Teaching, Day One

At last, at last, I get a taste of what I came to do! I actually taught my first lecture today! The students were SO excited when I walked in; they couldn't contain themselves. They immediately stood at attention, love that....and we began! The class was large, 11th grade, and from what I was told had limited English speaking experience....you wouldn't know it! I kept the class light. I told them about myself, showed them a map of the US, and told them about my school in Ohio. They were so amazed that my family lives in all sorts of places around the US. That concept is foreign to them. I asked them some general questions. They were all so shy and nervous. They are to stand when they answer, love this too! I asked if they had questions for me, but they were to shy to ask....
I gave them their first assignment which consisted of several questions, mostly about themselves. They were to write a paragraph for each answer. When they were done, I was to come around and check their work. The concept of collecting papers and grading them later is not common. They slowly started to finish, and started raising their hands. I was so impressed with their writing. This was not limited English by my standards. I told them they write better than some Americans...it is true, no? At any rate, as their confidence grew, so did the demand for them to have their papers read. Everywhere I heard, "Ma'am, ma'am, I am finished ma'am!" After this, they started to come around and ask me some more questions. They are all so eager to help me understand their culture and several of them live in my neighborhood as well. I was offered cooking lessons, which I need, dinner at several homes, and henna painting on my hands (that rocks). During the class, three boys came to the door and asked me about the drama club I will be starting. Awesome, word is spreading about that. We all clapped when class was over to celebrate my first official teaching moment in India! It was a great experience....as I was leaving, the three girls in the front said, "Ma'am, we like your hair!" I am relieved, I think this just might be ok!
Aside from teaching I am still learning my way around, more so every day. I have joined a gym, as some of you know already, Gold's Gym, Mulund. It is the most high-tech establishment I have seen in India yet. Of course, there is a DJ that spins while we workout...?? Since I never have to be at school before noon, I can hit the early morning India Techno-House mix special....hey, you gotta make your own fun people! Seriously....
As an aside....Things I have learned thus far....
1.) The left hand issue is not an issue at all.
2.) Western toilets are everywhere, western tp is not...
3.) Towels are napkins, napkins are tissues, and I have no idea what tissues are....later on that.
4.) "It is there" is a stock affirmative answer as in..."Do you have diet coke?" Response, "It is there." "Do you have yoga classes?" Response, "It is there."
5.) Current is the word for electricity, and the current goes out twice a day at least....
6.) Bread is the staple food of North India, rice is the staple in South India. Not that both aren't present everywhere.....
7.) Taking pictures is called taking snaps.
8.) The rickshaw is called "the rick" and most drivers take their shoes off while driving (cars too).
9.) I am taking malaria meds that have been banned in the UK (because they make people insane) and have yet to see one mosquito...??
10.) Even movie popcorn is spicy....
And so much more to come.....