I reached US after what seemed like a never ending flight. I had to change 5 flights and visit 7 airports to get here! Boy, the airlines should have paid me for trying this route out! I am sure not too many would. Cochin - Colombo - Bangkok - Hong Kong - LA - Chicago - Indianapolis !

Well, look at the bright side, I saw the airports of quite a few different counties :)

Bloomington is a small town, a large bulk of its population coming from Indiana university. The Indian population here is quite small.

I am getting used to some of the american jargon [egg plant, okra, pickles ...] and realising that India has its own additions to the Indian english language.

Cell phones in the US work quite differently. Believe it or not, cell phones in India are quite a blessing and the service works much more reliably. And we crib about airtel and hutch not working in caves and mountains when we go for vacations! Here cell phones are based on minutes [time], it doesn't matter whether you receive or make calls, most plans its just the same. Your usage minutes go down. And this applies for toll free numbers too. Well, the good thing in US is you could sign up for a 1 yr or 2 yr plan and get a handset free [the way our reliance phones work] and that you could change your service provider and still retain your phone number. I guess we'll get there soon.

I have my international students orientation next week. I hope to spend free time in finding an apartment to stay in and buying essential furniture if its an unfurnished place.