Week 2

I made it! Week two accomplished! Probably the hardest most exhausting week of my life, is at a close and I could not be more grateful.
I started teaching this week at a country school about thirty minutes from the farm where I live. Figuring out what to teach is hard, and it has killed my voice in the process. Here's what I've learned:
-The culture here is very friendly, too friendly, like up in your business friendly. Everyone is wanting to talk to me the few words they know, such as:
"Hello"
"Good morning Ma'am"
"Good afternoon Ma'am"
"How are you?"
"I am fine."
That is the just of what they can speak and what they understand. They also ask for many pictures and autographs. They are constantly saying, "So joy you are here." "You are so beautiful."
-My accent is also a problem here, I have been told many times to speak slower and articulate my words more. I now talk at a snails pace with the most diction I've ever used. AL MOST. LIK E. THISS. AND. IT. IS. NEV ER. END ING. Its draining.
-Not to mention all the questions I've been getting:
"Do you know Bill Gates?"
"How is Trump?"
"How do you like India? The culture? The atmosphere? The climate? Do you like it more than America?"
"Where did you learn English?"
"Who are your best friends? Your family?"
"What is your aim?"
"Are you comfortable with me?"
"Can you show me pictures of your family? Can you send them to me?"
And those are just a few of the common questions, I've been asked a whole lot more.
-They're also not shy to ask for things. No, not ask, demand. I've been shadowed by a wonderful girl named Preeti (pronounced pretty), she's hoping to become an air stewardess but needs to know English to do so. She is beautiful and very sweet, loves american dresses. She's been very nice to have around to help translate, and has quickly become a friend. But here asking for something is not uncommon. So she asked me what I am going to bring home for her when I go to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Mumbai. This surprised me, so I asked what she wanted and she said she wouldn't tell me I just had to bring her something. Odd. Very against everything I've been taught.
-The men are very okay with physical contact. Holding hands is a totally acceptable thing to do here. Its strange seeing two men you know aren't gay walking down the street holding hands.
-Monkeys are like squirrels here. People hate them.
-None of them have any imagination. They have been trained not to have one. It's frustrating.
I've learned a lot and continue to learn more and more every day. Its all very eye opening and gives me a huge appreciation for constant internet access and power that doesn't go out every hour. As hard as this week was, I am so proud of myself for getting through it and proving that I can do hard things.
I updated early as I leave for Delhi today! I'll be gone for a week, and I'll make sure to get lots of pictures cause I realize that's what I'm lacking. I'll end up spending my birthday in Mumbai!