It’s taken me years, but I’ve finally ventured another step closer to being Indian. I’ve had some clothes stitched by a tailor. Now that I’ve done it, I wonder why I’ve wasted so much time and money buying ready-made clothes that don’t fit me….

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adjusting to India
An Indian reader living abroad recently contacted me and suggested that I write a post about the mistakes Indians make, especially when behaving in a western manner. One particular story comes to mind — that of a young Indian guy from Kerala, who had never been out of his state before coming to Melbourne to study….

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adjusting to India,
snapshots of Kerala
A week ago, I did something that I didn’t really want to do. I gave in and got a maid. Anyone who’s Indian will likely find getting a maid no big deal. Many people have home help in India. However, it’s rare in the west. Only the rich can afford to employ a cleaner, a cook, or a driver. As a result, I’m not sure how to manage my maid….

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adjusting to India
After a tumultuous 2008 spent fighting against the dramatic changes in my life, my main resolution for 2009 was to accept and commit to India as my home. This included packing up and selling off my belongings back in Australia, and making the most of my life here in India. No more complaining about the challenges, and no more threatening to leave. Did I succeed? On the whole, I think I did….

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adjusting to India
My six weeks at home in Australia with my family has come to an end and I’m readjusting back into life in Mumbai, in a new home and new neighbourhood. The assault on my senses has been brutal. Even after four years living in India, I still haven’t been spared from it….

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adjusting to India
Being away from India for a while has been interesting. This time, I’ve started noticing how living in India has moulded and shaped me. On previous occasions when I came home to Australia, I was keen to experience what was “normality” to me. However, “normality” doesn’t exactly feel normal anymore….

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adjusting to India
One Indian reader recently posted an interesting comment about her love marriage into a conservative family from a village in Bihar. She said she had to adjust to their customs, such as covering her face with a ghoonghat in front of men so that her eyes wouldn’t be seen. It was difficult and frustrating [...]

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adjusting to India,
challenges in India,
news & views
It’s official, Australians live in the world’s biggest houses. But I wonder, do people really need such big houses? Do they really bring that much contentment and happiness? At what point do we stop wanting more?

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adjusting to India,
spending time in Australia
I decided to go to my recently discovered favourite place again — the garden behind Inorbit mall — before doing the shopping this afternoon. Knowing from experience that there would be a good chance of me receiving unwanted male attention, I went armed with some new street Hindi…..

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adjusting to India
Last night, my husband and I accompanied my sister-in-law and her husband to dinner at a friend’s place. It was the same friends whose 25th wedding anniversary celebration I attended earlier this year. They always invite me to functions, and I’m always usually honoured to go along. However, last night was a bit of an ordeal for me….

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adjusting to India