In exactly 3 weeks I will be leaving for India. I'm not sure what to expect.  I spoke with my mom earlier and she mentioned that I may draw a lot of stares due to my short hair. She said the last time she was there, people would crowd around them and stare. She assumed they haven't seen many Black people before. I'm not sure why skin tone alone would create such a reaction, when there are many Indian people who have a darker complexion than us. She also mentioned the sacredness of the cow. She said they roam the streets freely, poop where they want, and there is nothing you can do about it other than avoid it. They must think we Americans are just horrible with the way we consume beef. I want to take some time this weekend to take inventory on what I have, decide what I need, and buy the difference. I'm hoping to avoid spending as much as possible while away....not sure how successful I'll be.  The lack of job security has me very conscious nowadays.