India Experiences

So I now have officially cleared my first week in India. I have to say this has been one of the more trying TDYs. There is a huge communication and cultural barrier that exists. As I woman I am far from respected within this country, I'm constantly asked questions as I am the technical expert on the system, but in the middle of a response I am constantly overspoken or interrupted. It's almost as if what I say isn't valid, but what they don't realize is how headstrong I am, so I will continue to talk over you. If you don't want to know the answer to the question, then don't ask the question and leave me work. This has been an interesting experience, most were excited that I was coming here, but I already knew the hardships I would face. I definitely stick out here with there being a huge difference in what is appropriate for women to look like, act like, and say. I tend to have no filter so needless to say I think I'm shocking the culture daily. There is also no sort of ettiquette similar to the states, they stare, they point and then talk about you either in English or one of the multiple native languages (but don't worry they point while doing this). I was warned of this prior to coming here, but I am just amazed at the differences between what is accepted in eastern vs western culture. I do have to admit the food has my heart though. More to post later, more training now.