Kristen Fischer, an American who has been living with her family in India for close to four years, has become a social media sensation after revealing how her life changed after she moved to India. In an open Instagram reel ’10 Ways My Life Changed Since Moving to India’, Fischer’s observations have touched the hearts of several viewers.
She starts by saying, “My life has changed a lot since coming to India 4 years ago,” and then explains how getting immersed in Indian lifestyle has influenced her every day.
Take a look at the viral video:
How Kristen’s Life Changed in India
Opting for Vegetarian Food Options: One of the most apparent differences has been what she eats. “I went vegetarian, and it is surprisingly easy here,” she said, explaining how India’s huge vegetarian restaurants make it easy to make the change.
Purchasing Fresh Veggies from Local Stalls: In addition to this, she’s also started purchasing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from street stalls. “No longer week-old produce trucked in across the country, like in the USA,” she wrote.
Learning How to Cook: Kristen also pointed out her developing expertise in preparing Indian food, stating, “I still have a long way to go to learn, but I think I am off to a good beginning.”
Wearing the ‘Indian Saree’: Adjusting to the Indian way of life has also applied to her closet. Fischer explained that her family members now dress in Indian attire and she has even ‘mastered the technique of draping a saree’.
Travelling through Public Transport: Transportation, also, has been a major change. “I drive a scooter,” she explained, continuing, “In the USA, scooters are illegal on most roads, so nobody uses them. But I love how easy it is to get around by scooter here.” Unlike in the US, where she never depended on public transportation, she now uses taxis, metros, rickshaws, and trains regularly, describing them as less expensive and convenient.
Learning Hindi: Another major milestone has been learning Hindi. “It was hard, and I’m still learning, but it is an essential part of living here,” Fischer said. Education for her children also became more feasible after the move. She proudly shared that she can now afford to send her kids to a private school, something that wasn’t financially viable back in the US.
Learning the Art of Bargaining: Fischer also likes the adventure of neighborhood markets. “I go discount shopping at outdoor markets. I like to negotiate rates and get great deals; it’s just so much fun for me,” she said.
Adopting Better Bathroom Practices: Finally, she spoke of her love for a distinct Indian bathroom practice. “It is much cleaner and just common sense to clean with water instead of paper,” she explained, adopting the jet spray and vowing never to go back to paper.
Social Media Appreciates
Her candid response was widely appreciated on the internet. One Instagram user commented, “God Bless You, You Motivated Us also,” and another said, “The no 10 one was most interesting.”
Some other comments were, “CHEERS to you for making the transition in India joyfully and absorbing the culture with positivity,” and “10/10. Fantastic adaptation to a culture that is in so many ways so different. Wonderful post.”
Kristen and her husband now operate a web development firm in India that primarily serves Western clients.
