Culture Shock: Drinking

While not the typical storage of water here, this is one of the large water
containers that I have had the opportunity to get my drinking water from.

More than anything, more than the trash, more than the Vedic Creationism, drinking practices have really cultured shocked me the most. The eating with the hands actually came fairly easily. The only thing when it comes to eating that I am not going to do is put my hand in my mouth (this is to prevent spilling, I guess).

So how do we drink in America: We primarily drink during meals. Other times would be for exercise and morning coffee. The key thing is though that we drink during meals. This helps clear our throats. What for? To talk, of course. At restaurants especially, where they will refill your glass over and over. Meal times are social times. It is an opportunity for families and couples to talk about their days, complain about things, talk politics, and plan for after the meal.

So how do they drink in India: They, the Indians, drink primarily between meals. Many see it as bad form to drink during a meal. This lack of a drink during the meal means that talking is considered bad form. The food will get cold if you talk, and it is dangerous because you might choke.

This was so difficult for me because I have the strong desire to clear my throat with a drink and talk during meals. Since meals are so central to our lives, this became such a big deal despite the fact that we do not think about it so much.