Throughout my three month preparation for this trip, no amount of research could have prepared me for the cultural differences I would experience and the effect they would have on me.  One thing I never imagined myself becoming comfortable with is the act of taking one’s shoes off when entering someone’s home, a temple, or even some local shops.  Only just yesterday when my group and I visited a local retail shop in Hubli to do some market research for our project and I noticed that all of the employees had their shoes off did it dawn on me how simply being barefoot can truly change your mentality.  It forces you to let your guard down and you quickly become more comfortable with your surroundings and those who you are now suddenly more connected to.  In that instance, we are all on the same level; we are all of the same caste.

My sunny walk to class every day.