Lost In Translation

My typical meal:

Huh, I guess its time to eat something, my stomach is a tad on the empty side. Thus, I proceed out of my room (be it breakfast or dinner) and hope I am dressed appropriately. 

Then, after I get my food, at least three Indians whose names for the life of me I cant remember start calling my name. I start thinking oh god, where do I sit as to not offend one of the three because, of course, they are all at different tables. Look at me Ms. Popular! (and I mean that with the heaviest amount of sarcasm because its hard to find people who get it here)

Our conversation proceeds as follows:

Me, smiling and happy: Good morning/How was your day as appropriate. 

People at the table: Very Good. Tell us Chelsea what do you do?

Me: I go an office in Mysore and work with an advocate. (Which Ive said everyday, but am not sure if Ive told these people before because they all kind of look alike)

People: Very nice, this is [insert incomprehensible name here].  

Incomprehensible name: Asks a question that I dont understand because I just cant get past their accent

Me: What was that?

Incomprehensible name: Asks again, and I still dont understand

Me: Its too loud, what did you say?

Incomprehensible name: Repeats the question, maybe even less clear than the first to times

Me: Make up an answer to what I think has been asked and say it really fast so they dont understand me

We then exchange somewhat confused looks.

To break the awkwardness, I say something in Kannada, the local language. The entire table bursts into laughter because, of course I slaughter whatever it is I was taught to say. While all this happens, I am eating as fast as possible to finish my meal.

Then, somebody no doubt grabs their cell phone, gives it to somebody else at the table and takes a picture with me. I look like shit because it is either too early in the morning, or after Im exhausted from being at work all day to look somewhat decent. Plus Ive been in India for 7 weeks and, well, thats implied as an excuse.

Thus, the picture marks the end of a meal and I go back to my room to finish getting ready for work. This is the same in the morning or at night, as I procrastinate and since there isnt always a computer or wireless internet in the office, I just do like any American and bring my work home! Unless, of course I decide to write a blog post, which is way more important than BSing a 30 minute power point presentation on US labor law.