I met some locals on my last night; a nice dentist from Delhi and her local friends who owned and worked in The Funky Art Cafe, a restaurant/bar. The evening started with a show where children performed Bollywood dancing. It turned into a 'boys dance party.' Not unlike spring break in Mexico, the stage was filled with the waiters, on and off duty, with their hands in the air, sweating and dancing to Bollywood tunes. The best way to describe Bollywood dancing is 80's hip hop. It's somewhat trendy but confused with dance moves reminiscent of New Kids on the Block and George Michael, break dancing and doing the worm. It is brilliant to watch.
When I went back for breakfast I was not surprised to find the party had gone on until 5am and the staff was enjoying rum and coke for breakfast. I was surprised when the police arrived. I was informed that late in the evening one of the waiters had beaten his European wife, badly. When I asked if the police were going to arrest him, I was told "probably not, the police in India aren't as uptight as the ones in America." After the policeman spent some time admiring a waiter's knock off Ray Ban Aviators, the waiter ran down the walkway, purchased a pair for the cop and he went away. And that is how domestic disputes are handled in India. Price: $4USD.
Dramita, the dentist from Delhi, and I exchanged stories and info on the cultural differences between our countries. She was surprise to learn we only have love marriages (opposed to arranged) and I was surprised to learn and an Indian girl can't even have a boyfriend until she meets the man she is going to marry, for fear of being tainted.
Although India was a great experience, it's a tough place to travel. I will desperately miss the food. For nearly 3-weeks, I ate Indian food for every meal and didn't once get tired of it.
