Borders, Cultures and more...

A lot has happened since 27 June 2010, the day I last updated this page. I was asked to come back to Toulouse, France in August. It has been a wonderful stay here since then, for many reasons. This time, I chose (by chance) to stay with a French family. I knew it wouldn't be an easy thing, given the huge cultural differences, but looking at the fact that the family was more than willing to accept me into their house made things easier. I feel understanding a foreign culture would be so much easier if you spoke the language. My broken French comes to the rescue sometimes. I wish I could speak better. (but then, I also wish I drove a Mercedes C220 in Hyderabad. So, I guess its OK).

Being a part of this family has been 'un experience extra-ordinaire'. I thought I understood their culture, having worked with them for over a year the last time I was here. But then, working together is only half the story. Living with them isn't quite the same. (I'm not sure what smiley to use here) Don't get me wrong. They are wonderful people. But to an Indian, it would take some time to get adjusted. Every little thing in the house amazes me. Their food, their love for their language, the cleanliness (I work hard to cope with the high standards).. basically, everything.

the house is full of beautiful paintings like this one

The French are extremely social people. From what I've seen, they love hosting dinner parties. Let me state for the record, 'long' dinner parties. Twice a week, I find the house flooded with about 10 people in the evening and the lady working really hard to make sure everything is perfect. I try to help with whatever I can. Later in the evening, I'm seated at the table with these fine Europeans. Only if I could understand what they were saying! Most of the times, I stare at them hoping to catch a few words and make a meaningful sentence out of them. But by then, the joke is over, everyone has laughed and are waiting for me to laugh. Cultural difference, right up your nose. :D I have to admit, it is funny and it is wonderful. I'm same age as their kids, so that automatically means, an extra slice of apple pie at each party. :)

a wooden sculpture in the house

Last month, the house owners were on a vacation for a complete month leaving the house in the hands of strangers. I cannot imagine myself doing that. The amount of trust they have in people is unbelievable. At the same time, you are in for an earful if you forget to separate organic waste from the inorganic when using the trash can.

In one of the parties, I had an interesting conversation with one of their friends. The lady who was talking to me was interested in discussing India and how we were moving forward. She was amazed by how young Indians like us travel anywhere across the globe for work without much difficulty. It was difficult for her in particular, to comprehend how the image of our country changed so rapidly in the last decade. I sure was the proudest person in the room. Now, with Barack Obama's visit formalizing India as an emerged economy, I believe the West is looking East. I think instead of one country dominating the whole world, it will be an age of co-dependence.

I will be flying back to India by this month-end with a wonderful experience and memories I never expected. I'm so glad this opportunity came by or I'd have missed this unique and pleasant experience. Some things just happen....

Perilous Maneuvers

Some days are just not meant to go the way you plan them. 26 June was a particularly nasty one, with things actually going against us.

Right from the beginning, something wasn’t right. The plan was to drive down 90 Kms southwest from here to Nagarhole National Park. We were to drive our colleague’s car. As fate would have it, the dude developed an eye-infection that very morning. The car wasn’t available and neither was the guy. We couldn’t have canceled the trip: we’ve been planning it for too long.

coutesy: Monsieur Roy

So, the remaining three of us set out on bikes on the beautiful Mysore-Hunsur State Highway 88. Bad luck begins to slam us from here. We overshot the exit on the highway to the correct entrance to the park, by about 40 kms. Having no idea of the mistake, we kept on driving deeper and deeper into the forest. After having passed numerous tiny villages in the forest, we stopped at one of them just to make sure we were on the right path. (well, we weren’t) Incredulously, we were told the national park was a further 60 kms drive. It was unbelievable since we had already driven close to 85 kms from Mysore. Google Maps on the phone wasn’t working here. (Operators should stop advertising their ‘excellent’ coverage)

We didn’t know what to do. It was getting pretty late for the Safari that we had planned to go on. Going at this rate, we were sure to miss it. So, we continued on the same path. There was a broken road sign, dramatically bent and rusted, showing 34 kms to Nagarhole. It was against our calculations too, but we had no other option. We flew on the ghat road. It was dangerously narrow and surprisingly twisty. It was difficult to keep the vehicle on the road at all times at the speed at which we were driving. Knowing all the time that it was dangerous, we were speeding so as not to miss the Safari. This was when we started to feel that things weren’t going right. As if to complete our misery, it started raining. And the rain this down south is cold. Uncomfortably cold. The thought of spotting leopards and herds of elephants kept us going.

The check-post was within sight when tragedy struck. There was a sharp curve, a one like many others, but one that one of our bikes couldn’t negotiate. It resulted in the bike overshooting the road and skidding through the rainwater filled slush and throwing the rider and the pillion on to the road. The handle is twisted, the rear brake lever is mauled and the front brake lever is broken. More importantly, the guys are hurt. Bruised and shocked they got up and started checking if their cameras were alright. (geeks! I know) Now, the top priority job was to find first aid for the men and the bike, in this no-man’s land, in the middle of nowhere. A couple of nice people (of the neighboring village) offered us help and asked why we were here. We told them we were trying to go to Nagarhole. And then, they tell us that entrance to the park from this side is not allowed for two-wheelers. And we had to get back to the highway (50 kms in the opposite direction) and then drive all around the park and enter it from the southern side. Well, that decided it. We were now just gonna patch ourselves up and get back to Mysore and get a good sleep in warm blankets. The thought was painfully endearing. :)

First of all, finding a hospital in this wilderness was the major task. Surprisingly, there are villages this deep in the Western Ghats and one of them had a Government Hospital. The guys had their wounds dressed, before we proceeded to find another village, a bigger one, where we could find a mechanic to set the bike right. Now, we drove the bikes oh-so-slowly to the village and got the bike fixed while we grabbed something to eat. Being a vegetarian isn’t fun when you are in remote places and you are real hungry! A couple of more trips like this and that should be the tipping point for me. ;) After ‘lunch’ (flavored bread and soft drink), we started off to get back to Mysore. Since the trip had to be ‘complete’, it rained like it never rained before. Well, it wasn’t just rain. It was like tiny little bullets hitting us hard, painfully hard, drenching us and chilling our bones.

We tried to over speed in the rain (dangerous again, I know) hoping to move faster than the clouds that were raining upon us. It seemed to have worked, since after a long distance, it was just cloudy. Three bruised, battered, wet and sorry looking faces on two bikes emerged on the highway after what seemed like eternity. A stop at one of the coffee places on the highway and a hot cuppa brought some life back in our cold and tired limbs. We sat there and discussed how things worked out (or not) that day. We laughed at how the guys had a fall from the bike. Its strange how people can find cheer and hope in almost everything on earth. It in turn gives hope to me, in every sense. From there, a little over 40 kms drive brought us back home to Mysore. I’m just happy we all returned alive: Nature seemed to be bent on kicking our asses that day. Yes, the camera never came out, we spotted no animal, except for crows and we had been on the bike all day long.

After such an adventurous Saturday, today has been rather uneventful. I’m glad. :)

Looking forward to better (safer) trips in the future. Sure, this was one that goes into the permanent records, although I’d like some records in some other genres.

Coorg

What started off as a 40kms trip to the neighboring Srirangapatna, ended as a 250kms trip to not-so-close Madikeri, aka Coorg.The idea was to get out of the house, or the city, on the weekend and put it to good use. Hadn’t used the camera for a little while too. So, we figured going to the bird sanctuary would be a good idea. Although, I wasn’t sure if I had the right equipment to shoot birds. I wanted to make an effort anyway. Many inspiring people in the company you see. ;)

Waking up at 05h30 on a Saturday morning is a pain in the… well, most parts of the body.Stuffed the bag with essentials like the tripod, an extra lens and some filters and started off. And the moment we start the vehicle, I get an ‘idea’. :D I thought, why go on the Bengaluru highway again, lets take some other road. So, we took the Hunsur road. Now, we are cruising on the road, having no idea where to go or when to stop. I see some road signs with many cities on them. One was Madikeri (Coorg) 120kms. We decided it would be a good idea to drive down there, since it was quite early in the morning. Distance wasn’t an obstacle. :)

This was the first major trip for my FZ. It is one of the most radical designs in the Indian market, designed after its monstrous cousin in Europe. The tank-size is out of proportions and the rear tire is just too wide. It gives you a lot of confidence while cornering even at high speeds.

And so we are cruising. At one point after we were well out of Mysore and past some villages, there was a long stretch of road. It was a very interesting piece. It was as if the road took a plunge and then climbed back up in a straight line. Imagination took over and we pulled over the vehicle, setting up the tripod with the camera, posing away, the bike being a part of a regal background. Passers-by shot us with curious looks. I am often asked by people if I run a photo studio, courtesy: the tripod.

I repeat this each time, but I really think our roads aren’t safe. Forget the night times, even the day is pretty dangerous. People ought to respect others’ lives as much as they love their own. Being an optimist, I think it will be a long time before we see such a change.

After passing through numerous nameless villages and little towns, we reach the foothills of the Western Ghats, ready to ascend to Madikeri. The ghat road that leads up to the town is quite amazing. It is surprisingly wide, allowing you to bank at high speeds. Well, of course, while negotiating the turns, its your responsibility to watch out for vehicles coming in the opposite direction. There is no road divider you see. While riding up the hill, I thought of the descent and how much fun it would be. I wasn’t wrong.

After completing the 120+kms, with a couple of stops, we had reached the city center (well, lets call it that). Now, we had no idea what to do. Primarily because it was a totally unplanned trip. And then, you don’t go to Coorg looking for a particular thing or a place. You just go there, spend some time, relax and get out.

Oh yeah, forgot, you also have a coffee. Special Coorg Coffee. And since we had no idea what to do, after the arduous ride, and a tasteless breakfast, we had the coffee. Two cups. The first wasn’t strong enough. Now when people ask why we went to Coorg or what we did there, I just have one answer: To have a cup of coffee.

There was another tourist attraction quite close to Coorg. It was the Abbey Falls. Since it is peak summer, there wasn’t much water in the falls. Just a tiny trickle compared to what it is generally, after the rains. But, it was perfect for the kind of shot I wanted. When shooting, you always have certain ideas in your head. The lead-up to the falls is quite dramatic too. You park your vehicle somewhere in the valley and then you walk through dense forest trees for about 8mins to reach the falls. To my imagination, after the rains, you will hear the falls much before you see them, much like the Fountain of Trevi in Rome.

The camera is out, people ducked and some shots were fired. No one was injured. ;) But, everyone was curious as to what I was trying to do. Later, I realized that people were staring at me, because I had a frustrated look on my face. Was trying real hard to get the right shot. Got some ‘alright’ pictures there and moved on. The drive uphill wasn’t exactly fun, I could feel the vehicle cursing me for putting it such troubles at such a young age! After reaching back Coorg, we started off on the not-so-amazing part of any road trip. The drive back home. It was just after lunch time, the Sun was merciless.

We had to take some major breaks on our way back, to fight dehydration. Reaching back Mysore, we felt as if we conquered something, I know, it’s a silly feeling. But it did feel like that. After we reach home, we had been sun-burnt, no, it wasn’t tan, it was sun-burn. Its been more than 2 weeks, I still got it.

Free advice: Apr-May is NOT the right time to go on a bike trip.

Trying to get a bit more adventurous the next time. Destination next is a 3-day,500+kms drive to Mangalore. :) As the bike gets older, the top speeds get higher. ;)

~Looney tunes~

Yeah, so.. what did I do in the last couple of months?? Hmmm... let me think.. I think I did quite a lot of nothing.. and then some more nothing. So, all in all, it has been a fruitful time so far. But hey! I go to office on time (debatable, ready to negotiate) and wake up late on weekends! Dont say I have no goals!

Sorry about the borrowed sentences, but that's exactly what I've been doing. Although, I did flunk my certification test, twice. ;) Hoping to clear it the third time. (God! I hope so!) Recently, I had caught the 'i-wanna-go-back-to-India' syndrome. Phew, it was difficult coping with it. Now I feel much better. Learnt a lesson: You can't 'always' get what you want. ;) But I guess its OK. You can't get 'everything' you want either. :D

Btw, found a new place for myself. Moved in recently. Centre-ville (city center), pretty neat place. I must say, being independent is nice. :)

Visited Lourdes today. It felt like ages since I stepped out of town. The last time was during the Christmas time. Lourdes, as it turns out, is not a tourist attraction, its a pilgrimage center. :) It was beautiful though, as any other place around here I suppose. This was the first time I travelled first class in a train here. Man, it was good! Weather is getting better. So, we thought we'll have a little outing. Nice way to spend the day.

Now back home after walking around the whole day. Totally tired. Side effects of old-age I suppose. :D Naah, can't be that. Actually, I got fat. :D (well, not fat... put on some weight :D) Was proud of it until about a month ago, but now, I watch my food. Can't believe I got to this place. I never thought this was possible. A couple of years ago, I was complaining to my cousin about not being able to put on weight. He told me to relax and join the IT industry. I thought he was kidding.... well......

I'll have to start wasting some of my most precious minutes of the day exercising. Eats into my beloved 'lying around' time. :( But, its necessary I suppose.

My stay here in Toulouse has been repeatedly rocked by uncertainties. Looking forward to less turbulent times. People back home seem pretty pissed at the random news thats beeped from here. Can't help it yaar. I'm not having fun either. Have lost touch with tons of folks back home. I don't feel very good about it. Makes me think sometimes. Did I leave too early? Have I been away too long? Creepy doubts creeping into the head. And then I remind myself, most things are out of my control. If things were in my hands........

My classmates from B.Tech. had a reunion party on the 13th of March. A rendezvous after almost 2 years! I missed that. Hoping there would be another one sometime later and I would be there to be a part of it. :) Hope.. such a silly thing. I don't trust it, but I can't get rid of it.

That's all for now! No more thoughts in the head. Its all empty.

Until later, sayonara!

The Big Fat European Dream.

Day dreaming. Never really believed in it. Until about a year ago. Things started taking shape way back in 2007. Anyway, I recently completed one year in Toulouse, France. I want to say its been a great experience. Sure, life is relatively difficult when you can't speak the local language. Its not like, English, the international language, comes to your rescue. ;)

Taking a broader perspective, its been a pretty good learning experience in a country which is quite conservative compared to the rest of the 'developed' world. I feel that Europe's geographical location (between the east and west) is indicative of the ideologies here too. They are not as liberal in ideas as the far West. Well, these are just plain facts which one can read off the internet, but then, experiencing such things first hand is pretty interesting.

Dealing with truly multi-national companies and meeting people from all over the globe on a daily basis is challenging, especially, when people are not comfortable with each other. Sitting in a room with an Englishman, a French and a German and trying to arrive at a consensus isn't exactly a picnic.

It can be fun for us Indians working in these environments where 'work' isn't really the first priority. People taking off during the months of August and December for major vacations leaves you a lot of time for yourself. In times like these, Europe was explored. Well, very few countries, but the countries I wanted to see.

After spending considerable amount of time in France, I learnt a little French. I felt this would be helpful in the trips. Oh was I mistaken! Had to speak with gestures. There are destinations for every season. The beautiful Mediterranean coast of France and Spain during summer and the snowy Alps in Switzerland, Germany and Pyrenees in France during winter. Fit in Italy and the rest of the countries whenever you find the time.

Sure, this was all a dream a couple of years ago. Its funny how things work out sometimes. But a lot of other dreams were fulfilled too in the last one year. I owe the Big Guy a lot. :) Got myself a decent camera, visited some of the world's biggest, costliest, popular and beautiful cities, drove at over 100 mph on the European motor ways and many more. Let's not get into details ;)

After passing the psychological barrier of spending one year in the country, the voice deep within is speaking out, louder by the day. It says, the job here is done and go back home where you belong, where there are people who love you and not people who need you just because the business requirement demands. I feel the day is quite close when I will be back.

Mysore, which I thought was millions of miles from my home in Hyderabad, now seems like home. Its only natural I suppose. The desire to come back is slowly turning into craving. I just hope I am not 'irreplaceable' material. :D I read this quote somewhere, "Don't be irreplaceable, you'll never be promoted". I took all measures to make sure this happened. Now, its a waiting game. :D

Things are about to take some pretty sharp turns soon, in every aspect. Looking forward to them.

Cheers!

P.S. Yes! At last, one post without the word 'photo' in it... oh damn! :D