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 ….
