This past week 2 of the family members were not doing well..... One had a fever for almost 2 days, the other had tummy troubles (I will spare you the details!). Any guesses on who had what???
I will help you with your process of elimination..... I did not miss any work last week..... and Milan did not miss any school.... OK for you clever ones out there, that leaves Vim and Mira as the likely ones....
Yep, they were the ones hit in this round. And Vim was the tummy-trouble victim. Yes, victim is the right word here... he is still hurting or should I say purging!! : )
Mira is doing better, she had a fever for 2 days, she missed 3 days of school. She totally scammed us for the third day!! She could have gone to school but she laid on the 'I'm not feeling good' guilt trip and got to stay home on Friday too!! She is already out-smarting us! I am sure that this is just the beginning!
As for Vim, hopefully things are turning around for him!!! He started some antibiotics so this should help!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Inconvenience......
Being here in India for over 6 months now, I have made an interesting observation.
People here are quick to inconvenience others for their own convenience.
Here are some examples:
The guy driving in traffic on a 2 lane road (1 lane in each direction) who thinks it is ok to try to pass the blocked traffic (which let me add is not moving), only to block the on coming traffic only to move ahead 5 cars......
The guy at the convenience store who just cuts in the front of the line, but thinks its ok because he only had one item, then you realize... wait, I only had 1 item!!
The guy who quickly barges to the front of the line (this can be anywhere) and proceeds to talk real loud demanding to be taken care of, but he thinks it is ok because his needs are far more important than anyone else that was already waiting.....
You can call it a cultural issue, or just plain rude.... or it can be a cultural issue isolated in a particular gender.... what do you think????
People here are quick to inconvenience others for their own convenience.
Here are some examples:
The guy driving in traffic on a 2 lane road (1 lane in each direction) who thinks it is ok to try to pass the blocked traffic (which let me add is not moving), only to block the on coming traffic only to move ahead 5 cars......
The guy at the convenience store who just cuts in the front of the line, but thinks its ok because he only had one item, then you realize... wait, I only had 1 item!!
The guy who quickly barges to the front of the line (this can be anywhere) and proceeds to talk real loud demanding to be taken care of, but he thinks it is ok because his needs are far more important than anyone else that was already waiting.....
You can call it a cultural issue, or just plain rude.... or it can be a cultural issue isolated in a particular gender.... what do you think????
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Goa......
Goa was great!! Definitely a different experience than our last 'beach-vacation', which was Maldives!!
Goa was definitely more of the 'local' Indian Beach vacation. There were a lot of locals from different parts of India vacationing there. In the midst of all of the 'locals' there was a fair bit of foreigners there as well. Mostly Europeans, and Russians.
The hotel was nice, the company was nice (we travelled with another family), and overall we relaxed.
One day we were relaxing on the beach. It was not turquoise blue water... more a shade of grey-murky. The sand was nice but intermixed with the sand was a fair amount of litter.... This habit of 'littering' is pretty typical for 'India'. While sitting there enjoying the sun, I struck up a conversation with a couple sitting next to us. This couple was from Cornwall, England. In the short time that we chatted, I learned that they have been coming to Goa for the last 9 years.... and they stay 4 weeks at a time!!! 9 consecutive years....!!! 4 weeks at a time!!! WOW!! That is hard to believe!! Of all the places that we have travelled to, there is not one place that I feel that I can visit annually, and especially not for 4 weeks at a time!!! While we are pretty sure that we won't be going back to Goa anytime soon... Don't get me wrong... it was nice, and a good place to visit, but we just did not feel the 'strong draw' that would make us want to come back. But apparently... there is a 'strong draw' that is felt by other people that continues to make Goa a popular vacation spot for the foreigners!
Next vacation.... not until end of March!! The kids have a week off!! Any suggestions on where we should go??? We are debating between Dubai and Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand.....
Goa was definitely more of the 'local' Indian Beach vacation. There were a lot of locals from different parts of India vacationing there. In the midst of all of the 'locals' there was a fair bit of foreigners there as well. Mostly Europeans, and Russians.
The hotel was nice, the company was nice (we travelled with another family), and overall we relaxed.
One day we were relaxing on the beach. It was not turquoise blue water... more a shade of grey-murky. The sand was nice but intermixed with the sand was a fair amount of litter.... This habit of 'littering' is pretty typical for 'India'. While sitting there enjoying the sun, I struck up a conversation with a couple sitting next to us. This couple was from Cornwall, England. In the short time that we chatted, I learned that they have been coming to Goa for the last 9 years.... and they stay 4 weeks at a time!!! 9 consecutive years....!!! 4 weeks at a time!!! WOW!! That is hard to believe!! Of all the places that we have travelled to, there is not one place that I feel that I can visit annually, and especially not for 4 weeks at a time!!! While we are pretty sure that we won't be going back to Goa anytime soon... Don't get me wrong... it was nice, and a good place to visit, but we just did not feel the 'strong draw' that would make us want to come back. But apparently... there is a 'strong draw' that is felt by other people that continues to make Goa a popular vacation spot for the foreigners!
Next vacation.... not until end of March!! The kids have a week off!! Any suggestions on where we should go??? We are debating between Dubai and Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand.....
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Funny Translations.....
Here in India there are so many funny sayings that you come across. Some are simple miss-spelling. Others are grammatical errors, and the best is the use of words that changes the meaning of the message. The last happens mostly due to 'translation' mistakes.
This is by no means to make fun of the locals here.... I actually have a high regard for them b/c they make an effort to communicate in English even though it is not there first language.... bless their heart!!
So today my friend sent me this email that was hilarious! It shows some examples of these grammatical/word selection errors!! The best part... they are found in Gujarat... This is the region/state that we come from!!!
In an Ahmedabad Hotel:
Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not a person to do such thing is please not to read this notice.
In a Surat hotel lobby:
The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.
In a Baroda hotel elevator:
Please leave your values at the front desk.
In a hotel in Jamnagar :
Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. daily.
In a Ahmedabad hotel near Gujarat College:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.
Edwards Laundry on Relief Road, Ahmedabad:
Drop your trousers here for best results.
In a Bhavnagar hotel:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is rekvested that the lobby be used for this purpose.
In a Anand laundry:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time..
In a heritage hotel at Junagadh:
Take one of our horse-driven city tours - we guarantee no miscarriages.
Advertisement for donkey rides (on the famous white asses) in Rann of Kutch :
Would you like to ride on your own ass?
In a 5-Star Hotel cocktail lounge in Ahmedabad:
Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.
In the office of a Ahmedabad gynecologist:
Specialist in women and other diseases.
In a Bharuch hotel:
The manager has personally passed all the water served here.
This is by no means to make fun of the locals here.... I actually have a high regard for them b/c they make an effort to communicate in English even though it is not there first language.... bless their heart!!
So today my friend sent me this email that was hilarious! It shows some examples of these grammatical/word selection errors!! The best part... they are found in Gujarat... This is the region/state that we come from!!!
In an Ahmedabad Hotel:
Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not a person to do such thing is please not to read this notice.
In a Surat hotel lobby:
The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.
In a Baroda hotel elevator:
Please leave your values at the front desk.
In a hotel in Jamnagar :
Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. daily.
In a Ahmedabad hotel near Gujarat College:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.
Edwards Laundry on Relief Road, Ahmedabad:
Drop your trousers here for best results.
In a Bhavnagar hotel:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the opposite sex in the bedroom, it is rekvested that the lobby be used for this purpose.
In a Anand laundry:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time..
In a heritage hotel at Junagadh:
Take one of our horse-driven city tours - we guarantee no miscarriages.
Advertisement for donkey rides (on the famous white asses) in Rann of Kutch :
Would you like to ride on your own ass?
In a 5-Star Hotel cocktail lounge in Ahmedabad:
Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.
In the office of a Ahmedabad gynecologist:
Specialist in women and other diseases.
In a Bharuch hotel:
The manager has personally passed all the water served here.
Going to Goa!!!
This weekend is a long weekend here in India. Monday is Republic Day. The kids and I have the day off!! So, to avoid missing the 'travel' opportunity for the long weekend.... we decided to head to Goa!!
We are travelling with another family from Ozone. They are my second-cousins-wifes'-first cousin. So, by Indian standards... they are 'close' relatives!!! Seriously!! We are looking forward to the get-away!! The weather in Goa.... 90 degrees and sunny!! Bring it on!!
We are travelling with another family from Ozone. They are my second-cousins-wifes'-first cousin. So, by Indian standards... they are 'close' relatives!!! Seriously!! We are looking forward to the get-away!! The weather in Goa.... 90 degrees and sunny!! Bring it on!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Typical Indain Phone Conversations
So, here the phone etiquette is a bit different than back at home.... I will take you thru it....
Here is me calling one of my co-workers...
ME: "Hi"
Co Worker: "Hi Devyani, Tell me"
"tell me"... Tell you what...?? When someone would start the conversation with 'tell me' it would just throw me off!! But now, after understanding the translation... they have just done a direct translation of the Indian word used when starting a phone conversation. The word is 'bolo', which directly translated means, 'tell me'.
OK, another one....
Me Calling the bank....
Bank: "How can I help you"
ME: "I have an issue with...." (issue is not relevant here.....)
Bank: "Tell me your good name"
Good Name??? I did not know I had a good name... Wait does that mean I have a bad name too!! Seriously... Here they refer to your first name as your 'good name'!!
OK.... the bank conversation continues.....
Bank: "Give me your contact number"
ME: "Nine Double-Zero, eight, double one, double 4....."
Yes, I think that all phone numbers have at least one set double digits, and instead of just saying "one, one", you have to say "double one"!! You can resist, but there are so many time the person on the other end has corrected me and applied the 'double'!! The best part.... Vim's phone number had 4 sets of double digits.... Yep, he can use the 'double' quadruple times!!!
Here is me calling one of my co-workers...
ME: "Hi"
Co Worker: "Hi Devyani, Tell me"
"tell me"... Tell you what...?? When someone would start the conversation with 'tell me' it would just throw me off!! But now, after understanding the translation... they have just done a direct translation of the Indian word used when starting a phone conversation. The word is 'bolo', which directly translated means, 'tell me'.
OK, another one....
Me Calling the bank....
Bank: "How can I help you"
ME: "I have an issue with...." (issue is not relevant here.....)
Bank: "Tell me your good name"
Good Name??? I did not know I had a good name... Wait does that mean I have a bad name too!! Seriously... Here they refer to your first name as your 'good name'!!
OK.... the bank conversation continues.....
Bank: "Give me your contact number"
ME: "Nine Double-Zero, eight, double one, double 4....."
Yes, I think that all phone numbers have at least one set double digits, and instead of just saying "one, one", you have to say "double one"!! You can resist, but there are so many time the person on the other end has corrected me and applied the 'double'!! The best part.... Vim's phone number had 4 sets of double digits.... Yep, he can use the 'double' quadruple times!!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Indian Sayings...
Being here for 6 months, we knew that it was inevitable that we would pick up some 'Indian sayings'. Out of the 4 of us, little Milan was the one that first to make noticeable transitions.
Examples....
The other day Milan had to do a project about seasons. He picked winter. We were collecting pictures that related to Winter. We quickly gathered some that showed what you would wear in the winter. So Milan proceeded to tell me all of the things.... boots, coat, mitten, and muffler.... yes, he said muffler. This is the 'Indian' term for a winter scarf. Those of you that are Indian can relate to this one!!
Another one.... he was playing with his cars and then he proceeded to tell Mira that one of his cars can go 100 kilometers per hour!! Kilometers...???? Isn't it miles per hour.... yes, he had started to make the transition to the metric system!!
The best.... is the way Milan speaks to Manjula (our maid). He turns on this thick Indian accent and uses his hands and adds in the occasional 'Indian' head bobble (this is worthy of its own post). He strongly believes that she will be able to understand him better withe the 'accent'. Truly entertaining to watch!!
Examples....
The other day Milan had to do a project about seasons. He picked winter. We were collecting pictures that related to Winter. We quickly gathered some that showed what you would wear in the winter. So Milan proceeded to tell me all of the things.... boots, coat, mitten, and muffler.... yes, he said muffler. This is the 'Indian' term for a winter scarf. Those of you that are Indian can relate to this one!!
Another one.... he was playing with his cars and then he proceeded to tell Mira that one of his cars can go 100 kilometers per hour!! Kilometers...???? Isn't it miles per hour.... yes, he had started to make the transition to the metric system!!
The best.... is the way Milan speaks to Manjula (our maid). He turns on this thick Indian accent and uses his hands and adds in the occasional 'Indian' head bobble (this is worthy of its own post). He strongly believes that she will be able to understand him better withe the 'accent'. Truly entertaining to watch!!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Last Guests and Celebrations
Well, our last group of house guests left yesterday.... and the house is QUIET!!
Last group of visitors....
Next... How many celebrations does it take to celebrate a 9th birthday!! For our 9yr old princess, she got 4 celebrations!!
First Celebration: With our guests from Canton, Mich (Paru and Bhru and family)
Second Celebration: This was a combo celebration with our guests from Atlanta (Jig and Divyesh and Family). Veda celebrated a b-day on Jan 11.
Third Celebration: This was on the actual b-day. Typically b-days back at home were celebrated on the actual day with close family. So following with tradition, we celebrated with our Ozone Family - (Charu's Family and the 'other' Jig's Family)
Fourth Celebration: Yet to come....This will be the actual b-day party.... yes... after all these celebrations, there is still a party... fortunately, only 3 friends, at the house... no frills!!
What is the good thing about all of these celebrations.... an excuse to eat cake (dessert) 4 times in one week!!!
This last picture.... Mira wrote a sign on our white board in the library... Nice isn't it!!
Last group of visitors....
Next... How many celebrations does it take to celebrate a 9th birthday!! For our 9yr old princess, she got 4 celebrations!!
First Celebration: With our guests from Canton, Mich (Paru and Bhru and family)
Second Celebration: This was a combo celebration with our guests from Atlanta (Jig and Divyesh and Family). Veda celebrated a b-day on Jan 11.
Third Celebration: This was on the actual b-day. Typically b-days back at home were celebrated on the actual day with close family. So following with tradition, we celebrated with our Ozone Family - (Charu's Family and the 'other' Jig's Family)
Fourth Celebration: Yet to come....This will be the actual b-day party.... yes... after all these celebrations, there is still a party... fortunately, only 3 friends, at the house... no frills!!
What is the good thing about all of these celebrations.... an excuse to eat cake (dessert) 4 times in one week!!!
This last picture.... Mira wrote a sign on our white board in the library... Nice isn't it!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Weather!!
I figure that the weather is a big topic of conversation back at home so I though that I would add my 2-cents!!
Is that enough to make any of you want to hop on the next plane to Bangalore!! Let me tell ya, it surely does NOT make me want to hop on the next plane to Detroit!!!
Well, the last wave of visitors have just left today and I feel sad already! It will be nice to get back into the routine for all of us. But at the same time we will miss the hustle and bustle of activity around the house.
We have exactly 3 weeks of a 'dry spell' and then....... my parents come for a visit!!! YEAH!!
Hopefully all of you back at home at managing to keep warm!!
I think that we may make a trip to the pool this weekend.... soak up sun, swim some laps.... I know! That was a low blow to rub it in.... but I could not resist!!
Is that enough to make any of you want to hop on the next plane to Bangalore!! Let me tell ya, it surely does NOT make me want to hop on the next plane to Detroit!!!
Well, the last wave of visitors have just left today and I feel sad already! It will be nice to get back into the routine for all of us. But at the same time we will miss the hustle and bustle of activity around the house.
We have exactly 3 weeks of a 'dry spell' and then....... my parents come for a visit!!! YEAH!!
Hopefully all of you back at home at managing to keep warm!!
I think that we may make a trip to the pool this weekend.... soak up sun, swim some laps.... I know! That was a low blow to rub it in.... but I could not resist!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Pictures from the Holidays!
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| The Ladies at dressed for dinner at the Oberoi |
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| The group at dinner at the Oberoi |
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| Milan with his Mama!! |
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| A group shot!! |
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| The ladies.... |
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| Me with Kavi!! |
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| Awwww!!!!! |
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| Brunch at the Oberoi |
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| mmmm Ice Cream!!! |
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| I like it!!! |
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| Cutie!! |
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| Check me out!! |
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| Christmas Morning!! |
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| A pack of Trident Gum in the Stocking!! |
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| A nice dinner out!! |
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| Kavi!! |
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| A nice family shot!! |
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| Milan with his little cousin!! |
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| Alka and Sonal with the kiddies |
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| The group enjoying a nice dinner! |
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| Mira with Umber and Ved |
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| Vim and I and the Little Guy at Samarkaand |
Here are some pictures from our visitors! As you can gather from the pictures.... we had a great time!!
I will get back to regular posting in a few days.... Our last round of visitors are coming today!!
How is the snow back at home??? Todays high in Bangalore.... 80.... It is not too late to book a winter get away to Bangalore!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Long Time... No Post.....
Sorry for not posting for a long time!! To sum it up we have been BUSY!! A good busy!!
Here is a brief re-cap!!
Starting from Dec 23 to just yesterday, we had visitors!! All together 12 house guests travelling in 4 groups, spread out over 14 days, 9 trips to the airport, and 3 road trips!! Phwew!!
Over the 2 weeks we had lots of fun.... we would not have had it any other way!! Lots of good times, shopping excursions and delicious meals out!! We are truly thankful to everyone that made the trip over to see us. It really meant so much to us!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Now, it feels a little empty in the house.... but only for a brief pause... then we have our last wave of visitors this weekend and then...... the long dry spell!!
I will post some pictures soon!
We hope that you all had a great Holiday back at home. We missed the family traditions and gatherings that go along with the holidays.... The kids missed the visit from Santa. Actually let me re-phrase that.... Mira missed the visit from Santa. Milan was not phased at all!!
Both the kids miss the snow.... Milan actually wore his pajamas inside out (this is trick that the kids used to do to 'wish' for a snow day back at home) on Sunday night. He was thinking that he would get a snow day! I tried to explain to him that it does not snow in Bangalore. He insisted on the pjs-inside out, and asked me to check the computer in the morning just to be sure that there wasn't miraculously a snow day for him in Bangalore.... It was really cute to see his thought process.... very clever...
We are now officially a quarter way thru our assignment here. Yep, 25%.... 6 months... It is hard to believe!! We have enjoyed every bit of it and intend to make the most out of the next 3-quarters!!
We wish you all the best for 2009..... May the new year ahead bring you and your family the best of everything!
Here is a brief re-cap!!
Starting from Dec 23 to just yesterday, we had visitors!! All together 12 house guests travelling in 4 groups, spread out over 14 days, 9 trips to the airport, and 3 road trips!! Phwew!!
Over the 2 weeks we had lots of fun.... we would not have had it any other way!! Lots of good times, shopping excursions and delicious meals out!! We are truly thankful to everyone that made the trip over to see us. It really meant so much to us!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Now, it feels a little empty in the house.... but only for a brief pause... then we have our last wave of visitors this weekend and then...... the long dry spell!!
I will post some pictures soon!
We hope that you all had a great Holiday back at home. We missed the family traditions and gatherings that go along with the holidays.... The kids missed the visit from Santa. Actually let me re-phrase that.... Mira missed the visit from Santa. Milan was not phased at all!!
Both the kids miss the snow.... Milan actually wore his pajamas inside out (this is trick that the kids used to do to 'wish' for a snow day back at home) on Sunday night. He was thinking that he would get a snow day! I tried to explain to him that it does not snow in Bangalore. He insisted on the pjs-inside out, and asked me to check the computer in the morning just to be sure that there wasn't miraculously a snow day for him in Bangalore.... It was really cute to see his thought process.... very clever...
We are now officially a quarter way thru our assignment here. Yep, 25%.... 6 months... It is hard to believe!! We have enjoyed every bit of it and intend to make the most out of the next 3-quarters!!
We wish you all the best for 2009..... May the new year ahead bring you and your family the best of everything!
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