foreign exchange

the first day i arrived in hyderabad i had some unexpected 'guests'. (i say 'guests' because it was rather I who was the guest). it was about 7pm and i was lying fast asleep on the bed that was to be mine in the room i shared with one of the other students from Toronto. and lo! i was awoken to find out i had guests. i find parts of indian culture so terribly strange, this being one that western culture could benefit from incredibly: hospitality. not just hospitality though, but hospitality imbibed, as if part of their worldview over here.

friends of my parents from when they were my age, who hadn't seen them since then, came by, took me to their house, and took me out for dinner. they shared their home, their stories, their friendship and made me feel like i did belong in this strange country.

that was something that immediately surprised and impressed me the first time i visited this country 4 years ago and met my cousins' family. these people i had not seen since i was a toddler took me into their home and treated me in such a way that they were immediately my family, the way family should be. it was quite a shocking experience. whenever someone shows such kindness i have no idea how to respond - i am always so taken aback and momentarily jarred from my world of individualism, suspicion and reservation.

it stands in stark contrast to the social norm of toronto.
don't make eye contact. if i don't look at them, maybe they wont exist or wont become enraged, or even worse: talk to me.