Jet lag and a cultural cannonball

Event accounting
ate. ate. and ate some more- seems to be a theme, definitely not a complaint. Spent yesterday in a stupor... I have come to realize that my mental faculties melt and drip away like a 50 cent McDonalds cone when it gets really hot (and yesterday wasn't even that hot by standards here). Coupled with hardcore jet lag this left me in a pretty sorry state in which I was introducing myself to the nice people I will be staying with for the next month. Hope I can overcome my first impression of awkward vacant agreeablity and learn to better understand and converse through the accented English of Tej's family. This has become easier already.
Last night we went to a Bazaar... typical developing world market that was remarkably similar to what I saw in both China and Peru (lots of heavily accented salesman assuring me of their ready friendship, good prices and superior wares. hundreds of pirated DVD's and knockoff clothing. cheap watches, etc)

Reflection on transition
This is by far and away the most difficult cultural transition I have had to make. Unlike China and Peru, the vast majority of my time will not be spent with American peers but rather I have jumped right into the dinner table of an Indian family. CANNONBAAAALLL!!! I'm trying hard to take in this experience unfiltered, to see the world here as vivid color patches- eyes wide. Oh... and to not capsize anyone's boat with my diving in.
Yesterday was a difficult day... but a day that I hope will provide much growth and a deeper sense of self on which I can rely in the future. I would be content if this type of cultural immersion turns out to be half as fulfilling, valuable, and rich as I think it will be.
Random thoughts
Perhaps the most gratifying aspect of travel as I've found it is contact with the other (and there was plenty of that yesterday)... there is really no substitute for this- by definition it is impossible to create the other from ourselves. Perhaps even impossible to define ourselves apart from the other. hmm... that will require more thought.

Interesting quote to end on, a twist on Plato by an Indian Sociologist that rings true with my experience with myself. "Man is not a rational but a rationalizing animal..."