The cliches I knew were:
chloting- slave- factories.
dirt and garbage all around.
A Strict Muslim society where women have no say.
No women working in factories others than clothing.
Spicy food (near Nagaland, home of the Naga Jolokia!)
Honestly, I expected a poorer version of India.
What I have found (and please consider that I have been here only for one month, with very limited chances to move around) includes:
1. Certainly a bit of misery, but much less than I thought. I got the impression that everyone does something for a living, as much as they can, even with little or nothing to begin with. I have seen very few beggars, mostly elder or seriously disabled, both unable to do a physical job and, still, some of them doing some chores.
2. Very young qualified people willing to learn and expand their knowledge.
3. Extremely friendly people that, also here, want a selfie with the foreigner.
4. At the same time, a kind of hierarchy that is fun to observe in action, where everyone is a king by himself, and when given any job, looks around for underlings to order them to do it.
Although there are some drawback, surprised, amazed, and loving it.
