank you is not necessary.

Well... to summarize this article I will say that in India everything and everybody is cool.

You like something good, you don't like: then say it!

Family and friends are very important in India. Everyone is patient, attentive and above all, ready to help.

Our family helped us so much for Indie Corner, accompanying us everywhere, negotiating prices, taking pictures. It was a real moment of sharing, and it was way too cool!

Looking forward to continuing the Indie Corner adventure alongside them.