The joy of cell phones

The American Way of Purchasing a Cell Phone

1. Go to store, choose cell phone
2. Choose a plan
3. Pay money, begin using cell phone without much delay

The Indian Way of Purchasing a Cell Phone

1. Have cell phone sales guy come to guest house, choose cheapest model of cell phone available
2. Choose between two (2) plans
3. Pay money for actual cell phone
4. Wait two days
5. Pay money for SIM card that will let you use the cell phone
6. Fill out three forms, take four photographs, make three copies of passport and visa, sign everything
7. Bring it to government office
8. Wait an indeterminate amount of time

That's as far as I've gotten. We're hoping to have the stupid phones tomorrow. Hooray bureaucracy!