...Is not one of my favourite pastimes. A few days after my arrival in India (which I shall discuss in a subsequent post) My brother and his motley crew of photojournalists convinced me to tag along with them to the wedding of one of their kith. I happened to be lugging about my camera, so I took some pictures of my splendidly-dressed brother and his equally resplendent wife.
Also accompanying me were the proud parents of a certain Gurmehar Singh Romana, who were more than happy to be finally able to go out and show off their baby.
Click here to see the pictures!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Live from Newark!
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, here I am, reporting to you, Live, On the spot from Liberty Newark International Airport, with the cosmopolitan skyline of New York obscured by the giant cranes loading containers off ships from the riverfront. Not the view I had hoped for....
Well, after all the deliberations regarding the excess baggage, I ended up with one very heavy, very cumbersome suitcase, and one which was just about under the maximum free baggage regulation. Fearing I'd have to pay through my nose to get the white elephant on board, I cautiosly approached the baggage counter, and explained my unique travel plan, that led me to buy two separate tickets for what could be accomplished with one, and the excess baggage. surprisingly, I was able to get my cargo tagged and automatically forwarded to Delhi, and ended up just paying $25 extra for the overweight suitcase. Now, let's hope that my precious belongings get there safe and sound...
The flight from Sarasota to Newark was somewhat faster than expected, as I landed in Newark a full 25 minutes before schedule. During the flight, I was feeling somewhat Gassy, rather like an LNG pipeline, as my intestines rumbled and roared within. So as soon as I got off the plane, I found a restroom and produced the longest fart ever to be rendered by my anus. I swear I could have got the aircraft from Sarasota to Newark just with that prodigious stream of plasma.
On emptying my innards, I proceeded to consume the following-
1. A bottle of sparkling Acqua Minerale
2. A glass of Clos-du-bois 2002 Merlot Red, which accompanied a-
3. A 10 - oz. Filet Mignon, done medium but a bit charred on the edges,
4. A plate of Mushrooms sauteed in butter.
5. A couple of hard bread rolls, with unsalted butter.
Total cost- An unreasonable $ 55.
That should keep me nicely settled for a while.
And here I am, It's about seven-thirty, sand they begin boarding in a half hour; finishing off what will be my last post from America. Which brings me to think about the very purpose of this blog. I hope it has been as enjoyable and informative for my audience, as it has been for me to write.
Thank you, Everybody.
The flight from Sarasota to Newark was somewhat faster than expected, as I landed in Newark a full 25 minutes before schedule. During the flight, I was feeling somewhat Gassy, rather like an LNG pipeline, as my intestines rumbled and roared within. So as soon as I got off the plane, I found a restroom and produced the longest fart ever to be rendered by my anus. I swear I could have got the aircraft from Sarasota to Newark just with that prodigious stream of plasma.
On emptying my innards, I proceeded to consume the following-
1. A bottle of sparkling Acqua Minerale
2. A glass of Clos-du-bois 2002 Merlot Red, which accompanied a-
3. A 10 - oz. Filet Mignon, done medium but a bit charred on the edges,
4. A plate of Mushrooms sauteed in butter.
5. A couple of hard bread rolls, with unsalted butter.
Total cost- An unreasonable $ 55.
That should keep me nicely settled for a while.
And here I am, It's about seven-thirty, sand they begin boarding in a half hour; finishing off what will be my last post from America. Which brings me to think about the very purpose of this blog. I hope it has been as enjoyable and informative for my audience, as it has been for me to write.
Thank you, Everybody.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
looking sexy while flying across the atlantic
With just 2 days to go, I am left with nothing to do. I have tried to re-pack and adjust things in my overweight cases for the sake of shaving off a few grams here or there, but it looks like I'll have to carry atleast one overweight suitcase, despite having to leave behind so many things. Worst of all, there is no way of accurately telling how much the luggage weighs, as our $5 weighing scale tends to be very optimistic, and there are no friendly neighbourhood flour mills where you could make use of their balance scales. Mom's clinic has a large floor-mounted weighing scale(that is fluent in metric) which may come to our rescue.
There is also this strange, fervent last-minute spending spree that is coming on, and despite me knowing that I have neither the money or the payload, I am beside myself with ideas of what else I'd like to buy.
Thanks to the hefty luggage, I have no choice but to use the garish red-and blue el-cheapo stroller luggage, already coming apart, and held together with Krazy Glue (not kidding) for my carry-on baggage. My smart and sexy black laptop bag will ride in the confines of my large suitcase in the belly of the plane. I have this thing about looking cool while travelling, It's as if I had to attend a high-power exec meeting as soon as I got off the bird. As It became clear that the mass of my cargo would be a lot more than fashionable, I knew that the idealised picture I had in my noggin, with me sitting comfortably in an airport lounge, sipping on a espresso, with my laptop flurrying across the WiFi; or on the plane, with a good view and a comely airhostess, was not to be. I had better be prepared for another agonizing 24 hours of travel, complete with loud jet engines(thank you, Boeing and GE) louder infants in mid-flight, sweaty, smelling uncles who like to cuddle, robotic airhostesses, and bad weather.
Piece of advice- Never, ever buy bargain-basement priced luggage, even if you travel once a year or less. I'd rather buy something decent and reliable rather than cheap and disposable, even for a single trip.
Friday, May 18, 2007
You know, stuff...
The Shopping is now complete. All I have to do is try and distribute the weight into 2 suitcases equally, so that I may avoid paying the $25 per piece overweight baggage penalty.
I have no space left.
The suitcases are full, both by weight, and by volume. And some of my stuff is still left outside. I am now faced with the difficult task of deciding what goes and what stays behind in America. My daily work clothes, that include all my chef coats and pants, tee-shirts, and stuffy work socks are not coming along anyway. The Anti-slip sole chef shoes I purchased for work are now quite grotty, fungus-infested and are otherwise coming apart. It makes no sense to take those along, right?
Some of my other tee-shirts are quite worn, so I may leave those too...let's see, what else?...A large and very heavy Lava-lamp, something a friend of mine is desperate to lay claim to, will have to stay put. So will the various computer-related paraphernalia that I have gathered over time. And then there are my toiletries, which are numerous, and all of which will stay behind as well. I do not see the idea behind carrying about halved bottles of conditioner and aftershave.
Still, it amazes me. the capacity of man to surround himself with material things. When I came here, all I had were my clothes, my books and little else. Everything neatly packed into two suitcases. Now, I am returning with the same number of cases, but I have had to leave so much behind, it feels so utterly wasteful. All the energy I've expended, all the money I've spent, all the things I've gathered, wasted. I tried so hard not to end up in this consumerist claptrap of buying anything I lay my eyes on, and to an extent, I succeeded. I resisted the urge to buy a pair of Ralph Lauren/CK/DKNY/Diesel jeans. I steered away from Home Depot as much as I could. I controlled the desire to buy a half-pound of a San Daniele ham at $70 a pound. I did not buy the very expensive vial of white truffle oil. I did not uncork a single bottle of wine. Most of all,
I still have not been lured to commit the ultimate act of self-indulgence, and buy an iPod. Still, I have ended up with so much...stuff.
The suitcases are full, both by weight, and by volume. And some of my stuff is still left outside. I am now faced with the difficult task of deciding what goes and what stays behind in America. My daily work clothes, that include all my chef coats and pants, tee-shirts, and stuffy work socks are not coming along anyway. The Anti-slip sole chef shoes I purchased for work are now quite grotty, fungus-infested and are otherwise coming apart. It makes no sense to take those along, right?
Some of my other tee-shirts are quite worn, so I may leave those too...let's see, what else?...A large and very heavy Lava-lamp, something a friend of mine is desperate to lay claim to, will have to stay put. So will the various computer-related paraphernalia that I have gathered over time. And then there are my toiletries, which are numerous, and all of which will stay behind as well. I do not see the idea behind carrying about halved bottles of conditioner and aftershave.
Still, it amazes me. the capacity of man to surround himself with material things. When I came here, all I had were my clothes, my books and little else. Everything neatly packed into two suitcases. Now, I am returning with the same number of cases, but I have had to leave so much behind, it feels so utterly wasteful. All the energy I've expended, all the money I've spent, all the things I've gathered, wasted. I tried so hard not to end up in this consumerist claptrap of buying anything I lay my eyes on, and to an extent, I succeeded. I resisted the urge to buy a pair of Ralph Lauren/CK/DKNY/Diesel jeans. I steered away from Home Depot as much as I could. I controlled the desire to buy a half-pound of a San Daniele ham at $70 a pound. I did not buy the very expensive vial of white truffle oil. I did not uncork a single bottle of wine. Most of all,
I still have not been lured to commit the ultimate act of self-indulgence, and buy an iPod. Still, I have ended up with so much...stuff.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Now accepting Questions-II
In my previous post, I described some of the questions that I had to face and give a suitable reply to in my last days at the Olive Garden. Some questions, such as the one regarding crime and punishment in India, were truly ridiculous, but maybe I forgot to imply the earnestness of my interrogators. Most of the queries fielded were asked with what could be interpreted as the utmost sincerity, and I did my best to reply to each question with due tact and accuracy.
I admire the courage of my former co-employees, for deciding to come out of their collective bubbles, and reaching out. One of them even remarked that he/she had not paid much attention in school, so did not know a lot about the rest of the world. I find that sort of sincerity and earnestness commendable. It takes real courage for a person to admit one's shortcomings and correct them.
What I find disappointing is the fact that my interaction with my former collegues was at its peak only at the very beginning and the very end of my employment. We had so many chances to sit and exchange ideas and share knowledge, but somehow, the Insulation tape that is found wound about the heads of many people came undone only at the peaks of my time there. I did not mind the questions, rather, I welcomed them; but my point is that this has demonstrated a tendency that seems to be part of the American psyche in general- That people will only be interested in anything other than their own only when it directly affects them. Very few people, who were otherwise intelligent and educated, showed any curiosity or a willingness to exchange ideas. Why, I ask, are people so content to bask in what they know, and shun what they do not, until it affects them in some way? To limit your worldview within the expanse of your nationality is ignoring the fact that the world we live in is changing fast, cultures are being exported, imported, and adopted, and if you cannot connect with others, you will weaken the health of your society from within.
In a way, this is my fault. My admittedly sporadic attempts to forge meaningful links were misread, misled and misinterpreted, because I could not trade in the same cultural currency that my peers did, which seems to be the dominant mode of social interaction. It was not possible for both me and the others to relate to each other, owing to our different materiel cultures that had but a few things in common. I had hoped to learn so much from people in my own age group, and people older than me, and help ourselves achieve a better understanding of these times, but this was just not to be. Instead, I had a sort of press conference both on my arrival and at my departure, with nothing more than soundbytes flowing in one direction.
What a shame. My ears and eyes, always alert, beheld so much. But for me, it is nothing more than hearsay, data collected at random, presenting crude, unprocessed shapes and colours instead of a coherent picture. If only we could share, I would be able to say with conviction that I lived and connected with the heartbeat of a nation other than my own. but by far, all I have to show for my time here are these words, those opinions I have presented before, and a faint glimmer of hope that my views are flawed, something that I have yet to prove to myself with substantial evidence. I have learnt nothing, and have given nothing.
No journey is complete until you understand your destination.
I admire the courage of my former co-employees, for deciding to come out of their collective bubbles, and reaching out. One of them even remarked that he/she had not paid much attention in school, so did not know a lot about the rest of the world. I find that sort of sincerity and earnestness commendable. It takes real courage for a person to admit one's shortcomings and correct them.
What I find disappointing is the fact that my interaction with my former collegues was at its peak only at the very beginning and the very end of my employment. We had so many chances to sit and exchange ideas and share knowledge, but somehow, the Insulation tape that is found wound about the heads of many people came undone only at the peaks of my time there. I did not mind the questions, rather, I welcomed them; but my point is that this has demonstrated a tendency that seems to be part of the American psyche in general- That people will only be interested in anything other than their own only when it directly affects them. Very few people, who were otherwise intelligent and educated, showed any curiosity or a willingness to exchange ideas. Why, I ask, are people so content to bask in what they know, and shun what they do not, until it affects them in some way? To limit your worldview within the expanse of your nationality is ignoring the fact that the world we live in is changing fast, cultures are being exported, imported, and adopted, and if you cannot connect with others, you will weaken the health of your society from within.
In a way, this is my fault. My admittedly sporadic attempts to forge meaningful links were misread, misled and misinterpreted, because I could not trade in the same cultural currency that my peers did, which seems to be the dominant mode of social interaction. It was not possible for both me and the others to relate to each other, owing to our different materiel cultures that had but a few things in common. I had hoped to learn so much from people in my own age group, and people older than me, and help ourselves achieve a better understanding of these times, but this was just not to be. Instead, I had a sort of press conference both on my arrival and at my departure, with nothing more than soundbytes flowing in one direction.
What a shame. My ears and eyes, always alert, beheld so much. But for me, it is nothing more than hearsay, data collected at random, presenting crude, unprocessed shapes and colours instead of a coherent picture. If only we could share, I would be able to say with conviction that I lived and connected with the heartbeat of a nation other than my own. but by far, all I have to show for my time here are these words, those opinions I have presented before, and a faint glimmer of hope that my views are flawed, something that I have yet to prove to myself with substantial evidence. I have learnt nothing, and have given nothing.
No journey is complete until you understand your destination.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Now accepting questions...
I just came back from what will be my last 'proper' day at work, another not-so-gruelling day on the line, and a quick hosing-down of the kitchen, to end the day. I will be working on Sunday, when it is Mother's Day in the USA, but my job on that day will be mainly supplementary, as the entire kitchen staff will be present, sweating it out on the line.
Most Of the Restaurant knew I was leaving, but as I made it clear that Sunday will be my last day, I noticed a rather strange shift in the temperament of those around me. People who had not exchanged a complete sentence with me over the past four months came over to ask why I was leaving. People who I did converse with on a regular basis, fielded questions, ranging from personal to just stupid. Some of them are reproduced below, with as much fidelity as permitted by memory.
Q: Why are you going back? Do you hate white people?
A: Er, No, Not particularly.
Q:How far is India?/How long does it take to get there?
A: well, to put it simply, it is halfway across the planet/About seventeen hours by the shortest flight.
Q: Is India a rich or poor country?
A: Define 'rich' or 'poor', but in general, yes, it is what could be called 'poor'
Q: Is India Clean or Dirty?
A: Well, It is rather dirty in places, but pristine in a few.
Q: Are there roads in India?
A: Yes, in most places, but not as wide and smooth as they are here. Plus, we drive on the left.
Q: You drive?
A: Er, Yes. Cars and Motorcycles are pretty commonplace.
Q: Are you really from Pakistan/Afghanistan/Iran/Iraq?
A: . . . . . . . . . . . . . No.
Q: Do they cut off your hands if you steal something in India?
A: Well, they break each of your fingers according to the value of what you may have stolen. (A pause. Sarcasm is exposed by my laughter) no, we do not. We have an Independent Judiciary, based on the British system of Law.
Q: What language do they speak in India?
A: There are twenty-two official languages, plus hundreds of local dialects spoken across the country. Depends on what state you're in.
Q: You Middle-Easterners sure speak a lot of languages, don't you?
A: Um, India is not located in the part of the world known as the Middle east. India is in South Asia.
Q:(Surprise Question!) Were you affected by the Tsunami?
A: Yes, Our Islands were terribly hit, as well as the eastern coast. I used to live quite deep inland.
Q: Does everybody have 3 wives?
A: Not that I know of. It's technically legal for certain sections of society, but nobody really marries 3 wives.
Q: Are you married/Do you have children?
A: HELL NO!!
Q: Will we ever see you again?
A: Never.
Most Of the Restaurant knew I was leaving, but as I made it clear that Sunday will be my last day, I noticed a rather strange shift in the temperament of those around me. People who had not exchanged a complete sentence with me over the past four months came over to ask why I was leaving. People who I did converse with on a regular basis, fielded questions, ranging from personal to just stupid. Some of them are reproduced below, with as much fidelity as permitted by memory.
Q: Why are you going back? Do you hate white people?
A: Er, No, Not particularly.
Q:How far is India?/How long does it take to get there?
A: well, to put it simply, it is halfway across the planet/About seventeen hours by the shortest flight.
Q: Is India a rich or poor country?
A: Define 'rich' or 'poor', but in general, yes, it is what could be called 'poor'
Q: Is India Clean or Dirty?
A: Well, It is rather dirty in places, but pristine in a few.
Q: Are there roads in India?
A: Yes, in most places, but not as wide and smooth as they are here. Plus, we drive on the left.
Q: You drive?
A: Er, Yes. Cars and Motorcycles are pretty commonplace.
Q: Are you really from Pakistan/Afghanistan/Iran/Iraq?
A: . . . . . . . . . . . . . No.
Q: Do they cut off your hands if you steal something in India?
A: Well, they break each of your fingers according to the value of what you may have stolen. (A pause. Sarcasm is exposed by my laughter) no, we do not. We have an Independent Judiciary, based on the British system of Law.
Q: What language do they speak in India?
A: There are twenty-two official languages, plus hundreds of local dialects spoken across the country. Depends on what state you're in.
Q: You Middle-Easterners sure speak a lot of languages, don't you?
A: Um, India is not located in the part of the world known as the Middle east. India is in South Asia.
Q:(Surprise Question!) Were you affected by the Tsunami?
A: Yes, Our Islands were terribly hit, as well as the eastern coast. I used to live quite deep inland.
Q: Does everybody have 3 wives?
A: Not that I know of. It's technically legal for certain sections of society, but nobody really marries 3 wives.
Q: Are you married/Do you have children?
A: HELL NO!!
Q: Will we ever see you again?
A: Never.
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