There are a lot of similarities between living in India and Canada but there are also some major differences. From the involvement of other people in your life, to the definition of what consists of a hassle, life is different to say the least.
These stories, tagged as India Stories, are a reflection of what life is like on the other side of the globe. Today I begin with one such experience during my last trip to India. I had to get an x-ray done, nothing serious, however I'm not one to advertise medical checkup's and was in for quiet a shock. Because you see, in Canada:
The doctor says, get an x-ray.
I go to an x-ray clinic and get one done.
But in India...
The concern is told to a doctor, while he is visiting my house. As a result a few of my family members, the doctor, his wife and daughter now know.
On the way to the x-ray clinic we tell the few people who work in our house. Of course, we don't say "We're going for some work," or even "We're going to get an x-ray done" we say, says "We're going to get an *insert specific type* x-ray done." Now two employees know.
At the clinic the staff knows, which is normal.
On the way back we run into my mom's friend from 20 years ago, who overhears my mom on the phone saying I am having an *insert specific type* x-ray done. Of course, the long lost friend now asks me about it.
While my mom calls home, an uncle is over, along with his son who is visiting from Mumbai. You guessed it...they now know.
Oh wait, it wasn't done here. The x-ray then goes to the doctor, who's driver is an old acquaintance, you know where this is going...
Seema feels violated and hopes no one offers her medication on the street. The x-ray of *insert specific type* is normal.
