Cocoa Masala Chai

Everybody eats. Unless you live on a self-sustaining farm, chances are you go outside to buy your foodstuffs. And you can learn so much about a country and culture through their food -- if you can buy it first. India is both ancient and modern in many respects, including in its food.  You can easily go to a modern market to buy food or buy from a vendor at a street stall or one who will conveniently come down your street so all you have to do is come out the door to buy. The modern grocery store offers a shopping experience that I'm most used to - minus the people who will cut to the front of the line (it's a cultural thing that I just don't get and it either irks me or makes me laugh at their shameless brazenness) because they only want to buy one thing and the cashier will either tell them to go back to the end of the line or ring up their item. At hypermarkets, (think Super Walmart or a Target with a full groceries section), you can get both packaged food items, fresh f

What's it like being in India? How are you adjusting? Don't you love it? We all love going on vacation. As you relax on beautiful beach, feeling the warm sun and breathe in the salty sea air, or as you walk through verdant park filled with luxurious trees and vibrantly colored flowers, or as you witness a picturesque sunset on an awe-inspiring landscape, I'm sure you've thought to yourself, 'I would love to live here! These people have it made, to live in a place like this every day must be amazing.' And I'm sure you've asked yourself how much would it cost to buy a house there or rent, or fantasized what you'd need to do to make the move to your dream location. All too quickly, the vacation is over and you have to go back home to the daily grind.  You realize that during the vacation, you were a tourist and had a free schedule to do anything, everything and nothing. It was that freedom you enjoyed along with the beautiful surroundings. But for the l