stares

i have been doing research on traveling/staying in india and i keep coming across the same advice: women should cover themselves if they want to avoid stares. I immediately thought, "mom, did you write this?" Since I was young, my mother's mantra before visiting India has always been "dress conservatively... dress modestly" and so on. So, while I knew this to be true, I didn't realize that it would be in every online travel guide.

I also can't figure out why staring and lack of personal space are so common. especially in a country where modesty is being constantly emphasized as a really important quality. if you are supposed to be modest, then why are people still staring? what are they so intrigued about?

in any case, my suitcase is packed with lots of colorful indian tops that my mom purchased on her last visit. most of them still have tags on them, as i didn't want to get stared at in nyc for wearing such colorful clothing... (isn't it ironic...?) hopefully with these baggy tops and a pottu (dot) on my forehead, i'll at least look indian enough to blend in...

in any case, i just find it intriguing that i am not even in india yet.. and i am already starting to worry about things. it would be different if i was just traveling, because then it wouldn't matter whether i stood out. however, im going to be working in the field - and as a result i don't want people to be more concerned or interested with my appearance/ with my differences than with the exchange between us.

1 week to go...