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....
