Culture Shock

I could not believe my eyes once we finally made it to India. I spent a lot of time on the planes reading The World is Flat, and I think it obscured some of my expectations on what life in India is actually like; Thomas L. Friedman glorifies India for its culture, innovation, and IT capabilities in a world that is “indeed, flat”. Driving from the airport and into Mysore, though, gave me a completely different view of the real India and the biggest culture shock I’ll probably ever experience throughout my lifetime. I was so overwhelmed by the dirt and muck and lack of civilization that it was almost surreal. No, it was surreal. I woke up the next morning and didn’t know where I was; I could have sworn it was a dream. I wanted it to be a dream. I had no clue how I was going to make it in a place like this.

After four days of everything Mysore, India, things are beginning to look up. I even made friends with some of the locals down the street! I can’t wait to see what is in store next.