Vacation is Over and Class Started

On our first lecture, Professor Haldipur was telling us about the importance of education in Indian culture. In which, a family would support their child through education as long as the child wants to pursue. In return, the child is expected to sacrifice for his or her family. I think this is very similar to the Chinese culture where the parents are willing to sacrifice everything possible to ensure that their child is having the best education possible. Similarly, the child is expected to take care of their parents when they are old.

However, I did realize a difference between Indian and Chinese. From what I learned, Indians have hopes all the time; they always believe that they will have better life in the future, whereas the Chinese do not hold their hopes long enough to create a difference. I hope I will keep finding some similarities and differences here and there between these two cultures throughout my trip.

First Hand Experience of Indian Culture

After I get all well rested, I am ready to explore Mysore. The most exciting experience so far was the shopping experience at the silk store. I went with a group of 10 people and we rode in rickshaws. It was the most hilarious ride I had ever ridden. The drivers were trying to race with each other while we all laughed and screamed the entire ride. Anyhow, we got to the shop called Fazil's Silks & Sarees. The shopkeeper pulled out hundreds of outfits, scarves, and fabric for us to choose from (picture on the left). The scarves and outfits were gorgeous!


Later on that evening we had a welcoming dinner at Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel (the picture above). I felt like I was in a movie. It was an amazing palace that I could not believe what I was looking at. Anyhow, happy New Year to everyone and I will keep exploring India through the new year.

Introduction

Hi,

My name is Jing Wang, or just call me Jinny. I am a senior at the University of Minnesota Duluth majoring in Accounting and Philosophy. Something special about me is that I have a very young brother, who is only three now. I enjoyed every minute I spent with him and it will be tough for both of us for not seeing each other for three weeks. (Three weeks is a long period for a child at that young of age.) I was born in China and spend close to 10 years in U.S. now. I am very close to my family and consider them to live with me when I start my career.

India is an interesting country for me to visit. I've read some of the travel guides about India and some of the religious beliefs are very similar to the ones I grew up with, such as do not take pictures of any sacred statues. I am looking forward to experience this culture and get to know everyone who's traveling in the group.

Well, that's enough about me now and leave the rest to those who really want to know me. Happy holidays everyone!