On my first evening in Bangalore, I was picked up at the hotel by 3 of the Project Managers that I work with here to go out to dinner. First off it is very strange to have a working relationship with someone merely over the phone and email. But what is stranger still is when you finally meet them in person. Of course no one was as I expected, and I'm pretty sure that I was much different than they expected as well.
We went to a restaurant called Ebony. It was in the top of a hotel downtown; we got to eat out on a balcony in the pleasant night breeze, with an amazing view. There was only one other comparably tall building around, so you could see the city stretching out as far as you could imagine in every direction. The food was fantastic, we had a platter of tandoor-cooked fish, fish cakes, chicken and prawns. Pretty much nothing but meat!
These guys were great; again I am impressed with how friendly and open everyone is. They really wanted to get to know 'me' as a person, which I had not expected so much on a business trip during the crunch of our project. It was great to contrast the people, work culture and how the project has progressed from both the Seattle and Bangalore side.
One conversation in particular stuck in my head: 2 of my colleagues stepped out for a cigarette. While they were gone I was talking to the third about his family. He showed me wallet pictures of his beatiful son, daughter and wife, and shared some anecdotes. Apparently his wife is Hindu, but he is Christian. I asked him, how are you raising your children? I've certainly seen more minor religious differences cause great strain on relationships before! However his answer was refreshing. He said the kids were raised with both religions, and that ultimately it was their choice. He also described how in each home here, traditionally there is a special room set aside for the family members to pray. He said in his house "everyone is in there" meaning, Jesus, Ganesha, Moses, Shiva, Buddha. The entire family goes to both the Hindu temple and the Christian church. What a common sense approach! I am starting to see that in this Ď‹ber-multi cultural society that is India, they have learned a few things about living together and living well that we could stand to learn from in the US.
Back in Seattle, both Laura and I have a prediliction for keeping lots of inspiring knick-knacks everywhere around the house. I have several Buddha statues, small animal carvings, even strange things like tiny guitars and musical instruments on display, small fountains, paintings, etc. Laura goes as far as to arrange small altars, with different themes. I'm sure many folks would just think we live in way too much clutter, but I believe there is a method to our madness... While we are not strictly religious, I feel a deep sense of spirituality and realized that while we do not have a room dedicated to it, we have made our entire home a place of prayer and contemplation. Tempered with our deidication to comfort and a light-hearted sense of humor, I see that this is why I feel so much at home there, and why many people that have come to visit us reflect that it really feels 'homey' and makes them comfortable there.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Bangalore - Day Zero
I finally made it... our plane got delayed getting out of London, so I was running an hour and a half late... then it took forever to get through customs, and just figure my shit out. but I'm here and settled in to the hotel. Some random thoughts (I have not slept much since Wednesday so may be pretty rambling!) -- driving from the airport into town reminded me of driving through Naches, Washington (outside of Yakima) except more podunk if you can believe it.
The main highway is just a few "lanes" (if you can call it that) with random shit on the side of the road with dirt parking lots or driveways... everything from folks sitting there with huge piles of fruit, a bunch of guys sitting around what looked like a campfire, to occasionally what looks like a gated community or development, intermingled with 4-5 story office buildings... but mostly its weird little roadside stands, or tiny one room cottages, many looking like just piled up stones, or just a wood or stone frame with tyvek covering it. Also ever so often there is what looks like a small temple... ornately carved and rising above the other little buildings.
the drive here was definitely nervewracking... first off, this driving on the left side of the road is going to take some getting used to. I honestly thought we were about to get into head-on collisions with everyone, and taking a right turn seems so unnatural. I'm sure glad I'm not driving. On the plane I was watching a BBC show where this British commedian was touring India and talking about what it was like. He mentioned that statistically speaking, Indian roads are the most dangerous in the world. and I believe it... lets see, "lanes" are more like a suggestion than a rule. roads here are not a consistent width, so at one point you may be driving 5 abreast, then suddenly take a turn and it goes down to where only a single car or bus can fit through. there are pedenstians walking down the highway, sometimes in the middle of the road. there are guys on motorcycles that would squeeze in between us and huge busses or trucks ("lorries" I am told) with inches to spare. Also, these guys carry more stuff on a motorcycle or bicycle than most average Americans carry in their car. I saw motorcycles stacked 6-7 ft high with bags and bundles of stuff tied all over it. Everyone moves at top speed the entire time, so it just feels like hurtling through a Hollywood car chase or something.
And did I mention the honking... my driver honked constantly every time he even came near another vehicle. I'm sitting in my hotel room looking down on what looks like a 2 lane road and there is a constant cacophony of horns (and some of them are pretty creative horns too, a-whoo-ga!) One of the first things I noticed driving into the city was the haze of pollution everywhere. and all along the road I could see folks with big campfires, boiling pots, cooking or just hanging around them. apparently they just built a new airport (which was very nice BTW) outside of the city because the old airport was stuck in so much smog that the planes were having trouble landing. When I got to the hotel, there were 6 front desk guys all trying to help me at once. I didn't know who to address or even look at. It was overwhelming. Then after I freshened up a bit I went down and grabbed some breakfast. I was the only hotel guest in the restaurant for the breakfast buffet, and I had 4 guys waiting on me. for a buffet. frankly, they all literally just stood around my table and each of them in turn would take away individual plates, cups or utensils as a finished using each. eigh, this will REALLY take some getting used to. At least one of the guys was into making small talk, frankly it was just plain uncomfortable. Also, the buffet had some really crazy breakfast food. Over the next few weeks I will try everything, one at a time. but today I was really happy that he offered to make me an omelette, and there were these really good cilantro potatoes, and awesome fresh pineapple and watermelon. But at this point I am mainly thinking... I have eaten my first meal in India. so far, no stomach issues, so that is good ;^) And surprisingly, they brewed a tasty cup of coffee! Its 10 am here, and I'm trying to stay awake but I just feel wrecked, so I think I am going to try to take a nap for a few hours then maybe I will be brave enough to try to walk down the street. that may well be the most dangerous thing I do here.
the best thing about it so far is that people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. this will definitely be a real adventure!
 |
| Bangalore |
The main highway is just a few "lanes" (if you can call it that) with random shit on the side of the road with dirt parking lots or driveways... everything from folks sitting there with huge piles of fruit, a bunch of guys sitting around what looked like a campfire, to occasionally what looks like a gated community or development, intermingled with 4-5 story office buildings... but mostly its weird little roadside stands, or tiny one room cottages, many looking like just piled up stones, or just a wood or stone frame with tyvek covering it. Also ever so often there is what looks like a small temple... ornately carved and rising above the other little buildings.
the drive here was definitely nervewracking... first off, this driving on the left side of the road is going to take some getting used to. I honestly thought we were about to get into head-on collisions with everyone, and taking a right turn seems so unnatural. I'm sure glad I'm not driving. On the plane I was watching a BBC show where this British commedian was touring India and talking about what it was like. He mentioned that statistically speaking, Indian roads are the most dangerous in the world. and I believe it... lets see, "lanes" are more like a suggestion than a rule. roads here are not a consistent width, so at one point you may be driving 5 abreast, then suddenly take a turn and it goes down to where only a single car or bus can fit through. there are pedenstians walking down the highway, sometimes in the middle of the road. there are guys on motorcycles that would squeeze in between us and huge busses or trucks ("lorries" I am told) with inches to spare. Also, these guys carry more stuff on a motorcycle or bicycle than most average Americans carry in their car. I saw motorcycles stacked 6-7 ft high with bags and bundles of stuff tied all over it. Everyone moves at top speed the entire time, so it just feels like hurtling through a Hollywood car chase or something.
And did I mention the honking... my driver honked constantly every time he even came near another vehicle. I'm sitting in my hotel room looking down on what looks like a 2 lane road and there is a constant cacophony of horns (and some of them are pretty creative horns too, a-whoo-ga!) One of the first things I noticed driving into the city was the haze of pollution everywhere. and all along the road I could see folks with big campfires, boiling pots, cooking or just hanging around them. apparently they just built a new airport (which was very nice BTW) outside of the city because the old airport was stuck in so much smog that the planes were having trouble landing. When I got to the hotel, there were 6 front desk guys all trying to help me at once. I didn't know who to address or even look at. It was overwhelming. Then after I freshened up a bit I went down and grabbed some breakfast. I was the only hotel guest in the restaurant for the breakfast buffet, and I had 4 guys waiting on me. for a buffet. frankly, they all literally just stood around my table and each of them in turn would take away individual plates, cups or utensils as a finished using each. eigh, this will REALLY take some getting used to. At least one of the guys was into making small talk, frankly it was just plain uncomfortable. Also, the buffet had some really crazy breakfast food. Over the next few weeks I will try everything, one at a time. but today I was really happy that he offered to make me an omelette, and there were these really good cilantro potatoes, and awesome fresh pineapple and watermelon. But at this point I am mainly thinking... I have eaten my first meal in India. so far, no stomach issues, so that is good ;^) And surprisingly, they brewed a tasty cup of coffee! Its 10 am here, and I'm trying to stay awake but I just feel wrecked, so I think I am going to try to take a nap for a few hours then maybe I will be brave enough to try to walk down the street. that may well be the most dangerous thing I do here.
the best thing about it so far is that people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. this will definitely be a real adventure!
Polio, Typhoid and Malaria, o my!
Shots: so many shots I needed before my trip. Though I suppose if this is the most unpleasant part of the whole experience, its maybe not so bad. The nurse at the travel clinic did a good job of scaring me shitless though (probably worse for my honey, she is so worried about this trip!)
Hep A + B, tetanus, polio, Measles, typhoid, oh my!
I felt pretty awful for 3-4 days following all these innoculations. but I suppose the cure is better than the disease. however 1 lasting side effect that has been a real pain in the ass is what the doctor diagnosed as "benign positional vertigo." When I tilt my head any direction, for example getting up out of bed, up from a reclining chair, or just shaking my head around too much, the world starts to spin. I've actually fallen over a few times. this is going to be fun.
Hep A + B, tetanus, polio, Measles, typhoid, oh my!
I felt pretty awful for 3-4 days following all these innoculations. but I suppose the cure is better than the disease. however 1 lasting side effect that has been a real pain in the ass is what the doctor diagnosed as "benign positional vertigo." When I tilt my head any direction, for example getting up out of bed, up from a reclining chair, or just shaking my head around too much, the world starts to spin. I've actually fallen over a few times. this is going to be fun.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Getting Ready...
This morning I am going to the UW Travel Clinic to get my shots for my trip to Bangalore. eigh... this makes it pretty real. It's still sinking in, probably won't hit me until I'm on the plane halfway around the world...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
