We have built on our family of 4 and have grown to 6. And no, I did not have twins!! Actually that quite possible since we have been here almost a year now!! STOP... don't get any ideas!!
The other 2 members of our family is the driver and the maid. They have been with us since we got here.
Lets go with the driver first.... Devraj. Having a driver is great in many ways, I had a whole post dedicated to this. But as with all good things, there are some pitfalls. I will get to that.
Devraj drives me to and from work, runs errands, cleans the car, bring my shopping bags into the house, carries the kids out of the car when they fall asleep.... so many things. He is great with the kids. There have been many time when we are out and about, for example our commercial street adventure a few weekends ago, and Milan is done shopping. We call the driver, he comes right to where we are, toss Milan in the car and Devraj drives around with Milan. It works out great. Devraj is great with Milan and I am sure Milan tells Devraj some great stories. It is great to have that luxury, but of course... there are issues.
For example, he is with you when you are in the car.... ALL THE TIME!! He can hear all the conversations that you are having, and YES, HE is listening, he overhears phone conversations, conversations that Vim and I are having.... all of it... he is listening.... We have to be careful what we say, because the drivers have a network and they all talk so things move thru the grapevine really quickly.
Devraj also has to deal with both Vim and I. Now both of us have completely different sytles when we are in the car. I ALWAYS sit in the back seat... come on, I am being chauffured, that is my place!! I usually don't make idle chit-chat with Devraj when he is taking me to/from work. I sit and mind my business. This is completely different than when Vim is in the car. Vim climbs in the front, yep... he wants a full view. He is talking to Devraj complaining about the garbage on the road, the way the guys on thier motorcylces are driving, questions why there is no order in the traffic, there is something that he is complaining about. And Devraj quietely lets Vim spew. Occasionally Vim will roll down the window to give someone a piece of his mind, and quietly Devraj just continues to drive. With that, I respect Devraj's adaptability.... he can adjust the silence when I am in the car, and the chit-chat with Vim. And he does so with a smile on his face and no complains.
Is he perfect.... not in all ways, but for all that he does for us, we are thankful and greatful for Devraj!
My next post will be about the maid, Manjula.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Mira's Dance Teacher
In efforts to keep Mira busy over the summer, we decided to sign her up for some Indian dance lessons. Instead of going for the traditional style, we decided to do some 'Bollywood' Dance Lessons. Yes, there is such a thing. Being summer, there were not many group classes in session, so I decided to opt for some private classes.
First, I put the feelers out using the Ozone Yahoo groups to see who was out there. Using the yahoo group is the way to find things out in the bubble. OK, the yahoo group posting yielded 4 leads. Off I went. The first guy's name was Guru. As I dialed the number, I realized that he had a song playing while the phone was ringing. It started something like this, 'I am a discooo daaannncccceerrrrrr - paa pa ra'. This is a jingle from an Indian song, some of you may know it!!! OK, I almost started laughing when I heard this!! This was 'his' tune!! OK, decided to look past the 'tune' and actually give him a try.
He came over for an initial meeting, seemed OK. Then we made arrangements to actually start the lessons. He canceled on a few appointments so I was starting to get a little irritated with my 'disco dancer'. Finally he shows up. Mira had a song in mind and we decided to start with it. Let me tell ya, when Guru 'the disco dancer' busted out his moves... I was digging it!!! The boy has some serious rhythm. This is much better than the 'cheesy bollywood dancing' you see in the movies, he was really GOOD! He started teaching Mira and I was just admiring his rhythm. Secretly maybe I was a bit jealous that he had more rhythm than me... OK, we all know that is not too hard!!
Then I started asking him about different songs to see if he could teach a dance to them... so I started playing them off in my Zune and off he went.... boogie-ing away... and I was really in awe... I kept switching do different songs, and telling him, OK now dance to his one... I kept switching, and he kept dancing. It was really amazing.
I wanted to start dancing and pretend that I was as good as him, his dancing was somewhat infectious... for a moment, I thought that I could actually dance as well as him. Fortunately for me, I saved myself the embarrassment and just sat there!!!
Now we have only had one lesson from Guru, and since then, he has been canceling out appointments at the last minute. Sadly I may have to give Guru the boot if he does not stick to the appointments...
If Guru actually shows up regularly, maybe I may pick up a few moves from him.... hmmmm!!!
First, I put the feelers out using the Ozone Yahoo groups to see who was out there. Using the yahoo group is the way to find things out in the bubble. OK, the yahoo group posting yielded 4 leads. Off I went. The first guy's name was Guru. As I dialed the number, I realized that he had a song playing while the phone was ringing. It started something like this, 'I am a discooo daaannncccceerrrrrr - paa pa ra'. This is a jingle from an Indian song, some of you may know it!!! OK, I almost started laughing when I heard this!! This was 'his' tune!! OK, decided to look past the 'tune' and actually give him a try.
He came over for an initial meeting, seemed OK. Then we made arrangements to actually start the lessons. He canceled on a few appointments so I was starting to get a little irritated with my 'disco dancer'. Finally he shows up. Mira had a song in mind and we decided to start with it. Let me tell ya, when Guru 'the disco dancer' busted out his moves... I was digging it!!! The boy has some serious rhythm. This is much better than the 'cheesy bollywood dancing' you see in the movies, he was really GOOD! He started teaching Mira and I was just admiring his rhythm. Secretly maybe I was a bit jealous that he had more rhythm than me... OK, we all know that is not too hard!!
Then I started asking him about different songs to see if he could teach a dance to them... so I started playing them off in my Zune and off he went.... boogie-ing away... and I was really in awe... I kept switching do different songs, and telling him, OK now dance to his one... I kept switching, and he kept dancing. It was really amazing.
I wanted to start dancing and pretend that I was as good as him, his dancing was somewhat infectious... for a moment, I thought that I could actually dance as well as him. Fortunately for me, I saved myself the embarrassment and just sat there!!!
Now we have only had one lesson from Guru, and since then, he has been canceling out appointments at the last minute. Sadly I may have to give Guru the boot if he does not stick to the appointments...
If Guru actually shows up regularly, maybe I may pick up a few moves from him.... hmmmm!!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Bargains in Bangalore...
There are bargains to be had here in Bangalore...
A recent one that I had come across is the Tailor. I had taken 7 pairs of pants in to be adjusted. This would have cost me at least $50 back at home and that would have been with a lot of pleading with Mike my tailor from back at home to give me a good rate. Here in Bangalore, the total bill... 270rs.... which is a whopping $5!!! Ok, $5.50 to be more precise... How about that for a bargain!! And, I did not have to haggle the price down...
No keep in mind, not everything is a bargain here... once you start getting into the 'imported' items, the price sky-rockets!! Remember the $10 box of Honey Nut Cheerios....
I still love the fact that I can get all my weeks produce for under $10. $10 did not go very far at Nino's back at home!!
I will have to post some pictures of my weekend Fruit Market. Needless to say, it is a bit different than the Nino's experience!
A recent one that I had come across is the Tailor. I had taken 7 pairs of pants in to be adjusted. This would have cost me at least $50 back at home and that would have been with a lot of pleading with Mike my tailor from back at home to give me a good rate. Here in Bangalore, the total bill... 270rs.... which is a whopping $5!!! Ok, $5.50 to be more precise... How about that for a bargain!! And, I did not have to haggle the price down...
No keep in mind, not everything is a bargain here... once you start getting into the 'imported' items, the price sky-rockets!! Remember the $10 box of Honey Nut Cheerios....
I still love the fact that I can get all my weeks produce for under $10. $10 did not go very far at Nino's back at home!!
I will have to post some pictures of my weekend Fruit Market. Needless to say, it is a bit different than the Nino's experience!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Garbage...
Here is a post from Vim on.... GARBAGE!!!
For a city that boasts of IT hegemony in India, Bangalore has a dismal record of garbage management. The city generates about 3500 metric tonnes per day (MTD) or about 700 truck loads of MSW from house holds, markets, hotels and other commercial establishments.
Collection methods are interesting. There is no safety factor! There are no Garbage Trucks like what we have at home. There is no recycling at all by house holds, markets, hotels and other commercial establishments. Basically there is no system at all on how to recycle, the concept of it, how to pick it up and how to dispose of it. If garbage is not collected its just dumped on the side of the road were there is piles of other garbage. Then you get wild dogs, roaming cows, cats, rats and all come out for a feast! Also the poor beggars go through it to find some edible goods, if not stuff they can utilize for their make shift home. Remember, you get very young poor kids going through this just as in the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
To understand garbage collection, the pictures below sum it up. Mode of transportation is either a small semi truck or typically a Tractor & Trailer, a few guys rummaging through the ‘rubbish’, all manual labor, no proper safety equipment, i.e. shoes, vests or clothing – causal work environment. Then the garbage gets dumped at a local site, for it to be rummaged through by other locals looking for treasures.
The garbage men in the Ozone Bubble...
You could not pay me enough to take the job of sitting amongst all the garbage
Piles of garbage on the side of the road... a pretty typical sight
Another Garbage truck...
Here is a dog rummaging thru the garbage....
And now the 'garbage man' rummaging thru the garbage... EWWWW...
For a city that boasts of IT hegemony in India, Bangalore has a dismal record of garbage management. The city generates about 3500 metric tonnes per day (MTD) or about 700 truck loads of MSW from house holds, markets, hotels and other commercial establishments.
Collection methods are interesting. There is no safety factor! There are no Garbage Trucks like what we have at home. There is no recycling at all by house holds, markets, hotels and other commercial establishments. Basically there is no system at all on how to recycle, the concept of it, how to pick it up and how to dispose of it. If garbage is not collected its just dumped on the side of the road were there is piles of other garbage. Then you get wild dogs, roaming cows, cats, rats and all come out for a feast! Also the poor beggars go through it to find some edible goods, if not stuff they can utilize for their make shift home. Remember, you get very young poor kids going through this just as in the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
To understand garbage collection, the pictures below sum it up. Mode of transportation is either a small semi truck or typically a Tractor & Trailer, a few guys rummaging through the ‘rubbish’, all manual labor, no proper safety equipment, i.e. shoes, vests or clothing – causal work environment. Then the garbage gets dumped at a local site, for it to be rummaged through by other locals looking for treasures.
The garbage men in the Ozone Bubble...
You could not pay me enough to take the job of sitting amongst all the garbage
Piles of garbage on the side of the road... a pretty typical sight
Another Garbage truck...
Here is a dog rummaging thru the garbage....
And now the 'garbage man' rummaging thru the garbage... EWWWW...
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Food in Bangalore...........
I know that I have posted about this before, but it this topic is definitely blog-worthy!!
This weekend we went out as a family - just the 4 of us to Commercial Street. This is 'THE' shopping street in town. Now mind you, we all have been there before but usually for a quick run, but an entire day adventure with many things to accomplish... this was the outing for Saturday. The kids did really well as we jetted in and out of stores, dodging the cars, motor bike, and pedestrians.... But come 1pm, they were about to hit a wall.... lunch was in order. Now we have always been a little leery of trying the small dive-type places on the street for fear of Dehli-Belly! But Saturday, we were told of a place that was worth going to, so off we went. It was called Shiv Sagar. We loaded up... Cold Coffee with Ice Cream (yes, all of us!!), Behl Puri, Padpi Chat, Paneer Manchurian, and Chole Bhature... Sorry for the non-indian readers... this does not really tell you much, the rest of you, I am sure you mouth is watering by now!! We enjoyed the food, it was de-lish and we were stuffed!!! Guess how much it was.... 500rs... yes $10.
Sunday we celebrated Fathers Day and let Vim pick the place for lunch.... his choice... Hard Rock... It was the four of us, and another friend and his son (Kamal and Shyl). Pigged out once again... this time, more of a western fare... Spinach dip, burgers, chicken wings, chicken tenders... plus a few alcoholic drinks.... We enjoyed the food, it was de-lish and we were stuffed!!! The only difference being... we spent almost 10 times as much!! OK, granted... 2 more people and a few alcoholic beverages....
OH, just for those of you that have been reading (and paying attention), do you remember how long it took us to get to Hard Rock the last time we went (for Milan's B-day)? Yes, 1.5 hrs.... which was a Friday night.... On a Sunday afternoon, only 30 mins! Yep!
Needless to say... it was a 'good-eats' weekend.
This weekend we went out as a family - just the 4 of us to Commercial Street. This is 'THE' shopping street in town. Now mind you, we all have been there before but usually for a quick run, but an entire day adventure with many things to accomplish... this was the outing for Saturday. The kids did really well as we jetted in and out of stores, dodging the cars, motor bike, and pedestrians.... But come 1pm, they were about to hit a wall.... lunch was in order. Now we have always been a little leery of trying the small dive-type places on the street for fear of Dehli-Belly! But Saturday, we were told of a place that was worth going to, so off we went. It was called Shiv Sagar. We loaded up... Cold Coffee with Ice Cream (yes, all of us!!), Behl Puri, Padpi Chat, Paneer Manchurian, and Chole Bhature... Sorry for the non-indian readers... this does not really tell you much, the rest of you, I am sure you mouth is watering by now!! We enjoyed the food, it was de-lish and we were stuffed!!! Guess how much it was.... 500rs... yes $10.
Sunday we celebrated Fathers Day and let Vim pick the place for lunch.... his choice... Hard Rock... It was the four of us, and another friend and his son (Kamal and Shyl). Pigged out once again... this time, more of a western fare... Spinach dip, burgers, chicken wings, chicken tenders... plus a few alcoholic drinks.... We enjoyed the food, it was de-lish and we were stuffed!!! The only difference being... we spent almost 10 times as much!! OK, granted... 2 more people and a few alcoholic beverages....
OH, just for those of you that have been reading (and paying attention), do you remember how long it took us to get to Hard Rock the last time we went (for Milan's B-day)? Yes, 1.5 hrs.... which was a Friday night.... On a Sunday afternoon, only 30 mins! Yep!
Needless to say... it was a 'good-eats' weekend.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Jealous!
The kids are now out of school for the summer....
I called home today and Vim and the kids were in the pool!!!
UGGHHHH!
I totally got the short end of the stick!!
I want to be on summer vacation!!!
I called home today and Vim and the kids were in the pool!!!
UGGHHHH!
I totally got the short end of the stick!!
I want to be on summer vacation!!!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Another Book....
I forgot... There was another book that I have finished reading...
Eat, Pray, Love
So, that makes 5 completed and a 6th in progress... Not bad, eh?
Eat, Pray, Love
So, that makes 5 completed and a 6th in progress... Not bad, eh?
Reading and Writing...
Since being here in India I have noticed some changes in me... specific to reading and writing...
Let me expand....
Reading books for enjoyment was something that I never did. Well, I used to read (for enjoyment) a long, long time ago... Then I started reading a book recommended to me by some friends (circa 1994)... It was Fountainhead. I started it, and never finished. I think that I carried it around with me for over a year hoping that I would eventually finish it... but nope, never happened. And since then, I had not picked up a book and finished it.... There were times that friends talked about books and book clubs and I felt a slight interest but, not enough to follow thru...
That was until I came to India... Being here almost a year, I have now finished 4 books!! Yes!! 4 books!!! with a 5th in progress
1. A Thousand Splendid Suns
2. Many Lives, Many Masters
3. White Tiger
4. The Alchemist
5. Shantaram
I am pretty proud of myself. The current book it almost 1000 pages... so hopefully it does not take me on the fountainhead path again!! : )
And the writing... The blog, of course! I was never one who wrote in a diary or kept a journal. So this blog is moving me into uncharted territories.... It may not be the best writings... but hey, it is a start....
I am sure the more I read, the better I will get at writing... Wait, this is the same thing that I tell Mira and Milan!!
Bring on your book suggestions... I am on the reading bandwagon!!
Let me expand....
Reading books for enjoyment was something that I never did. Well, I used to read (for enjoyment) a long, long time ago... Then I started reading a book recommended to me by some friends (circa 1994)... It was Fountainhead. I started it, and never finished. I think that I carried it around with me for over a year hoping that I would eventually finish it... but nope, never happened. And since then, I had not picked up a book and finished it.... There were times that friends talked about books and book clubs and I felt a slight interest but, not enough to follow thru...
That was until I came to India... Being here almost a year, I have now finished 4 books!! Yes!! 4 books!!! with a 5th in progress
1. A Thousand Splendid Suns
2. Many Lives, Many Masters
3. White Tiger
4. The Alchemist
5. Shantaram
I am pretty proud of myself. The current book it almost 1000 pages... so hopefully it does not take me on the fountainhead path again!! : )
And the writing... The blog, of course! I was never one who wrote in a diary or kept a journal. So this blog is moving me into uncharted territories.... It may not be the best writings... but hey, it is a start....
I am sure the more I read, the better I will get at writing... Wait, this is the same thing that I tell Mira and Milan!!
Bring on your book suggestions... I am on the reading bandwagon!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Trip to Baroda and Bombay
I had a business trip to Baroda which is in Gujarat.
I travelled with my friend Charu (she also works at GM and she is from the US....).
We got there Sunday, somewhat early with grand plans to do lots of shopping.... But much to our disappointment, most of the stores are closed on Sunday!!! We did a little wandering around and bought a few things from the few stores that were open so it was not a complete waste... The best part, I was able to bust out my Gujarati and impress Charu!!! It was nice to be able to bargain and converse with the store owners... In Bangalore is it my fumbled, jumbled Hindi which is a clear give away that 'I am not from around here'.
I bought a few things for Mira.... Guess what... too small!! Thank goodness my friend Jignasha is going to Baroda in a few weeks so she will get a small assignment of exchanging them for me.
Monday was a full day at work (yes, this was a business trip after all!). I did not get home from the plant until 7:15. I quickly headed back out to do more shopping....
Tuesday, back to the plant for a few hours and then off to Bombay. I had a layover and decided to use the time to do some shopping in Bombay... why not, right????
Now mind you, I was on my own in Bombay b/c Charu headed back on Monday. I had my friend Hiran arrange for me to use her driver. So off I went. I have not been back to Bombay since 1996 when I went to do my wedding shopping. I had a great time. There is a great buzz in the city. I would have enjoyed having some company though... shopping in Bombay alone is not so fun.... As part of my adventure, I went to some of the stores where I did my wedding shopping. I went to a store called Friendship. I had bought almost all of my wedding saris and stuff from this store. I wanted to go back and buy something... much to my surprise this store that was once a small shop with reasonable prices has become this mega store with 3 floors... to go with it were prices that were jacked up!! I was tempted to buy something but it was overpriced, and they would not negotiate... so a little disappointed, I walked out... I think that this experience severed my friendship with Friendship!
Another trip to Bombay is definately needed.... I can really go crazy with the shopping here...
I travelled with my friend Charu (she also works at GM and she is from the US....).
We got there Sunday, somewhat early with grand plans to do lots of shopping.... But much to our disappointment, most of the stores are closed on Sunday!!! We did a little wandering around and bought a few things from the few stores that were open so it was not a complete waste... The best part, I was able to bust out my Gujarati and impress Charu!!! It was nice to be able to bargain and converse with the store owners... In Bangalore is it my fumbled, jumbled Hindi which is a clear give away that 'I am not from around here'.
I bought a few things for Mira.... Guess what... too small!! Thank goodness my friend Jignasha is going to Baroda in a few weeks so she will get a small assignment of exchanging them for me.
Monday was a full day at work (yes, this was a business trip after all!). I did not get home from the plant until 7:15. I quickly headed back out to do more shopping....
Tuesday, back to the plant for a few hours and then off to Bombay. I had a layover and decided to use the time to do some shopping in Bombay... why not, right????
Now mind you, I was on my own in Bombay b/c Charu headed back on Monday. I had my friend Hiran arrange for me to use her driver. So off I went. I have not been back to Bombay since 1996 when I went to do my wedding shopping. I had a great time. There is a great buzz in the city. I would have enjoyed having some company though... shopping in Bombay alone is not so fun.... As part of my adventure, I went to some of the stores where I did my wedding shopping. I went to a store called Friendship. I had bought almost all of my wedding saris and stuff from this store. I wanted to go back and buy something... much to my surprise this store that was once a small shop with reasonable prices has become this mega store with 3 floors... to go with it were prices that were jacked up!! I was tempted to buy something but it was overpriced, and they would not negotiate... so a little disappointed, I walked out... I think that this experience severed my friendship with Friendship!
Another trip to Bombay is definately needed.... I can really go crazy with the shopping here...
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Pics from Graduation....
Here are some pictures of the kids from the last day of school...
Mira and Milan....
And they are off to the bus stop....
Their Friends at the Bus Stop...
The Bus....
The Graduate...
Mira with her little brother...
Mira getting her award...
Mira's Class Picture...
Mira and Milan....
And they are off to the bus stop....
Their Friends at the Bus Stop...
The Bus....
The Graduate...
Mira with her little brother...
Mira getting her award...
Mira's Class Picture...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Time for Good-Byes.....
Wait... don't get the wrong idea... we are not saying good-bye to India or Bangalore....
With the school year coming to a close, it is a time to say good-bye to friends that we have met here in Bangalore, within Ozone (our bubble).
It started a few weeks back....
Milan's dear friend Shruti went home for the summer...
Harshal, Grisham, and Sajan left a few days back to go to Austin for the summer (this is the family that we are really close to). Sajan and Milan are best buds, Harshal and Vim have been referred to as having a 'bro-mance' - it is OK, Jig and I are OK with it!. Jig and I are pals, and well, that leaves Mira and Grisham, and currently they have a love-hate relationship. More hate then love, simply put, a power struggle....
Vish and his family going back to Atlanta....
Rajika and her family going back to Sri Lanka... Her daughter Kiara is a really good friend of Mira's (they hang out everyday, so Mira will miss her dearly)...
Sharan and his family moving back to Michigan....
Cynde and Pat and their family moving back to Syracuse...
This is just the tip of the iceberg.... I think that there are 40 families leaving the Ozone bubble this summer....
Some heading to Singapore, others to Australia, US, England, even South Africa... for GOOD... Others just heading out/home for the summer vacation....
Needless to say, things will be a bit quiet in the bubble this summer, but come fall, we will have a new batch of friends that will be coming in. And we can now be the veterans to show them the ropes.... I am sure with the economic times around the world, there will be a smaller influx of people into Bangalore....
We wish our friends that are leaving us a fond farewell (with many of them we will continue the friendship over the distance), and we welcome the new friends that we will meet throughout the summer.... This is all part of living in a VERY transient bubble.
With the school year coming to a close, it is a time to say good-bye to friends that we have met here in Bangalore, within Ozone (our bubble).
It started a few weeks back....
Milan's dear friend Shruti went home for the summer...
Harshal, Grisham, and Sajan left a few days back to go to Austin for the summer (this is the family that we are really close to). Sajan and Milan are best buds, Harshal and Vim have been referred to as having a 'bro-mance' - it is OK, Jig and I are OK with it!. Jig and I are pals, and well, that leaves Mira and Grisham, and currently they have a love-hate relationship. More hate then love, simply put, a power struggle....
Vish and his family going back to Atlanta....
Rajika and her family going back to Sri Lanka... Her daughter Kiara is a really good friend of Mira's (they hang out everyday, so Mira will miss her dearly)...
Sharan and his family moving back to Michigan....
Cynde and Pat and their family moving back to Syracuse...
This is just the tip of the iceberg.... I think that there are 40 families leaving the Ozone bubble this summer....
Some heading to Singapore, others to Australia, US, England, even South Africa... for GOOD... Others just heading out/home for the summer vacation....
Needless to say, things will be a bit quiet in the bubble this summer, but come fall, we will have a new batch of friends that will be coming in. And we can now be the veterans to show them the ropes.... I am sure with the economic times around the world, there will be a smaller influx of people into Bangalore....
We wish our friends that are leaving us a fond farewell (with many of them we will continue the friendship over the distance), and we welcome the new friends that we will meet throughout the summer.... This is all part of living in a VERY transient bubble.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Graduation
Today is a big day for the little guy!!
He is graduating from Kindergarten (it is actually called Prep 2 at his school).
He left home sporting a shirt and tie, and his hair all nicely styled with gel.
I will post pictures later today or tomorrow!
My baby is getting so big!! : (
He is graduating from Kindergarten (it is actually called Prep 2 at his school).
He left home sporting a shirt and tie, and his hair all nicely styled with gel.
I will post pictures later today or tomorrow!
My baby is getting so big!! : (
Monday, June 8, 2009
I DID IT!!!
Yep... I finally did it...
I succumbed to all the peer pressure and finally did it....
It seemed like I was the only one that was not doing it.... People in our India bubble were doing it, people back home were doing it... I was truly was the last one holding out....
What finally drove me to do it was when I found out that my cousin in my hometown village of Madhapur was doing it!! If he was doing it... there was no reason for me to not do IT!!
SO are you curious as to what IT is????
facebook!! I finally bit the bullet and signed up!
I succumbed to all the peer pressure and finally did it....
It seemed like I was the only one that was not doing it.... People in our India bubble were doing it, people back home were doing it... I was truly was the last one holding out....
What finally drove me to do it was when I found out that my cousin in my hometown village of Madhapur was doing it!! If he was doing it... there was no reason for me to not do IT!!
SO are you curious as to what IT is????
facebook!! I finally bit the bullet and signed up!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
11 Months....
Almost a year.... WOW!!
Having been here for 11 months, in one respect it feels like we just got here, and in another, it feels like forever.
Living in our 'bubble' of a lifestyle (I will write another post just about the 'bubble'), we are really sheltered from 'true-India' living. So when we do venture out it still causes amazement (or frustration). Actually I think that 3 out of the 4 of us are less-amazed... we have come to accept it for what it is.... but Vim (the 1 out of the 4) on the other hand just tends to really get wound up.
Here are some of the things he gets wound up about:
Driving... the lack of 'process' or just the sheer madness
Driving... the people on the motor cycles that just randomly cut in where ever they can
Driving... the cars on the road that overloaded with people, kids in front seats on laps, people in the back doubled up
Driving... the family of 4 or 5 all riding on one scooter
Out and about... the lack of 'process' or 'purpose' for the things that are done - this can be the random security checks that serve zero purpose, or the traffic cop on the corner that is doing nothing to control the traffic
Out and about... the people walking on the street because there are no sidewalks
The list can go on and on...
I suppose being a foreigner in their country, we have two choices... accept it, or think that we are going to change it... personally I will take the path of least resistance here... because personally, I don't think that I can change a country of over a billion people that are truly content functioning they way they are... Vim on the other hand will try to change them, and get frustrated because they simply do not want to change.
Having been here for 11 months, in one respect it feels like we just got here, and in another, it feels like forever.
Living in our 'bubble' of a lifestyle (I will write another post just about the 'bubble'), we are really sheltered from 'true-India' living. So when we do venture out it still causes amazement (or frustration). Actually I think that 3 out of the 4 of us are less-amazed... we have come to accept it for what it is.... but Vim (the 1 out of the 4) on the other hand just tends to really get wound up.
Here are some of the things he gets wound up about:
Driving... the lack of 'process' or just the sheer madness
Driving... the people on the motor cycles that just randomly cut in where ever they can
Driving... the cars on the road that overloaded with people, kids in front seats on laps, people in the back doubled up
Driving... the family of 4 or 5 all riding on one scooter
Out and about... the lack of 'process' or 'purpose' for the things that are done - this can be the random security checks that serve zero purpose, or the traffic cop on the corner that is doing nothing to control the traffic
Out and about... the people walking on the street because there are no sidewalks
The list can go on and on...
I suppose being a foreigner in their country, we have two choices... accept it, or think that we are going to change it... personally I will take the path of least resistance here... because personally, I don't think that I can change a country of over a billion people that are truly content functioning they way they are... Vim on the other hand will try to change them, and get frustrated because they simply do not want to change.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Monsoon Rains
Yes, the monsoon rains have started. Now before we get into the details, the general comments regarding the 'rains in Bangalore' is that they are 'well behaved'. Well Behaved? What does that mean?? Really? Well, now that we have been here almost a year, I can tell, I know exactly what that means..... Rains are typically of short duration, and they occur late afternoon/evening. Simply put, there are no complete wash-out days where it rains all day. So that being said, I suppose 'well-behaved' is a fitting term.
Now on to Monsoons... Yes, the monsoon rains have started. I happened to catch a bit of a news clip on BBC the other day that went into some detail on the Monsoons. Essentially the monsoon rains are a result of the land temperature increasing and the ocean temps being cooler. The differential in the temps causes a high pressure system (or maybe it is a low pressure system - some meteorological savvy person can clarify...) which then becomes the onset of the rains. The rains typically start at the south east portion of India and work their way westward. Once they pass thru India, they then 'retreat' so in the retreat pattern, we will get another wave of rains. This is typically in Sept/Oct.
So, do we mind the rains? No, since they are 'well behaved'. And more importantly, they really cool things off. The mornings after a nice rain are so cool and breezy and the air is so fresh!!
Now on to Monsoons... Yes, the monsoon rains have started. I happened to catch a bit of a news clip on BBC the other day that went into some detail on the Monsoons. Essentially the monsoon rains are a result of the land temperature increasing and the ocean temps being cooler. The differential in the temps causes a high pressure system (or maybe it is a low pressure system - some meteorological savvy person can clarify...) which then becomes the onset of the rains. The rains typically start at the south east portion of India and work their way westward. Once they pass thru India, they then 'retreat' so in the retreat pattern, we will get another wave of rains. This is typically in Sept/Oct.
So, do we mind the rains? No, since they are 'well behaved'. And more importantly, they really cool things off. The mornings after a nice rain are so cool and breezy and the air is so fresh!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Milan was under the weather.....
Milan was home sick for the past few days. This allowed for some father/son bonding....
Vim shares below some of the thoughts that they shared.......
The past two days Milan has been sick - High Temp & Sickness. In such a state one does get concerned, but the lighter side of this passing ill-time was his random discussions which are very enlightening.
Upon watching a scene from Tom and Jerry, where one of these characters was acting like a doctor, Milan re-iterated his desire to be a Doctor. He explained if he was a doctor he would never get ill. If he did he would know what medicine to take to get better. After some time, he stated "look at Tino mama and Hasmukh Dada - they never get ill - They fix ill people". How cute.
We watched more cartoons and I had to ask him why he wants to be a doctor. His explanation was simple. He wants 5 houses and a Zoom-Zoom car. He truly has a role model! He continued and mapped out Mira's future - "Mira will be a dentist like Umang kaka" and I need to buy a shop when we go back to Michigan like Nayan kaka, and sell lots of pixie stix and candy, and 'Mommy manager' will wear a GM ID Badge and run GM!
Vim shares below some of the thoughts that they shared.......
The past two days Milan has been sick - High Temp & Sickness. In such a state one does get concerned, but the lighter side of this passing ill-time was his random discussions which are very enlightening.
Upon watching a scene from Tom and Jerry, where one of these characters was acting like a doctor, Milan re-iterated his desire to be a Doctor. He explained if he was a doctor he would never get ill. If he did he would know what medicine to take to get better. After some time, he stated "look at Tino mama and Hasmukh Dada - they never get ill - They fix ill people". How cute.
We watched more cartoons and I had to ask him why he wants to be a doctor. His explanation was simple. He wants 5 houses and a Zoom-Zoom car. He truly has a role model! He continued and mapped out Mira's future - "Mira will be a dentist like Umang kaka" and I need to buy a shop when we go back to Michigan like Nayan kaka, and sell lots of pixie stix and candy, and 'Mommy manager' will wear a GM ID Badge and run GM!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Posting Frequency....
I realize that lately I have been slacking on my blog postings......
I don't think that there a real good reason.... I will chalk it up as pure laziness...
There have been many things to post about... Come on, this is India... There is always something to post about!!
I trust that you will keep me on the straight and narrow... if you see me slacking... Give me a hard time for it!!
I don't think that there a real good reason.... I will chalk it up as pure laziness...
There have been many things to post about... Come on, this is India... There is always something to post about!!
I trust that you will keep me on the straight and narrow... if you see me slacking... Give me a hard time for it!!
Deep Thoughts by Mira and Milan
Here is a post from Vim on some deep converstations that he had with Mira and Milan
11 months on and I find myself having discussion of higher level with Mira and Milan. Sometimes I want to switch off, but these are the opportunities one has to grasp, sit and listen to the kids.
India has made an impact. I'm happy these two will not be labeled 'ABCD'. (In short American Born Confused Desi - "Desi is short for Indian). If any of us were to pack up, lock stock and barrel, move to another country you would surely have a new 'take' not on oneself awareness and understanding but a true appreciation of what is out there in perspective to what you have normally thought to believe.
We are fortunate to return to India, hence M&M have deeper conversations on many levels for their age, from science, worldly issues, points of kindness to faith. Our discussions are such that M&M are able to discuss with us many parallels to what they have been exposed to from the USA. One subject that has come up has been on Birth, Death & Reincarnation, which Hindu's believe in afterlife.
These kids talk as if they knew each other before they were born. So here is the discussion with Mira and Milan I had a few days ago. "According to M&M, they were both in heaven, just sitting around, playing games and all. As they got both bored, Mira approached Milan and asked if he wanted to be friends. So a friendship started, but suddenly it was short lived as Mira states she fell out of the sky. Milan was sad, but shouted "I hope I see you soon". Mira's theory is that babies are perfectly placed in all mommies tummies after someone else leaves earth. 3 years later after Mira was born, her friend Milan was born. Mira realizes that she always wanted a sister, but she was reunited with her old heavenly friend Milan".
However, both do not want anyone friends or family to die, but understand that life comes to an end, some day just like flowers in the garden. So here is another explanation from Mira. Mira explained clearly her understanding of reincarnation without any help or discussions from Dev or I. Her reasoning was that a recent passing in the family allowed her to have another cousin brother named Kiren. The parallel connection to this topic and relating it real life experiences is amazing. Milan on the other hand talks about the life he came from, now this is Milan we are talking about but he comes up with great explanations to things when he is trying to explain his point. When in trouble or not, but he knows how to make one melt regardless. 'Kids you gotta Love em.'
11 months on and I find myself having discussion of higher level with Mira and Milan. Sometimes I want to switch off, but these are the opportunities one has to grasp, sit and listen to the kids.
India has made an impact. I'm happy these two will not be labeled 'ABCD'. (In short American Born Confused Desi - "Desi is short for Indian). If any of us were to pack up, lock stock and barrel, move to another country you would surely have a new 'take' not on oneself awareness and understanding but a true appreciation of what is out there in perspective to what you have normally thought to believe.
We are fortunate to return to India, hence M&M have deeper conversations on many levels for their age, from science, worldly issues, points of kindness to faith. Our discussions are such that M&M are able to discuss with us many parallels to what they have been exposed to from the USA. One subject that has come up has been on Birth, Death & Reincarnation, which Hindu's believe in afterlife.
These kids talk as if they knew each other before they were born. So here is the discussion with Mira and Milan I had a few days ago. "According to M&M, they were both in heaven, just sitting around, playing games and all. As they got both bored, Mira approached Milan and asked if he wanted to be friends. So a friendship started, but suddenly it was short lived as Mira states she fell out of the sky. Milan was sad, but shouted "I hope I see you soon". Mira's theory is that babies are perfectly placed in all mommies tummies after someone else leaves earth. 3 years later after Mira was born, her friend Milan was born. Mira realizes that she always wanted a sister, but she was reunited with her old heavenly friend Milan".
However, both do not want anyone friends or family to die, but understand that life comes to an end, some day just like flowers in the garden. So here is another explanation from Mira. Mira explained clearly her understanding of reincarnation without any help or discussions from Dev or I. Her reasoning was that a recent passing in the family allowed her to have another cousin brother named Kiren. The parallel connection to this topic and relating it real life experiences is amazing. Milan on the other hand talks about the life he came from, now this is Milan we are talking about but he comes up with great explanations to things when he is trying to explain his point. When in trouble or not, but he knows how to make one melt regardless. 'Kids you gotta Love em.'
June 1
For those of you that have been reading the news over the last few weeks fully know that June 1 is a pivotal day for GM. And I am sure that the thought has crossed your mind, 'what about the Patel's in Bangalore'....
Rest assured, we have not been asked to pack our bags....
We just had a meeting with all the other 'expats' that are here with the senior leadership and they assured us that it is 'business as usual'.
So that being said, I will keep my nose to the grindstone and keep plugging away. And making the most of everyday and all the experiences that come with each passing day.
Rest assured, we have not been asked to pack our bags....
We just had a meeting with all the other 'expats' that are here with the senior leadership and they assured us that it is 'business as usual'.
So that being said, I will keep my nose to the grindstone and keep plugging away. And making the most of everyday and all the experiences that come with each passing day.
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