I don't need a fu**ing bag!

I'm in Himalaya Book Store buying books. At the checkout counter, the cashier and I have a little conversation.

C: That will be Rs. 653, Madam.
Me: Sure, here's my credit card. Oh, and I don't need a bag for these books.

The cashier proceeds to put the books in a gigantic AND ugly plastic bag.

Me: No, no, I don't need a plastic bag. I'll just take them in my hand.
C: What? No bag? But how like that, Madam?
Me (still smiling): It's just two books, my car is outside. Don't worry. Just give them to me.
C: No, no, how can you take it like that? I will put it in a bag for you. (starts smiling cockily) It's free, you know.
Me: I know it's free. But I don't want it. I don't like collecting plastic. It's bad for the environment. Can you please give me my books?
C (looks at his boss): Sir, she says she doesn't want a bag....
C's Boss: Madam, you should take in the bag. It doesn't look nice....

I reach across the counter, take my books, dump them in the cloth bag I was carrying, and walk out. I can't help feel that I've actually lost the battle.

I have the same conversation with different people at an average of 3 times per week.

Sleepless nights

Can't sleep. Somewhere in the area, someone's playing remixed Tollywood (South-indian film industry) music over loudspeakers. Not only is it's mere presence interfering with my midnight peace, but it's awfully harsh on the ears. Absolut annoyance.

Every morning, at 5 a.m. two stray dogs near my house begin howling as loudly seconds before the mullah in the nearby mosque begins the morning prayers (into a loudspeaker). Soon after, a temple in the hood begins it's morning ritual with songs and chants (into a loudspeaker).

I had envisioned long, restful nights in India. It was all lie.

First post from India

Have been in India for 2 months now. The adjustment hasn't been too bad. But then, I think the vacation is over and real life has just begun. Some pros and cons:

Cons (the things I miss from new york):
1. Sidewalks
2. Public Transportation (eh, let's make that reliable public transportation)
3. Having my own kitchen (one where I can play Chef)
4. Live music gigs
5. Being able to walk out of home at midnight with no questions asked

Pros (things I love):
1. Freshly prepared food every meal
2. Laundry that seems to fold itself before it arrives in my room
3. Cheap full body massages
4. Lots of Bollywood films
5. Dad, mom, and brother

Neither side has an upper hand right now. I'll update this list when something changes.