Well a lot of Indians and especially from AP make it to the US to pursue their higher studies or start career. My trip to USA turned out to be a professional obligation backed by good amount of push from home as well. Well I have always stayed away from the US shores for the first thing on my trip to USA for the fear of unknown.
I started rather shaky trip in the midnight. I returned back from Pune having packed everything, the return trip to Hyderabad we had no train tickets, so in the last moment we had to travel by bus with all of the luggage, the bike was sent by train though. After arriving in Hyderabad a few hours went into retrieving the bike from the luggage and then so quick bank work back home which was anything from being called quick. Reached home in the evening to quickly put together the stuff and buy anything perceived missing, then mom chucked in a lot of home made food, which made me train for the next steps. All packed left for the airport with some tummy upsets. The first learning's starts here - having used to Indian way of getting to potty this was a fast undoing of the same. So within hours its all learning and customising to US way of life. The toilets where step one, using of toilet paper was step two :)
On the Emirates flight, which I was travelling are amazing, the hostess attire and veil was awesome and classy. I believe the service and flight itself was pretty good standard and overall a pretty nice experience given that I was flying for 26 hours including the stop overs. In India our mother tongue especially Telugu is most abused and under seen language, which in most likely a dying language as the current generation, patronised by the parents and supported by the local state government is loosing its support all across, but surprise surprise, where the nationalists left the language, the language found supporters else where. Aboard the Emirates flight the bathroom fittings and call signs had been represented in Telugu in addition to few other language. I was really proud of this, but felt sad when our own guys ignore the language so so much.
Once in the USA i was in the JFK airport, I found a few sparrows flying and chirping in the air terminals where the passengers where waiting for their flights. Found it funny and surprised as back home they almost have gone extinct.
I first food item I ate was the Muffins and yummy I fell in love it, Dunkin Donuts is the place where I had and they say America lives on Dunkin. The first person I spoke when I got off the flight in the USA was an NRI who was working at the airport, in assiting people at the trolleys. Awkward for me as I thought Indians work in salaried jobs and software. Well most of the Dunkin donuts, Subways, Walmarts had Indians in it. So I was wrong, it seems like quite a few people settled and became residents far before the IT generation moved in.
In USA everyone was saying Hi, and greeting and say How are you doing and move on. Extremely friendly and expressive. They also open and hold the doors for you, back home everyone is watching their own back, not others. I find it embarrassing when an American holds the door open for me and even more startled when an Indian guy whom I know does the same.
Then there are few things which I can't communicate to good on the phone, the way we pronounce letters is entirely different to what we are used to doing. They almost on most of the occasion cant catch the pronunciation of individual words.
When I was at shopping it occurred that a typical American refuses to go beyond or think beyond what he thinks is obvious. For example when I was talking about a Full sleeve shirt and was asking for the same, but they were so unwilling to think that a Full sleeve is nothing but a long sleeve. That I felt was height of lameness, and in my view inability to think.
American food is all high calorie junk food personified, back in India everyone cribs about junk food and calories even for 40gm of Lays, here everyone is hogging 250gm and family size packs of the same with tons of smoothies and cream. America seems to be more obese than what I had in mind of Indians. The wastage of food is more unlike ever seen.
Americans are not very Green conscious unlike what they claim with n number of fundraising events and global warming gyan they to world. On an average an amount of white paper that gets wasted at office is immense, most of them print and every bit of mail or reports just to discs while coming to meetings, while every has laptops they still pile up paper. Now add the toiletries and similar expenses, immense. The mailers I get which is all promotional content is too high, every week the mail man delivers a bunch of coupons and promotional material, trust me 99% of it goes directly to the thrash. Apart from this every office use so much of plastic and disposable thermocol cups, plates and spoons. I wonder where all this is getting processed. Yeah agreed India's waste management is not the best, but we don't produce this must waste either. I feel there is lots of open spaces around that the landfill just take in all of this with some amount of processing, but still it junk. Another aspect is the pollution, I love the cruiser bikes and big cars, but the impact on environment is pretty nasty. Noise levels of Harley's is too high in decibels. The Cars are big and powerful no one really cares about Fuel, its so cheap that they burn more than necessary. Its a cheap commodity. Americans hardly care if there is famine around the world or food prices soar, they don't mind if the UV rays hit them hard when the Ozone hole increases in size, they are not bothered if the world runs out of fossil fuels. I found that a bit strange.
American consumerism is also a unique one. The Government and the people alike are high consumer driven. Increase spending means boost economy. When the economy was down the government infuses money to increase spending, while ideally I would prefer saving ahead for tough times. From my perspective there is considerable amount of import oriented products to US that having increased spending would somehow convert to increase in outflow of dollar, which could impact the country. Well it might not if they want to do it, by just printing and increase circulation through paper current which might end up devaluing the currency at a later part of the time. Tricky situation.
America is a amazing place, different culture, different experience, its as multi-cultural and multipolar as India is and probably more diverse atleast in places I have been to.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Experiments with driving
Well today is practically day 4 for me when it comes to driving on the US roads, yes after a little over 2 months of staying on driving on the American roads.
My first car to drive was a Nissan Altima a 3.5lt engine automatic, black beast.
The current car is the new sporty 2009 Hyundai Elantra automatic, carbon black car. Its sportier and compact than the Altima, but its such a smooth operator.
Interiors are great, i can directly get to play an ipod on the music system without much hassles. Over the labor day weekend I drove over 120 miles in all. Cruising at over 65 miles (110kmph) is such a passe and one doesn't even realise that they have travelled that much. An enriching experience.
Yaa there was scary lining too..today on Day 4, I got my new 2009 maps GPS, its a sleek and new GPS navigation system with 5" LCD display and features like USB charge and Bluetooth support capabilities. Well I was so mad and excited at getting it, that I couldn't wait to test it out. Went out driving and found the navigation and maps awesome, the voice was a bit too much to my comfort, loved it so much that instead of concentrating on the road I started driving through the GPS. Then it so happens that I make a blind turn, not seeing further up of the incoming traffic. Had a real close shave, with the other driver whom I cut across coming to an abrupt sudden halt in the middle of the intersection and honking, yelling at me big time. Yaa such lapses of concentration are not a pretty thing and could prove a costly mistake.
So much for my state of art gizmo I put it aside at home promptly and came back without it :)
Now who says technology doesn't kill
My first car to drive was a Nissan Altima a 3.5lt engine automatic, black beast.
The current car is the new sporty 2009 Hyundai Elantra automatic, carbon black car. Its sportier and compact than the Altima, but its such a smooth operator.
Interiors are great, i can directly get to play an ipod on the music system without much hassles. Over the labor day weekend I drove over 120 miles in all. Cruising at over 65 miles (110kmph) is such a passe and one doesn't even realise that they have travelled that much. An enriching experience.
Yaa there was scary lining too..today on Day 4, I got my new 2009 maps GPS, its a sleek and new GPS navigation system with 5" LCD display and features like USB charge and Bluetooth support capabilities. Well I was so mad and excited at getting it, that I couldn't wait to test it out. Went out driving and found the navigation and maps awesome, the voice was a bit too much to my comfort, loved it so much that instead of concentrating on the road I started driving through the GPS. Then it so happens that I make a blind turn, not seeing further up of the incoming traffic. Had a real close shave, with the other driver whom I cut across coming to an abrupt sudden halt in the middle of the intersection and honking, yelling at me big time. Yaa such lapses of concentration are not a pretty thing and could prove a costly mistake.
So much for my state of art gizmo I put it aside at home promptly and came back without it :)
Now who says technology doesn't kill
Saturday, August 07, 2010
The way to the USA
So finally the day of reckoning where the call to set sail to the shores of USA has been answered.
Set the ball rolling
My trip was kinda short tight squeezed setup up trip with a long term intent. I wanted to capture my to did list for others who are first time travellers like me.
1. Luggage 23kgs x 2 bags + 8 kgs check in luggage.
- Typically the baggage restriction is relaxable between +2 kgs. The carry baggage was not really weighed and typically allowed 2 pieces of carry luggage - I had carried a laptop and a back bag
- Suggest to pack the clothes and non-clothes in 2 different bags.
Basics to pack - Clothes, including a dozen pairs of inner wear (frenchie cut are not available in US), One skip a cooker as one could buy one here for 30-40$ here. Include essential leather items like belt, purse and may be a leather coat. Also include sufficient amount of Masala (Chole, Sambhar, Garam, Rajma, Kitchen King) if there is a specific brands one prefers. Carry a few 6 packs of Noodles like Maagi or Top Ramen, and may be instant Pasta. They will be handy for initial days.
Have passport and tickets and few foreign currency while one travels. Carry luggage can have 2 pairs of clothes, travel tooth brush and paste and soap as minimal.
http://happyschoolblog.com/list-of-things-to-carry-to-us-students
2. Airport Formalities
Rajiv Gandhi Airport, Hyderabad International Airport - Well lit and spacious and nicely maintained. One can get away with checking in 2 hrs before the departure time
- Pack the bag
- Visitors are not allowed beyond the entry gates of departures., but the glass panes allow enough in terms of communicating till you get pass the security
- After getting the boarding pass, one could proceed to immigration area for getting the passport stamped at the Airport immigration
- Security Check requires removing watches/ belts/ check in baggage and sometimes footwear as well. If enough care is taken care in packing the checking baggage it should be easy.
- Post the immigration clearance and security check-in. Its to the waiting lobby to board the flight.
3. Change Over Flights
- One needs to disembark and find the connecting flights by themselves. One could seek help of local airport authorities on the same
- One has to go through the same process of boarding check-in & security check-in at the connecting airport
- The luggage transfers of checked-in luggage is handled by the authorities
4. Final Flight / Port of Entry Forms -
- While still in flight one will be handed over the Homeland security forms I-94 immigration form and I-20 customs declaration form. Both of which will be handed over at immigration and Customs respectively on arrival.
5. On arrival - Retrieve the baggage, one might need to pay around 5$ for using a Trolley, the service is not free unlike India. Then quickly proceed to Immigration else there would be long queues. Wait for turn to be called then submit the I-94 form.
Proceed towards Customs and handover I-20 form and adhere to checks (if any) Exit for your domestic flight / airport exit.
Set the ball rolling
My trip was kinda short tight squeezed setup up trip with a long term intent. I wanted to capture my to did list for others who are first time travellers like me.
1. Luggage 23kgs x 2 bags + 8 kgs check in luggage.
- Typically the baggage restriction is relaxable between +2 kgs. The carry baggage was not really weighed and typically allowed 2 pieces of carry luggage - I had carried a laptop and a back bag
- Suggest to pack the clothes and non-clothes in 2 different bags.
Basics to pack - Clothes, including a dozen pairs of inner wear (frenchie cut are not available in US), One skip a cooker as one could buy one here for 30-40$ here. Include essential leather items like belt, purse and may be a leather coat. Also include sufficient amount of Masala (Chole, Sambhar, Garam, Rajma, Kitchen King) if there is a specific brands one prefers. Carry a few 6 packs of Noodles like Maagi or Top Ramen, and may be instant Pasta. They will be handy for initial days.
Have passport and tickets and few foreign currency while one travels. Carry luggage can have 2 pairs of clothes, travel tooth brush and paste and soap as minimal.
http://happyschoolblog.com/list-of-things-to-carry-to-us-students
2. Airport Formalities
Rajiv Gandhi Airport, Hyderabad International Airport - Well lit and spacious and nicely maintained. One can get away with checking in 2 hrs before the departure time
- Pack the bag
- Visitors are not allowed beyond the entry gates of departures., but the glass panes allow enough in terms of communicating till you get pass the security
- After getting the boarding pass, one could proceed to immigration area for getting the passport stamped at the Airport immigration
- Security Check requires removing watches/ belts/ check in baggage and sometimes footwear as well. If enough care is taken care in packing the checking baggage it should be easy.
- Post the immigration clearance and security check-in. Its to the waiting lobby to board the flight.
3. Change Over Flights
- One needs to disembark and find the connecting flights by themselves. One could seek help of local airport authorities on the same
- One has to go through the same process of boarding check-in & security check-in at the connecting airport
- The luggage transfers of checked-in luggage is handled by the authorities
4. Final Flight / Port of Entry Forms -
- While still in flight one will be handed over the Homeland security forms I-94 immigration form and I-20 customs declaration form. Both of which will be handed over at immigration and Customs respectively on arrival.
5. On arrival - Retrieve the baggage, one might need to pay around 5$ for using a Trolley, the service is not free unlike India. Then quickly proceed to Immigration else there would be long queues. Wait for turn to be called then submit the I-94 form.
Proceed towards Customs and handover I-20 form and adhere to checks (if any) Exit for your domestic flight / airport exit.
At the domestic terminal get the boarding pass, and wait for the flight. Once at destination one could either book a cab, get into a shuttle, use a public transport system or get someone to pick you up. Wallah !!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Toll paid for Youth
Along the lonely Alie as I walk in the new land, lonely that ever, not even a shadow to keep the company, terrible times I felt that was, thoughts deep diving and getting in a retro perspective. Thinking, recollecting and momentarily reliving the happier times of the good company and circle, umm friends i had.
I was also thinking of my happier days, where sometimes I for sure even to this day I know and regret things which i should have not done. I killed myself the best of friendships that life ever could have offered to me in my opinion. The true friendship I shared always made me fuller and content and made me feel that I had nothing else to live for as those moments I shared were so involving happy that I never felt a need of more. I experienced immense sense of engagement and self-existence. What I mean I could continue be so so transparent and open and hide no thing for I always used to be never ashamed of myself or my short comings before such a good friend. May be I always had that sense of security and trust that didn't forfeit and hold back my feelings. The person I am today is less of that open person that I am then. Am a lesser free being now than then when I still had a zillion societal added to the restrictions on easy of life my parents matricidal established.
After all those happy days had to come to an end, I wasn't actually looking or analysing what to do to undo things of past, but its got to do more with sense of realisation of sins of youth which may be God in his own philosophical way is punishing me in literally letting me loose my friendship at the summit in the most bizarre was possible through the inexperience of youth. Today as I write this blog I surely hope no one should ever get to feel such a thing feeling such a big void within at sometime of once own decisions and so called deeds.
Yes lust, inexperience and hormones make the youth is a whole different way which might lead to bigger undo able losses in life.
I was also thinking of my happier days, where sometimes I for sure even to this day I know and regret things which i should have not done. I killed myself the best of friendships that life ever could have offered to me in my opinion. The true friendship I shared always made me fuller and content and made me feel that I had nothing else to live for as those moments I shared were so involving happy that I never felt a need of more. I experienced immense sense of engagement and self-existence. What I mean I could continue be so so transparent and open and hide no thing for I always used to be never ashamed of myself or my short comings before such a good friend. May be I always had that sense of security and trust that didn't forfeit and hold back my feelings. The person I am today is less of that open person that I am then. Am a lesser free being now than then when I still had a zillion societal added to the restrictions on easy of life my parents matricidal established.
After all those happy days had to come to an end, I wasn't actually looking or analysing what to do to undo things of past, but its got to do more with sense of realisation of sins of youth which may be God in his own philosophical way is punishing me in literally letting me loose my friendship at the summit in the most bizarre was possible through the inexperience of youth. Today as I write this blog I surely hope no one should ever get to feel such a thing feeling such a big void within at sometime of once own decisions and so called deeds.
Yes lust, inexperience and hormones make the youth is a whole different way which might lead to bigger undo able losses in life.
United stated of America
Yes finally the magical word rather the commonest common noun has come alive in my life.
The place of dreams the place of destination for many, which strangely enough for majority I had made a mundane image of "American Destination hater" and "Desi Supporter has fallen apart.
Today I return to blogging after long long really massively long time. One primary thing for such a prolonged absenteeism from this arena is purely due changed tastes and new found addiction to the online game I mentioned in the previous posts, Travian. May be too addictive and too involving than primal instincts.
Anyways the news I have relocated to the New Land of America. I moved in the last week of June, and its almost a month of stay of what seemingly looks like a long term assignment and hopefully leading to longer than expected stay here. I now join my brother who is now here for now more than 5 years.
I have a whole new set of challenges and a whole new world in front of me to experience and move on with. A completely new perspective and way of life thrown across to live, I would like to add and share the new experiences, and hopefully capture the new environment with you all.
I hope my Travian addiction wanes out sooner as this should help me further in harnessing my blogging skills.
The place of dreams the place of destination for many, which strangely enough for majority I had made a mundane image of "American Destination hater" and "Desi Supporter has fallen apart.
Today I return to blogging after long long really massively long time. One primary thing for such a prolonged absenteeism from this arena is purely due changed tastes and new found addiction to the online game I mentioned in the previous posts, Travian. May be too addictive and too involving than primal instincts.
Anyways the news I have relocated to the New Land of America. I moved in the last week of June, and its almost a month of stay of what seemingly looks like a long term assignment and hopefully leading to longer than expected stay here. I now join my brother who is now here for now more than 5 years.
I have a whole new set of challenges and a whole new world in front of me to experience and move on with. A completely new perspective and way of life thrown across to live, I would like to add and share the new experiences, and hopefully capture the new environment with you all.
I hope my Travian addiction wanes out sooner as this should help me further in harnessing my blogging skills.
Friday, April 30, 2010
After a long while !!!
Yaa Yaa its been a really really long time that I've blogged.
The reason...
1. Am not cribbing offlate - Naa not atleast on the web
2. Am kindda busy - At work yes, but on the web I've become an Net game Addict to a online strategy game called Travian - Refer my previous post
3. Things at Home - Health concerns of my girl !!
4. Well I think am in for a professional change ??? 2 Years now in Cognizant, Pune
Why Am I posting now ??
1. Am out of my project now !! Alas some breathing space
2. Travian - Completed One End Game on S2.in and quit playing s1.com, s8.com servers - Lot more breathing space.
3. Am free at home my Gals with her parents recuperating from her weakness. So breather there too
So What am I upto these days
1. My Marathon Project in CTS has ended, completed two SDLC in one year, great learning expereince and real time and energy drainer.
2. Playing and playing madly - Travian
3. Travelling - To home and back
4. Shopping and spending money on buying.
Basically been sleeping less and spending a lot of time on the Computer Terminal both at office and at home.
Been away from mails, Social online-communities including Orkut, Hi-5, Linked-in.
Not looking for new jobs.
Yaa yaa thats all for now. My Year end report is still awaited. I hope it will done atleast by mid-year.
The reason...
1. Am not cribbing offlate - Naa not atleast on the web
2. Am kindda busy - At work yes, but on the web I've become an Net game Addict to a online strategy game called Travian - Refer my previous post
3. Things at Home - Health concerns of my girl !!
4. Well I think am in for a professional change ??? 2 Years now in Cognizant, Pune
Why Am I posting now ??
1. Am out of my project now !! Alas some breathing space
2. Travian - Completed One End Game on S2.in and quit playing s1.com, s8.com servers - Lot more breathing space.
3. Am free at home my Gals with her parents recuperating from her weakness. So breather there too
So What am I upto these days
1. My Marathon Project in CTS has ended, completed two SDLC in one year, great learning expereince and real time and energy drainer.
2. Playing and playing madly - Travian
3. Travelling - To home and back
4. Shopping and spending money on buying.
Basically been sleeping less and spending a lot of time on the Computer Terminal both at office and at home.
Been away from mails, Social online-communities including Orkut, Hi-5, Linked-in.
Not looking for new jobs.
Yaa yaa thats all for now. My Year end report is still awaited. I hope it will done atleast by mid-year.
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