So, been a while since I caught up with ya all, so just thought I'd sign in …..
One of my team members was saying yesterday … 'When Bindi walks through the office, and we are all walking around her, it's like we are all her bodyguards… '. Ha ha ha …. I guess I'm a star after all, just didn't realise it (ok, maybe I did ….but modesty you know …) Ha.
It's been monsoon in India, and although I've probably spent more time out of the country over the past couple of months, it has still been nice to enjoy the rains (or at least pretend that I have). You see if I complain about the rains, I'm accused of not being romantic and appreciative of such a beautiful season blaa blaa …. In India the monsoon is a romantic season, lots of greenery, the waterfalls are looking good in the hilly regions, and people are getting wet in the rains (from the rain obviously… and not other reasons … well I think so anyways) ha. But for me, come on man …. I was born in England I don't have to wait a year for the rains, they come every minute … and I would not exactly call it sexy and romantic!!!
The unplanned trip back to the UK, was hectic ...So, people say 'wow, you are flying back to the uk all the way from India for business meetings …. How glam!!'. Well, I assure you, that the only thing glamorous about flying across the world to discuss the delivery of software, is my outfit, my shoes and my hair (seriously). Ha ha …. On a serious note, I'm not complaining … it is great to jump continents and work with different people in different places. And it gives me quite a buzz & adrenalin rush, although my body probably wants me to slow down. Arriving at 11.30pm after traveling 24hrs, then being at work at 8am the following day … is a little crazy I guess …. But, I must say …. I still look good for it (Loreal .. Cos I'm worth it Ha ha ha…..).
On the same trip … my dance teacher got me on stage to perform after one tech rehearsal literally 24hrs after landing in the country. It is kinda crazy performing half jet-lagged but the adrenalin rush of being on stage was worth it & the compliments at the after party were well received by moi. Ha ha. I was interviewed by some American students after the performance ….. I prefer 'still' photography, but I try my best to cope with the rolling camera !!! LOL.
Well, my stay in India has now reached the one year anniversary … can't believe I've been here for that long … has been quite a crazy year of events, but a great learning experience in many ways and well worth it. It has been great to meet some amazing people from all corners of the world. And the teams out here on both my projects are really nice …very energetic people.
I am becoming extremely impatient though living in India, I guess it is because I'm so used to service now. So, when the driver turns up late and I have to carry my own laptop … it is so annoying. Ha ha ha. Just joking … I'm not that bad.
So, my recent trip to Malaysia was fun, really nice place. I was evacuated at the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpar. Don't worry, I get this sort of attention all the time. The Malaysian government didn't want my fans to bombard me with autograph and photo requests, so they decided it would be best to ask everyone to leave the building. I decided that after all the stress, that I didn't want to give a press interview, so the local papers were disappointed, but hey sometimes the media attention just gets to much …. Hard being a star you know!!! Ha ha ha ….. Ok ok … so it didn’t happen quite that way, but the story sounds good. Right??? Besides the real version doesn't sound as glam. LOL.
I was particularly impressed with the fact that people in malaysia can speak 4 different languages in the same conversation ….. I was like wow. I thought 2 was good … but 4. Us British are pretty ignorant when it comes to languages … we take the easy route … since most of the world can speak English.
Singapore Zoo was fun … but my journey to work (in India) this morning was like driving through a farm. I saw a donkey, a few goats and a couple of cows on the roads. It's a free world I guess … walk where u want, whenever u want!!! Ha ha
Well, people will catch you all soon. Keep it real.
Bindi
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Bindi ... Signing In ...2nd May 2008
So … not been in touch for sometime, but luckily for me the continuous flow of visitors from the uk, kept my social life buzzing in Pune, and was good to get some of the things I've missed from the UK - like walkers crisps. I'm still dying for warburtons bread and english cheddar cheese …. Since I'm such a high flying celeb like Posh Spice, perhaps TE would especially courier it over for me. LOL.
So, started my special batch (cos I'm special - or so they said) of dance classes - and yeah the standards are high … My last class started with 50 press-ups. So, after all this intense training and working out, I guess I'll just turn more heads than I do currently. Ha ha …. My god - I move so well!! Ha.
The cultural challenges at work have been quite draining - never thought something like that could actually take so much energy. It's a constant learning experience though…. I was just told today, that my sarcasm could be taken offensively - apparently us British are very sarcastic. Oopppsss!!! It's still hard to be totally like I would be in the UK office, but hopefully I can work on it.
The cultural challenges on a personal front are a lot more acceptable - and I guess it's easier to chill about it, and I think I'm almost mixing in with it - I'm watching much more cricket than normal (and no that's not cos the players are so damn fit - ha ha), and I check out the latest Bollywood flicks regulary (so I know the gossip about which star is dating who, and who is having a fling with who).
Thankx to Leah, I can still chat about the latest mascara on the market, in the midst of all the java code and project delivery. And she is perfect when I need to hear a local accent ….. Eh up chuck!!.
I guess the challenges although hard at times, have all been worth it - I've built a good working relationship with people, we are successfully working in a true agile distributed manner - and if I must say, I'm pretty impressed with the growth and success of delivery. It's still a long path to maturity - but we are on the right track.
I also think I've added a level of glamour to the Indian office out here, if I must say myself - ha ha ha ha. So, since we are allowed to wear anything here practically, I've recently noticed a european visitor (male) wearing, long shorts with a shirt and some heavy duty black trainers and black socks. Come on man, ok so I accept its free dress - but whatever happened to style??? It's like … well I know I don't have have to wear trousers & shirt, so I'll try and look casual with a bit of wannabe hiphop style - but totally gone wrong!!
That look just does not dig with me, I'm like …. Oh man, not feeling this - sort yourself out!!!
Talking of visitors, me and Maria (the swedish lady I work with here in India), usually rate male visitors on their appeal as worthwhile hotties. Ha ha … So, those of you that came over … would have been assessed for the cuteness factor - ha ha ha!! And style of course. Ha ha!!
Namaste people and see ya soon.
Bindi
Keep it kool!!
So … not been in touch for sometime, but luckily for me the continuous flow of visitors from the uk, kept my social life buzzing in Pune, and was good to get some of the things I've missed from the UK - like walkers crisps. I'm still dying for warburtons bread and english cheddar cheese …. Since I'm such a high flying celeb like Posh Spice, perhaps TE would especially courier it over for me. LOL.
So, started my special batch (cos I'm special - or so they said) of dance classes - and yeah the standards are high … My last class started with 50 press-ups. So, after all this intense training and working out, I guess I'll just turn more heads than I do currently. Ha ha …. My god - I move so well!! Ha.
The cultural challenges at work have been quite draining - never thought something like that could actually take so much energy. It's a constant learning experience though…. I was just told today, that my sarcasm could be taken offensively - apparently us British are very sarcastic. Oopppsss!!! It's still hard to be totally like I would be in the UK office, but hopefully I can work on it.
The cultural challenges on a personal front are a lot more acceptable - and I guess it's easier to chill about it, and I think I'm almost mixing in with it - I'm watching much more cricket than normal (and no that's not cos the players are so damn fit - ha ha), and I check out the latest Bollywood flicks regulary (so I know the gossip about which star is dating who, and who is having a fling with who).
Thankx to Leah, I can still chat about the latest mascara on the market, in the midst of all the java code and project delivery. And she is perfect when I need to hear a local accent ….. Eh up chuck!!.
I guess the challenges although hard at times, have all been worth it - I've built a good working relationship with people, we are successfully working in a true agile distributed manner - and if I must say, I'm pretty impressed with the growth and success of delivery. It's still a long path to maturity - but we are on the right track.
I also think I've added a level of glamour to the Indian office out here, if I must say myself - ha ha ha ha. So, since we are allowed to wear anything here practically, I've recently noticed a european visitor (male) wearing, long shorts with a shirt and some heavy duty black trainers and black socks. Come on man, ok so I accept its free dress - but whatever happened to style??? It's like … well I know I don't have have to wear trousers & shirt, so I'll try and look casual with a bit of wannabe hiphop style - but totally gone wrong!!
That look just does not dig with me, I'm like …. Oh man, not feeling this - sort yourself out!!!
Talking of visitors, me and Maria (the swedish lady I work with here in India), usually rate male visitors on their appeal as worthwhile hotties. Ha ha … So, those of you that came over … would have been assessed for the cuteness factor - ha ha ha!! And style of course. Ha ha!!
Namaste people and see ya soon.
Bindi
Keep it kool!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy New Year .... 8th Jan 2008
Hey all you girls and boys …..Happy New Year.
Hope 2008 is a rocking one. 2007 was quite an adventure for me ….. From media attention (I just couldn't cope with the cameras - it was hard - ha ha ) with dance and performance, to jumping continents for work (which had been amazing) ….. And all the fun and games associated with it.
Well, I did a dance show just before christmas, here in India. Was great fun …. And made me realise just how much I miss performing ….. That buzz and adrenalin rush when you are on stage, and entertaining an audience is so kool. LUV IT!!
Anyways, I was spotted by the institute during the dance show, and was asked to audition for a special dance batch. I auditioned in december, and was selected. It would be pretty bad if I wasn't - come on …. since I'm already part of a dance group in the UK, I can't fail a dance audition in India. Anyways …. When they selected me, I didn't really understand what that meant, so I was like ….. """ Tell me, I'm confused … what does this all mean?''''. So, I loved the response the lady gave me ….. She said,
"You have been selected for the special batch, because you are special". Ha ha ha - I loved that one!!!! Of course she meant in the talented way. ????? LOL. (wink wink) So, hopefully, I'll join this dance batch next time round, and train with some professionals.
Thailand was great - I'm so tanned. But get this …. I meet a couple from Finland, get chatting ….. And the guy says - oh my mate works for Tietoenator in Finland - ehhhh!!!! Can't get away from it!!
New Year Resolution - Take less risks ….. And tone down on the crazy stuff!!! Ha ha - Yeah right!!!! No fun in doing it right all the time!!
Anyways - See ya soon - keep is kool people!!!
Hey all you girls and boys …..Happy New Year.
Hope 2008 is a rocking one. 2007 was quite an adventure for me ….. From media attention (I just couldn't cope with the cameras - it was hard - ha ha ) with dance and performance, to jumping continents for work (which had been amazing) ….. And all the fun and games associated with it.
Well, I did a dance show just before christmas, here in India. Was great fun …. And made me realise just how much I miss performing ….. That buzz and adrenalin rush when you are on stage, and entertaining an audience is so kool. LUV IT!!
Anyways, I was spotted by the institute during the dance show, and was asked to audition for a special dance batch. I auditioned in december, and was selected. It would be pretty bad if I wasn't - come on …. since I'm already part of a dance group in the UK, I can't fail a dance audition in India. Anyways …. When they selected me, I didn't really understand what that meant, so I was like ….. """ Tell me, I'm confused … what does this all mean?''''. So, I loved the response the lady gave me ….. She said,
"You have been selected for the special batch, because you are special". Ha ha ha - I loved that one!!!! Of course she meant in the talented way. ????? LOL. (wink wink) So, hopefully, I'll join this dance batch next time round, and train with some professionals.
Thailand was great - I'm so tanned. But get this …. I meet a couple from Finland, get chatting ….. And the guy says - oh my mate works for Tietoenator in Finland - ehhhh!!!! Can't get away from it!!
New Year Resolution - Take less risks ….. And tone down on the crazy stuff!!! Ha ha - Yeah right!!!! No fun in doing it right all the time!!
Anyways - See ya soon - keep is kool people!!!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Greetings from the East ....23rd Nov 2007
So, been a while since an update, but had some bad news over the past few weeks, so things have been a little low - but I think I'm ok now …. Just have to get on with it ……….
So, eventually changed the mad driver. He was so smelly (and I mean yuck - he obviously didn't use Armani) and just couldn't drive. The new one is much better …. And so far so good. At least he can drive a car, and knows that if the air-con is on, then the car windows need to be shut, and of course that if you take your foot off the clutch then you usually accelerate in normal cases (but stalling the car was the norm for him).
So, the car has also been changed, because it was just a temp one. The replacement car has dark tinted windows, which I thought was pretty kool - you know it gives that young kool look - well apparently I have to have the tint removed because I am at danger of getting fined by the police. Here in most cities, the tinted look is associated with important VIP people (so MPs and all) - which I think is quite appropriate for me anyways, you know Bindi, the star and all!!! But, on a negative note, the tinted look is also something the gangsters or terrooorists have (so I think I should just think of safety here before style - DAMN!!).
So, been driving locally - quite a challenge …. But the trick is - there are no rules - everyone has right of way, and just beep the horn damn hard - and hopefully you will get from A to B without too many problems.
Unfortunately, I still do sometimes find Pune a little boring, so I end up in Mumbai often. It must be all that glamour, movies, bollywood, entertainment, partying, shopping - all that 24/7 city life that attracts me there, and of course all my friends out there. The Company should have been based in Mumbai or perhaps Mauritiaus ( do a day at the office, chill on the beach in the evening …ooohhh ) ha ha …..
So, don't know where the Company xmas do is - but they have an annual party here in India, at Pancard Clubs-Area 51. But hey you have to listen to the information they gave about this location, so here goes …
"Away from the hustle bustle of the city, Pancard Clubs is spread over a lush green expanse of 15 acres of land and is surrounded by mountains to provide tranquil and serene atmosphere. It has a UFO shaped discotheque which couples into a revolving restaurant, which gives you an all round view of Pune with the best of cuisine and best of services. The in-house DJ makes you dance to the latest beats. And this is exactly where we have our TE party organized for you. Also, for those who would rather spend their evening chatting with friends than to the groovy music beats, you could retire by the lovely landscape Garden or the Poolside."
Will let you know if this turns out to be a true description - I haven't been there before.
So, been a while since an update, but had some bad news over the past few weeks, so things have been a little low - but I think I'm ok now …. Just have to get on with it ……….
So, eventually changed the mad driver. He was so smelly (and I mean yuck - he obviously didn't use Armani) and just couldn't drive. The new one is much better …. And so far so good. At least he can drive a car, and knows that if the air-con is on, then the car windows need to be shut, and of course that if you take your foot off the clutch then you usually accelerate in normal cases (but stalling the car was the norm for him).
So, the car has also been changed, because it was just a temp one. The replacement car has dark tinted windows, which I thought was pretty kool - you know it gives that young kool look - well apparently I have to have the tint removed because I am at danger of getting fined by the police. Here in most cities, the tinted look is associated with important VIP people (so MPs and all) - which I think is quite appropriate for me anyways, you know Bindi, the star and all!!! But, on a negative note, the tinted look is also something the gangsters or terrooorists have (so I think I should just think of safety here before style - DAMN!!).
So, been driving locally - quite a challenge …. But the trick is - there are no rules - everyone has right of way, and just beep the horn damn hard - and hopefully you will get from A to B without too many problems.
Unfortunately, I still do sometimes find Pune a little boring, so I end up in Mumbai often. It must be all that glamour, movies, bollywood, entertainment, partying, shopping - all that 24/7 city life that attracts me there, and of course all my friends out there. The Company should have been based in Mumbai or perhaps Mauritiaus ( do a day at the office, chill on the beach in the evening …ooohhh ) ha ha …..
So, don't know where the Company xmas do is - but they have an annual party here in India, at Pancard Clubs-Area 51. But hey you have to listen to the information they gave about this location, so here goes …
"Away from the hustle bustle of the city, Pancard Clubs is spread over a lush green expanse of 15 acres of land and is surrounded by mountains to provide tranquil and serene atmosphere. It has a UFO shaped discotheque which couples into a revolving restaurant, which gives you an all round view of Pune with the best of cuisine and best of services. The in-house DJ makes you dance to the latest beats. And this is exactly where we have our TE party organized for you. Also, for those who would rather spend their evening chatting with friends than to the groovy music beats, you could retire by the lovely landscape Garden or the Poolside."
Will let you know if this turns out to be a true description - I haven't been there before.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Pune ...... 23rd Sept 2007
So, since a few of you have asked for my latest update ….
Well, back in Pune. Things are a little more settled now I think. And its certainly more lively in the office, since the team came back offshore. Still taking time to build the social side of things. It seemed to be much simplier in Mumbai, but I guess Pune is a lot smaller with not too much happening. So, that’s where the real struggle is - I guess.
So, the Cricket 20-20 tournament is on, as you are probably aware, this end of the world, Cricket is a religion. I was chatting to my Italian friend Marta, (who moved to pakistan to teach at the University in Lahore in Dec), and Pakistan had just won the Semi-final against New Zealand (I believe), following which India also won against Australia. So, she is chatting away, and saying …. My Pakistan will meet your India at the finals on Monday. I was like - Eh up ….. You are Italian, and I'm British, whats with the Your Pakistan and My India. LOL. Anyways ….. Due to the history - I'm sure you can imagine what a game that’s gonna be.
So, coming back to Pune, was a little frustrating since my luggage did not arrive on the flight with me. I was quite annoyed about that. The assistant at the airport was so dizzy …… and took years to fill out what I call a simple form. Then for customs purposes, she asked me to list all the items in the suitcase with a value added, indicating whether they were new or old. Now, I'm sure you can imagine how tired I was after a 9 hour flight which I nearly missed due to delays with the connecting flight. So, I said …. Ok Clothes, shoes, chocolates, toiletries etc .. And she continues to ask …. Anything else ….. So I said - well would you like me to expand on the clothes bit …. Tops, dresses, knickers, bra …. Anything else, Toiletries …well shampoo, conditioner, face wash, blaa blaa blaa ????? 'So Ma'am are your items used or new??'. As you can imagine after standing there for 20 mins to fill out a stupid form …. I was getting even more irritated so I responded ''If the chocolates are used when my suitcase gets here, then you will have some explaining to do young lady…. ''. That statement didn't impress her very much. Yeah yeah ….. I know its her job, but she could have done it faster.
Then as I'm leaving the airport, she takes me to the customs guy, who asks me what I have in my hand baggage, I tell him … and he writes it down, checks my passport and says - 'Indian???'. Well, I was born in the UK, but yes I'm of Indian Origin ….. But what difference does it make??;. '' A lot madam, you get concession''. So, I was like ….. 'eehhh??? For what??? What u on about??''. At which point another guy comes over and says … ''Indian??, you don't ask many questions, just remember its better for you, if you say you are Indian''. Well, some things just continue to surprise me. Nothing resulted from that, as I left the airport no-one asked me anything or said anything, so the whole process was a waste of time.
Well, it took them 3 days to get my luggage …. And that too was not home delivered - so two trips to the airport and it finally arrived.
So, the new driver ….. Well he is called Michael, but obviously Indian. He's not too bad …. Although I don’t think he quite knows the tricks and trades of driving in India, so often the bicycles and rickshaws overtake us. It would probably be quicker for me to walk. LOL. Ok, well I'm sure I'll train him to the required standards.
The office is quite close to the domestic airport and one morning some plane was flying quite close to the office and it just sort of flew past the window, you know like a Bird!!! The guys sat around me were like ''''aahhhh, how low and how close - oh my god''. The none existent reaction of mine surprised a few people, I was like ….. Well … its India - everything is possible - RIGHT??? Besides, I guess a plane never flies by the window in sheffield … ha ha ha
So, I think we have some visitors in the office from Norway, and one of them is quite Fit. So, that was the highlight coming to the end of the week. Ha ha ha ha ….
So, since a few of you have asked for my latest update ….
Well, back in Pune. Things are a little more settled now I think. And its certainly more lively in the office, since the team came back offshore. Still taking time to build the social side of things. It seemed to be much simplier in Mumbai, but I guess Pune is a lot smaller with not too much happening. So, that’s where the real struggle is - I guess.
So, the Cricket 20-20 tournament is on, as you are probably aware, this end of the world, Cricket is a religion. I was chatting to my Italian friend Marta, (who moved to pakistan to teach at the University in Lahore in Dec), and Pakistan had just won the Semi-final against New Zealand (I believe), following which India also won against Australia. So, she is chatting away, and saying …. My Pakistan will meet your India at the finals on Monday. I was like - Eh up ….. You are Italian, and I'm British, whats with the Your Pakistan and My India. LOL. Anyways ….. Due to the history - I'm sure you can imagine what a game that’s gonna be.
So, coming back to Pune, was a little frustrating since my luggage did not arrive on the flight with me. I was quite annoyed about that. The assistant at the airport was so dizzy …… and took years to fill out what I call a simple form. Then for customs purposes, she asked me to list all the items in the suitcase with a value added, indicating whether they were new or old. Now, I'm sure you can imagine how tired I was after a 9 hour flight which I nearly missed due to delays with the connecting flight. So, I said …. Ok Clothes, shoes, chocolates, toiletries etc .. And she continues to ask …. Anything else ….. So I said - well would you like me to expand on the clothes bit …. Tops, dresses, knickers, bra …. Anything else, Toiletries …well shampoo, conditioner, face wash, blaa blaa blaa ????? 'So Ma'am are your items used or new??'. As you can imagine after standing there for 20 mins to fill out a stupid form …. I was getting even more irritated so I responded ''If the chocolates are used when my suitcase gets here, then you will have some explaining to do young lady…. ''. That statement didn't impress her very much. Yeah yeah ….. I know its her job, but she could have done it faster.
Then as I'm leaving the airport, she takes me to the customs guy, who asks me what I have in my hand baggage, I tell him … and he writes it down, checks my passport and says - 'Indian???'. Well, I was born in the UK, but yes I'm of Indian Origin ….. But what difference does it make??;. '' A lot madam, you get concession''. So, I was like ….. 'eehhh??? For what??? What u on about??''. At which point another guy comes over and says … ''Indian??, you don't ask many questions, just remember its better for you, if you say you are Indian''. Well, some things just continue to surprise me. Nothing resulted from that, as I left the airport no-one asked me anything or said anything, so the whole process was a waste of time.
Well, it took them 3 days to get my luggage …. And that too was not home delivered - so two trips to the airport and it finally arrived.
So, the new driver ….. Well he is called Michael, but obviously Indian. He's not too bad …. Although I don’t think he quite knows the tricks and trades of driving in India, so often the bicycles and rickshaws overtake us. It would probably be quicker for me to walk. LOL. Ok, well I'm sure I'll train him to the required standards.
The office is quite close to the domestic airport and one morning some plane was flying quite close to the office and it just sort of flew past the window, you know like a Bird!!! The guys sat around me were like ''''aahhhh, how low and how close - oh my god''. The none existent reaction of mine surprised a few people, I was like ….. Well … its India - everything is possible - RIGHT??? Besides, I guess a plane never flies by the window in sheffield … ha ha ha
So, I think we have some visitors in the office from Norway, and one of them is quite Fit. So, that was the highlight coming to the end of the week. Ha ha ha ha ….
Monday, August 20, 2007
I think I've been Jinxed - 20th August 2007
Hey people, Well, what a week!!
I think the best part of being here is meeting people from all over the world.
Oh Indepedance day was interesting …. I went to the place where Gandhi's wife died. But, the highlight of the day was receiving a message from my friend in Mumbai saying - 'Happy Independence Day - We sure kicked some English B+tt', oh and the other classic was ' You british killed my brothers and sisters'. Well, I get that a lot with my friends, we do have our friendly arguments about the India versus England thing.
Anyways, the recruitment is seriously hard work, and my accent doesn't help. LOL. Its so draining because several of the candidates don't understand me, so I have to repeat what I say several times, but also attempt to say the same thing in many ways - until they understand. You know you are failing though when you say - 'So, can you describe your current role?', and they just say - 'Ok Ma'am, Yes Ma'am, Ok Ma'am', and then that’s the end of the conversation!! (Right - so you never understood me, you just think that if you say ok, and yes - I'll be fine!!!). Aahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! …. Man my head hurts!!
Well, the real estate is booming here big time. There are new complexes being built everywhere, and the prices are rising like mad, and in many cases the rates are similar to the west. Its interesting when you speak to people who have lived in Pune all their life, and they just see the city turning into a concrete jungle with appartment blocks, business parks …. But the demand is obviously shooting up fast, and the growth in the country is incredible. Many of the shopping Malls, have the high street shops we are used to like - Mango, M&S, La Senza, Levi, Morgan, Apple etc.
But, it always seems that they never plan …. Hence the infrastructure (roads, electricity, water etc) here is awful, and is not really coping with the increased demands. I suppose a good illustration of the indian approach is - traffic jams, you get them everywhere, people driving at each other from all angles, then they get into a mess, and people instead of slowing down to let the situation sort out, they just decide that they will also drive in because surely they wont get stuck in it!!! Yeah right - then obviously the horns start …. And no one can move anywhere …….. Its mad!! Its very much, I won't think, right up until the point I have to …….. By the way, if you decide to use your initiative and not drive straight into a car that is already squashed between 5 other cars, then you will regret it - because you are not doing it right - just drive right to his bumper anyways …. Whats wrong with a 6th car joining in. Remember - we stick together in India!!! Ha ha ha
Well, I was invited to my first work party - dinner, drinks, music and dance (and yes the indians are not shy in that way). But, hey I didn't really gate-crash, besides I even offered to give a presentation to them about me, my role and the UK side of things. I'm not sure how I managed to get myself into that one. I think there are approx. 150 -200 people working in that particular dept, but me being the performer, I managed to get quite a decent audience reaction. Although I did start the presentation by saying, 'Hi, apologises if you don't understand my accent, but I've had quite a mad day explaining things to candidates over and over again, so if you need me to repeat anything then please put your hand up, and I'll beat you up afterwards'. LOL. I did boast about how good we are at in the UK. Ha ha ha …… but it did go very well, and it was a very effective way to introduce myself to so many people in one go …. So I had quite a lot of them talking to me afterwards, interested in more detail.
But, the weekend …… was stressful, and a little upsetting. I went to mumbai, and someone stole my new Nokia N95 mobile phone. They didn't take the rubbish work phone I have … obviously. But, I've lost all the numbers for all my friends and families around the world. So, I was really stressed and I couldn't get hold of anyone in the UK, and obviously it’s the personal side of things (all my phone numbers, friend's details, pictures, videos, birthdays etc) that is very upsetting. So, I was in panic mode (most probably because I'm in a different country)…. I eventually got through to Orange UK to cancel my simcard and blacklist my phone, but I can't really do anything more until I get back to the UK now. So, I had to visit an Indian police station to report my phone as stolen for insurance purposes (although not sure if it covers international). The police station was an experience, my friend told me to be strong and not get intimidated by them. Well, after the mood I was in, if they said anything to me, I was ready to give them a few black eyes. It was very much like the movies, the police just sit back, chilled out, and bribing is the thing. Well, this weird looking police man, told me to take a seat and relax while he just cruises along doing his job …. At that point I was ready to give him a punch and say ' Will you just F++kin get on with it - u idiot'. As you can see, I'm still not over it just yet!!!.
Of course, Saturday just wasn't my day ….. Following this, my bank declined all my ATM and credit card transactions. So, I had to, for the first time in my life, walk out of a shop because I didn't have any money to pay for the goods. So, as usual … the bank thought it was fraud, and for security reasons stopped the use of my cards. At least they do their job right. Oh and to top it up, the hotel refused to check me in, because I left my passport in Pune, and it is against the law to let a guest from another country stay in your hotel, without their passport details ….. Of course I know that - but I forget to carry it with me. So, that was just great!! Well, luckily I have friends in mumbai ….. So I didn't sleep on the roads along with half the other population of the city.
So, Saturday night ended with lots and lots and lots of Barcardi ….. I nearly did them all neat!!!
Back to the drawing board now!!!
Bindi.
I think the best part of being here is meeting people from all over the world.
Oh Indepedance day was interesting …. I went to the place where Gandhi's wife died. But, the highlight of the day was receiving a message from my friend in Mumbai saying - 'Happy Independence Day - We sure kicked some English B+tt', oh and the other classic was ' You british killed my brothers and sisters'. Well, I get that a lot with my friends, we do have our friendly arguments about the India versus England thing.
Anyways, the recruitment is seriously hard work, and my accent doesn't help. LOL. Its so draining because several of the candidates don't understand me, so I have to repeat what I say several times, but also attempt to say the same thing in many ways - until they understand. You know you are failing though when you say - 'So, can you describe your current role?', and they just say - 'Ok Ma'am, Yes Ma'am, Ok Ma'am', and then that’s the end of the conversation!! (Right - so you never understood me, you just think that if you say ok, and yes - I'll be fine!!!). Aahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! …. Man my head hurts!!
Well, the real estate is booming here big time. There are new complexes being built everywhere, and the prices are rising like mad, and in many cases the rates are similar to the west. Its interesting when you speak to people who have lived in Pune all their life, and they just see the city turning into a concrete jungle with appartment blocks, business parks …. But the demand is obviously shooting up fast, and the growth in the country is incredible. Many of the shopping Malls, have the high street shops we are used to like - Mango, M&S, La Senza, Levi, Morgan, Apple etc.
But, it always seems that they never plan …. Hence the infrastructure (roads, electricity, water etc) here is awful, and is not really coping with the increased demands. I suppose a good illustration of the indian approach is - traffic jams, you get them everywhere, people driving at each other from all angles, then they get into a mess, and people instead of slowing down to let the situation sort out, they just decide that they will also drive in because surely they wont get stuck in it!!! Yeah right - then obviously the horns start …. And no one can move anywhere …….. Its mad!! Its very much, I won't think, right up until the point I have to …….. By the way, if you decide to use your initiative and not drive straight into a car that is already squashed between 5 other cars, then you will regret it - because you are not doing it right - just drive right to his bumper anyways …. Whats wrong with a 6th car joining in. Remember - we stick together in India!!! Ha ha ha
Well, I was invited to my first work party - dinner, drinks, music and dance (and yes the indians are not shy in that way). But, hey I didn't really gate-crash, besides I even offered to give a presentation to them about me, my role and the UK side of things. I'm not sure how I managed to get myself into that one. I think there are approx. 150 -200 people working in that particular dept, but me being the performer, I managed to get quite a decent audience reaction. Although I did start the presentation by saying, 'Hi, apologises if you don't understand my accent, but I've had quite a mad day explaining things to candidates over and over again, so if you need me to repeat anything then please put your hand up, and I'll beat you up afterwards'. LOL. I did boast about how good we are at in the UK. Ha ha ha …… but it did go very well, and it was a very effective way to introduce myself to so many people in one go …. So I had quite a lot of them talking to me afterwards, interested in more detail.
But, the weekend …… was stressful, and a little upsetting. I went to mumbai, and someone stole my new Nokia N95 mobile phone. They didn't take the rubbish work phone I have … obviously. But, I've lost all the numbers for all my friends and families around the world. So, I was really stressed and I couldn't get hold of anyone in the UK, and obviously it’s the personal side of things (all my phone numbers, friend's details, pictures, videos, birthdays etc) that is very upsetting. So, I was in panic mode (most probably because I'm in a different country)…. I eventually got through to Orange UK to cancel my simcard and blacklist my phone, but I can't really do anything more until I get back to the UK now. So, I had to visit an Indian police station to report my phone as stolen for insurance purposes (although not sure if it covers international). The police station was an experience, my friend told me to be strong and not get intimidated by them. Well, after the mood I was in, if they said anything to me, I was ready to give them a few black eyes. It was very much like the movies, the police just sit back, chilled out, and bribing is the thing. Well, this weird looking police man, told me to take a seat and relax while he just cruises along doing his job …. At that point I was ready to give him a punch and say ' Will you just F++kin get on with it - u idiot'. As you can see, I'm still not over it just yet!!!.
Of course, Saturday just wasn't my day ….. Following this, my bank declined all my ATM and credit card transactions. So, I had to, for the first time in my life, walk out of a shop because I didn't have any money to pay for the goods. So, as usual … the bank thought it was fraud, and for security reasons stopped the use of my cards. At least they do their job right. Oh and to top it up, the hotel refused to check me in, because I left my passport in Pune, and it is against the law to let a guest from another country stay in your hotel, without their passport details ….. Of course I know that - but I forget to carry it with me. So, that was just great!! Well, luckily I have friends in mumbai ….. So I didn't sleep on the roads along with half the other population of the city.
So, Saturday night ended with lots and lots and lots of Barcardi ….. I nearly did them all neat!!!
Back to the drawing board now!!!
Bindi.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Pune Part 2 - 13 August 2007
So Guys, The story so far … I must admit this recruitment business is quite a challenge. Ha ha - But, its quite interesting how they are conducted here. There is a strong incline to really accessing the personality of an individual, so the questions are also directed in that way. They are trying really hard to focus on getting the right type of people, to make sure the department is built in the right direction. So, although skills are key, the person's attitude is also on the same par.
In the interviews I've attended, there has been some interesting candidates though. By the way, presentation is not seen as an important factor. People will not come to interviews in a shirt and tie. In fact the first one I attended, the candidate was wearing jeans and trainers. So, the UK business attire feel is totally out of place here. LOL. By the way, apparently a couple of guys in the office (don’t know who) said that the dress I was wearing in the office was too short (it was to my knees - oh god!!).
They don't have a receptionist here. Its just two or three security type guards that look after the reception area, making sure everyone signs in etc. But, its really interesting that they all stand-up when you walk in to greet you. That treatment however is only given to foreigners here. I guess I am lucky, because I usually don't get that, because many people will assume I'm indian not british - skin colour!!! I must admit I do like to use it to my advantage, and be British when I want, and Indian when I want.
Well, its independence day on Wednesday. Time to celebrate freedom and the disappearance of the British Rule. History is still present even today, and it is surprising how many people still feel passionate about their freedom from the British. But, I guess you get that all the time with all cultures. Social Front?? Still things to sort out. And nothing moves fast in india. Time is not of importance (that’s hard to get your head around, coming from the society that we live in). So, it gets a little frustrating sometimes. Many people have moved here with families so the settling down process is a little easier for them. But, I must admit sorting things out, and the process of moving countries has not been smooth. Well, lets see how things shape up.
By the way … passion for company is shown in the office, with company cups on everyone's desks, oh and some people even wear a nice white polo shirt, with the company logo. I'm going to bring some back for you guys. We are one big family and we will show it to the world!!!
Ha ha ... Cheers Bindi
In the interviews I've attended, there has been some interesting candidates though. By the way, presentation is not seen as an important factor. People will not come to interviews in a shirt and tie. In fact the first one I attended, the candidate was wearing jeans and trainers. So, the UK business attire feel is totally out of place here. LOL. By the way, apparently a couple of guys in the office (don’t know who) said that the dress I was wearing in the office was too short (it was to my knees - oh god!!).
They don't have a receptionist here. Its just two or three security type guards that look after the reception area, making sure everyone signs in etc. But, its really interesting that they all stand-up when you walk in to greet you. That treatment however is only given to foreigners here. I guess I am lucky, because I usually don't get that, because many people will assume I'm indian not british - skin colour!!! I must admit I do like to use it to my advantage, and be British when I want, and Indian when I want.
Well, its independence day on Wednesday. Time to celebrate freedom and the disappearance of the British Rule. History is still present even today, and it is surprising how many people still feel passionate about their freedom from the British. But, I guess you get that all the time with all cultures. Social Front?? Still things to sort out. And nothing moves fast in india. Time is not of importance (that’s hard to get your head around, coming from the society that we live in). So, it gets a little frustrating sometimes. Many people have moved here with families so the settling down process is a little easier for them. But, I must admit sorting things out, and the process of moving countries has not been smooth. Well, lets see how things shape up.
By the way … passion for company is shown in the office, with company cups on everyone's desks, oh and some people even wear a nice white polo shirt, with the company logo. I'm going to bring some back for you guys. We are one big family and we will show it to the world!!!
Ha ha ... Cheers Bindi
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