Welcome back to This is India! I always have funny/weird stories about India to share with friends or family when I talk to them. This is just meant to be an honest portrayal about my life in India through short anecdotes. I also share here what I’ve been up to online outside Hippie in Heels.
What I was up to other than here:
- I did an interview on Glamourous Traveler about fashion & travel
- I’m up to something secret this week. I’ll give you a hint… you might see me on tv for few minutes ;) Say a little prayer that I don’t have an anxiety attack this weekend over it!
- I am also losing complete motivation to learn Hindi. Everyone speaks English so I have no one to practice with!
Now your story,
It hit me out of nowhere- I wasn’t even sure what happened but I had been pushed to the ground and my housekeeper was at my side helping me back up. I started to cry and said like a super proper girl would, “what the fuck was that!!?”
Now, I’m no electrician… but from what I gather… it’s NOT advisable to place your thumb directly on the metal of an exposed plug.
Our lamp was plugged in, but the plastic bits on the plug had fallen off (cheap ass lamp plug…) and it was two little pieces of metal exposed. I tried to unplug it and pushed my thumb right onto the metal.
While American voltage is about 120, Indian voltage is a staggering 230.
So, yeah I got blown back. My thumb had a huge electrical burn and I couldn’t feel my hand for an hour.
This really has more to do with a blonde moment than India, but hey at least you learned an important lesson about voltage- imagine what it can do to your electronics! Here’s to hoping I don’t get electrocuted in India again.
This is India!
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Ouch! I was pushing trying to shift my clothes washer in Uganda (also 230) and had the same thing happen. It’s shocking how it doesn’t really hurt, but it is instant tears. I hope it doesn’t happen to you again!
you’re right it’s instant tears- like partly just confusion !
what??? mental!!! did you knoew about the voltage before hand? I guess you would not of thought about it. Love these series!
I knew it was a different voltage as the screws on my computer zap me when it’s charging and sitting on my lap, but didnt realize how strong it was.
Update me when you appear on TV. I want to see you! :) Good luck!
Ok. It’ll be on US TV but hopefully on youtube or something and I can send a link.
Rachael, While I promise not to spill the beans about the Television debut, I just know you did great! I do have a question, though………..Where do you find the DORITOS? Newtons?
Was great meeting you & yes they have them at newtons! not always though and they are like 600 rs.
Oh no! I’ve done the same thing… but with a lower voltage. Scary! Awesome that you’re going to be on TV. Good luck :)
I bet even at a lower voltage it would hurt a lot! crazy.
I feel like I can relate to this as I am in Agra at the moment and I electrocute myself if I touch the metal taps on my shower when they’re wet… oh India
OMGsh I never thought of that!!!
you have a guardian angel with you…I feel in india people are good at jinxing you..which could also cause accidents..i could not speak hindi either when I lived in goa..even though I had to learn hindi in school..but in Bombay,i picked it up in 6 months..
wow 6 months. that’s very impressive. I’m a slower learner and find it pretty hard… also I don’t always go to class and am starting to call in “sick” a little bit.
You have a housekeeper?
Yes, but it’s very common. I don’t know any foreigner living here who doesn’t have one. It’s a bit more in Goa price-wise, but in Bombay I know Indians who have them that pay about 50 rs per hour cleaning.. so the woman will come for 2 bucks a day and clean or cook for a couple hours.
Ouch, sounds painful! I thought the whole point of the third pin of the plug (the earth wire) was to stop you getting shocks, now I’m going to be paranoid I’ll blow myself up! Looking forward to hearing more about your tv appearance, how exciting!
Yeah I did too.. I”m not quite sure how any of it works now. I’m so cautious to turn the socket off below I plug in that lamp now
Ouch! That must have hurt!
On another note, keep trying learning the language, I feel the same in Berlin, not motivated at all at learning German because everyone speaks and talks to me in English, but I still feel I should make an effort.
It did hurt, but I was more surprised that anything. I can imagine that would be hard to continue with German especially when they want to practice their English with you.
Truly a ” IT Happens Only In India Moment”, … but I am glad you are OK, these shocks can be more damaging… Time to invest in some good rubber slippers or better buy a new plug :)
Yes I think a new plug is needed lol
That’s SO scary! Please be more careful – sorry, I sound like your mum now! :-)
lol you do, but that’s okay ;)
Now I’ fascinated……Please write more about having a housekeeper; That would be a good post. Lots of mixed feelings about the subject.
Ok, I will put it on my list :)
OMG! I’m glad you survived that!! (But then, as you probably already know, most people survive anything – for better or for worse – in India!!).
Stick with Hindi – it will be worth it in the end!
Lol so true! and yes I shoudl stick with it. have some travels coming so that i can’t go to class but will take my book and read on
Ouch! sorry to hear that. But happy to hear you’re ok (and have a story to tell!)
Thanks, yeah I’m totally fine :)