Through my eyes

My friends and family back in India keep asking about the wow experiences I am having, living in a foreign land. In fact, I subconsciously feel myself comparing things here and back in India. And frankly saying, India is competing fiercely because there are only a few things which stupefy me as compared to my peers who came to USA about ten-twelve years back. Because now I have seen the malls, metros, the Hauz khas markets and Sakets of India. 

The most important aspect that sets US apart from India is the weather. The picturesque landscape mesmerizes with its lush greenery and clear blue skies. But the Americans are as confused about the weather as we Indians are about women empowerment. Until June the temperature here was hovering around twenty which is like November and early December cold in India. Come September and there will be chill in the air and leaves one wondering, when the hell did summer came!

The weather changes are so abrupt at times that it keeps raining for a whole week with such loud thunders and lightening that it gives all the San Andreas and Ice Ages of Hollywood a run for their money.

Chevrolet Camaro

Since the time I am here, I have seen some of the most exotic cars that I had only seen on screen. Right from the Porsche's F Type to the Mercedes and BMW convertibles to Camaro and Mustangs. Not to forget the chevrolet and ford trucks, family vans of Honda, Lincoln, Ford. Though the major part of the roads is occupied by the chevys (Chevrolet) and Fords as they are American brands but Hondas, Toyotas and Hyundai have their own space as well. Brands like Lincoln, Buick, Cadillac, Saturn, Chrysler are brands whose cars are driven by people from latin america and mexico. While Mika Singh and Harbhajan Singh are some of the few piviledged who own a Hummer in India, the car has much higher visibility here owing to the fact that its an American brand.

For the record, the Indian's are confused about women empowerment because on one hand Mr. Prime minister makes it his agenda and on the other he makes some sexist remarks (#DespiteBeingWoman) in his speech. America is very clear on that subject. With a sex ratio of 0.97 male per female, women in America are much visible in the areas of importance. Their outnumbering presence can be seen right at the Walmart billing counters to the more posh premises of corporate world. This country surely knows how to respect the majority, women occupying that chunk here.

Another inquisitiveness among my friends back in India is that of PDA (Public display of affection) by the Americans. Yes, I have been a witness a to PDA between couples but I have seen the other side of PDA (Public display of Anger) as well between the couples, be it at the malls, airports etc.

The Good Indian Garlic Naan 

Being a country that serves as a culmination ground for many cultures, one gets an ample amount of choices when it comes to indulging in gastronomical pleasures. From the burgers to burritos, tacos to Thai
curries, garlic breads to gluten free vegan diets, its our Indian naan that has caught the fancy of Americans. And why not, while here, I have had the best naans till date. They have a subtle softness but without the elasticity which is associated with half cooked Indian breads.

After having our share of tryst with the All American dinners, snow, leather boots, driving rules..we have made a home away from home. Grass is turning greener, so I believe its spring for sure but I am as confused about the summers as rest of the Americans.