...we thought this blog should rather be called: "Planes, buses and automobiles" or in our case: "Trains, buses and rickshaws" - that's how much we've been on the move these last couple of days
...we mused on the rather practical local habit of spelling out large numbers (and paying in rupees, where 80 rupees equals 1€, inevitably leads to using large numbers in conversations), so 2750 will not be two thousand seven hundred and fifty but rather two-seven-five-zero; neat and avoids confusion!
...we were happy to report that after IndoCola and Kolkata Fried Chicken, another bastion of American capitalism has been captured and replanted in India - ladies and gentlemen I give you: the Wellmart!
...we realized that Indians strictly use right hand only for eating in formal settings; the left one is considered impure; why? It's not what you think, the left one is used to operate your cellphone. Mostly while eating of course.
...we finally made it to Kerala, tasted the legendary spiciness of Keralite curries (yours truly was not impressed though they are very tasty indeed) and saw the sun for the first time on this trip, yay! (That was in Kochi)
...we understood that once an Indian bus breaks down there is no repairing it and procuring a replacement bus may be a very lengthy process indeed
...we concluded that India is a perfect place to cure anyone who's persistently self-conscious; I thought I was, too, but since coming to India I find eating in an empty restaurant with the entire staff of 6 gawking at you all the time (while pretending not to) a pretty relaxing experience; you should try it!
...we understood that the impressively long menus in Indian restaurants are often just for show - actually you shouldn't ask them bring you what you want, ask them what they have; incidentally we knew August was not a season for mango, now we found it's no season for white cheese either (at least that was the excuse du jour in some places)
...after many trials and tribulations we made it to the cool hill station of Munnar and visited beautiful tea and spice plantations in the area
...we were still amazed at the remarkable stamina, dexterity and quick reactions of Indian bus drivers - driving a bus here requires the level of concentration usually needed for college exams, and that's 12 hours in a row!
...I took my hat off to Kamila's skills in deciphering the terrible accent of our guide in Munnar's spice garden - how she figured out immediately that "breth" means brush , "cheengham" stands for chewing gum and "boreemassah" is body massage will remain her secret