I have been asked by other's if I would go again and I tell them I would go in a heartbeat. I loved India and most of the people we met. My favourite things were all of the different cars and other vehicles. I love driving the right hand drive car. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I think the fact that the place seemed kind of messy and unfinished made me think that it wasn't too pretty to mess up or to leave my footprint on the carpet as I walked in. I could never handle the hagling with the shopkeepers without Ranveer, unless maybe I were to learn Hindi and possibly get a tan.
I think import/export of refurbished motorcycles, autorickshaws, and motorcycles would be a great idea as a business. They don't tend to keep private vehicles long and labor involved in tearing them down and building them back would be much cheaper than shipping them here and rebuilding here.
I am now looking for a traveling position with a company with an interational presence. If you hear of anything, shoot me a message.
Monday, June 29, 2009
April 4-5, 2009 Enroute New Delhi to Chicago
I had to settle on veg meal then veg snack on the plane. Kid sitting next to me is about 12 or 13 and he pretty much was on my arm the whole time he slept. His dad finaly came around and put a donut pillow on him which helped. I watched Story Time for 2nd time, Valkarye, Yes Man, 2 different 30 Rock episodes and all but thelast 20 minutes of Marley and Me.
We got to Chicago on time and had to exit thru customs (they checked our passports and boarding passes), get our bags, turn in our customs forms, turn bags back in around the corner without ID or tickets, get on the train to domestic terminals and back through the metal detectors.
We ate at Chili's. We didn't really want breakfast, but that's all anybody had until 10am.
We got to Chicago on time and had to exit thru customs (they checked our passports and boarding passes), get our bags, turn in our customs forms, turn bags back in around the corner without ID or tickets, get on the train to domestic terminals and back through the metal detectors.
We ate at Chili's. We didn't really want breakfast, but that's all anybody had until 10am.
April 3, 2009 Noida, India
I got up and took shower and cleared out eamils and inbox and called Tracey at 930. I think I woke her and she didn't want breakfast so I went down by myself and had tea, juice, some fruit, and uttapan, which is like fried pancakes with onions and peppers on it. I went back up and finished packing and called Ranveer. I don't think I woke him, but he said he had just gotten up and said he would be here in 1.5 hours.
It's now 3 and he's still not here. We are having a second Tiger Beer with some humus with crips bread "chips". The bartender at my request, soaked the label so I could keep it. He also showed us how, if you fill the bottle wth water just upto the neck, grip the neck tightly over the trash and pop the top with your other hand, it breaks the bottm out of the bottle.
It's just before 3 and Ranveer just got here and now we have to wait for snacks we ordered. I thought we would just bring our bags with us since we ha them down there anyways, but for some reason, Ranveer wanted us to leave them and come back for them.
We left to go shopping at JanPath which means public street and is a small street flea market. I bought some silver bangles- whether they are for wife, or her daughter I don't know. They had jewelery, but I don't think anything wife would like. I bought pink and purple reversible (not) skirts for girls and never saw the colorful everyday clothes for girls - At leat in their color or size. We should have stopped by street venders the several times I saw them. I got a t-shirt for $1 that has Goa on it - which is someplace that we did not go, but "holiday in Goa" was part from the movie Outsourced. We walked around outside past other shops. I saw the magic bracekets with a street vendor - they were the same price only thicker metal.
We went across the street because Ranver was hungry and wanted to go to McDonalds "family restaurant". I didn't need anything other than french fries, but he ordered vegburger meals for all of us.
Next to a mall. Still no kids clothes. I thought to look for calendar, but all they had was stuff we could get at home.
We went by and got old monk rum for each of us. It was $6 per bottle.
Once at the hotel, I wrapped mine in clothing to prevent breakage.
It took about a half hour to get our luggage and they kept asking about our luggage tags which they never gave us.
We made it to the airport and after they checked our passports, got boarding passes, went thru metal detector, got wanded twice, then waited in the hallway outside of the jetway for about 1/2 hour, standing just after our carry on hand searched and getting wanded again, we finally were allowed to get on the plane. We really didnt have much time from being dropped off to getting on the plane.
It's now 3 and he's still not here. We are having a second Tiger Beer with some humus with crips bread "chips". The bartender at my request, soaked the label so I could keep it. He also showed us how, if you fill the bottle wth water just upto the neck, grip the neck tightly over the trash and pop the top with your other hand, it breaks the bottm out of the bottle.
It's just before 3 and Ranveer just got here and now we have to wait for snacks we ordered. I thought we would just bring our bags with us since we ha them down there anyways, but for some reason, Ranveer wanted us to leave them and come back for them.
We left to go shopping at JanPath which means public street and is a small street flea market. I bought some silver bangles- whether they are for wife, or her daughter I don't know. They had jewelery, but I don't think anything wife would like. I bought pink and purple reversible (not) skirts for girls and never saw the colorful everyday clothes for girls - At leat in their color or size. We should have stopped by street venders the several times I saw them. I got a t-shirt for $1 that has Goa on it - which is someplace that we did not go, but "holiday in Goa" was part from the movie Outsourced. We walked around outside past other shops. I saw the magic bracekets with a street vendor - they were the same price only thicker metal.
We went across the street because Ranver was hungry and wanted to go to McDonalds "family restaurant". I didn't need anything other than french fries, but he ordered vegburger meals for all of us.
Next to a mall. Still no kids clothes. I thought to look for calendar, but all they had was stuff we could get at home.
We went by and got old monk rum for each of us. It was $6 per bottle.
Once at the hotel, I wrapped mine in clothing to prevent breakage.
It took about a half hour to get our luggage and they kept asking about our luggage tags which they never gave us.
We made it to the airport and after they checked our passports, got boarding passes, went thru metal detector, got wanded twice, then waited in the hallway outside of the jetway for about 1/2 hour, standing just after our carry on hand searched and getting wanded again, we finally were allowed to get on the plane. We really didnt have much time from being dropped off to getting on the plane.
April 2, 2009 Noida, India
We wanted to go shopping today. That didn't happen. So we were going to try after we had given gifts to trainees, but Ranveer had to run a report that kept us til 830. Before that we had verbal quiz and handed out gifts and shirts then took a bunch of pics.
Mohit and Gagan wanted us to come have tea and coffee so that took an hour until 8. Then we waited for them to go to the party with us. That put us at party about 1050 and supposedly they stopped serving drinks at 11. By then the class had been there about an hour and was partying hard. Of course when we got there, they drug us up on the floor to dance also. I danced almost the whole time up until the end. I had to rest and I was soaked with sweat. We all sat at several tables all pushed together and had dinner. Gagan asked every one to tell what they had gotten from us that was not related to work. They all seemed sincere. Himanshu in a bout with his drunkenness, kind of babbled on about things not related to the question. Then Manoj stepped in and made his brown nose rant about his appreaciation of Gagan, Mohit A and Mohit S (or to Gagan, MA and MS).
Back to hotel at about 3am. Ranveer drove us and I asked him if he wanted me to drive since he was slurring pretty good and a couple times was veering towards the raised median. He said no.
I got on the computer and it was 430 pm in the states. I figured wife was either wrapping things up at work or already on her way to get girls so I didn't bother calling.
I worked on the torrent of emails and a couple of end of shift IMs from India workers.
I slept for about an hour before I heard the IM bing that told me wife was on. We IMd a little, then I went to sleep til 9.
Mohit and Gagan wanted us to come have tea and coffee so that took an hour until 8. Then we waited for them to go to the party with us. That put us at party about 1050 and supposedly they stopped serving drinks at 11. By then the class had been there about an hour and was partying hard. Of course when we got there, they drug us up on the floor to dance also. I danced almost the whole time up until the end. I had to rest and I was soaked with sweat. We all sat at several tables all pushed together and had dinner. Gagan asked every one to tell what they had gotten from us that was not related to work. They all seemed sincere. Himanshu in a bout with his drunkenness, kind of babbled on about things not related to the question. Then Manoj stepped in and made his brown nose rant about his appreaciation of Gagan, Mohit A and Mohit S (or to Gagan, MA and MS).
Back to hotel at about 3am. Ranveer drove us and I asked him if he wanted me to drive since he was slurring pretty good and a couple times was veering towards the raised median. He said no.
I got on the computer and it was 430 pm in the states. I figured wife was either wrapping things up at work or already on her way to get girls so I didn't bother calling.
I worked on the torrent of emails and a couple of end of shift IMs from India workers.
I slept for about an hour before I heard the IM bing that told me wife was on. We IMd a little, then I went to sleep til 9.
April 1, 2009 Noida, India
Wednesday
We had agreed to have lunch with Ravinder today at 130. He had the cab pick us up and drive us to downtown Noida to pick him up near his office there. It was right by another section of the elevated train track construction. This piece had a very large rectangular piece which I presume is a station. We waited for him for about 10 or 15 minutes. He directed Paren to take us to a hotel called Obroi. It is a very nice and expensive hotel in an area not unlike the area where our hotel is except they had more property in which to grow more greenery behind which to hide the noise and sights from the outside world. We had buffet, but just barely because waitress said it closed at 3 and it was 250. Food was good. Very little difference in food at Park Plaza. We left Obroi around 4 and went back to Ravinders office to take a tour and get some more logo gifts for the class since we didn't quite have enough for every one in class. This building is newer and much nicer than the one we are training in. The part of the company which supports our company, only occupies 1/2 of one small floor. Ravinder explained that if the workers at the site where we are training would show more value, their building would be on a level with this one.
We asked about the building under construction next to where we are training and he said that is another company and that at one time their company had plans to at least lease it, but have not grown as fast as expected.
On the drive from his office back to the hotel, I saw an old American car from a distance and guessed that it was a Buick. When we passed it, my suspicions were confirmed but I just saw Buick and 8, so will have to look up '50s Buicks to see what model it is. It was right hand drive.
We didn't get back to hotel to change and grab bags until about 6. Nothing new about work. We left at 1 for car-o-bar.
Manoj brought home made veg dinner that his mom made for us. Ranveer propped his hood up to make it more level for our "buffet" table. Food was great! We drank citrus Smirnoff with Limca (citrus pop).
Got back to hotel around 430. I worked some on computer and texted wife when I saw her online. I was very tired so chatted a little while and went to bed.
We had agreed to have lunch with Ravinder today at 130. He had the cab pick us up and drive us to downtown Noida to pick him up near his office there. It was right by another section of the elevated train track construction. This piece had a very large rectangular piece which I presume is a station. We waited for him for about 10 or 15 minutes. He directed Paren to take us to a hotel called Obroi. It is a very nice and expensive hotel in an area not unlike the area where our hotel is except they had more property in which to grow more greenery behind which to hide the noise and sights from the outside world. We had buffet, but just barely because waitress said it closed at 3 and it was 250. Food was good. Very little difference in food at Park Plaza. We left Obroi around 4 and went back to Ravinders office to take a tour and get some more logo gifts for the class since we didn't quite have enough for every one in class. This building is newer and much nicer than the one we are training in. The part of the company which supports our company, only occupies 1/2 of one small floor. Ravinder explained that if the workers at the site where we are training would show more value, their building would be on a level with this one.
We asked about the building under construction next to where we are training and he said that is another company and that at one time their company had plans to at least lease it, but have not grown as fast as expected.
On the drive from his office back to the hotel, I saw an old American car from a distance and guessed that it was a Buick. When we passed it, my suspicions were confirmed but I just saw Buick and 8, so will have to look up '50s Buicks to see what model it is. It was right hand drive.
We didn't get back to hotel to change and grab bags until about 6. Nothing new about work. We left at 1 for car-o-bar.
Manoj brought home made veg dinner that his mom made for us. Ranveer propped his hood up to make it more level for our "buffet" table. Food was great! We drank citrus Smirnoff with Limca (citrus pop).
Got back to hotel around 430. I worked some on computer and texted wife when I saw her online. I was very tired so chatted a little while and went to bed.
March 31, 2009 Noida, India
Tuesday, we went in at normal time.
We went to dinner and decided on "drinks" too. Tried a couple liquor stores for vodka, but no luck for brand that would not give smell on our breath. So we endd up at a building with a restauraunt on the third floor. The had a very large patio that was uncovered and it was very nice weather. Wehad drinks, snacks and soup outside and moved inside for main dishes. Once again, very good and very full afterwords. We went for a walk back over by office. Then, unfortunatley back to work.
We had a meeting with Mohit who is, I believe, a project manager just below Gagan who is director (lookingback, Mohit is 2 below Gagan). It was tuff staying awake. Back to hotel as usual and called home and IMd for awhile, then to bed.
We went to dinner and decided on "drinks" too. Tried a couple liquor stores for vodka, but no luck for brand that would not give smell on our breath. So we endd up at a building with a restauraunt on the third floor. The had a very large patio that was uncovered and it was very nice weather. Wehad drinks, snacks and soup outside and moved inside for main dishes. Once again, very good and very full afterwords. We went for a walk back over by office. Then, unfortunatley back to work.
We had a meeting with Mohit who is, I believe, a project manager just below Gagan who is director (lookingback, Mohit is 2 below Gagan). It was tuff staying awake. Back to hotel as usual and called home and IMd for awhile, then to bed.
March 30, 2009 Back in Noida, India
I called home on computer phone and basically said goodnight. We worked some on computer from hotel before going to office. nothing special about this day. For dinner we went to the same mall where we ate Pizza Hut last week. first we went to bar type restaurant where the music was loud. We saw a cockroach on table next to ours and the host looked at it and said nothing, so we left and went to another bar restaurant. It was called strings - like strings on a guitar. Music was loud, but Ranveer had no problem getting them to turn the volume down. It played separately from videos playing on flat screens hanging on the walls. Videos were mostly of models wearing string bikinis in various states of bendover. Food was Indian and very good. Manoj and I had non-veg - chicken in spicy dark red sauce. Tracy and Ranveer had veg - paneer, beans, and one other dish plus "salad" which is cut up vegetables. Plus curd. Of course we were all stuffed after that.
Short walk outside of mall afterwords, then back to office. Work til 4 or 5, then to hotel. I called home and talked to wife and kids on video.
Short walk outside of mall afterwords, then back to office. Work til 4 or 5, then to hotel. I called home and talked to wife and kids on video.
Sunday 3/29, 2009 Jaipur, India
Up at 830. Tracey and I went down to have breakfast and Monoj and Ranveer joined us soon after.
Finally off from hotel. We found liquor shop and got Old Kingfisher strong. Manoj explained color of bottle means nothing (his was green, ours brown). Just different color glass.
Police on foot on side of road had Paren pull over and they spoke for a little while in car and then he had them get out and go into the breezeway. It turns out he pulled us over because Manoj didn't have his seat belt on. But then he also saw open beer bottles and that is not allowed in taxi. So they came back after about 5 minutes and explained they had to pay 300 rupees and made a friend in police in the meantime. It would have been 2500 rupees if it had gone to "paper".
We've taken a passenger (sharing front bucket seat with Manoj). I presume he's a guide for next destination. He directed us to government store RTD corp that sells clothes, jewelry, and other stuff at set prices - no haggle. I bought girls 2 dresses each. They ended up being $35 each and also got an outfit for wife which was $50. I had to charge on my MasterCard because debit card was declined (most credit cards tack on 3% or more foreign exchange fee on purchases out of US. Debit card does not- I checked before leaving home).
On to Jeweler. I saw all sorts of stuff but so hard to choose. I bought 3 silver bracelets for 4100 rupees or $78. Then next door for bangles for girls. 2 sets each at approximately $1.50 = 650 rupees.
Next stop is Jantar Mantar - solar observatory built 1728-1734. There were several different size sundials and other large instruments in order to give solar altitude, time, constellations etc.
Next on to shop for shoes. I got some black leather flip flops and some raj shoes that curl up at the toe and have gold thread on the top. Renveer had em at 700 rupees, but they didn't take credit and all i had was 600, so that was Ranveer's opportunity to get the price down to 650 rupees.
We left the guide at shoe store and Ranveer paid him there.
We left new Jaipur and passed by forts we saw yesterday.
Now stopped at shop 4 something. They picked up kachon (some sort of round fried balls) and pakora (green chili with flour and deep fried). They were delicious and not spicy- even with curry dipping sauce. We also had corn bread sticks called namkeen - these were very spicy. To go with all, we had orange Smirnoff Vodka and Miranda orange pop. They also bought uncle chipps from Lays which are spicy. We stopped roadside to eat and drink. Several kids stopped by to have pics taken. Lots of people drove by staring or waving. An elephant driver came by and they tried to find out price with goal of 100 rupees for ride. I don't know how far they got, but he did let us take pics while petting the elephant. We were by a tree and twice the elephant reached up and broke branches with leaves and brushed itself with the branch and then stripped the leaves in its mouth. I touched it's ear and I think it must have tickled. I asked if he owned the elephant and Monoj said no - just drove it for the owner. He said it was very har to own an elephant. As he was leaving, the driver motioned with fingers - 3, 2 which of course was still too high for the 100 rupees requested.
Back in the car and on our way back to Noida. We made it back around 11 or sometime shortly after.
Finally off from hotel. We found liquor shop and got Old Kingfisher strong. Manoj explained color of bottle means nothing (his was green, ours brown). Just different color glass.
Police on foot on side of road had Paren pull over and they spoke for a little while in car and then he had them get out and go into the breezeway. It turns out he pulled us over because Manoj didn't have his seat belt on. But then he also saw open beer bottles and that is not allowed in taxi. So they came back after about 5 minutes and explained they had to pay 300 rupees and made a friend in police in the meantime. It would have been 2500 rupees if it had gone to "paper".
We've taken a passenger (sharing front bucket seat with Manoj). I presume he's a guide for next destination. He directed us to government store RTD corp that sells clothes, jewelry, and other stuff at set prices - no haggle. I bought girls 2 dresses each. They ended up being $35 each and also got an outfit for wife which was $50. I had to charge on my MasterCard because debit card was declined (most credit cards tack on 3% or more foreign exchange fee on purchases out of US. Debit card does not- I checked before leaving home).
On to Jeweler. I saw all sorts of stuff but so hard to choose. I bought 3 silver bracelets for 4100 rupees or $78. Then next door for bangles for girls. 2 sets each at approximately $1.50 = 650 rupees.
Next stop is Jantar Mantar - solar observatory built 1728-1734. There were several different size sundials and other large instruments in order to give solar altitude, time, constellations etc.
Next on to shop for shoes. I got some black leather flip flops and some raj shoes that curl up at the toe and have gold thread on the top. Renveer had em at 700 rupees, but they didn't take credit and all i had was 600, so that was Ranveer's opportunity to get the price down to 650 rupees.
We left the guide at shoe store and Ranveer paid him there.
We left new Jaipur and passed by forts we saw yesterday.
Now stopped at shop 4 something. They picked up kachon (some sort of round fried balls) and pakora (green chili with flour and deep fried). They were delicious and not spicy- even with curry dipping sauce. We also had corn bread sticks called namkeen - these were very spicy. To go with all, we had orange Smirnoff Vodka and Miranda orange pop. They also bought uncle chipps from Lays which are spicy. We stopped roadside to eat and drink. Several kids stopped by to have pics taken. Lots of people drove by staring or waving. An elephant driver came by and they tried to find out price with goal of 100 rupees for ride. I don't know how far they got, but he did let us take pics while petting the elephant. We were by a tree and twice the elephant reached up and broke branches with leaves and brushed itself with the branch and then stripped the leaves in its mouth. I touched it's ear and I think it must have tickled. I asked if he owned the elephant and Monoj said no - just drove it for the owner. He said it was very har to own an elephant. As he was leaving, the driver motioned with fingers - 3, 2 which of course was still too high for the 100 rupees requested.
Back in the car and on our way back to Noida. We made it back around 11 or sometime shortly after.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Saturday, 3/28/09 Jaipur, India
Arrived at old Jaipur and Amber Fort. Paren (taxi driver) drove all the way to the base of the fort via 1 lane alleys and brick roads. Many old brick buildings in ruins- road too!
The views from the upper walls were spectacular. The palace is massive and we don't even come close to visiting all the open parts of it, let alone the closed parts.
We tried "ice cream" on a stick but it was nasty so no more of that.
After Amber Fort, we left to drive way around to Jaigarh Fort, which is way up the hill from amber. It is just as big as Amber I think. Views here are more spectacular because of the altitude in relation.
There is a building down below where the king Jai used to hunt lions from the roof.
Right from there is another building that looks like it acts as a dam and so has water in a lake next to it.
The wall seems to go on for ever around the city and the forts.
We left Jaigarh and headed SW towards "new" Jaipur. We stopped at Jal Mahal 
which is a palace that seems to be in the middle of a lake (Man Sagar). We got out to take some pics. A guy followed us most of the time wanting us to buy his (crude) violin like instrument which he was pretty good at playing. Ranveer bought a helping of cut up really long skinny cucumber. They tasted like them too. Tracey was interested in the instrument and Manoj and her tried tit out but couldn't agree on price which started at 100 rupees. In the end, Manoj called him back and Tracey ended up with it for 80 rupees or approximately $1.50 US.
which is a palace that seems to be in the middle of a lake (Man Sagar). We got out to take some pics. A guy followed us most of the time wanting us to buy his (crude) violin like instrument which he was pretty good at playing. Ranveer bought a helping of cut up really long skinny cucumber. They tasted like them too. Tracey was interested in the instrument and Manoj and her tried tit out but couldn't agree on price which started at 100 rupees. In the end, Manoj called him back and Tracey ended up with it for 80 rupees or approximately $1.50 US.We left Jal Mahal and went to where the hotel where we had reservations, but Ranveer was not impressed. So we left and found the Golden Tulip, which was similar in quality to the hotel in Noida. Then we checked in and relaxed for a couple hours.
We left the hotel around 7 or 730 and drove through streets looking for Indiana Restaurant. When we found it, we sat at a table right next to group of 3 guys playing drum, singing, and playing harmonium (looks like the cross between a keyboard and an accordion). There was also a girl dancing (Rajistani folk dance). Ranveer and Tracey took pictures and we saw they did not serve "drinks", so we left to find a bar.
We went to a bar in the Maurya Hotel which was nice because, at first, we were all alone. Tracey and I had old monk with Pepsi. Ranveer and Manoj had blenders pride and Royal Staff whiskey respectively with Pepsi and water. Manoj and Tracey had 3 and Tracey was "on her way". Ranveer and I only had 2 and I was pretty tired at first but got a second wind somewhere. With drinks, we had french fries and masala peanuts (incentives :) and masala papad, which is like tortillas with spicy, non juicy, salsa. We left here and went to a restaurant (CM Regency) out in the shopping district. We were led upstairs to an air conditioned area. Ranveer argued with them because they were requiring us to purchase 4 meals and none of us was all that hungry. We left there and went next door to a similar room upstairs and ordered 2 combination plates with several different tins full of rice/liquids/sweets etc along with breads. Manoj and I talked about cars, trucks and tractors as they drove by on the street below. We left and went back to the hotel. Once there, I called home and talked to Cathi to let her know we had made it to Jaipur ok. I set alarm for 830am and went to sleep around 12 midnight.
Saturday, 3/28/09 Noida, India
We left work about 1am which still gave me 9 hours if you count the 2 I did at the hotel.
Manoj and Ranveer took us to old Delhi. This was advised against by Gogan, their director. We agreed and went anyways, but only because Manoj was raised in the area and was familiar. It was pretty neat. He said it was the best time to come because all other times, it was very crowded and would be a long wait at the restaurant.
It was very greasy food. Spicy. Bread was soft. We had some other bread that was like a really thin flour tortilla, but tough and chewy like nan bread. We closed the restaurant around 3am and went back to the hotel.
I called home before Ranveer, Manoj and taxi driver came to pick us up to go to Jaipur.
Manoj and Ranveer took us to old Delhi. This was advised against by Gogan, their director. We agreed and went anyways, but only because Manoj was raised in the area and was familiar. It was pretty neat. He said it was the best time to come because all other times, it was very crowded and would be a long wait at the restaurant.
It was very greasy food. Spicy. Bread was soft. We had some other bread that was like a really thin flour tortilla, but tough and chewy like nan bread. We closed the restaurant around 3am and went back to the hotel.
I called home before Ranveer, Manoj and taxi driver came to pick us up to go to Jaipur.
On the way to Jaipur, I slept for a little while in the car. The trip is much the same as the trip to the Taj, but predominantly, taxis here are long jeeps that look like military jeeps.
And, again, there are many trucks to dodge in traffic. We have also seen a few camel carts. The landscape here is a bit different because there are abrupt hills in the middle of nowhere.
Manoj and Ranveer said people here don't like to keep cars more than 90-100 kilometers because they lose value after that.
Note: truck names seen on the road: Swaraj Mazda; Eicher; Ashor Leyland; Tata; Mahindra Jeep.
Monday, 3/23/09 Noida, India
We worked out in the hotel gym for about an hour on Monday and Tuesday. I ate an apple from the gym both days. Wednesday I had the runs (guessing it was from the apple). This continued on Thursday so I took the antibiotic Friday at noon and it seemed to have worked.
Sunday, 3/22/09 Noida, India
We were going to go shopping but Ranveer didn't come until late and we went to Sector 18 Mall and ate dinner at Ruby Tuesday. I had veggie burger because I knew Ranveer would have it and I wanted to try it. It was ok.
Ranveer had to leave to go pick someone up and the whole area closed at 10pm anyways, so we left and went back to hotel.
Ranveer had to leave to go pick someone up and the whole area closed at 10pm anyways, so we left and went back to hotel.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
3/21/09 Noida to Agara, India
Up at 5am and we left in taxi w/Ranveer, Shalini (also from office) and Naren, her husband, who also works at the same office in a different department. We are having drinks of vodka with Limca (kind of a cross between 7-up and Squirt) and snacks of potato chips, crunchy string potatoes, spicy peanuts and moong dal (dried lentil or split green gran in India). We stopped and ate breakfast of opma or suji which is from flour and is kind of like rice served on a plate after shaping in a cup, and vada w/chutney (vada is like a plain - non sweet donut). Chutney was coconut and mint. Soup was sambahr but was spicy so i didn't eat much.
When stopped in traffic at one point, some beggar kids knocked on window and pointed to their legless brother on the median. As taught, we ignored.
We made it to the closest parking lot which was not full. I could only guess it was because it cost more.
We entered from the west. It cost $15 US for us but 70Rupees for Indians. We had to go through metal detectors and were patted down by guard. There are 2 other entrance gates, east and south. To the north is a building before you get to Taj. The Taj has a building on both sides that are exact mirror images. North side of Taj is a very wide riverbed.
On the way out I bought 2 magic bracelets for the girls which were 10 rupees each. I also bought a book of post cards.
We stopped for beer and snacks at restaurant right outside of Taj. We drove a ways and then stopped for dinner. I slept the entire way back to hotel and then another 7 or so hours at hotel.
When stopped in traffic at one point, some beggar kids knocked on window and pointed to their legless brother on the median. As taught, we ignored.
We made it to the closest parking lot which was not full. I could only guess it was because it cost more.
We entered from the west. It cost $15 US for us but 70Rupees for Indians. We had to go through metal detectors and were patted down by guard. There are 2 other entrance gates, east and south. To the north is a building before you get to Taj. The Taj has a building on both sides that are exact mirror images. North side of Taj is a very wide riverbed.
On the way out I bought 2 magic bracelets for the girls which were 10 rupees each. I also bought a book of post cards.
We stopped for beer and snacks at restaurant right outside of Taj. We drove a ways and then stopped for dinner. I slept the entire way back to hotel and then another 7 or so hours at hotel.
3/20/09 Noida, India
Before we came home today, we went for "breakfast."
Manoj showed us how they get alcohol after hours. The shop owner (or at least the person who works there) lives in the shop, so you go up to the roll up door and tap it. The person raises the door slightly and you put your money (including extra) under the door. Then the bottle is pushed out to you. After experiencing this, we experienced "breakfast." Their name for whoever's car contains the alcohol. It's "carobar", which in Hindi, also means business. Ranveer, Monoj, Tracey and I were in Ranveer's car, a dark blue Fiat Paliu. Gurpal and Akhil in Gurpal's white Suzuki Swift. After our purchase, we met at the roadside in an area much like where the office was. We had first rounds and needed more pop. I went w/ Gurpal back to the office to get pop from machine or snack bar. When he came back, I asked if his car was his baby and he dais yes. Then, I asked if I could drive and again, he said yes. It was a short distance back to where we were, so he told me to keep going. The key is the only thing in the same place as a LHD. I tried blinker, but turned wipers on. Hard to get used to driving w/right hand and shifting w/left. You have to think about left/right side of the road too. I think I did ok and Gurpal concurred.
After getting back we stood outside the rest of the time. We had "breakfast" of paratha (stuffed) and omelet. Both bread with cauliflower and egg.
After this, we went back to hotel. I called girls and Cathi and they enjoyed the call. I only slept for about 3 hours and it wasn't enough before we got up for lunch. Then I slept for another hour. Still not enough.
Early to work at 3 for finishing certification and left at midnight.
To bed after calling Cathi to let her know I would not be calling after her work because we would be leaving at 5am for Taj Mahal.
Manoj showed us how they get alcohol after hours. The shop owner (or at least the person who works there) lives in the shop, so you go up to the roll up door and tap it. The person raises the door slightly and you put your money (including extra) under the door. Then the bottle is pushed out to you. After experiencing this, we experienced "breakfast." Their name for whoever's car contains the alcohol. It's "carobar", which in Hindi, also means business. Ranveer, Monoj, Tracey and I were in Ranveer's car, a dark blue Fiat Paliu. Gurpal and Akhil in Gurpal's white Suzuki Swift. After our purchase, we met at the roadside in an area much like where the office was. We had first rounds and needed more pop. I went w/ Gurpal back to the office to get pop from machine or snack bar. When he came back, I asked if his car was his baby and he dais yes. Then, I asked if I could drive and again, he said yes. It was a short distance back to where we were, so he told me to keep going. The key is the only thing in the same place as a LHD. I tried blinker, but turned wipers on. Hard to get used to driving w/right hand and shifting w/left. You have to think about left/right side of the road too. I think I did ok and Gurpal concurred.
After getting back we stood outside the rest of the time. We had "breakfast" of paratha (stuffed) and omelet. Both bread with cauliflower and egg.
After this, we went back to hotel. I called girls and Cathi and they enjoyed the call. I only slept for about 3 hours and it wasn't enough before we got up for lunch. Then I slept for another hour. Still not enough.
Early to work at 3 for finishing certification and left at midnight.
To bed after calling Cathi to let her know I would not be calling after her work because we would be leaving at 5am for Taj Mahal.
3/19/09 Noida, India
Nothing special today. Alot like yesterday. Class started their "certification" practical test.
Home around 5 and on phone with kids and cathi til 930 I believe.
Home around 5 and on phone with kids and cathi til 930 I believe.
3/18/09 Noida, India
We left office at 430am. Tonight dinner will be provided by class. Should be very authentic.
Was authentic, although not as spicy as hotel. We had the cottage cheese dish in the red sauce and butter chicken, 3 different types of bread (nan, paranta, and puree --small round), kheer (sweet white with rice and small grapes and cardomom seeds), lentle soup and pepsi. I tried diet coke here and it doesn't taste like diet coke in states- no bitter aftertaste.
Home from office around 5am and up til 8 on phone w/kids and Cathi.
Was authentic, although not as spicy as hotel. We had the cottage cheese dish in the red sauce and butter chicken, 3 different types of bread (nan, paranta, and puree --small round), kheer (sweet white with rice and small grapes and cardomom seeds), lentle soup and pepsi. I tried diet coke here and it doesn't taste like diet coke in states- no bitter aftertaste.
Home from office around 5am and up til 8 on phone w/kids and Cathi.
3/17/09 Noida, India
I called home on the computer phone and talked to girls and Cathi while working on emails and issues. Went to bed at 730am and got up at 830 to eat breakfast. went back to bed around 930 and got up again around 330. Time flew while I ironed shirt and pants , showered and packed computer away. We didn't have time to eat and Ranveer was waiting for us in the lobby when we went down around 5.
Another day of training flew by and we quized class verbally and awarded with candy.
Our hosts ordered food and we all ate in the cafeteria. All mild food- some chicked w/gravy, more gravy - a bit sweet with crumbled potatoes in it, redish orange gravy with cottage cheese slices.
Another day of training flew by and we quized class verbally and awarded with candy.
Our hosts ordered food and we all ate in the cafeteria. All mild food- some chicked w/gravy, more gravy - a bit sweet with crumbled potatoes in it, redish orange gravy with cottage cheese slices.
3/16/09 Noida, India
Ranveer was going to come and take us shopping today, but he was unable to because his car was not working. So we ventured out on foot from the hotel. The neighborhood looks pretty rough as do all neighborhoods here. We walked down to the end of the road where, if there is a light, it was not being obeyed. We had to walk carefully to cross as car, autorichshaw, truck, bus, bicycle tried to guess each others moves and ours while turning onto the cross street. No yielding to pedestrians, just dodging and honking. Some kids came begging and we told them no. They asked Tracey to take their pictures and she obliged. They were anxious to see themselves on the display afterwords. They wouldn't leave us so I waved and said bye bye. The kept saying something and holding out their hands and acting like they did not understand us. As we were crossing over to come back on the other side of the street, the kid waved and said "bye bye."
We walked over holes in the ground that looked like sink holes, but it turns out they were sewer man holes that disintegrated (we could tell by the smell and the flies).
We walked part way down an ally were the fronts of the buildings had no walls or doors on the front. Shops had bikes and bike parts, 50 foot pieces of rebar folded in half, paint, scooters, and other hardware, none of which looked new (except for maybe the rebar and some of the bikes). There was a couple of guys unloading a truck full of red bricks on the other side of the alley against a wall. They were next to some sand and gravel piles. Further down where we turned around, there were 3 cows on the other side (main street side) of the wall eating from what looked like piles of trash on the side of the road. I noticed there was a trough like gutter beneath the sidewalks with murky water in it and wondered if that was the sewer too (Ranveer later verified this is gray water sewer).
On the way back, I saw a Royal Enfield motorcycle parked on the side of the road.
Around 5, Ravinder, who is a native Indian, but a--n employee of the company we work for--and liaison for the reason we are here, Akhil, and Gogan came to pick us up. When we weren't quite done eating dinner. I ordered some shrimp in some kind of red curry sauce and asked for not too much spicy. When they brought it out they said "this is a spicy dish", and if I wanted they could add some cream. I declined and ate it. It might have been the hottest thing I have ever eaten. Tracey tried it (she likes spicy food) and said yes, it was very spicy. I ate a shrimp that was oven hot too and had to take a drink. When I did, it went the wrong way and I nearly choked to death while my sinuses burned from the spiciness.
We sat with the 4 of them for tea and coffee for a little bit before we left for the office. They drove us past about 5 other buildings occupied by other divisions of their company before arriving at our building. When we arrived, there was a crowd to greet us on the steps on the way in. We stopped in the building foyer to more greetings and applause. They had us light a group of 5 ceremonial candles and then put a red dot on our foreheads as a welcome gesture. (I later found that the dot is called a bindi or tilak).
We then were given a tour of the building and assigned to our "cabin" (office). We weren't in there very long as we started right away training.
At dinner time, we went out with Ravinder, Mohit, Gogan, and Petri to a Chinese restaurant. According to Gogan, they have the best "non-spicy" chinese food (it was very good).
We left the office around 5am and arrived at hotel around 550.
We walked over holes in the ground that looked like sink holes, but it turns out they were sewer man holes that disintegrated (we could tell by the smell and the flies).
We walked part way down an ally were the fronts of the buildings had no walls or doors on the front. Shops had bikes and bike parts, 50 foot pieces of rebar folded in half, paint, scooters, and other hardware, none of which looked new (except for maybe the rebar and some of the bikes). There was a couple of guys unloading a truck full of red bricks on the other side of the alley against a wall. They were next to some sand and gravel piles. Further down where we turned around, there were 3 cows on the other side (main street side) of the wall eating from what looked like piles of trash on the side of the road. I noticed there was a trough like gutter beneath the sidewalks with murky water in it and wondered if that was the sewer too (Ranveer later verified this is gray water sewer).
On the way back, I saw a Royal Enfield motorcycle parked on the side of the road.
Around 5, Ravinder, who is a native Indian, but a--n employee of the company we work for--and liaison for the reason we are here, Akhil, and Gogan came to pick us up. When we weren't quite done eating dinner. I ordered some shrimp in some kind of red curry sauce and asked for not too much spicy. When they brought it out they said "this is a spicy dish", and if I wanted they could add some cream. I declined and ate it. It might have been the hottest thing I have ever eaten. Tracey tried it (she likes spicy food) and said yes, it was very spicy. I ate a shrimp that was oven hot too and had to take a drink. When I did, it went the wrong way and I nearly choked to death while my sinuses burned from the spiciness.
We sat with the 4 of them for tea and coffee for a little bit before we left for the office. They drove us past about 5 other buildings occupied by other divisions of their company before arriving at our building. When we arrived, there was a crowd to greet us on the steps on the way in. We stopped in the building foyer to more greetings and applause. They had us light a group of 5 ceremonial candles and then put a red dot on our foreheads as a welcome gesture. (I later found that the dot is called a bindi or tilak).
We then were given a tour of the building and assigned to our "cabin" (office). We weren't in there very long as we started right away training.
At dinner time, we went out with Ravinder, Mohit, Gogan, and Petri to a Chinese restaurant. According to Gogan, they have the best "non-spicy" chinese food (it was very good).
We left the office around 5am and arrived at hotel around 550.
3/15/2009
We didn't sleep too much , partly because we slept some on the airplane and partly because we were up very late trying to get computer and phone to work to call home and let everybody know we made it. There's a couple second lag or delay in the computer phone but overall sounds good.
Today, Ranveer and the driver picked up up and we went to Dilli Haat and shopped for silk, jewelery, and other things. It's kind of like an India national bazaar with pashminas, scarves, some other clothes, jewelery and etc from several different Indian regions. I got this book (need green and red cloth journal with natural paper that has leaves and such embeded in it) to write in and a couple small gifts for the girls. Ranveer paid since we still don't have any Rupees. We stopped at the India gate which is a large monument to Indian and British soldiers. It has a very large park and parade route to the capital.
Today, Ranveer and the driver picked up up and we went to Dilli Haat and shopped for silk, jewelery, and other things. It's kind of like an India national bazaar with pashminas, scarves, some other clothes, jewelery and etc from several different Indian regions. I got this book (need green and red cloth journal with natural paper that has leaves and such embeded in it) to write in and a couple small gifts for the girls. Ranveer paid since we still don't have any Rupees. We stopped at the India gate which is a large monument to Indian and British soldiers. It has a very large park and parade route to the capital.
Delhi/Noida, India March 14, 2009
We arrived at the airport yesterday (Saturday 3/14/09) and did not see the expected sign w/our names on them. We couldn't get either of the international cell phones we were issued to work and ended up having a local man call Ranveer (our contact here). He directed us out the door to meet them. We waited about 15 minutes and the man who had called for us came to check on us. We told him we had not seen them yet. He called Ranveer again and soon after, we were greeted with rose bouquets (both of us). We then walked over to the lot where the car was parked and waited for it to emerge from the lot. I couldn't wait to start taking pics of the different cars and trucks. There was a neat tow truck right there but I missed it because the camera was in video mode.
Catching up
So I went to India and survived! I will be catching up now, so the dates I enter in The titles for the next few entries will not match the dates they are entered just for the fact that I am indeed catching up.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Getting closer
We are 15 days away from launch. We have seats reserved for the big legs and for the last leg home. RJ70 is over 2/3 booked and will have to get seat last minute. I still don't have airplane computer power, but will look at eBay again. expecting ipod accessories any day now. need to pick up some little gifts for friends in India. the week before we leave, i still need to get 2nd round of shots and will pick up mosquito repellent there along with tummy meds. also need flush wipes and hand sanitizer.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
First Post
Hello to all.
Thanks for visiting. With this post, I will be covering my first international business trip. I will be leaving for India shortly to train workforce for telecom work.
I have had a passport for nearly 8 years now but have never used it. My company has paid for my visa and would have paid for my passport if I did not already have one.
I will be traveling with one coworker and we will be there for three weeks.
More to come shortly.
Thanks for visiting. With this post, I will be covering my first international business trip. I will be leaving for India shortly to train workforce for telecom work.
I have had a passport for nearly 8 years now but have never used it. My company has paid for my visa and would have paid for my passport if I did not already have one.
I will be traveling with one coworker and we will be there for three weeks.
More to come shortly.
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