10 things India does better

Fresh produce - there is a cart approximately every 50 feet. Lots of tomatoes, potatoes, red carrots, onions, garlic, peppers, and more!

Markets, small shops,  and pharmacies - I'm not a fan of grocery stores. I tend to get overwhelmed by all the choices. When I first got to Delhi, I was confused that there weren't one-stop-shopping options. But now I appreciate all the tiny little shops. There's a fancy market I go to for cereal and jelly and pay by credit card, another stall where I "top up" my cell phone, pharmacies that sell TP and western toiletries, and bottled water, soda, and biscuits (cookies) are available everywhere. It makes it so easy to stop and pick up one or two things on the way home without doing a huge trip.

Door stops - there are these awesome wood chunks in every door. You just flick it into place and it keeps the door open. It doesn't require reaching up to adjust a slider or throwing a deadbolt to avoid accidentally locking yourself out. This is so basic, but useful. Why haven't other countries picked this up?

Hospitality and tea-offering - when we were in Uttarakhand, as guests, we were offered tea approximately six times each day. At work, there is a chai guy who comes by 2-4 times daily and fills a tiny plastic cup. And, my lovely co-intern is always inviting me over for tea! Surprisingly, the tea selection here is a bit of a letdown - everyone drinks chai or plain black tea, and occasionally I can find ginger lemon - nothing like the caramel, vanilla, raspberry, and peach flavors I am used to back home.

Variety of transportation – walking*, bike rickshaws, autos, taxis, metro – Delhi has it all, at very affordable rates if you know how to haggle. *The prevalence of walking does not mean there are good sidewalks. It means everyone walks in the street and watches out for potholes, rickshaws, and stray dogs.

Office lunch for $1 - there is a lady at work who makes a pot of food every day and brings individual servings around to everyone who is signed up for the lunch plan. It costs Rs. 50, less than $1, and I get three pieces of chapati (pita/tortilla bread) and usually a dish of veggies in curry. I have eaten more vegetables in the last month than I usually do in six months! I am doing a good job eating peas and string beans, but am still picking out mushrooms.

Cheap scarves – beautiful, soft scarves, hats, and blankets in India and Nepal for $1-8 each. If you’re lucky (and you comment on this blog with a preferred color) I’ll bring one home for you!

Inexpensive train travel - you can go 5 hours by train for $8! That's crazy when you compare it to Europe (Justin and I are in the process of booking our tickets for February) or prices in the U.S.

Suo motu – The courts in India may decide that they want to hear and rule on an issue, even if no one has filed a case. This is totally different than the U.S. system. Both the Delhi High Court and the India Supreme Court (in Delhi) may act suo motu (on their own initiative). Recent cases include when a homeless woman gave birth and died on the streets of Delhi in 2009 and the current gangrape case. It’s definitely judicial activism, and I think I like it. Wouldn’t it have made life easier if the U.S. Supreme Court could have heard arguments on Obamacare without the cases having to go through several Federal District courts, getting split decisions, and then finally being accepted for review?

Weddings - obviously. Here's one I passed through walking home from work last week. Can't wait til a certain former roommate has an awesome Indian wedding!





Honorable Mention
Because it isn't really something India does better. People are very short here (males average 5'5", women 5'0"), so India makes me feel tall. That is pretty awesome, but it doesn't make the list because I don't think India is happy about the whole malnutrition and stunting thing.

Didn't make the list
Street dogs. I love dogs, and enjoy counting them every morning on my way to work. Even though they often bring a smile to my face, I can't count it as something India does better when so many of them are clearly starving and have mange.