A friend, worried about my safety here, sent me a personal alarm. “Small, light, nice iPod colour, it was branded too, with a name of an organization synonymous with safety”, so my friend told me, “though it is small, it makes a big sound.” The alarm came in the mail today, nicely packaged in a bubble envelope. I brought it home, eager to test it out in my room which I discovered has quite a sound proof door.
There was a warning in bold on the packaging that says, "High frequency siren may cause ear damage at close proximity". The device looked very simple, there was no on/off switch or buttons that I need to press, only an activation pin with an attached chord. Putting the device as far away as my arms can extend, I braced myself for a loud and sharp sound, and pulled the attached chord.
Silence.
I placed the device closer to my ear and there was a ticking sound. Thinking that there could be some time lag before activation, I waited for a while.
Silence.
I plugged the pin in and pull it out again. This time there was no ticking sound. I tried a couple more times.
Silence.
Oops.. My friend will be fuming mad over this. Having gone through all the efforts to get the device and going to the shop twice to ensure that it was working properly before sending it over to me, now this little device had decided to go all quiet.
Perhaps it could not withstand the long journey, perhaps I should open it up an take a look at the inside, perhaps I could fix it?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Leftovers
Options for breakfast were dosa and bread toast. After a week of bread toast as the other guest couple will not have any other food for breakfast, I was happy to have dosa for a change. I missed Ranjit’s thin and crispy dosa along with freshly prepared coconut chutney…
Thick, wet and oily, the dosa was a disappointment. It was served with potato curry heated up in the microwave oven, which looked exactly like what I had for Sunday’s dinner! I asked for coconut chutney which never came. Eventually, I switched to bread toast after having one serving of the dosa.
The day was as unfruitful as my breakfast.
All day was spent performing analyses of the compound which I had synthesized on the HPLC instrument. Many peaks shown up on the spectra when only one peak was expected. That spelled bad news. The compound could have decomposed.
The other reaction that I carried out also did not give any positive results. More modifications to the reaction conditions and trials would be required.
Had an expensive bus ride home, as I found out, the red air-conditioned buses would cost me Rs10.00 for a trip back home from the institute!
I would next discover, in the freezer compartment, were cut fruits leftover from morning’s breakfast by the other guests…
Thick, wet and oily, the dosa was a disappointment. It was served with potato curry heated up in the microwave oven, which looked exactly like what I had for Sunday’s dinner! I asked for coconut chutney which never came. Eventually, I switched to bread toast after having one serving of the dosa.
The day was as unfruitful as my breakfast.
All day was spent performing analyses of the compound which I had synthesized on the HPLC instrument. Many peaks shown up on the spectra when only one peak was expected. That spelled bad news. The compound could have decomposed.
The other reaction that I carried out also did not give any positive results. More modifications to the reaction conditions and trials would be required.
Had an expensive bus ride home, as I found out, the red air-conditioned buses would cost me Rs10.00 for a trip back home from the institute!
I would next discover, in the freezer compartment, were cut fruits leftover from morning’s breakfast by the other guests…
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Crackers
Once again, I was woken up by the sound of crackers which is into it’s third day for the Diwali celebrations. Folks were already setting them off at 6.00am and it continued all day long. In fact, I’m not sure if they stopped at all, ‘cos it was still going on when I went to bed the previous night!
So accustomed to not being able to set off crackers back home, it was the professor who reminded me that I could and should try it while I am here! We went to his place after work, where we set off “flower pots”, “rockets”, “spinning wheels” and the usual red crackers.
I did not have enough of the crackers. On my way home, I stopped by the festive bazaar across the road and bought some more crackers. They were not expensive at all. For Rs450, I got a box of sparklers, a packet of rockets and another type of crackers. This, as the stall owner told me, will shoot 60 meters into the sky before it bursts into beautiful patterns of glitters. Yes, fireworks!
Unable to contain my excitement any longer, I happily ran back home where I showed Paramjeet my “shopping”. For the first time, I saw him smile. He promptly switched off the television, took a box of matches and off to the rooftop we went.
Skillfully and effortlessly, he set up the cracker, lighted a match and passed me the fiery red sparkler. The rockets let off a massive trail of fire as they zoomed into the sky and bursting into a little green light that lingers in the air before they quietly disappear. We saved the best for the last.
Cylindrical in shape, these power-packed crackers looked innocently harmless. Heart beating faster, I lighted the fuse near the bottom of the cracker and quickly ran aside. Following a loud bang, the sky lighted up in shimmering green and yellow showers that fades into the night as they gently falls… I stood and looked in awe of the beautiful fireworks, my very first…
We lighted the remaining sparklers and Paramjeet set off the second and last cracker. We stayed on the rooftop for a while more to enjoy the display of fireworks coming in all directions from other households.
I have also learnt that one should not stand in between the cracker and the wall after lighting it, unless you want to have remains of gunpower all over you…
So accustomed to not being able to set off crackers back home, it was the professor who reminded me that I could and should try it while I am here! We went to his place after work, where we set off “flower pots”, “rockets”, “spinning wheels” and the usual red crackers.
I did not have enough of the crackers. On my way home, I stopped by the festive bazaar across the road and bought some more crackers. They were not expensive at all. For Rs450, I got a box of sparklers, a packet of rockets and another type of crackers. This, as the stall owner told me, will shoot 60 meters into the sky before it bursts into beautiful patterns of glitters. Yes, fireworks!
Unable to contain my excitement any longer, I happily ran back home where I showed Paramjeet my “shopping”. For the first time, I saw him smile. He promptly switched off the television, took a box of matches and off to the rooftop we went.
Skillfully and effortlessly, he set up the cracker, lighted a match and passed me the fiery red sparkler. The rockets let off a massive trail of fire as they zoomed into the sky and bursting into a little green light that lingers in the air before they quietly disappear. We saved the best for the last.
Cylindrical in shape, these power-packed crackers looked innocently harmless. Heart beating faster, I lighted the fuse near the bottom of the cracker and quickly ran aside. Following a loud bang, the sky lighted up in shimmering green and yellow showers that fades into the night as they gently falls… I stood and looked in awe of the beautiful fireworks, my very first…
We lighted the remaining sparklers and Paramjeet set off the second and last cracker. We stayed on the rooftop for a while more to enjoy the display of fireworks coming in all directions from other households.
I have also learnt that one should not stand in between the cracker and the wall after lighting it, unless you want to have remains of gunpower all over you…
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Rhythmica
The morning was peaceful after a night’s of explosions. Smell of crackers still lingers in the air which had started to turn a little chilly. Cleaners sweeping away scattered bits of paper which once contained gunpowder. Not yet settled was the dust, reflecting shimmering rays of the rising sun, giving a misty and drowsy feel to the quiet dawn.
The kitchen was unusually still. The TV for once was not switched on. Other than empty tea cups and glasses lying around on the table, there were no signs of activity that indicate breakfast. Paranjeet was nowhere to be seen. In the fridge was some butter and a loaf of bread. Breakfast today was Milo and toast.
There was a string of special events in the institute in conjunction with Diwali celebrations. First, Monday’s dinner in the mess was served over candle lights. Then there was Rhythmica, followed by DJ Night this evening in the sports hall. In between, there was even a short cracker show at the field beside.
Rhythmica showcased a selection of popular Hindi and Kanada songs and classics, movie soundtracks, and traditional, as well as rock music pieces, along with live band accompaniment. It was a display of the students’ vocals and musical talents, an evening of delightful melodies and a highly charged crowd.
Gave DJ Night a miss and left shortly after the cracker show as it was getting late. It was to be another half an hour before the bus came.
Standing in the shadows of the night, the cool air refreshed the senses. Sounds of crackers drowned the noisy traffic while fireworks lighted up the smoky sky. Somehow, such long waits for the light blue and white buses had been very reflective or inspirational…
“炮竹烟火连连，夜空光辉阵阵，晚风冰凉轻轻…”
The kitchen was unusually still. The TV for once was not switched on. Other than empty tea cups and glasses lying around on the table, there were no signs of activity that indicate breakfast. Paranjeet was nowhere to be seen. In the fridge was some butter and a loaf of bread. Breakfast today was Milo and toast.
There was a string of special events in the institute in conjunction with Diwali celebrations. First, Monday’s dinner in the mess was served over candle lights. Then there was Rhythmica, followed by DJ Night this evening in the sports hall. In between, there was even a short cracker show at the field beside.
Rhythmica showcased a selection of popular Hindi and Kanada songs and classics, movie soundtracks, and traditional, as well as rock music pieces, along with live band accompaniment. It was a display of the students’ vocals and musical talents, an evening of delightful melodies and a highly charged crowd.
Gave DJ Night a miss and left shortly after the cracker show as it was getting late. It was to be another half an hour before the bus came.
Standing in the shadows of the night, the cool air refreshed the senses. Sounds of crackers drowned the noisy traffic while fireworks lighted up the smoky sky. Somehow, such long waits for the light blue and white buses had been very reflective or inspirational…
“炮竹烟火连连，夜空光辉阵阵，晚风冰凉轻轻…”
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Mansukh & Sarla
An elderly couple of Indian origin, born in Africa and residing in Canada, checked into the service apartment last evening. He is Mansukh and she is Sarla, the “handsome and beautiful couple from Vancouver” as they would described themselves. A chatty and funny couple, they were here to attend a wedding in another state and dropped by Bangalore for a week to visit a friend.
I met them when I came back from my morning run. Over breakfast, they asked me a whole lot of questions, like how much are my room charges and whether breakfast comes with the room, where the nearest Citibank ATM is, how to go to MG Road and transportation costs, etc. I shared with them whatever local knowledge I know and gave them an overview of their location and the places they wanted to go.
Naturally, I became their tour guide for today. There’s a Citibank one bus-stop down from our place so we took a leisurely stroll there as they wanted to withdraw some cash. Next, we stopped by the textile shop to get some dress materials, followed by a trip to FabIndia, the new outlet on New BEL Road, where Sarla and I both bought a kurta. From there we adjourned, as they had to be back by 12.30pm for their friend was going to bring them out for lunch.
My original plans for this Sunday were to check out the new FabIndia outlet and spend the afternoon at Barista. I brought them back to service apartment and I set off again. To Barista, since we had been to FabIndia earlier.
Barista, an Italian coffee joint, lies along the road where I pass by everyday to and fro work. In an alfresco seating of white plastic tables with blue chairs under big orange umbrellas in a garden, I sat down to enjoy my lunch of chicken masala wrap and a cup of cappuccino, with the accompaniment of my book, and the sound of traffic in the background, of course…
Mansukh and Sarla came back from their outing in the evening and knocked on my door. It turned out that Paramjeet was not around and they couldn’t get into their room. I knew where the keys were kept, so I opened the door for them. They jokingly said that I could work part-time at the service apartment! They invited me into their room where we chatted a little more. They shared with me bits and pieces of their life stories and even asked me to visit them in Vancouver when I get the chance.
A lovely and loving couple…
Glossary:
Kurta – A traditional top that can be worn with jeans.
FabIndia – A retail chain selling traditional and modern ethnic wear, organic products and household items.
Paramjeet – Ranjit’s replacement
I met them when I came back from my morning run. Over breakfast, they asked me a whole lot of questions, like how much are my room charges and whether breakfast comes with the room, where the nearest Citibank ATM is, how to go to MG Road and transportation costs, etc. I shared with them whatever local knowledge I know and gave them an overview of their location and the places they wanted to go.
Naturally, I became their tour guide for today. There’s a Citibank one bus-stop down from our place so we took a leisurely stroll there as they wanted to withdraw some cash. Next, we stopped by the textile shop to get some dress materials, followed by a trip to FabIndia, the new outlet on New BEL Road, where Sarla and I both bought a kurta. From there we adjourned, as they had to be back by 12.30pm for their friend was going to bring them out for lunch.
My original plans for this Sunday were to check out the new FabIndia outlet and spend the afternoon at Barista. I brought them back to service apartment and I set off again. To Barista, since we had been to FabIndia earlier.
Barista, an Italian coffee joint, lies along the road where I pass by everyday to and fro work. In an alfresco seating of white plastic tables with blue chairs under big orange umbrellas in a garden, I sat down to enjoy my lunch of chicken masala wrap and a cup of cappuccino, with the accompaniment of my book, and the sound of traffic in the background, of course…
Mansukh and Sarla came back from their outing in the evening and knocked on my door. It turned out that Paramjeet was not around and they couldn’t get into their room. I knew where the keys were kept, so I opened the door for them. They jokingly said that I could work part-time at the service apartment! They invited me into their room where we chatted a little more. They shared with me bits and pieces of their life stories and even asked me to visit them in Vancouver when I get the chance.
A lovely and loving couple…
Glossary:
Kurta – A traditional top that can be worn with jeans.
FabIndia – A retail chain selling traditional and modern ethnic wear, organic products and household items.
Paramjeet – Ranjit’s replacement
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Karavalli
Breakfast was another disappointment. It was so unsatisfying that I had a second round at tea board when I reached the institute. First of all, I don’t really like upama, not for breakfast at least. Secondly, it was heated up in the microwave oven, had little ingredients in it and very spicy. Thirdly, I asked for fruits and all I got was “Naheeng. Khatam.” meaning “No. Finished.”
Alagiri wanted to do some shopping so we went to Commercial Street where he got a shirt and two pants. After that, we went over to MG Road to check out the book stores. I wanted to get a Hindi phrase book. There were a couple of Hindi self-taught books, conversational Hindi books, but I could not find the phrasebook I wanted. Oh well, another time then.
Since we were in the area, we hopped over to this restaurant called Karavalli on Residency Road, which was recommended by one of the guide books. Karavalli serves South Indian cuisine and seafood is supposed to be their specialty. It’s a little pricy, the damage was about Rs900 per person, but worth every cent.
Alagiri let me decide on what to order. From the menu, I chose a spicy chilli Goan chicken for starters, all-time Karavalli favourite fish curry and Karavalli’s special pomfret on banana leaf for main courses, and rice to go with it. Spicy tomato and tumeric soup was complementary and came in a small glass set in a copper holder. The crispy rice crackers appetizer was so tasty, we finished the whole basket of it!
Nice cosy little place in a garden setting, wooden furniture, straw placemats with copper cutlery and food is served on banana leaves by waiters dressed in traditional dresses. This Tamil Nadu friend of mine was so impressed by the authenticity of the food, the way it’s served and the whole dining experience, he couldn't stop singing its praises. He said it feels like home.
After a lousy dinner and breakfast, this is a nice treat for myself as well.
Glossary:
Upama – A fried rice-like dish of semolina (Hindi: sugee), diced carrots, long beans and green chilli.
Alagiri wanted to do some shopping so we went to Commercial Street where he got a shirt and two pants. After that, we went over to MG Road to check out the book stores. I wanted to get a Hindi phrase book. There were a couple of Hindi self-taught books, conversational Hindi books, but I could not find the phrasebook I wanted. Oh well, another time then.
Since we were in the area, we hopped over to this restaurant called Karavalli on Residency Road, which was recommended by one of the guide books. Karavalli serves South Indian cuisine and seafood is supposed to be their specialty. It’s a little pricy, the damage was about Rs900 per person, but worth every cent.
Alagiri let me decide on what to order. From the menu, I chose a spicy chilli Goan chicken for starters, all-time Karavalli favourite fish curry and Karavalli’s special pomfret on banana leaf for main courses, and rice to go with it. Spicy tomato and tumeric soup was complementary and came in a small glass set in a copper holder. The crispy rice crackers appetizer was so tasty, we finished the whole basket of it!
Nice cosy little place in a garden setting, wooden furniture, straw placemats with copper cutlery and food is served on banana leaves by waiters dressed in traditional dresses. This Tamil Nadu friend of mine was so impressed by the authenticity of the food, the way it’s served and the whole dining experience, he couldn't stop singing its praises. He said it feels like home.
After a lousy dinner and breakfast, this is a nice treat for myself as well.
Glossary:
Upama – A fried rice-like dish of semolina (Hindi: sugee), diced carrots, long beans and green chilli.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Unfinished Dinner
For the first time, I did not manage to finish my dinner. Dinner was so terrible, I couldn’t even eat half of it. Unfortunately, I will still need to pay Rs150 for tonight’s meal.
Shortly following a beeping sound from the microwave oven, one plate, on which was 2 pieces of roti and 3 tiffins was placed before me. The roti was so dry it tasted like hardened flour. The dal was cold while the capsicum and beans mix was severely overcooked and soaking in oil. Only the last tiffin containing stir-fry potato was palatable. No pappa, no salad, no curd.
The way dinner was served and the moment I tasted the food, I felt like I had just came from the queue in ‘A’ mess!
Perhaps I had got used to Ranjit’s cooking, the spread he always had for me and the way he presented the food. He will serve the food on a tray. 4 tiffins with a spoon each, one for dal, two for vegetables and one for curd. On my plate, he will place a piece of roti which he kept warm in a pot. On a smaller plate, he will place a piece of pappa. Salad comes nicely decorated in layers of cucumber, carrots and tomatoes on another plate. A glass of water will be by the side.
He will introduce each of the dishes to me, tell me what goes into each dish. He will ask if the food is tasty and whether I like the food and check periodically if I need more of any items.
I’ll give this new guy another chance. Otherwise, it’s time to try out the restaurants on New BEL Road.
Shortly following a beeping sound from the microwave oven, one plate, on which was 2 pieces of roti and 3 tiffins was placed before me. The roti was so dry it tasted like hardened flour. The dal was cold while the capsicum and beans mix was severely overcooked and soaking in oil. Only the last tiffin containing stir-fry potato was palatable. No pappa, no salad, no curd.
The way dinner was served and the moment I tasted the food, I felt like I had just came from the queue in ‘A’ mess!
Perhaps I had got used to Ranjit’s cooking, the spread he always had for me and the way he presented the food. He will serve the food on a tray. 4 tiffins with a spoon each, one for dal, two for vegetables and one for curd. On my plate, he will place a piece of roti which he kept warm in a pot. On a smaller plate, he will place a piece of pappa. Salad comes nicely decorated in layers of cucumber, carrots and tomatoes on another plate. A glass of water will be by the side.
He will introduce each of the dishes to me, tell me what goes into each dish. He will ask if the food is tasty and whether I like the food and check periodically if I need more of any items.
I’ll give this new guy another chance. Otherwise, it’s time to try out the restaurants on New BEL Road.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Diwali Homegoing
The Hindu Diwali (Deepavali) festival will begin on Tuesday, 28-Oct-08. Traditions vary by region, but most Hindus will observe the multi-day festival from 26-Oct-08 to 30-Oct-08. Many banks, businesses, and government offices will close during this time and Diwali is also a peak travel period as many people will go back to their hometown to celebrate the festival with their family.
One of my friends had already gone home last Sunday. Many other folks in the lab are leaving over the weekend. My little Indian butler will be going home tomorrow too. He has been counting down to this day since last week.
He reassured me that he had instructed his stand-in not to disturb me unnecessarily, to make sure I have curd and salad in addition to the dishes for dinner, and to fill up my water bottle for me in the morning and at night. He had told the new guy that I prefer roti to rice, have my tea black and my food less sweet. He had also reminded him to bring in my clothes when they are dry and where to send my laundry for washing.
He told me, it’s only for 3 weeks and I’ll be fine.
One of my friends had already gone home last Sunday. Many other folks in the lab are leaving over the weekend. My little Indian butler will be going home tomorrow too. He has been counting down to this day since last week.
He reassured me that he had instructed his stand-in not to disturb me unnecessarily, to make sure I have curd and salad in addition to the dishes for dinner, and to fill up my water bottle for me in the morning and at night. He had told the new guy that I prefer roti to rice, have my tea black and my food less sweet. He had also reminded him to bring in my clothes when they are dry and where to send my laundry for washing.
He told me, it’s only for 3 weeks and I’ll be fine.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Reminders
Got a scolding from my little Indian butler tonight.
I went to Malleshwaram after work today to get some stuffs and it took longer than I had expected. As a result, I came back late. Ranjit was waiting at the door for me, asked why haven’t I called and whether I had my dinner. After my shower, I told him I’m not having dinner as it’s too late. My stomach will not be able to digest a full Indian dinner at 10.30pm!
I asked for some fruits and made myself a cup of Milo. The next thing I knew, he was lecturing me for skipping dinner, that it’s not good for health and I should not focus on my work so much that I miss my meals... The words and vision of my mum transcended through this 20 years old lad. I got a little more nagging from him and after that, he went and brought me some crackers and Indian sweets.
Two more days before he leaves for home. For the past week, he has been reminding me not to come back after 10.00pm and to lock my door whenever I’m in my room. He had just added another reminder – I am to have my dinner everyday.
I went to Malleshwaram after work today to get some stuffs and it took longer than I had expected. As a result, I came back late. Ranjit was waiting at the door for me, asked why haven’t I called and whether I had my dinner. After my shower, I told him I’m not having dinner as it’s too late. My stomach will not be able to digest a full Indian dinner at 10.30pm!
I asked for some fruits and made myself a cup of Milo. The next thing I knew, he was lecturing me for skipping dinner, that it’s not good for health and I should not focus on my work so much that I miss my meals... The words and vision of my mum transcended through this 20 years old lad. I got a little more nagging from him and after that, he went and brought me some crackers and Indian sweets.
Two more days before he leaves for home. For the past week, he has been reminding me not to come back after 10.00pm and to lock my door whenever I’m in my room. He had just added another reminder – I am to have my dinner everyday.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Gobi Manchurian
My little Indian butler had wanted to prepare Gobi Manchurian for me on Sunday. However, he had to train up the new guy who is going to cover him when he is on home leave and on top of that, the service apartment is full house this week starting Monday and he had to prepare the rooms for the guests arrival the next day. He was so busy that he didn’t even have time to chat with me.
He finally made it for me today! :)
He finally made it for me today! :)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Modes of Transport
Run
A slow run is a good way of exploring a new neighbourhood. I finally ventured out after my second week here. The roads within an area are named by Main and Cross. The mains usually run parallel to the major roads while the crosses runs between the mains. At one of the main road, I reached a T-junction. Knowing that the left will lead back to the major road, I decided to take the right.
As I run along, the scenery changes from posh bungalows to apartments to shophouses. I followed the road and soon it will lead me to shops on both sides of the road which buses ply. A stranger in a foreign land, running in the early hours of the morning, on a major road. I must have been a weird sighting.
45 minutes later, I turned out onto a major road. I was sure I did not pass this way in the morning, yet somehow the shops looked kind of familiar. Should I take left or right? Time is running out as I had to go to the railway station after that. A voice shouted out to me, “Silly girl, this is the road home!” Where I was is 2 bus stops from where I usually alight. That’s why the shops looked familiar!
A GPS will be useful in tracking my location. Here, that is done by looking at the signboards of the shops which will usually have the road name and area name, and correlating them to the street directory when I get home later. Rajagopalan Road, Sanjay Nagar. That’s the neighbourhood where I had looped my run.
Rail
My first exploration to the Bangalore City Southwestern Railway Station. My friend’s first home trip after two years in the institute. Though his professor approved his leave for only 15 days, he is as happy as can be.
He had booked his ticket via the internet, but he needed to confirm his reservation. I waited in line for him as he went around trying to sort out his ticket. 15 minutes left to the train’s scheduled departure time, he came back with his confirmed seat number.
Quickly, we lugged his heavy bag containing gifts for his family into the station. Many people were traveling, mostly going home for the Diwali festival. The platforms were packed with people. There is a bridge that linked all the platforms. There were small numerical electronic signboards at the exit to each platform, but they were not showing any numbers at all. I asked him how he knew which platform to go to and he told me the train number will tell.
We reached the train and I found the train number, 6352. One must have really good eyesight ‘cos these are 1-inch big letters in yellow painted on side of the blue trains. Pasted at the entrance to the carriage is the name list of all passengers with their seat numbers.
The carriage is painted a light blue with small windows that looked out directly to the outside as there were no window panes, only horizontal window grills in the same light blue and red for the emergency window. Paintwork were chipping off, showing the reddish rusty metal underneath. Inside the carriage, each section is ventilated by 3 electric fans.
Train seats are classified into different class: seats, sleepers and air-conditioned. The sleepers have seats which can be converted into beds for sleeping. Each sleeper section will accommodate one Sleeper 2 and two Sleeper 3. Sleeper 2 are set parallel to the train and sleeps two people, one on top and one below. Sleeper 3 are set perpendicular to the train facing Sleeper 2, sleeps 3 people on each side, 6 in each section. These have lower headroom as compared to Sleeper 2. The beds when laid flat are about 1.5m long by 0.5m wide.
Non-passengers need to purchase a platform ticket to move freely on the platform and in the train. The ticket cost Rs3.00 and is valid for 2 hours. I did not have the chance to check out the seats and a/c sections as the train had started moving. There were no announcements or any whistle blown. We had to jump off the train!
Bus
At the entrance and in the main lobby of the KSRTC Bus Station, there is a huge map of Bangalore with all the bus routes serving the city. All major road names, locations of all the bus stops and the respective names of each bus stop are clearly marked on the map. I was pretty impressed.
Many people stood before the map. So did I. After studying the map for a long while, I realized something is missing. It doesn’t tell the bus numbers traveling on a particular route. So there I was, knowing all the bus stops on all the roads, but unable to figure out which bus to take to go to a certain place.
The information panels at the platforms were more informative. They have the bus numbers, destination and the major area the bus will go through. However, a consolidated panel with these information is not available and there are more than 20 platforms at the bus station itself. If my friend had not told me to go to Platform 23 for buses that go to Tata Institute, how long will I take before I finally get to the correct platform?
Subway
The sign above reads “Subway”. Below it, a dark flight of steps leads underground. Out of curiosity, I asked my friends if there is also a subway at the bus station. They told me that there is a lot of traffic in the bus station, so people use the subway. I had a sudden realization. The subway is actually an underpass!
Then there is also the other type of “Subway” located mostly at the petrol kiosks and ironically, aboveground. The sandwich type.
Autos
There’s always something new with autos.
Previously, I learnt that autos will not take you if the destination is too near. Then I found out that the meter runs twice as fast after 10.30pm. Today, I learnt that they will not take you as well if the destination is too far…
A slow run is a good way of exploring a new neighbourhood. I finally ventured out after my second week here. The roads within an area are named by Main and Cross. The mains usually run parallel to the major roads while the crosses runs between the mains. At one of the main road, I reached a T-junction. Knowing that the left will lead back to the major road, I decided to take the right.
As I run along, the scenery changes from posh bungalows to apartments to shophouses. I followed the road and soon it will lead me to shops on both sides of the road which buses ply. A stranger in a foreign land, running in the early hours of the morning, on a major road. I must have been a weird sighting.
45 minutes later, I turned out onto a major road. I was sure I did not pass this way in the morning, yet somehow the shops looked kind of familiar. Should I take left or right? Time is running out as I had to go to the railway station after that. A voice shouted out to me, “Silly girl, this is the road home!” Where I was is 2 bus stops from where I usually alight. That’s why the shops looked familiar!
A GPS will be useful in tracking my location. Here, that is done by looking at the signboards of the shops which will usually have the road name and area name, and correlating them to the street directory when I get home later. Rajagopalan Road, Sanjay Nagar. That’s the neighbourhood where I had looped my run.
Rail
My first exploration to the Bangalore City Southwestern Railway Station. My friend’s first home trip after two years in the institute. Though his professor approved his leave for only 15 days, he is as happy as can be.
He had booked his ticket via the internet, but he needed to confirm his reservation. I waited in line for him as he went around trying to sort out his ticket. 15 minutes left to the train’s scheduled departure time, he came back with his confirmed seat number.
Quickly, we lugged his heavy bag containing gifts for his family into the station. Many people were traveling, mostly going home for the Diwali festival. The platforms were packed with people. There is a bridge that linked all the platforms. There were small numerical electronic signboards at the exit to each platform, but they were not showing any numbers at all. I asked him how he knew which platform to go to and he told me the train number will tell.
We reached the train and I found the train number, 6352. One must have really good eyesight ‘cos these are 1-inch big letters in yellow painted on side of the blue trains. Pasted at the entrance to the carriage is the name list of all passengers with their seat numbers.
The carriage is painted a light blue with small windows that looked out directly to the outside as there were no window panes, only horizontal window grills in the same light blue and red for the emergency window. Paintwork were chipping off, showing the reddish rusty metal underneath. Inside the carriage, each section is ventilated by 3 electric fans.
Train seats are classified into different class: seats, sleepers and air-conditioned. The sleepers have seats which can be converted into beds for sleeping. Each sleeper section will accommodate one Sleeper 2 and two Sleeper 3. Sleeper 2 are set parallel to the train and sleeps two people, one on top and one below. Sleeper 3 are set perpendicular to the train facing Sleeper 2, sleeps 3 people on each side, 6 in each section. These have lower headroom as compared to Sleeper 2. The beds when laid flat are about 1.5m long by 0.5m wide.
Non-passengers need to purchase a platform ticket to move freely on the platform and in the train. The ticket cost Rs3.00 and is valid for 2 hours. I did not have the chance to check out the seats and a/c sections as the train had started moving. There were no announcements or any whistle blown. We had to jump off the train!
Bus
At the entrance and in the main lobby of the KSRTC Bus Station, there is a huge map of Bangalore with all the bus routes serving the city. All major road names, locations of all the bus stops and the respective names of each bus stop are clearly marked on the map. I was pretty impressed.
Many people stood before the map. So did I. After studying the map for a long while, I realized something is missing. It doesn’t tell the bus numbers traveling on a particular route. So there I was, knowing all the bus stops on all the roads, but unable to figure out which bus to take to go to a certain place.
The information panels at the platforms were more informative. They have the bus numbers, destination and the major area the bus will go through. However, a consolidated panel with these information is not available and there are more than 20 platforms at the bus station itself. If my friend had not told me to go to Platform 23 for buses that go to Tata Institute, how long will I take before I finally get to the correct platform?
Subway
The sign above reads “Subway”. Below it, a dark flight of steps leads underground. Out of curiosity, I asked my friends if there is also a subway at the bus station. They told me that there is a lot of traffic in the bus station, so people use the subway. I had a sudden realization. The subway is actually an underpass!
Then there is also the other type of “Subway” located mostly at the petrol kiosks and ironically, aboveground. The sandwich type.
Autos
There’s always something new with autos.
Previously, I learnt that autos will not take you if the destination is too near. Then I found out that the meter runs twice as fast after 10.30pm. Today, I learnt that they will not take you as well if the destination is too far…
Friday, October 17, 2008
Polymerization
Discovered that the compound I synthesized last week had polymerized. This compound has a retention factor of 0.5 when developed on a silica gel thin layer chromatography plate in a 10% methanol in chloroform solvent system. This meant that it should readily dissolve in chloroform or methanol. However, all solvents, organic and inorganic, from non-polar hexane to dichloromethane, chloroform and highly polar methanol and water, could not dissolve it at all.
This is no good news. First, there were as much as 300mg of the compound as I had scaled up this reaction. Second, the starting material is limited and takes a long time to synthesize. Third, this will delay work in MBU for coupling the compound to the proteins as I will had to synthesize more of the compound and make sure that it stays intact.
Sometimes, we are very much like the compound that has polymerized. After going through the years in life, weathered by blazing suns and stormy rains, we simply polymerize. After some time, nothing will hurt us anymore as we get immune to the ups and downs in life.
As always, there's two sides to everything. A polymerized compound is good to be made into things like plates and utensils, where you need it strong and tough to be functional. (Imagine eating your plastic plates and utensils together with your food...)
On the other hand, a polymer is also less miscible and flexible. It is harder to induce a reaction from a polymerized compound and you cant use it to catalyze other reactions. Also, it will usually decompose before it reaches its boiling point.
One should be strong enough to withstand the highs and lows in life. However, to live life fully, we should not allow ourselves to polymerize...
This is no good news. First, there were as much as 300mg of the compound as I had scaled up this reaction. Second, the starting material is limited and takes a long time to synthesize. Third, this will delay work in MBU for coupling the compound to the proteins as I will had to synthesize more of the compound and make sure that it stays intact.
Sometimes, we are very much like the compound that has polymerized. After going through the years in life, weathered by blazing suns and stormy rains, we simply polymerize. After some time, nothing will hurt us anymore as we get immune to the ups and downs in life.
As always, there's two sides to everything. A polymerized compound is good to be made into things like plates and utensils, where you need it strong and tough to be functional. (Imagine eating your plastic plates and utensils together with your food...)
On the other hand, a polymer is also less miscible and flexible. It is harder to induce a reaction from a polymerized compound and you cant use it to catalyze other reactions. Also, it will usually decompose before it reaches its boiling point.
One should be strong enough to withstand the highs and lows in life. However, to live life fully, we should not allow ourselves to polymerize...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Butter Fingers
Broke a test tube and a separating funnel today. Broke a Buchner funnel and a test tube yesterday. Washed a magnetic stirring bar down the sink the day before. Last week, I broke the glass syringe plunger while washing it.
Felt really bad as already the resources here were very limited and now with the list of things I broke, we were left with even fewer things to work with.
Working here has however, taught me that things can still be done and life will still go on, even when things deemed necessary are not available and assets are scarce. There’s always another way of doing things, improvisation is the keyword and one is able to find joy in simplicity.
Felt really bad as already the resources here were very limited and now with the list of things I broke, we were left with even fewer things to work with.
Working here has however, taught me that things can still be done and life will still go on, even when things deemed necessary are not available and assets are scarce. There’s always another way of doing things, improvisation is the keyword and one is able to find joy in simplicity.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Proactiveness
Rainy day. The sky opened up in the late evening and it started to drizzle again as I was leaving MBU for home. Along the way out, I decided to take out my umbrella. It was a correct decision as the rain only got heavier.
Before I came, BIG BOSS told me I must be more proactive and take initiative when I’m in India, else I’ll be left behind. Somehow, the rain and the 30 minutes wait at the bus stop gave me time to ponder and I was reminded of what he said to me.
2 different people came over and asked if they could take shelter under my umbrella while waiting for the bus. Back at home, I have not encountered any stranger asking to share an umbrella with me before, more probably so because I’m the one not having the brolly most of the time, though I did harbour such thoughts before when I’m stuck at the traffic lights in the rain. Generally, our folks will not take such initiatives.
3 buses came and were packed with people. They did not stop despite people running after them and banging on the sides of the bus. Another bus that was almost full stopped eventually and everyone dashed for it. I too kept my umbrella and headed for the bus. However, the bus filled up very quickly and started to move off before everyone could get on. Those remaining somehow either managed to squeeze themselves in or latch onto some parts of the bus.
I could not match the proactiveness of the locals. Suddenly, the golden words came into mind. Indeed, I was left behind…
Before I came, BIG BOSS told me I must be more proactive and take initiative when I’m in India, else I’ll be left behind. Somehow, the rain and the 30 minutes wait at the bus stop gave me time to ponder and I was reminded of what he said to me.
2 different people came over and asked if they could take shelter under my umbrella while waiting for the bus. Back at home, I have not encountered any stranger asking to share an umbrella with me before, more probably so because I’m the one not having the brolly most of the time, though I did harbour such thoughts before when I’m stuck at the traffic lights in the rain. Generally, our folks will not take such initiatives.
3 buses came and were packed with people. They did not stop despite people running after them and banging on the sides of the bus. Another bus that was almost full stopped eventually and everyone dashed for it. I too kept my umbrella and headed for the bus. However, the bus filled up very quickly and started to move off before everyone could get on. Those remaining somehow either managed to squeeze themselves in or latch onto some parts of the bus.
I could not match the proactiveness of the locals. Suddenly, the golden words came into mind. Indeed, I was left behind…
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Cultural Exchange – Part 3
Most cultural exchanges so far have taken place over food.
It was only during lunch and dinner at the recent Liquid Crystals Conference that I get to bridge the gaps with the chemistry folks, whom I have faced the most resistance in the laboratory.
Majority of this group are from the state of Tamil Nadu. As we stand in the queue for the buffet, they were pleasantly surprised when I greeted them in Tamil. They were intrigued by my interest in learning their language when I asked them for the translations in English some Tamil phrases I commonly hear in their conversations. From them, I picked up some more phrases to expand my Tamil vocabulary.
The rest of the group come from the other states, but they all spoke Hindi. They too were very earnest in teaching me Hindi when they realized that I have been learning and have acquired a little bit of their national language.
That seemed to break the ice. They started talking to me and asking things about myself. I also feel more comfortable sharing and getting to know more about them. I find them to be more friendly and approachable in the laboratory too!
It was only during lunch and dinner at the recent Liquid Crystals Conference that I get to bridge the gaps with the chemistry folks, whom I have faced the most resistance in the laboratory.
Majority of this group are from the state of Tamil Nadu. As we stand in the queue for the buffet, they were pleasantly surprised when I greeted them in Tamil. They were intrigued by my interest in learning their language when I asked them for the translations in English some Tamil phrases I commonly hear in their conversations. From them, I picked up some more phrases to expand my Tamil vocabulary.
The rest of the group come from the other states, but they all spoke Hindi. They too were very earnest in teaching me Hindi when they realized that I have been learning and have acquired a little bit of their national language.
That seemed to break the ice. They started talking to me and asking things about myself. I also feel more comfortable sharing and getting to know more about them. I find them to be more friendly and approachable in the laboratory too!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Ranjit
Ranjit is the caretaker cum chef of the service apartment where I’m currently staying. A young little fellow from Orissa, who speaks mainly Hindi and a smattering of English, he takes care of the needs of the staying guests and also helps to run errands for the apartment owner.
On my second day here, I commented about low hot water pressure in the shower and mosquitoes keeping me awake at night. The same evening, he had fixed the shower and replaced the mosquitoes repellant oil burner in my room. He went about the house armed with an electric mozzie-buster, after which he told me, “No more mosquitoes, Madam”. He brought my laundry to the rooftop for airing when he found that they were not yet dry. I got a pleasant surprise when I found them ironed and folded neatly in my cupboard the next day!
I like the Indian food he prepares, especially the masala dosai and idly with coconut chutney at breakfast and for dinner, it’s a new menu everyday with a different type of roti to go with it. I have been having full Indian dinners every night since I moved in here. He also asked me to teach him how to make Chinese food. So this morning we went marketing and we made clear vegetable soup, stir-fry cabbage with mushrooms, omelette roll and pan fried tofu with rice for dinner. He said he like the food we prepared.
Sometimes he joins me for dinner, we would chat and he would teach me some Hindi phrases. I found out that he can read and understand English quite well, only that he is not as fluent and his vocabulary is limited. Nevertheless, his command of English is definitely better than my proficiency in Hindi!
Observant and attentive to details, he remembers I like my tea without milk, I like fruits and vegetables, I drink a lot of water and I do not like sweet stuffs. He will prepare a pitcher of water for me in the room at night and in the morning, an apple will be there and my water bottle will be filled for me to bring to work.
When I leave for work, he will ask me what time I’ll be home, whether I’ll be back for dinner, and remind me not to come back late as it is not safe plus the autos will give me problems. He will call me to make sure I’m alright when I have not returned by 9pm and whenever I had to work late, he will wait for me along the main road.
I had to OT again on Saturday and good thing that he was there to help me settle the auto driver who tried to overcharge me once again. On reaching home, he presented me with a big smile together with a poster he drew himself. On it was written “Ms Tan Kee Leng Welcome” in Indian motifs and design.
After a month on my own, it’s really nice to have someone to come home to, someone to fuss over me, and last but not least, a delicious home-cooked dinner awaiting. Ranjit reminds me of home. I miss my family, including my mum’s nagging…
On my second day here, I commented about low hot water pressure in the shower and mosquitoes keeping me awake at night. The same evening, he had fixed the shower and replaced the mosquitoes repellant oil burner in my room. He went about the house armed with an electric mozzie-buster, after which he told me, “No more mosquitoes, Madam”. He brought my laundry to the rooftop for airing when he found that they were not yet dry. I got a pleasant surprise when I found them ironed and folded neatly in my cupboard the next day!
I like the Indian food he prepares, especially the masala dosai and idly with coconut chutney at breakfast and for dinner, it’s a new menu everyday with a different type of roti to go with it. I have been having full Indian dinners every night since I moved in here. He also asked me to teach him how to make Chinese food. So this morning we went marketing and we made clear vegetable soup, stir-fry cabbage with mushrooms, omelette roll and pan fried tofu with rice for dinner. He said he like the food we prepared.
Sometimes he joins me for dinner, we would chat and he would teach me some Hindi phrases. I found out that he can read and understand English quite well, only that he is not as fluent and his vocabulary is limited. Nevertheless, his command of English is definitely better than my proficiency in Hindi!
Observant and attentive to details, he remembers I like my tea without milk, I like fruits and vegetables, I drink a lot of water and I do not like sweet stuffs. He will prepare a pitcher of water for me in the room at night and in the morning, an apple will be there and my water bottle will be filled for me to bring to work.
When I leave for work, he will ask me what time I’ll be home, whether I’ll be back for dinner, and remind me not to come back late as it is not safe plus the autos will give me problems. He will call me to make sure I’m alright when I have not returned by 9pm and whenever I had to work late, he will wait for me along the main road.
I had to OT again on Saturday and good thing that he was there to help me settle the auto driver who tried to overcharge me once again. On reaching home, he presented me with a big smile together with a poster he drew himself. On it was written “Ms Tan Kee Leng Welcome” in Indian motifs and design.
After a month on my own, it’s really nice to have someone to come home to, someone to fuss over me, and last but not least, a delicious home-cooked dinner awaiting. Ranjit reminds me of home. I miss my family, including my mum’s nagging…
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Dussehra Special
Dussehra is a festival to celebrate the victory in vanquishing a demon. In Karnataka, where Bangalore is situated, the festival is celebrated with the worship of implements used in daily life such as computers, books, vehicles, kitchen tools etc. In the institute, pooja or prayers were conducted and entrances to the departments were decorated with banana leaves, flower garlands and coloured motifs drawn on the ground.
The day seemed extra beautiful. The sky is a soft pastel blue with fluffy clouds, a gentle breeze refreshes the mind, while sweet songs of birds calmed the soul. Little things make a difference, like getting an auto without any hassle the night before, well rested from having a good night’s sleep, and a fast and smooth bus ride to work.
A festive lunch special was served in the mess this day as well. Food is much better, Indian sweets were given and there’s even ice-cream too! Since it was a festive holiday and mess will be closed for dinner, we decided to go out for dinner that evening. However, as I had put on a new experiment in the afternoon and there were 2 parts to the experiment, that meant I had to come back after dinner to continue part 2.
Dinner was at Nandhini Palace, where the guys had wanted to bring me for the longest time. We had fried chicken, Andhara style fried fish, golden prawns, gobi Manchurian, chicken briyani, egg curry dosai and romali roti, followed by sweet lassi and mosombi juice for the finishing touch.
By the time I completed my experiment and left the institute, it was already 10.30pm. This is the latest I had stayed in the institute so far. Basking in the festive mood, spirits were high as I walked out to take an auto back.
The day seemed extra beautiful. The sky is a soft pastel blue with fluffy clouds, a gentle breeze refreshes the mind, while sweet songs of birds calmed the soul. Little things make a difference, like getting an auto without any hassle the night before, well rested from having a good night’s sleep, and a fast and smooth bus ride to work.
A festive lunch special was served in the mess this day as well. Food is much better, Indian sweets were given and there’s even ice-cream too! Since it was a festive holiday and mess will be closed for dinner, we decided to go out for dinner that evening. However, as I had put on a new experiment in the afternoon and there were 2 parts to the experiment, that meant I had to come back after dinner to continue part 2.
Dinner was at Nandhini Palace, where the guys had wanted to bring me for the longest time. We had fried chicken, Andhara style fried fish, golden prawns, gobi Manchurian, chicken briyani, egg curry dosai and romali roti, followed by sweet lassi and mosombi juice for the finishing touch.
By the time I completed my experiment and left the institute, it was already 10.30pm. This is the latest I had stayed in the institute so far. Basking in the festive mood, spirits were high as I walked out to take an auto back.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Independence
The place where I am currently staying is considered too near for an auto to earn a substantial amount and a little too far to walk. I’m kind of stuck in a situation whereby on one hand, the autos were not willing to take me and on the other hand, after a long day at work, I would like to have a relaxing evening and the last thing I want is to fight the noisy traffic or risk falling into pit holes along unlited streets. I have not explored the public buses yet, I had seen them plying along the roads, mostly packed like sardines, with people hanging precariously on the outside of the buses.
Waited more than 10 minutes outside the gate of the institute without much luck for an empty auto and we have not even come to the price haggling part yet. Patience was wearing thin and I decided that it’s better to walk and at the same time try to catch an auto or maybe the public bus along the way, than to be stuck at the institute forever.
Suddenly, I feel very helpless. There’s no decent means to get home from work smoothly. I had to walk at least 30 minutes, be at the mercy of the autos all the time, or risk my life on the roads. Everything did not make sense. Here I am staying in a place that cost Rs1500 a day, and yet I can’t even get proper transport to work and back!
I never realized how much being independent meant to me, being able to do what I want and the way I want to do it. Amid frustrations, I kept reminding myself I’m going through another transition and things like this are expected. I should let myself experience it, embrace it and let it pass. I reassured myself I’ll be zipping around very soon…
Waited more than 10 minutes outside the gate of the institute without much luck for an empty auto and we have not even come to the price haggling part yet. Patience was wearing thin and I decided that it’s better to walk and at the same time try to catch an auto or maybe the public bus along the way, than to be stuck at the institute forever.
Suddenly, I feel very helpless. There’s no decent means to get home from work smoothly. I had to walk at least 30 minutes, be at the mercy of the autos all the time, or risk my life on the roads. Everything did not make sense. Here I am staying in a place that cost Rs1500 a day, and yet I can’t even get proper transport to work and back!
I never realized how much being independent meant to me, being able to do what I want and the way I want to do it. Amid frustrations, I kept reminding myself I’m going through another transition and things like this are expected. I should let myself experience it, embrace it and let it pass. I reassured myself I’ll be zipping around very soon…
Monday, October 6, 2008
Walkabout
My first day to work from my new home. I feel like a primary school kid going to school on her own for the first time. Many people gave me advice on the types of transport available, where to alight, what to look out for, etc. I managed to catch a lift from the apartment owner to work in the morning. Coming back, I had the options of hailing an auto, taking the public bus or walking home.
The evening was cool after an earlier downpour, I decided to take a leisure walk back and at the same time I can also estimate how much time it takes to commute by foot to work. Though it’s already dark and I have not gone back on my own before, I’m pretty confident of the way back as I have been to my new place by car three times and I had identified some landmarks and turnings. On top of that, I know the stretch of main road quite well too.
I had estimated the walk should take about 30 minutes and I checked off landmarks as I go along. However, it was more than 10 minutes after the last landmark and I have not yet reached where I was supposed to make a turn. Also tired after a day at work, I thought to myself, this is too much of a walk home everyday. I continued walking, looking out all the time for the turn, until the rows of shops ended, the crowed thinned and the road turned quiet and sparsely lited on an uphill.
The surroundings did not look any familiar at all. I do not remember going on an uphill when I traveled there by car previously. I checked the time, 45 minutes had passed since I started walking. Instinct told me to turn back. I traced back the route I took til the last landmark. From there, I started afresh and just 100 meters ahead, I saw the turn. I let out a sigh of relief… I wasn’t prepared for a walking excursion and an additional 2 kilometers on the same busy noisy road drained me mentally and physically. One crossing, one more right turn and I’ll be back in the house.
Things did not turn out as expected. I missed another small turn on my way in and all the right turns either led to a dead end or construction sites. I ended up walking back and forth the estate a couple of times, before I finally decided to ask a security guard outside one of the houses for directions and he pointed me to the correct lane.
As I try to locate the house, I actually walked past it unknowingly and luckily Ranjit who was in the driveway called out to me when he saw me walking past the gate. That saved me another few hundred meters.
It’s not all that bad for the day. At least, there was a delicious home-cooked dinner waiting for me…
The evening was cool after an earlier downpour, I decided to take a leisure walk back and at the same time I can also estimate how much time it takes to commute by foot to work. Though it’s already dark and I have not gone back on my own before, I’m pretty confident of the way back as I have been to my new place by car three times and I had identified some landmarks and turnings. On top of that, I know the stretch of main road quite well too.
I had estimated the walk should take about 30 minutes and I checked off landmarks as I go along. However, it was more than 10 minutes after the last landmark and I have not yet reached where I was supposed to make a turn. Also tired after a day at work, I thought to myself, this is too much of a walk home everyday. I continued walking, looking out all the time for the turn, until the rows of shops ended, the crowed thinned and the road turned quiet and sparsely lited on an uphill.
The surroundings did not look any familiar at all. I do not remember going on an uphill when I traveled there by car previously. I checked the time, 45 minutes had passed since I started walking. Instinct told me to turn back. I traced back the route I took til the last landmark. From there, I started afresh and just 100 meters ahead, I saw the turn. I let out a sigh of relief… I wasn’t prepared for a walking excursion and an additional 2 kilometers on the same busy noisy road drained me mentally and physically. One crossing, one more right turn and I’ll be back in the house.
Things did not turn out as expected. I missed another small turn on my way in and all the right turns either led to a dead end or construction sites. I ended up walking back and forth the estate a couple of times, before I finally decided to ask a security guard outside one of the houses for directions and he pointed me to the correct lane.
As I try to locate the house, I actually walked past it unknowingly and luckily Ranjit who was in the driveway called out to me when he saw me walking past the gate. That saved me another few hundred meters.
It’s not all that bad for the day. At least, there was a delicious home-cooked dinner waiting for me…
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Mooniversary
Borrowed the word “mooniversary” for the title of this entry from a friend who coined it together from “moon” for month and “anniversary” to mark my first month here in India.
Last Run
There was a heavy downpour in the early hours of the morning on Saturday. I had planned to do my last run in the institute before I move to my new place. Instead, I ran a fever, blew out my nose and stretched my lungs under the blankets in my bed…
What luck.. I still had to go to work and on top of that, I had yet to pack my stuffs for moving to the new place on Sunday. Arghhh…
New Home
Today, there were showers of blessings for my relocation to my new home: a room in a 3-storey house 2 kilometers north of the institute. The service apartment is located in a quiet estate, about 10 minutes walk from the main road, from where it’s another 30 minutes to the institute by walk or 10 minutes by car.
Breakfast comes with the room while lunch and dinner are charged separately. The service apartment is taken care of by Ranjit, a young little fellow who speaks Hindi and a little English. He holds the all keys to the house and also does the cooking. He is like a butler to the guests.
Mooniversary
My first relocation. My first falling sick. My first home-cooked dinner.
The rest of the “mooniversary” was spent unpacking and arranging things to make myself feel more at home, orienteering myself around the house, and getting to know my new little Indian butler.
Last Run
There was a heavy downpour in the early hours of the morning on Saturday. I had planned to do my last run in the institute before I move to my new place. Instead, I ran a fever, blew out my nose and stretched my lungs under the blankets in my bed…
What luck.. I still had to go to work and on top of that, I had yet to pack my stuffs for moving to the new place on Sunday. Arghhh…
New Home
Today, there were showers of blessings for my relocation to my new home: a room in a 3-storey house 2 kilometers north of the institute. The service apartment is located in a quiet estate, about 10 minutes walk from the main road, from where it’s another 30 minutes to the institute by walk or 10 minutes by car.
Breakfast comes with the room while lunch and dinner are charged separately. The service apartment is taken care of by Ranjit, a young little fellow who speaks Hindi and a little English. He holds the all keys to the house and also does the cooking. He is like a butler to the guests.
Mooniversary
My first relocation. My first falling sick. My first home-cooked dinner.
The rest of the “mooniversary” was spent unpacking and arranging things to make myself feel more at home, orienteering myself around the house, and getting to know my new little Indian butler.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Culture Exchange – Part 2
Another dinner outing with the MBU folks, this time 10 of us, at Neel, an Indian restaurant on 80 Feet Road. The group was half vegetarian and half non-vegetarian. By now, I have got accustomed to people having mainly vegetarian food here. However, this time round, I noticed that one of them ordered fish as his main course but for the rest of the starters, he took only the vegetarian ones.
There were whispers and nodding of heads. I asked Likesh who was sitting beside me if there was any problem. He told me in a hushed voice that this particular guy’s religion requires meat to be prepared in a certain way, thus he could not have the meat dishes other than fish as this restaurant does not follow their religion’s requirements.
Turning to the guy, I asked casually, “Tariq, you are a Muslim?” He seemed pleased, while the rest gave me surprised looks. “You know Muslim?”, they asked.
I smiled and shared with them about the different ethnic groups and religions in Singapore, dietary requirements of some the religions, about Halal certifications and the cultural sensitivity practiced when going out for meals in a non-homogeneous group. They were even more amazed when they learnt that I have had lassi, naan and dosa before, and also knew what gobi, bhendi and roti were.
Going back, we decided to take the bus as it was a short distance to the institute, just two bus stops away, and since it was past 9.00pm, autos are expensive and hard to get. I was really excited as it was going to be my first trip on public bus!
We walked to the main road and waited at the traffic junction. I asked if that is the bus stop as I did not see any shelter, signboard or indications of a bus stop. “We will get on when the bus stops at the lights.” I learnt that one can board and alight the bus anywhere, as long as you are able to get onto it and get off safely.
Service 276, a light blue and white bus, driver and conductor dressed in khaki uniforms, for Rs3.00, it will take us back to the institute in 5 minutes. Ladies get to board and alight the bus from the front door and the first four rows of red seats in the bus were reserved for ladies only. Buses get very crowded and sardine-packed during peak hours and I definitely would not want to be sandwiched between the men!
It was a very short but smooth introductory bus ride. Once again, at the traffic junction, our bus stopped to make a right turn. All of us quickly hopped off the bus…
There were whispers and nodding of heads. I asked Likesh who was sitting beside me if there was any problem. He told me in a hushed voice that this particular guy’s religion requires meat to be prepared in a certain way, thus he could not have the meat dishes other than fish as this restaurant does not follow their religion’s requirements.
Turning to the guy, I asked casually, “Tariq, you are a Muslim?” He seemed pleased, while the rest gave me surprised looks. “You know Muslim?”, they asked.
I smiled and shared with them about the different ethnic groups and religions in Singapore, dietary requirements of some the religions, about Halal certifications and the cultural sensitivity practiced when going out for meals in a non-homogeneous group. They were even more amazed when they learnt that I have had lassi, naan and dosa before, and also knew what gobi, bhendi and roti were.
Going back, we decided to take the bus as it was a short distance to the institute, just two bus stops away, and since it was past 9.00pm, autos are expensive and hard to get. I was really excited as it was going to be my first trip on public bus!
We walked to the main road and waited at the traffic junction. I asked if that is the bus stop as I did not see any shelter, signboard or indications of a bus stop. “We will get on when the bus stops at the lights.” I learnt that one can board and alight the bus anywhere, as long as you are able to get onto it and get off safely.
Service 276, a light blue and white bus, driver and conductor dressed in khaki uniforms, for Rs3.00, it will take us back to the institute in 5 minutes. Ladies get to board and alight the bus from the front door and the first four rows of red seats in the bus were reserved for ladies only. Buses get very crowded and sardine-packed during peak hours and I definitely would not want to be sandwiched between the men!
It was a very short but smooth introductory bus ride. Once again, at the traffic junction, our bus stopped to make a right turn. All of us quickly hopped off the bus…
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