They named it the greatest country on earth. The land where the idea of freedom and democracy sprouted. I don't hesitate in saying that they were not incorrect. It is a great country, where freedom runs in Her streets like blood in Her veins.
In spite of my earlier reservations of travelling outside my country, I am happy to be here.
Life is weird, just three days before I set my foot on this land, I was oblivious of the fact. I did not know I would be roaming in the streets of New York, like any other Yankee, move about in their trains and interact with them.
First few days here were a culture shock for me. Had to be, many things people take for granted here are not tolerated in India. I am not against any culture. It's my culture, and that's theirs, it's not about right or wrong. It's just the difference of outlook. Let us broaden our view to accommodate others' views, at least when you are on their land. So the issue was settled. :)
The next thing that surprised me was the demographics in NY and NJ. You don't find yourself secluded in a foreign country amidst foreigners. You will find Indians everywhere. There's an Indian street here. You will find all kinds of Gujju foods. So food wasn't an issue, just that it's a bit costly. Jet lag was a nuisance for a week, when you find the code lines dancing in front of you. I call it jetlexia.
I am lucky to have so many friends here in NY. NY was probably the best place in the entire US where I could have been deputed, and that too in summer!!!! Bonus.
The weather in summers is more or less like Pune. Just that it rains unexpectedly anytime. That's why people regularly check for weather updates here, and believe me when I say that most of the forecasts are accurate. Another thing that stumped me was how much these guys depend on GPS and Google maps. You will find the smallest and the most insignificant shops or apartments right there on the map. Just type in the address and you will get the directions. Hail Google.
The NY public transport facilities are excellent, operating 24 hours a day. Like Mumbai, local trains are the life line. However, the rail network across the US is nothing as compared to its Indian counterpart. The flight network compensates for it.
Talking about Americans now. They surely are interesting, and sometimes amusing. Gals have an excellent fashion sense. They know what fits. And they are awesome.
But I find their over enthusiastic dialect sometimes irritating. They would be talking about their usual rut transit by the subway train, and talk like they have been to Hawaii....!!!!! I wonder how they manage to be so cheerful and energetic all the time.
Baseball is another thing they are crazy about. I happened to be in Boston once, on an eve when NY Yankees were battling the Bostons Boxes. It was like an Indo-Pak cricket encounter, electrifying!! Jam packed stadiums, hot dogs and burger stalls outside and ardent fans cheering the home team. (It was quiet after the match as the Boxes lost)
Well that's all I have for now!! More on uncle Sam later, stay tuned!!!!!
Sid
In spite of my earlier reservations of travelling outside my country, I am happy to be here.
Life is weird, just three days before I set my foot on this land, I was oblivious of the fact. I did not know I would be roaming in the streets of New York, like any other Yankee, move about in their trains and interact with them.
First few days here were a culture shock for me. Had to be, many things people take for granted here are not tolerated in India. I am not against any culture. It's my culture, and that's theirs, it's not about right or wrong. It's just the difference of outlook. Let us broaden our view to accommodate others' views, at least when you are on their land. So the issue was settled. :)
The next thing that surprised me was the demographics in NY and NJ. You don't find yourself secluded in a foreign country amidst foreigners. You will find Indians everywhere. There's an Indian street here. You will find all kinds of Gujju foods. So food wasn't an issue, just that it's a bit costly. Jet lag was a nuisance for a week, when you find the code lines dancing in front of you. I call it jetlexia.
I am lucky to have so many friends here in NY. NY was probably the best place in the entire US where I could have been deputed, and that too in summer!!!! Bonus.
The weather in summers is more or less like Pune. Just that it rains unexpectedly anytime. That's why people regularly check for weather updates here, and believe me when I say that most of the forecasts are accurate. Another thing that stumped me was how much these guys depend on GPS and Google maps. You will find the smallest and the most insignificant shops or apartments right there on the map. Just type in the address and you will get the directions. Hail Google.
The NY public transport facilities are excellent, operating 24 hours a day. Like Mumbai, local trains are the life line. However, the rail network across the US is nothing as compared to its Indian counterpart. The flight network compensates for it.
Talking about Americans now. They surely are interesting, and sometimes amusing. Gals have an excellent fashion sense. They know what fits. And they are awesome.
But I find their over enthusiastic dialect sometimes irritating. They would be talking about their usual rut transit by the subway train, and talk like they have been to Hawaii....!!!!! I wonder how they manage to be so cheerful and energetic all the time.
Baseball is another thing they are crazy about. I happened to be in Boston once, on an eve when NY Yankees were battling the Bostons Boxes. It was like an Indo-Pak cricket encounter, electrifying!! Jam packed stadiums, hot dogs and burger stalls outside and ardent fans cheering the home team. (It was quiet after the match as the Boxes lost)
Well that's all I have for now!! More on uncle Sam later, stay tuned!!!!!
Sid
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