| Nepal |
[Nov. 22nd, 2009|06:42 pm] |
So im in Nepal...its very cool to be in a different country, i had already went up north last weekend, but i wanted to experience another country. I find Nepal to be similar to India, but it has a "Tibet" feel to it. Its a bit cooler than Delhi, but smells more polluted.
Im really just getting a sample of what it has to offer though..there's ALOT of tourists here, but Nepal is really known for their trekking, most of which are at least 2-3 days, and alot of them are like 10-15 days. I decided just to use the first two days to explore Kathmandu and then tomorrow im taking a side trip to see something different.
It's weird travelling alone, and im sure id appreciate the experience alot more had if i was here longer and I had someone to do stuff with, but ill take what I can get it and treat it as a "Sample". The shopping is really good (I dont feel as ripped off as India). Im taking a day trip tomorrow just so i can say i did something outside Kathmandu. The accomadations are very different, never stayed in a guesthouse before, using a shared bathroom??? Well I guess there's a first for everything.
Missing home... |
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| Himalayan Adventure Part 2 |
[Nov. 17th, 2009|05:26 pm] |
So this past weekend I was planning to just stay in, watch movies, do laundry, maybe go out and see 2012 in the theaters (Love the cheap movies here), but 2 hours before I leave work I get told "Hey we're having a team outing, going to go camping in the desert, want to come?...oh and we're leaving in 2 hours". I was pretty excited so i left work early to pack up, only to find out when i got back that the place they intended to go in Rajasthan was booked or something, so instead we'd be going up to the Himalayan's. I'll admit, at first I was a tad disapointed because not that long ago, Matt, Brock and I already did the Himalayan camping thing....
Turns out it was one of the best weekend ive had this leg of the trip. The 13-seater bus was super fun and even though it was a 12-hour journey, it was super well organized, plenty of food, snacks of course booze! We left once work was done at 3am....I actually got pretty drunk and dont remember the breakfast stop at all. This time we went 200km further north than Rishikesh, which is where we were before, it was much less "commercial" and very secluded. It was also higher up and got a much better view of the Himalayan's. It was a pretty large campground and we were the only one's there...the food was much better (either that or im getting used to Indian food now?). Plus the large group atmosphere is always fun. I tried Rappelling, which is basically mountain climbing but downwards...very cool. We stopped in Rishikesh to visit the temples on the other side of the Ganges then finally made it home. Although I loved the difference between Indian "cold" and Canadian cold. At night it was like 12-14 degrees and they were bundled up as if it was -20 lol.
Now Im getting ready for this weekend where once again im heading north, this time to Nepal, Im excited to see a new country and ive heard only good things...itll just be weird going alone, but ill manage. And im home in 23 days...SWEET :) |
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| Diwali |
[Oct. 16th, 2009|10:48 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  satisfied | ] |
So today is like Diwali-Eve i guess, im all dressed up in my Kurta today and its a pretty cool environment with all the buildings decked out and stuff...reminds me of home at Xmas time.
Ive been hooked on Six Feet Under the last few weeks, im almost done the 3rd season, so just two more to go...wasn't sure it was something I could get into, but im already sad im more than half way done.
*yawn* im looking forward to doing nada this weekend... |
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| October... |
[Oct. 1st, 2009|09:12 am] |
| [ | Current Location |
| | Delhi | ] |
| [ | mood |
| | complacent | ] |
| [ | music |
| | The Eagles | ] |
I realized I havent really posted anything since I got here.
Time's going by nice and quick, which is a good thing. It's been pretty quiet..I'm totally in a routine out here. It's actually gotten warmer since I first landed 3 weeks ago. Its typically 33-35 every day, so at least im missing the cold weather that is hitting home right now.
Although October is my favorite time of the year, the football season is in full swing, hockey's starting and of course Halloween is one of our favorite holidays...I get to trade that in for Diwali which is basically as big as India's version of Xmas. In fact the "holiday" season has already kicked off with the sweets festival last weekend, Ghandi's bday this Friday..and a few other official holidays in the next few weeks. All this is really making me looking forward to Xmas though...i know its early, but its at least motivating to know there's light at the end of the tunnel. |
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| India Part 4 |
[Sep. 8th, 2009|08:38 pm] |
So my last post was about me just about ready to head back home, so it's only fitting that now im talking about going back. Im sitting in the Toronto airport lounge waiting for my next flight to Frankfurt and then in about 18 hours or so, ill finally land in Delhi and head back to my appartment and my India life.
I really, REALLY enjoyed this summer though. It seems as if I took the right summer away as the weather wasn't very good until August anyways....the road trip to Florida was so much fun, i had super low expectations going in..since Matt and I are the coaster enthusiasts, i thought Disney and Universal would be childish and boring. Man, was I wrong. Although I dont see myself dying to go back tommorow, I had a great time, the rides were really fun, the shows were good and the food was varried and very affordable, considering. We had a week of running around to appointments and then of course moving to Montreal. A few hickups with the internet, too much booze, Indian Visa annoyances and alot of driving back and forth, but nothing we couldnt handle. Back to the office last week in Ottawa was really just a formality and an excuse to be social with the usual work folks....and wrapping up the long weekend at Gary's and saying goodbye to Matt was a nice way to end the holiday.
Im about as ready as I can be to be back...Im certainly dissapointed to be leaving this all behind again...we tell ourselves we're still doing the right thing, and I believe we are...this time ill be missing Thanksgiving (meh) and Halloween (boo) but ill be back Dec 10, just in time for the Christmas Craziness. Im alot more adjusted to the Indian lifestyle then ever before, Matt and I were inseperable for the time I was there and now seems to be settling in nicely so the timing works out. Leaving the house today felt a little sad, as its been purged of most day-to-day items, the cupboards empty and the backyard really neglected.....I just keep thinking its like putting our lives on pause for awhile then we'll just pick up and restart where we left off.
Although I have no planned visitors this time, I have a suitcase of comfort food to keep me company as well as some new DS games and TV series to watch.
See you all in December... |
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| Lack of Internet makes the mind go crazy |
[Jul. 22nd, 2009|03:23 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | excited | ] |
7 freaking days without Internet? Ive spent countless hours on the phone with Airtel trying to get this resolved faster...you thought North American organizations with Indian call centers were bad...this has been an extremely difficult process. Im actually staying at work longer cause its the only time ill have 'net access. Im crossing my fingers itll be working by tommorow. Cause the laptop just isnt as exciting without my Slingbox or other Internet tools.
There's also other random Indian-living stresses im dealing with that i really dont think i should be. Like getting my "servants" ID cards, dealing with complaints about unlocked doors and leaking balconies? Totally shouldnt be my problem...
Im just motivated that in 7 days i'll be at the airport just about to board my first flight home. Im super excited about coming home. Even though this is the shorter leg of the assignment, missing summer has royally sucked, but ill have 4-5 weeks at home to squeeze in a summer's worth of fun. I have a list of food that im craving, but the tough part will be CONTROL. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 11th, 2009|02:55 pm] |
Slingbox = awsome. Love being able to keep up with my shows at home....
However...
Slingbox = bad, why does it seem like its a food commercial every time with something I cant have???? |
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| 21 days |
[Jul. 9th, 2009|10:19 am] |
So this time in 3 weeks ill be on a plane from Frankfurt to Ottawa on my great return...just that alone is really motivating for me right now....Plus Disneyland...yay the happiest place on earth, I havent been in like 16 years...our last Disnelyland attempt last year was in Hong Kong and it wasn't exactly impressive...
Im pretty much recovered, still a few aches, but nothing to crazy. It was nice to have 3 days on the couch though....certainly a learning experience out here though! |
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| An Indian Hospital visit... |
[Jul. 6th, 2009|01:21 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | satisfied | ] |
So after not feeling so well for the last few days, I finally threw in the towel and got myself checked out by a doctor here in India.
Having only received medical treatment in Canada before, this was certainly a new experience.
In India there are public and private hospitals, thanks to work insurance I went to the private one...so at the hospital when I checked in the longest part was filling in the application form and them swiping my credit card. I was immediately seen by a team of doctors. Key word there was "team"
After asking a few questions and running a few tests, they recommended I be admitted for the night, but since i was already feeling better, i asked if i could take the medication orally so i could go home for the night.
The results? While checking out i received a bill for $35. $10 for the Doctor Consultation and $25 for the blood work and other tests that were done. Oh and when I went to fill my prescriptions, a whole bag of meds with rehydration drinks cost me $4. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 5th, 2009|10:58 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  sick | ] |
Nothing sucks more than being sick completly by yourself on the other end of the world. Seriously, the last 48 hours have been the worst ever...one more day and im going to see a doctor....
On the plus side, at least i got sick after the boys left....and that im home in 25 days. Seems like a manageable number :)
The power at the appartment has been much better lately, I can actually get through a whole movie from start to finish. What we call "Time Shifting" at home is totally different here. With IPTV, it automatically records EVERYTHING in the last 7 days so you can go back and watch whatever you missed. Very cool feature.... |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 22nd, 2009|02:09 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | pleased | ] |
So I finally have some company and can share my Indian "expertise" with other people other than just through stories or pictures.
One of the things I wanted to do this time around was go up North to see the Himalayan mountains. We went to a town called Rishikesh. Which isn't exactly up at the top, but rather at the base. The commute was painful but the place was amazing. Camping out along the Ganges river and then rafting through it was truly an experience.
I showed the boys some of the sights today, the heat was a little crazy, but it was a pretty good day. Im really happy on how well things are turning out so far and looking forward to company for the next week or so. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 17th, 2009|08:56 am] |
| [ | mood |
| | indifferent | ] |
So I made it through my first month in India...just 8 more to go...or 11 since my boss said they might just extend me to 12 months, but I probably wont know that till Xmas. Plus this means im 40% done my first "leg" of the the assignement, so that's a milestone.
Matt and Brock are getting on a plane in a few hours, im totally excited to have company out here, just wish work wouldnt get in the way lol. We've got some pretty exciting stuff planned out, a mix of things that i can show them and things that i've never done before...
The appartment is all settled in. Im really happy how it all turned out. And even though it was a bit more work than the other places would have been, I think its totally worth it.
I finished DragonQuest 4...awsome game...RPG's are so hit/miss on the DS, im glad I found a good one, I started Resident Evil, its a remake of the original PS one from back in the day, with extra puzzles and "DS type options" so far its tough as nails, but good. |
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| More Indian facts! |
[Jun. 11th, 2009|11:08 am] |
So i spent my first night in the new place. The only complaint is my curtains aren't dark enough and dont really block out the sun enough, so that will affect my sleeping in :)
Otherwise its starting to come together, still a few outstanding items (Desk/chair, extra seat, Internet/TV), but by this weekend should be good. Even had a washing machine installed today, wasnt expecting that!
I had a bit of a cultural faux pas yesterday when the maid showed up but I didnt have any cleaning supplies for her. She doesnt speak any english (except when she saw a picture of Jen in my room and said "Wife?" lol), her local language is Bengali and my driver is Hindi...its a great language mix lol
In my kitchen i have an "Indian Air Conditioner" which is basically this massive fan and a water tank below..it was making a funny noise cause it had no water left in it....
For Christian's in India, newborn babies aren't named until they are baptized...talk about just being a number :) |
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| Weird Facts about India... |
[Jun. 9th, 2009|07:55 am] |
| [ | mood |
| | amused | ] |
So after claiming that there was no culture shock this time, this moving experience has shown me a few things I did not already know about India:
1) There's no "per-unit" discounts here. For instance if a bottle of Coke is 20 Rupees. a 6 pack of coke would be 120 Rupees. So no savings.
2) If you want a monthly utility (Phone, Internet, TV, etc) you have to give the company a photocopy of your identity card (Passport, etc) and a picture of yourself.
3) When filling out the personal information sheet, there were more lines dedicated to servants then there were for people who will actually live in the place.
4) They have Ikea's...
5) I found plenty of patio chairs, but no patio tables
6) The maximum residential Internet speed is 512kbs, when i asked if they had anything in the 5meg range (Similar to what we have at home) the guy almost dropped dead.
Im sure ill learn more as a I go.... |
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| "Shifting" |
[Jun. 8th, 2009|11:08 am] |
| [ | mood |
| | optimistic | ] |
So another quiet weekend in Delhi. The weather was the usual 43+42 respectively. I caught up on sleep, hung out by the pool and watched alot of TV.
Dead Like Me is now done...until we get the movie. I've moved onto Dexter...it was highly recommended, and im almost done season 1 and so far it has not been a disappointment. Also watched Sicko and Fahrenheit 9/11. Much preferred Sicko, although it pained the Canadian health care system to be "perfect", which im sure we can agree is not the case.
I'm getting some company in exactly 10 days and im totally excited. I'm really glad to be able to share this experience with someone from back home and we'll be doing the typical Indian sights as well as hopefully some stuff I havent seen before.
Im also "Shifting" or moving into my apartment soon. Im going tomorrow for a "pre-move inspection" to ensure that its all cleaned up properly and that the furniture i requested is all there. Plus Internet better be set up...it's my work, my entertainment and my connection to back home. Dunno how expats did it before....If all goes well i should be there by Thursday. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 1st, 2009|01:24 am] |
I think im going through an identity crisis of sorts...While most back back home had a fun drunken weekend, the highlight of mine was going out for dinner on Saturday night, catching up on sleep and staying in watching movies. I havent really decided yet which I prefer. Oh and Pushing Daisies new episodes!
Im home in 60 days... |
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| (no subject) |
[May. 26th, 2009|02:17 pm] |
So im two weeks in to this assignment...just 8.5 months to go..wow that didnt sound positive..lol
The biggest news in the last few days has been looking for a place to live for the duration of my assignment. I saw about 8 appartments yesterday..some really good, some really bad. Im supposed to make a decision tommorow...the hotel has also offered to reduce my rate so i might be doing that too.
As mentioned earlier, Dead Like Me has really grown on me, im almost done Season 2 so i'll miss that once it's done. Im also playing DragonQuest 4 on DS and its been awsome...it's a remake of the NES version, so it takes me back to the good ol' days...
65 days till I'm home... |
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| Janam Din ki badhai! (Happy Birthday in Hindi) |
[May. 18th, 2009|03:06 am] |
| [ | mood |
| | happy | ] |
So its my 31st bday and im celebrating it in India...I actually didnt think much of it. A few years ago when I spent Xmas in India I made a big deal of it, but because i left home just like 4 days before my bday, i felt that we did the whole bday thing before i left. But its been an amazing day thus far...
Before i went to bed last night Matt sent me the first of the super secret bday videos, then today he sent me another two files which had most of my friends and family in it. It was both hilarious and a bit of a tear jerker at the same time. He posted them on facebook.....Thanks to Matt and everyone on that, really made my day!!!
Then shortly after the hotel service calls me to say they have a surprise...they roll in a huge bouquet of flowers and a birthday cake and card. And this morning at breakfast the staff kept coming up to me to wish me a happy birthday..wow what an experience!!!!
I started watching the Dead Like Me series...took awhile to get into, but im on Episode 6 now and gotta say its a pretty good one! Dissapointed there's only two seasons to watch though....Yesterday i spent like 2 hours by the pool catching some sun and relaxing, today im going to make my way into the markets.... |
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| India Part 3 |
[May. 16th, 2009|01:19 am] |
So after about 20 or so hours im finally back in India...
The Air Canada flight to Frankfurt was cool, the new "Pods" in Business Class are really sweet. Really made flying alone a bit easier. Plus having a direct flight from Ottawa helps (Last time i went through Montreal). I was a bit worried about flying Air India, but it was on they're new Boeing 777 jet so it was all brand new and nice. But Business class was EMPTY, like of 40 or so seats there was only 4 of us.
When I landed in Delhi, there was a special line up for Swine Flu prevention, only Canadians, Americans and Mexicans had to go through...basically get your temperature taken and speak to a doctor about any symptoms you have.
When I got out of the airport I didnt feel as "culture shocked", it was pretty much just as I remembered. At the hotel, security has increased immensely, probably a result of the Taj Mumbai attacks....
I have a few days to catch up on sleep and get settled in. |
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| (no subject) |
[May. 13th, 2009|12:20 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  nervous | ] |
So im leaving in just over 24 hours and im starting the packing process and although i know im ready and ive done this twice before, there's still a sense of anxiety that is setting in. I think the biggest challenge will be the fact im totally on my own this time. No awsome support group to go do touristy things, party with and just share stories about how we miss home...
The last few weeks have been kinda crazy, running around buying a new car, finding an appartment, shopping for items I'll need....
Im excited for the opportunity, but dissapointed i'll be missing summer.
Im sure ill be posting more once im there..... |
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