Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! Apologies for that but I am in an excellent mood, for tomorrow I am flying home for Christmas. I will be taking my laptop and phone, and am under no illusions that this is a holiday.....I am just looking forward to seeing my family and my little girl!
The office was quiet today. There is stuff to be done but it was not manic. In the evening we decided to go to the new restaurant across from the villa again. I just wanted to show our new fleet manager at least one place outside the villa he could go to and get a beer.
Guess what, it got messy. Well, I say messy, we'd all had plenty to drink by the time we eventually left. We were the last ones in there but, instead of the burly "time gentleman please" you get in the UK before some knuckle-dragger wrenches the half-full glass from your hand that you get back home, these guys just waited....and waited....and waited....until we were finished. Don't get me wrong, it was obvious they wanted us to go by the way that 6 of them hung around us for the last hour. What also gave it away was the lights. They turned them off at various stages, starting with the ones furthest away and then, about every ten minutes or so, they would turn off the next farthest bank of lights and so on. Of course, we knew they wanted to go, but we just didn't care is the honest truth.
Eventually we gave in and went our separate ways. A quick glance at my watch tells me it is gone midnight and that it wasn't worth going to bed because there was a car picking me up in one and a half hours to take me to the airport. What else was there to do except drink more beer in that case?
So I said my goodbyes, wished everyone a happy Christmas and made my way to the airport. This time I was prepared for the throng that haunts Shamshabad airport at silly o'clock in the morning and it did not phase me.
What did freak me out was the security. Not that it had been beefed up following the Mumbai attacks, or the slow pace in which that build up happened, but the whole passport checking thing. Just when you think the locals cannot produce anymore Indian stereotypes the man checking my passport pulls one out of the top drawer. He checks my photo, then looks up at me, back down at my photo, back at me, again with the photo, then back at me (repeat ad infinitum). I then waded in with my second Hindi phrase that i had learnt and simply said "Tikay?". Granted that only means "OK" so it's not that impressive but it was enough for him to stop what he was doing, look up, and say "yes sir, have a nice trip".
The rest of my trip was quite uneventful to be honest. I slept through most of it because I was so tired. I did manage to perk up as soon as I landed though. The adrenaline rushed through me as I scythed a frontiersmans path though the rabble to get off the airplane and too my waiting family. Before I could get there though I had to face my nemesis....
I can jump out of a plane at 13000feet with a smile on my face, I will often look in amazement and wonder off some very high buildings, the assault course on Krypton Factor was an ambition of mine until they cancelled the show so why, tell me why, can I not go through the green channel at an airport without sweating? I seem to, without knowing, rip off my usual looks and features and replace them with my latex "international drug smuggler" mask. I don't know why I do this, I just know that I do and that is why I got stopped. "Come over here sir" came the monotonous voice. It was quite clear to me that the excitement and eagerness that may have once accompanied those words, from what may have been once a keen and eager young customs officer, had probably departed along with his looks, his hair and I would suspect, his wife. I got asked where I had come from? What business I had there? Where I lived? Who I was?....and so on (all this for someone who was carrying 200 cigarettes and a bottle of champagne). I couldn't help but think, whilst he was grilling me, there was probably a couple of albanians slipping through in whatever suitcase they were being wheeled along inside!!
Still, I am home now and that is what matters. I will probably leave blog now until I return to India so I would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas. Have a good one everybody :-)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Weds 17th and Thurs 18th Dec 2008
Wednesday was just another day at the office really so I won't dwell on that. Instead I shall move straight onto the Christmas party which was nice enough. It was held in an Irish themed bar called Dublin, which is located in the bowels of the Sheraton hotel. I used the word "themed" very liberally of course because the only thing that set it apart from any bar in any town was the odd Guinness poster on the wall (the old ones that used to proclaim Guinness was good for you etc etc), and the fact that it was called Dublin. There was not so much as a Shamrock in sight! judges verdict, 4 out of 10 - see me after class.
Venue aside, we all had a good time it seemed. I did receive some bad news that night from home which really knocked me for six, and probably caused me to drink more than perhaps I otherwise would have done. Several beers, some karaoke and some shameful dancing later, we made our way home.
Because there were no company vehicles available, and the hotel reception gave us a very convenient estimate of two hours to arrange a minicab, we were forced to use the hotel transport at a cost of 1635INR (or about 25GBP). That may not sound like a lot for a ten mile journey in the UK, but for the sort of money you usually pay out here I was expecting the guy to not only take us home but come in the house, do the washing and ironing, run the hoover round and, on his way out, block pave the driveway! When he neglected to all but drive us home I was most put out I can tell you!
Less than an hours nap later and I was up again. Our new CJ2 Fleet Manager arrives in the early hours of Thursday morning and I have agreed to go and meet him at the airport, not that I mind of course. He and I have worked together before and we know we can achieve out here. Plus, it's another friendly face so far from home.
About 5am he comes through the arrivals and we get in the car. He's tired, i'm tired, so a quick catch up and a run down of the do's and don'ts of India and it's tme for bed. I drop him at the hotel and proceed on back to villa. Why do I get the feeling that my liver may end up regretting him coming out here?!?!?!
Having slept for a few hours I was lucky enough to be able to remain at the villa for the rest of the day. I was waiting for the engineers to come and fix our internet as we had been unable to get online for two days. Just like engineers back home - they came, they fiddled, they achieved the square root of bugger all and then, after promising faithfully the problem would be sorted by the end of the day, they disappeared and were never seen again. You got to love this country really haven't you!!!!
Venue aside, we all had a good time it seemed. I did receive some bad news that night from home which really knocked me for six, and probably caused me to drink more than perhaps I otherwise would have done. Several beers, some karaoke and some shameful dancing later, we made our way home.
Because there were no company vehicles available, and the hotel reception gave us a very convenient estimate of two hours to arrange a minicab, we were forced to use the hotel transport at a cost of 1635INR (or about 25GBP). That may not sound like a lot for a ten mile journey in the UK, but for the sort of money you usually pay out here I was expecting the guy to not only take us home but come in the house, do the washing and ironing, run the hoover round and, on his way out, block pave the driveway! When he neglected to all but drive us home I was most put out I can tell you!
Less than an hours nap later and I was up again. Our new CJ2 Fleet Manager arrives in the early hours of Thursday morning and I have agreed to go and meet him at the airport, not that I mind of course. He and I have worked together before and we know we can achieve out here. Plus, it's another friendly face so far from home.
About 5am he comes through the arrivals and we get in the car. He's tired, i'm tired, so a quick catch up and a run down of the do's and don'ts of India and it's tme for bed. I drop him at the hotel and proceed on back to villa. Why do I get the feeling that my liver may end up regretting him coming out here?!?!?!
Having slept for a few hours I was lucky enough to be able to remain at the villa for the rest of the day. I was waiting for the engineers to come and fix our internet as we had been unable to get online for two days. Just like engineers back home - they came, they fiddled, they achieved the square root of bugger all and then, after promising faithfully the problem would be sorted by the end of the day, they disappeared and were never seen again. You got to love this country really haven't you!!!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday 15th December 2008
I cannot believe it. I thought I had written everything about the weekend but I neglected to mention the funniest thing!
Let me start my reminding you how the tuk-tuk drivers love Westerners because we pay more, so they make a bee-line for you. I must also put you in the picture about two more key facts; 1) you haggle for everything here, unless you are in one of the main shops where you expect to pay the listed price, you agree a price for whatever you are intending to buy through negotiation....case in point, tuk-tuks, 2) the journey from outside the pub to my villa would cost a local about 50 rupees (75pence) for a trip of about 4 miles. The chap that showed me round Hyderabad did the haggling, and the truth is I was happy to let him as I am rubbish at it. He went straight in with a bid of 200rupees to take us both home. I was then flabbergasted when the driver replied "no, no", I paused, awaiting him to come back with a higher amount but instead he said "one-fifty rupees". Seizing our opportunity we took the lower price and jumped in. Correct me if I am wrong though, and like I say I am no good at haggling, but wasn't he supposed to try and bid us upwards?
Back in the office today, although in truth it feels like I have never been away. Advances in modern technology mean that I am able to do pretty much everything from the villa. I have a laptop, wireless internet, access to all the necessary files/software at the office via remote connection and a blackberry mobile phone. This meant I was able to cover the flying from the villa without needing to go and sit in the office, alone, which was better for me.
We had a small celebration at work today because things are starting to get busy. Even in my short time here I have seen things grow which is good. I won't deny Sunday was hard going as I am still finding my feet, but I also enjoyed it in a way. I was glad when everything was put to bed though and I could relax.
This morning I saw the paper boy for the first time delivering to next door. I say boy, he must have been about eighteen or so. The main difference to what you would expect to find about a paper boy back home was he was riding a motorbike and, of course, he was not wearing a helmet.....preferring instead to trust his wellbeing and safety on these chaotic roads to a bandana! All I can say is.....good luck with that old son!!!
Let me start my reminding you how the tuk-tuk drivers love Westerners because we pay more, so they make a bee-line for you. I must also put you in the picture about two more key facts; 1) you haggle for everything here, unless you are in one of the main shops where you expect to pay the listed price, you agree a price for whatever you are intending to buy through negotiation....case in point, tuk-tuks, 2) the journey from outside the pub to my villa would cost a local about 50 rupees (75pence) for a trip of about 4 miles. The chap that showed me round Hyderabad did the haggling, and the truth is I was happy to let him as I am rubbish at it. He went straight in with a bid of 200rupees to take us both home. I was then flabbergasted when the driver replied "no, no", I paused, awaiting him to come back with a higher amount but instead he said "one-fifty rupees". Seizing our opportunity we took the lower price and jumped in. Correct me if I am wrong though, and like I say I am no good at haggling, but wasn't he supposed to try and bid us upwards?
Back in the office today, although in truth it feels like I have never been away. Advances in modern technology mean that I am able to do pretty much everything from the villa. I have a laptop, wireless internet, access to all the necessary files/software at the office via remote connection and a blackberry mobile phone. This meant I was able to cover the flying from the villa without needing to go and sit in the office, alone, which was better for me.
We had a small celebration at work today because things are starting to get busy. Even in my short time here I have seen things grow which is good. I won't deny Sunday was hard going as I am still finding my feet, but I also enjoyed it in a way. I was glad when everything was put to bed though and I could relax.
This morning I saw the paper boy for the first time delivering to next door. I say boy, he must have been about eighteen or so. The main difference to what you would expect to find about a paper boy back home was he was riding a motorbike and, of course, he was not wearing a helmet.....preferring instead to trust his wellbeing and safety on these chaotic roads to a bandana! All I can say is.....good luck with that old son!!!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sunday 14th December
Believe it or not I am working hard. We have a fairly busy flying programme and I am doing my bit as it were. The consolation is I am in the relative comfort of the villa and am able to do pretty much everything from here.
At one stage I thought I may have to go into the office because we had a power cut. These are common in India and are as frequent an occurence as say, a herd of cattle walking the wrong way down a busy road in rush hour, so quite frequent trust me!
I eventually got to bed about 1:30 am this morning. The barbecue was not a barbecue in the end because we gave up trying to light it the damn thing, so everything got grilled or fried indoors. About 8 people were there all told and we put the world to rights, and got progressively more and more inebriated (well what else would you do?)
I think I may at last have some colour to bring back with me, and to prove the 28 degree heat that is the average out here for winter!
As it is sunday, we have to fend for ourselves again. Damn rude isn't it? Still, am sure we will cope. You'll know if we haven't as the blog entries will come to a shuddering halt.
This time on Saturday I will be hopefully sitting in my lounge with my wife and daughter. I cannot deny I am excited about going home for Christmas. Having Freya has made me fall in love with Christmas all over again. It was always good to spend time with the family don't get me wrong, but having an eighteen month old daughter (whom I worship, can you tell?) who is starting to get into the magic of it all really makes it something to look forward to. My family will spoil her of course, and I have the truly pleasant condundrum of where to store all her presents.....I also know I will be spending Christmas Day and Boxing Day putting most of her presents together but that is what dad's are for isn't it?
At one stage I thought I may have to go into the office because we had a power cut. These are common in India and are as frequent an occurence as say, a herd of cattle walking the wrong way down a busy road in rush hour, so quite frequent trust me!
I eventually got to bed about 1:30 am this morning. The barbecue was not a barbecue in the end because we gave up trying to light it the damn thing, so everything got grilled or fried indoors. About 8 people were there all told and we put the world to rights, and got progressively more and more inebriated (well what else would you do?)
I think I may at last have some colour to bring back with me, and to prove the 28 degree heat that is the average out here for winter!
As it is sunday, we have to fend for ourselves again. Damn rude isn't it? Still, am sure we will cope. You'll know if we haven't as the blog entries will come to a shuddering halt.
This time on Saturday I will be hopefully sitting in my lounge with my wife and daughter. I cannot deny I am excited about going home for Christmas. Having Freya has made me fall in love with Christmas all over again. It was always good to spend time with the family don't get me wrong, but having an eighteen month old daughter (whom I worship, can you tell?) who is starting to get into the magic of it all really makes it something to look forward to. My family will spoil her of course, and I have the truly pleasant condundrum of where to store all her presents.....I also know I will be spending Christmas Day and Boxing Day putting most of her presents together but that is what dad's are for isn't it?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Saturday 13th December 2008
I got my tour of the city as promised. One of my colleagues was kind enough to use his day off to take me round the city. We had a car, and a local driver, so all we had to do was sit back and enjoy.
First stop was the Gondola Fort and what an amazing construction. It is hard to imagine that it was probably built around the time our little island (and it's people) were still living in mud huts and worshipping all kinds of gods. It is also clear that when the British ruled India we simply pointed big guns at the place and said "are you coning out? or are we coming in?"....the distinct lack of damage to the place would suggest they opted to come out!
Again, we were accosted by the locals. One guy, clearly a tour guide, would not take no for an answer. We told him so many times to go away but he kept following us and giving us information that, for all we know, he could have just made up. Had he told us the fort was built in the 6th century by one armed, latin speaking kangaroos, would we have known any better? Eventually he did give up, after we made it plain for the umpteenth time that we were happy to wander around by ourselves. He then had the cheek to ask us to pay for what he had told us already, even thogh we didn't ask for it!
The locals here find westerners fascinating. All around the fort they stopped and stared and even on occasion, followed us around, looking at what we were looking it. It was like having our own entourage. At one point we were stopped and asked if we would have our photos taken with some Indian visitors to the fort. To be honest it is difficult not to feel like a celebrity when it happens so often. I even turned to offer them my autopgraph but they had gone!
Whilst all that is nice, and it does no harm, you need to be mindful out here that people also see westerners as cash-rich. Tuk-tuk drivers will ignore locals and aim for tourists because they generally pay better and have more disposable income. Beggars are also a problem, and very persistant, so you have to be firm and in some cases aggresive to get rid of them. It pays for even to most philanthropic of people to develop a hard heart out here.
Next stop was the lake. In the middle is a giant statue of Buddha that is known locally as the "Buddha of death". Legend has it that there are the remains of 6 people underneath who were killed during its construction. I have to say, it was not as impressive as I had hoped, nor did it live up the billing it was given by the guide books. A few minutes later (after we had marvelled at the manky green water in the lake) we were back on the road.
We wandered around the shops for a bit and I treated myself to a new bag. I know I have loads, but this one has wheels and will come in very useful believe me. After lugging my laptop around Doha airport transit lounge for 3 hours on the way out here, it hurt trust me. I will now be able to wander around Dubai on the way back without fear of inducing a curvature of the spine! happy days!
Inevitable we ended up in the pub (the sports bar to be precise). It has every conceivable sport on numerous screens as those who have been in the UK ones will know. The beer is provided in what looks like giant food blenders (containing about 8-10 pints I would guess), the core of which is frozen to keep the beer cool. My colleague made the mistake of accepting a bet with me regarding my knowledge of sport. Silly man and he is now a 100rupees worse off.
Sadly I had to curtail our fun as work called. There is more work coming in all the time and there was stuff to be done. Playtime was definitely over but hold on....I hear word of a barbecue back at the villa. Must dash!
First stop was the Gondola Fort and what an amazing construction. It is hard to imagine that it was probably built around the time our little island (and it's people) were still living in mud huts and worshipping all kinds of gods. It is also clear that when the British ruled India we simply pointed big guns at the place and said "are you coning out? or are we coming in?"....the distinct lack of damage to the place would suggest they opted to come out!
Again, we were accosted by the locals. One guy, clearly a tour guide, would not take no for an answer. We told him so many times to go away but he kept following us and giving us information that, for all we know, he could have just made up. Had he told us the fort was built in the 6th century by one armed, latin speaking kangaroos, would we have known any better? Eventually he did give up, after we made it plain for the umpteenth time that we were happy to wander around by ourselves. He then had the cheek to ask us to pay for what he had told us already, even thogh we didn't ask for it!
The locals here find westerners fascinating. All around the fort they stopped and stared and even on occasion, followed us around, looking at what we were looking it. It was like having our own entourage. At one point we were stopped and asked if we would have our photos taken with some Indian visitors to the fort. To be honest it is difficult not to feel like a celebrity when it happens so often. I even turned to offer them my autopgraph but they had gone!
Whilst all that is nice, and it does no harm, you need to be mindful out here that people also see westerners as cash-rich. Tuk-tuk drivers will ignore locals and aim for tourists because they generally pay better and have more disposable income. Beggars are also a problem, and very persistant, so you have to be firm and in some cases aggresive to get rid of them. It pays for even to most philanthropic of people to develop a hard heart out here.
Next stop was the lake. In the middle is a giant statue of Buddha that is known locally as the "Buddha of death". Legend has it that there are the remains of 6 people underneath who were killed during its construction. I have to say, it was not as impressive as I had hoped, nor did it live up the billing it was given by the guide books. A few minutes later (after we had marvelled at the manky green water in the lake) we were back on the road.
We wandered around the shops for a bit and I treated myself to a new bag. I know I have loads, but this one has wheels and will come in very useful believe me. After lugging my laptop around Doha airport transit lounge for 3 hours on the way out here, it hurt trust me. I will now be able to wander around Dubai on the way back without fear of inducing a curvature of the spine! happy days!
Inevitable we ended up in the pub (the sports bar to be precise). It has every conceivable sport on numerous screens as those who have been in the UK ones will know. The beer is provided in what looks like giant food blenders (containing about 8-10 pints I would guess), the core of which is frozen to keep the beer cool. My colleague made the mistake of accepting a bet with me regarding my knowledge of sport. Silly man and he is now a 100rupees worse off.
Sadly I had to curtail our fun as work called. There is more work coming in all the time and there was stuff to be done. Playtime was definitely over but hold on....I hear word of a barbecue back at the villa. Must dash!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday 12th December 2008
Not really too much to report today. Just thought i'd let everyone know I was still here!!
Got some flying confirmed for the weekend and I have just set that up (my first proper one). I feel like it is my baby and will watch that one very closely I can tell you. Nothing is ever confirmed, not in this industry, and I fully expect it to change innumerate number of times between now and it actually operating. That's just the way it goes, particularly in business jets, so it no longer troubles me.
Tomorrow I am hopefully being taken on a tour of Hyderabad so I can get to know this city better. I am really looking forward to it because all I have really seen so far is the journey to and from work. I haven't really even explored the complex my villa is situated in! There is a garden, or reserve, the other side of the fence opposite where I am staying and part of me wants to explore it. No doubt I will at some stage, but I am very wary that I may come across the thing I hate the most, namely snakes, so it may take me some time to pluck up the courage to do that on my own!
Got some flying confirmed for the weekend and I have just set that up (my first proper one). I feel like it is my baby and will watch that one very closely I can tell you. Nothing is ever confirmed, not in this industry, and I fully expect it to change innumerate number of times between now and it actually operating. That's just the way it goes, particularly in business jets, so it no longer troubles me.
Tomorrow I am hopefully being taken on a tour of Hyderabad so I can get to know this city better. I am really looking forward to it because all I have really seen so far is the journey to and from work. I haven't really even explored the complex my villa is situated in! There is a garden, or reserve, the other side of the fence opposite where I am staying and part of me wants to explore it. No doubt I will at some stage, but I am very wary that I may come across the thing I hate the most, namely snakes, so it may take me some time to pluck up the courage to do that on my own!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
9th to 11th Dec 2008
My apologies for not having written anything for a couple of days but I have a good reasons I promise!
Firstly, our wireless router at the villa blew up! I was sat next to it on Tuesday night, typing up the latest instalment, when I saw a spark out the corner of my eye that was closely followed by a crack. The lights went out in the villa and then the whole street! They came back on fairly quickly but our router was no more. We held a short service for it, said some prayers, and then buried it in the back garden before returning to the lounge for a short wake. Actually I made that last bit up (did you guess?) but the truth was our router was dead (I suspect it was an electrical surge that did it). Luckily I'd had the good sense to buy a travel adapter that already had a surge protector on it so my laptop was safe at least.
My other reason for not writing was simply that I have been busy. Work is really picking up and I am becoming more and more of a part of that. Stuff is being handed over to me now, and I am confident enough to suggest ideas and take things on my own initiative. I genuinely feel I am able to make mistakes and, as long as they are honest ones, then that is understandable. Don't get me wrong, mistakes through laziness or general incompetence are not permissible but, as a manager, I never tolerated those and would not expect them to be tolerated of me.
You will not be shocked to learn either that my lunchtime choices have not become anymore adventurous. Tuesday we went to a Coffee Republic type outfit (the name of which escapes me), and the last two days have been KFC!! I have been assured by more than one person that the office food is OK and I may yet try that, I just haven't built up the courage as yet.
Last night we did venture to a new place close to the villa that has only just opened. I had heard good reports about it and it did not disappoint. Food was good, and reasonably priced, and the beer flowed. The only thing I cannot get my head around is the way the waiters hang around you. If you so much as take a sip of beer they immediately pounce on you and refill your glass and this is the same for every place I have enjoyed a beer in. It is as if they have 360degree vision, or built in sensors that go off when someone is not accompanied by a full glass. To one who is used to having his own personal space, and values that deeply, it is difficult to comprehend. Being the first one there I cannot tell you how glad I was when my friends arrived and the waiters had someone else to fuss over!
I do have some good news to post as well. The company has very kindly changed my ticket to come home for Christmas two days earlier than planned, and I am now coming back on the 20th. I didn't ask for this but I was asked if I didn't mind working on Sunday. Having been a shift worker for such a long time I find that Sundays, nights and public holidays do not mean as much to me now as they did once so I don't mind that at all. Besides, I am out here alone and don't have a family out here to come home to so why not?
Roads again and another shining example of Indian logic to mention. You may remember me mentioning that they have a 200rupee fine for jumping red lights? Well I saw a sign on the way to work Wednesday that read "no parking here, fine 500 rupees". This was just by the side of the road, not near anything important like a fire station or a hospital, and they do not even know what a red route is here. In effect what they are saying is parking is 2.5 times more serious than jumping red lights? Discuss.....
Firstly, our wireless router at the villa blew up! I was sat next to it on Tuesday night, typing up the latest instalment, when I saw a spark out the corner of my eye that was closely followed by a crack. The lights went out in the villa and then the whole street! They came back on fairly quickly but our router was no more. We held a short service for it, said some prayers, and then buried it in the back garden before returning to the lounge for a short wake. Actually I made that last bit up (did you guess?) but the truth was our router was dead (I suspect it was an electrical surge that did it). Luckily I'd had the good sense to buy a travel adapter that already had a surge protector on it so my laptop was safe at least.
My other reason for not writing was simply that I have been busy. Work is really picking up and I am becoming more and more of a part of that. Stuff is being handed over to me now, and I am confident enough to suggest ideas and take things on my own initiative. I genuinely feel I am able to make mistakes and, as long as they are honest ones, then that is understandable. Don't get me wrong, mistakes through laziness or general incompetence are not permissible but, as a manager, I never tolerated those and would not expect them to be tolerated of me.
You will not be shocked to learn either that my lunchtime choices have not become anymore adventurous. Tuesday we went to a Coffee Republic type outfit (the name of which escapes me), and the last two days have been KFC!! I have been assured by more than one person that the office food is OK and I may yet try that, I just haven't built up the courage as yet.
Last night we did venture to a new place close to the villa that has only just opened. I had heard good reports about it and it did not disappoint. Food was good, and reasonably priced, and the beer flowed. The only thing I cannot get my head around is the way the waiters hang around you. If you so much as take a sip of beer they immediately pounce on you and refill your glass and this is the same for every place I have enjoyed a beer in. It is as if they have 360degree vision, or built in sensors that go off when someone is not accompanied by a full glass. To one who is used to having his own personal space, and values that deeply, it is difficult to comprehend. Being the first one there I cannot tell you how glad I was when my friends arrived and the waiters had someone else to fuss over!
I do have some good news to post as well. The company has very kindly changed my ticket to come home for Christmas two days earlier than planned, and I am now coming back on the 20th. I didn't ask for this but I was asked if I didn't mind working on Sunday. Having been a shift worker for such a long time I find that Sundays, nights and public holidays do not mean as much to me now as they did once so I don't mind that at all. Besides, I am out here alone and don't have a family out here to come home to so why not?
Roads again and another shining example of Indian logic to mention. You may remember me mentioning that they have a 200rupee fine for jumping red lights? Well I saw a sign on the way to work Wednesday that read "no parking here, fine 500 rupees". This was just by the side of the road, not near anything important like a fire station or a hospital, and they do not even know what a red route is here. In effect what they are saying is parking is 2.5 times more serious than jumping red lights? Discuss.....
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday 8th December
Ok, so now I am starting to feel like one of the team. I feel that people are getting to know me better, and starting to accept me.
Some of my colleagues were wary at first, even said I was too quiet maybe for this operation, but I always start like that at first. Those who know me know only too well that I am not the shy retiring type. Believe it or not I am quite shy and nervous when I meet new people. Often that means I make silly mistakes because I am trying too hard and am quite keen to impress. Truth is, the last thing I want to do is start with a new company and try and tell them how I think it should be run as that would only serve to alienate me from them.
Sure, I have ideas, and I am not arrogant enough to assume that they are the right ones they are just simply that, ideas. But I will hand them over, as when the opportunity presents itself, to those who are better suited to judge if they would work out here.
It is a steep learning curve for me. Even my comfort zone, the thing I know best of all (i.e. Flight Time Limitations and Crewing) is a world apart out here that it has taken me a week to get my head around it. Ask me anything on the UK FTL and I can generally qoute the actual wording from the official CAA publication, ask me about the Indian FTL and you get a fairly good answer (now, after a week), but I would still need to refer to the actual document.
The key thing for me is that those around me seem to be understanding of my naivety which is the best thing. Already I no longer feel the need to hit the ground running but know that I am to be allowed to make mistakes, as long as they are not through utter incompetence or laziness of course. I have never tolerated that as a manager myself and would not expect those above me to do either.
Today I did suggest one of my ideas and it has been quite warmly received it seems. We worked together as a team, tweaked the document to make it more applicable, and there we have it, I have made an impact.
Now I am just sitting here in the villa typing this and chilling out with a cold beer....I hear the weather back home is in the minus figures? It's still winter out here if that makes you feel any better...only difference is it averages about 30 degress celcius! All the Westerners are in shorts and t-shirts (at work it shirt and tie of course), but the locals are dressed up like Eskimos as they really feel the 'cold'!!!
Some of my colleagues were wary at first, even said I was too quiet maybe for this operation, but I always start like that at first. Those who know me know only too well that I am not the shy retiring type. Believe it or not I am quite shy and nervous when I meet new people. Often that means I make silly mistakes because I am trying too hard and am quite keen to impress. Truth is, the last thing I want to do is start with a new company and try and tell them how I think it should be run as that would only serve to alienate me from them.
Sure, I have ideas, and I am not arrogant enough to assume that they are the right ones they are just simply that, ideas. But I will hand them over, as when the opportunity presents itself, to those who are better suited to judge if they would work out here.
It is a steep learning curve for me. Even my comfort zone, the thing I know best of all (i.e. Flight Time Limitations and Crewing) is a world apart out here that it has taken me a week to get my head around it. Ask me anything on the UK FTL and I can generally qoute the actual wording from the official CAA publication, ask me about the Indian FTL and you get a fairly good answer (now, after a week), but I would still need to refer to the actual document.
The key thing for me is that those around me seem to be understanding of my naivety which is the best thing. Already I no longer feel the need to hit the ground running but know that I am to be allowed to make mistakes, as long as they are not through utter incompetence or laziness of course. I have never tolerated that as a manager myself and would not expect those above me to do either.
Today I did suggest one of my ideas and it has been quite warmly received it seems. We worked together as a team, tweaked the document to make it more applicable, and there we have it, I have made an impact.
Now I am just sitting here in the villa typing this and chilling out with a cold beer....I hear the weather back home is in the minus figures? It's still winter out here if that makes you feel any better...only difference is it averages about 30 degress celcius! All the Westerners are in shorts and t-shirts (at work it shirt and tie of course), but the locals are dressed up like Eskimos as they really feel the 'cold'!!!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The weekend - 6th and 7th Dec 2008
Although I am not in the office of a weekend it is clear that you are never off duty. Laptops and Blackberrys mean that you are there to sort out the problems, wherever you are.
I have been quite lucky this weekend as, due to my inexperience, I have not been asked to do anything. I have been copied in on all the emails that are going backwards and forwards however which relate to this weekends operations.
James is never off the phone or email it seems but he takes it all in his stride (or that is the impression he gives). I have been lucky as both him and Tony have really looked after me during my first week and I am grateful to them for that. As one who has, in the words of that Kaiser Chiefs song, "never been this far away from home before" I was nervous about what to do and how to act whilst I was out here and they have really helped me with that.
Saturday began with a lay in of sorts. I then managed to get on the internet in the villa at long last and uploaded some photos to Facebook. After a brief dip in the pool that afternoon I went out to see James and Tony. Despite only being a 15 minute walk to their flat it was quite weird. I am getting the hang of crossing Indian roads and have actually discovered a trick to it which is as follows; remember when you were young and you played Frogger on the Atari or Commodore64? That's how you cross the roads out here!! You simply take each lane at a time, dodge in and out of the traffic and seize the brief opportunities and spaces when they present themselves! If you did not, you would be there some time believe me. The only difference is you don't have to negotiate the river with the moving logs at the end once you have crossed said road.
I got several strange looks (yes I know, you think i'd be used to it?). They are not used to westerners here it seems so they were more a curious glance as opposed to anything threatening. The only hassle I got was from tuk-tuk drivers who kept asking if i wanted "taxi". As soon as you say no, or wave them away, they also tend to leave you alone.
Once round James's (Tony lives there as well), we drank beer, ate pizza, talked and watched the football. Out here, if you have Sky, you can watch whichever game they are showing from the 3pm Saturday games back in the UK. This week was Fulham vs Man City. I didn't mind as I was just grateful to see a bit of home!
There are three main religions in India, and more specifially Hyderabad. Hinduism, Islam and Cricket....and that's probably in reverse order!! They worship Cricket out here in the way we do football at home. Strange, you would think, being English I would understand this but I have never got to grips with what a Silly-mid off is? No matter how hard I try!
A short walk and I was back at the villa around 1am. Time for bed
Sunday began with a lay in of course (what else are Sundays for?). James is still working hard and we were going to the Novotel today for Sunday buffet. Apparently, for about £18, you can each and drink as much as you like, including alcohol. You then just chill out by the pool. Because this weekend is quite busy however that idea got binned this week but there will be plenty of chances for me to experience it. I explored a bit more and found the local supermarket. It's OK and you can get the basics you need but, as it is no bigger that what you and I would understand as a mini-mart or corner shop, you are limited in your choices. You can't always get the brands you are used to either but then why come all this way and just stick to what you are used to? There is nothing approaching the size of a Tescos or Sainsburys store out here, even in the city centre. But this place does have it's merits and I want to experience as much of it as I can whilst I am here.
We may end up going out later, not sure at this stage and i am taking it as it comes. Perhaps I am coming round to the Indian way of "manana" already?
I have just had a horrible realisation....today is Sunday, and they take them very seriously out here, which means I may have to get my own dinner! bollocks!
I have been quite lucky this weekend as, due to my inexperience, I have not been asked to do anything. I have been copied in on all the emails that are going backwards and forwards however which relate to this weekends operations.
James is never off the phone or email it seems but he takes it all in his stride (or that is the impression he gives). I have been lucky as both him and Tony have really looked after me during my first week and I am grateful to them for that. As one who has, in the words of that Kaiser Chiefs song, "never been this far away from home before" I was nervous about what to do and how to act whilst I was out here and they have really helped me with that.
Saturday began with a lay in of sorts. I then managed to get on the internet in the villa at long last and uploaded some photos to Facebook. After a brief dip in the pool that afternoon I went out to see James and Tony. Despite only being a 15 minute walk to their flat it was quite weird. I am getting the hang of crossing Indian roads and have actually discovered a trick to it which is as follows; remember when you were young and you played Frogger on the Atari or Commodore64? That's how you cross the roads out here!! You simply take each lane at a time, dodge in and out of the traffic and seize the brief opportunities and spaces when they present themselves! If you did not, you would be there some time believe me. The only difference is you don't have to negotiate the river with the moving logs at the end once you have crossed said road.
I got several strange looks (yes I know, you think i'd be used to it?). They are not used to westerners here it seems so they were more a curious glance as opposed to anything threatening. The only hassle I got was from tuk-tuk drivers who kept asking if i wanted "taxi". As soon as you say no, or wave them away, they also tend to leave you alone.
Once round James's (Tony lives there as well), we drank beer, ate pizza, talked and watched the football. Out here, if you have Sky, you can watch whichever game they are showing from the 3pm Saturday games back in the UK. This week was Fulham vs Man City. I didn't mind as I was just grateful to see a bit of home!
There are three main religions in India, and more specifially Hyderabad. Hinduism, Islam and Cricket....and that's probably in reverse order!! They worship Cricket out here in the way we do football at home. Strange, you would think, being English I would understand this but I have never got to grips with what a Silly-mid off is? No matter how hard I try!
A short walk and I was back at the villa around 1am. Time for bed
Sunday began with a lay in of course (what else are Sundays for?). James is still working hard and we were going to the Novotel today for Sunday buffet. Apparently, for about £18, you can each and drink as much as you like, including alcohol. You then just chill out by the pool. Because this weekend is quite busy however that idea got binned this week but there will be plenty of chances for me to experience it. I explored a bit more and found the local supermarket. It's OK and you can get the basics you need but, as it is no bigger that what you and I would understand as a mini-mart or corner shop, you are limited in your choices. You can't always get the brands you are used to either but then why come all this way and just stick to what you are used to? There is nothing approaching the size of a Tescos or Sainsburys store out here, even in the city centre. But this place does have it's merits and I want to experience as much of it as I can whilst I am here.
We may end up going out later, not sure at this stage and i am taking it as it comes. Perhaps I am coming round to the Indian way of "manana" already?
I have just had a horrible realisation....today is Sunday, and they take them very seriously out here, which means I may have to get my own dinner! bollocks!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Friday 05th Dec
One of my colleagues is back now, as is the other one, which is great news. We can relax a little because these guys know what they are doing.
The day did pass of without major incident it seemed. Colleague A was stressed but I could not gather as to why. He was working the whole day and didn't even join us for lunch. When we went downstairs at the end of the day to enjoy some beer and food laid on by the company (it was somebodies birthday - I am not sure who?), he sat there with his laptop and carried on working. Colleague A has a lot of knowledge and I am looking forward to feeding off that and expanding my own....only time will tell.
Colleague B persuaded me to go out after work with a few of my other colleagues.
Hyderabad by night is just as crazy as it is by day. This city never sleeps it seems and I found myself being taken to this English themed bar at the top of a shopping mall. Wood panels everywhere, an island bar in the middle of the pub, and cubicles for up to four people as well as bigger table for large groups. To give you some idea, the decor was very similar to what you would expect to find in a Weatherspoons back in the UK. It was very pleasant and the beer flowed by the pitcher.
Several of these pitchers (which they bring over without asking, plus they top up your glass when you are not looking) later we left around 10pm. I was ready for my bed anyway as I hadn't been sleeping well because of the time difference so that suited me. With no cabs available we were left with the choice of either a long walk, or a tuk-tuk. We had some help trying to locate a cab from a girl that seems to hang around outside who could have been no older than 8 or 10. She was smartly dressed, didn't seem ill or under-nourished in anyway, and was clearly educated because he english was excellent. As a parent now, I found it incredibly hard to imagine why people would allow there 10 year old daughter to roam the streets so late?
The tuk-tuk won over the walk by the way. These things are amazing, a 50cc engine that struggles uphill and gets switched off by the driver downhill to save fuel. They have a seating capacity of two to three in the back but I am no longer surprised when I see 6 or 7 people crammed into one. With no sides to them it is wise to hang on to the bars that hold the roof up believe me!
A quick chat with Lisa (which was nice as we hadn't spoken since Sunday), and I am ready for bed. I think my head is going to hurt in the morning......
The day did pass of without major incident it seemed. Colleague A was stressed but I could not gather as to why. He was working the whole day and didn't even join us for lunch. When we went downstairs at the end of the day to enjoy some beer and food laid on by the company (it was somebodies birthday - I am not sure who?), he sat there with his laptop and carried on working. Colleague A has a lot of knowledge and I am looking forward to feeding off that and expanding my own....only time will tell.
Colleague B persuaded me to go out after work with a few of my other colleagues.
Hyderabad by night is just as crazy as it is by day. This city never sleeps it seems and I found myself being taken to this English themed bar at the top of a shopping mall. Wood panels everywhere, an island bar in the middle of the pub, and cubicles for up to four people as well as bigger table for large groups. To give you some idea, the decor was very similar to what you would expect to find in a Weatherspoons back in the UK. It was very pleasant and the beer flowed by the pitcher.
Several of these pitchers (which they bring over without asking, plus they top up your glass when you are not looking) later we left around 10pm. I was ready for my bed anyway as I hadn't been sleeping well because of the time difference so that suited me. With no cabs available we were left with the choice of either a long walk, or a tuk-tuk. We had some help trying to locate a cab from a girl that seems to hang around outside who could have been no older than 8 or 10. She was smartly dressed, didn't seem ill or under-nourished in anyway, and was clearly educated because he english was excellent. As a parent now, I found it incredibly hard to imagine why people would allow there 10 year old daughter to roam the streets so late?
The tuk-tuk won over the walk by the way. These things are amazing, a 50cc engine that struggles uphill and gets switched off by the driver downhill to save fuel. They have a seating capacity of two to three in the back but I am no longer surprised when I see 6 or 7 people crammed into one. With no sides to them it is wise to hang on to the bars that hold the roof up believe me!
A quick chat with Lisa (which was nice as we hadn't spoken since Sunday), and I am ready for bed. I think my head is going to hurt in the morning......
04 Dec 2008
Still no colleague A, as he is quite poorly, so we have the A-team that is me and Harleen today. I had such high hopes that today could not possible be anymore chaotic than yesterday, how wrong I was to be proved to be!
It turned out that the CJ2 was now departing at 0700local, instead of the 1000local I thought it was when I left the office at about 8pm last night, because of a curfew for non-scheduled traffic at point A that starts at 8am. I can see the logic in that but it meant that, when we arrived at our eventual destination at 9am, it did not open for another hour. The aircraft circled around for a couple of times before eventually having to divert to Point C due to a need for fuel.
We then picked up further delays because the pilots have to get off the aircraft and go to the ATC tower to pay cash for all landing and navigation fees. This can take up to two hours in a busy airport like Point C. This was not time we had to spare because our eventual destination of Point D had for forecast and the clock was ticking.
To cut a long story short, we eventually made it to Point B. The pilots refuelled the aircraft, paid yet more landing and nav charges, collected our passengers and departed for Point D.
We didn't make it. The weather had closed in (it was now about 6pm and the weather reports said the visibility was now zero), and the aircraft would have to divert. We were told he was going to Point E, we rang the ATC tower and Point B and confirmed he was going to one airfield, we set up handling etc at that airfield....so imagine our surprise when he landed somewhere else!!!
On top of all this, we picked up a charter for Friday, plus a possible third flight for one of our major shareholders. By the time everything was put to bed it was 9:30pm before myself and Harleen left the office.
Colleague C was amazing once again today. She coped with everything and didn't get stressed with me. This woman has the patience of a saint methinks.
Colleague A is back tomorrow, hooray!!!!!
It turned out that the CJ2 was now departing at 0700local, instead of the 1000local I thought it was when I left the office at about 8pm last night, because of a curfew for non-scheduled traffic at point A that starts at 8am. I can see the logic in that but it meant that, when we arrived at our eventual destination at 9am, it did not open for another hour. The aircraft circled around for a couple of times before eventually having to divert to Point C due to a need for fuel.
We then picked up further delays because the pilots have to get off the aircraft and go to the ATC tower to pay cash for all landing and navigation fees. This can take up to two hours in a busy airport like Point C. This was not time we had to spare because our eventual destination of Point D had for forecast and the clock was ticking.
To cut a long story short, we eventually made it to Point B. The pilots refuelled the aircraft, paid yet more landing and nav charges, collected our passengers and departed for Point D.
We didn't make it. The weather had closed in (it was now about 6pm and the weather reports said the visibility was now zero), and the aircraft would have to divert. We were told he was going to Point E, we rang the ATC tower and Point B and confirmed he was going to one airfield, we set up handling etc at that airfield....so imagine our surprise when he landed somewhere else!!!
On top of all this, we picked up a charter for Friday, plus a possible third flight for one of our major shareholders. By the time everything was put to bed it was 9:30pm before myself and Harleen left the office.
Colleague C was amazing once again today. She coped with everything and didn't get stressed with me. This woman has the patience of a saint methinks.
Colleague A is back tomorrow, hooray!!!!!
First day of action - 03rd Dec 2008
It seems they had plans to move me into the company house earlier than I had anticipated. Upon reporting at the office I was dispatched back to my hotel to collect my things and move them into the villa.
At first glance it seems surreal. Situated in a large, privately guarded compound it sits neatly in a row amongst the other, identical four bedroomed villas. I cannot tell you much more than that as have only seen it twice....once to drop off my bags and once when I came home in the dark after work.
Everything is done for you it seems though. Your food is cooked, beds made, and apparently they'll even go and do you shopping if you ask. Not that much different to a hotel except it's nicer and more personal.
When I arrived back at the office it was quite busy because we had picked up the charter I had seen since joining Bjets. I should explain at this point that one of my colleagues, the only one who was up to speed with what was going on, had called in sick. Another colleague (who you would not believe had no operations experience if you met her), was coping....just. I had no experience of Bjets, or how things work in India, so I was probably as much use to her as a chocolate teapot. Bless her though, she didn't shout at me once.
Crucially, we muddled through. Colleague A helped from home via his laptop and it worked (or so it seemed) in the end.
Bjets is growing, you only have to look at the orders for new aircraft to see that, so I am sure that everything will work out, and all the wrinkles that today has highlighted for me will get ironed out, in the end.
I saw an entire herd of cattle walking not only down the road (a 3 lane highway), but on the outside lane and towards the traffic....in rush hour! I wasn't going to mention the roads today but everytime I think it cannot get more bizarre, it does!
At first glance it seems surreal. Situated in a large, privately guarded compound it sits neatly in a row amongst the other, identical four bedroomed villas. I cannot tell you much more than that as have only seen it twice....once to drop off my bags and once when I came home in the dark after work.
Everything is done for you it seems though. Your food is cooked, beds made, and apparently they'll even go and do you shopping if you ask. Not that much different to a hotel except it's nicer and more personal.
When I arrived back at the office it was quite busy because we had picked up the charter I had seen since joining Bjets. I should explain at this point that one of my colleagues, the only one who was up to speed with what was going on, had called in sick. Another colleague (who you would not believe had no operations experience if you met her), was coping....just. I had no experience of Bjets, or how things work in India, so I was probably as much use to her as a chocolate teapot. Bless her though, she didn't shout at me once.
Crucially, we muddled through. Colleague A helped from home via his laptop and it worked (or so it seemed) in the end.
Bjets is growing, you only have to look at the orders for new aircraft to see that, so I am sure that everything will work out, and all the wrinkles that today has highlighted for me will get ironed out, in the end.
I saw an entire herd of cattle walking not only down the road (a 3 lane highway), but on the outside lane and towards the traffic....in rush hour! I wasn't going to mention the roads today but everytime I think it cannot get more bizarre, it does!
Security and the Mother Country
It is quite difficult to describe this country's reaction to the recent terror attacks in Mumbai. Of course there is anger, and mourning, as you would expect but it is the response in terms of increased security that baffles me most.
As I said earlier, there is a policeman outside my hotel with a bolt loading rifle. Nothing unusual in that given what has happened (although my money would be on the guy with the AK47 sub-machine gun if it came down to a 'who can get the most shots off' competition!), but he was not there when I arrived Sunday morning, even though that was some 3 days after the attacks began. He was not there when I woke up sunday afternoon either....in fact, he did not arrive until around 3pm that afternoon.
In addition to him there has been other measures put in place, albeit very very gradually.
By Monday night they had installed a walk-through metal detector outside the main door. This works in tandem with the wands the security guards wave over you and your luggage every time you enter the hotel.
On Tuesday morning I noticed the collection of sandbags that had been placed to the left of the lobby to form a sort of gun emplacement, the like of which you would expect to find in the desert army barracks of Iraq or Afghanistan. Upon my return from work these had been built up sufficiently to allow those behind it to stand up.
It is difficult to decipher however, if this steady increase in security is a result of some perceived threat level, to make the tourists and businessmen feel better, or simply a snail's pace response to last weeks events. If the latter is true then it is simply more evidence of the Indian mentality of "manana" that is seem to guide everyone in what they do out here.
One can't help but be aware of what has happened. It is on every one of the news channels out here, and covers at least the first 6-8 pages of the newspaper that comes under my door each morning. The good news for me is that my hotel is so far away from both the tourist and business areas of Hyderabad that it is unlikely to be of any interest to any self-respecting terrorist keen to make an impact.
Today, 2nd Dec, one of my younger Indian colleagues was talking to me about how I was finding it out here. I explained how so much of it was different for me, but that I was enjoying it, and we shared a joke or two about the standards of driving out here (compared to the UK). He then said something which astounded me, "you will get used to it here, after all you are from the mother country". Mother Country? It was these words that knocked me sideways. This guy was only in his twenties I would guess and India earned independence in 1948, how is it that some Indian's (as I arrogantly assume he is not alone in these sentiments) still maintain this idea? I had not entertained any thoughts of our colonolial past and was actually quite embarrassed. We certainly were not the great benefactors, doing the Indian people a huge favour, as we like to portray ourselves were we?
Coming back to the security question (or at least how seriously the man outside my hotel with the gun is taking it) this has just been answered by the image I saw of him scratching between the cheeks of his arse with the rifle of his gun. I hope he had the safety catch on.......
As I said earlier, there is a policeman outside my hotel with a bolt loading rifle. Nothing unusual in that given what has happened (although my money would be on the guy with the AK47 sub-machine gun if it came down to a 'who can get the most shots off' competition!), but he was not there when I arrived Sunday morning, even though that was some 3 days after the attacks began. He was not there when I woke up sunday afternoon either....in fact, he did not arrive until around 3pm that afternoon.
In addition to him there has been other measures put in place, albeit very very gradually.
By Monday night they had installed a walk-through metal detector outside the main door. This works in tandem with the wands the security guards wave over you and your luggage every time you enter the hotel.
On Tuesday morning I noticed the collection of sandbags that had been placed to the left of the lobby to form a sort of gun emplacement, the like of which you would expect to find in the desert army barracks of Iraq or Afghanistan. Upon my return from work these had been built up sufficiently to allow those behind it to stand up.
It is difficult to decipher however, if this steady increase in security is a result of some perceived threat level, to make the tourists and businessmen feel better, or simply a snail's pace response to last weeks events. If the latter is true then it is simply more evidence of the Indian mentality of "manana" that is seem to guide everyone in what they do out here.
One can't help but be aware of what has happened. It is on every one of the news channels out here, and covers at least the first 6-8 pages of the newspaper that comes under my door each morning. The good news for me is that my hotel is so far away from both the tourist and business areas of Hyderabad that it is unlikely to be of any interest to any self-respecting terrorist keen to make an impact.
Today, 2nd Dec, one of my younger Indian colleagues was talking to me about how I was finding it out here. I explained how so much of it was different for me, but that I was enjoying it, and we shared a joke or two about the standards of driving out here (compared to the UK). He then said something which astounded me, "you will get used to it here, after all you are from the mother country". Mother Country? It was these words that knocked me sideways. This guy was only in his twenties I would guess and India earned independence in 1948, how is it that some Indian's (as I arrogantly assume he is not alone in these sentiments) still maintain this idea? I had not entertained any thoughts of our colonolial past and was actually quite embarrassed. We certainly were not the great benefactors, doing the Indian people a huge favour, as we like to portray ourselves were we?
Coming back to the security question (or at least how seriously the man outside my hotel with the gun is taking it) this has just been answered by the image I saw of him scratching between the cheeks of his arse with the rifle of his gun. I hope he had the safety catch on.......
Second day at the office - 02 Dec 2008
Late again today, although not my fault either it's just that I am understandably keen to make a good impression. My car did not arrive until 08:45 local and then had to make several stops on route to collect some of my colleagues. On top of that, if you leave it too late and are still on the roads in Hyderabad past 09:00am you end up in very bad traffic. The good thing is that so many of us turning up late at exactly the same time, the reason is fairly obvious.
After a quiet morning (with no flying), we decided to go to lunch. Today was KFC, yesterday Subway. Having been warned not to to try the food that is supplied daily to the office you can understand my reluctance to be too adventurous with my lunchtime choices. I am sure I will become less wary in time, and no doubt end up regretting it.
You can't even drink from the water coolers in the office as it apparently cannot be guaranteed that the water in it is actually mineral water instead of tap water. I am told that, when these coolers first arrived everyone drank from them assuming them to be sufficiently filtered for western stomachs. No one got sick, apart from the expats who now give these coolers a very wide berth!
I Finally got my company phone and log in today. The email signature, which they loaded, has my job title as being "Sr. Manager - Operations". A grand title indeed for the most junior member of the operations team. Still, it could be argued that it shows the company is ambitious and has every intention of fulfilling the sales pitch that brought me here....besides which, it really sounds like I am somebody doesn't it? Even though I am not!
Word is I will be moved to one of the company houses soon. I am looking forward to it as I will be nearer the centre of Hyderabad and closer to my colleagues. It is quite lonely being stuck in the middle of nowhere, with little to do and nowhere to go :-(
After a quiet morning (with no flying), we decided to go to lunch. Today was KFC, yesterday Subway. Having been warned not to to try the food that is supplied daily to the office you can understand my reluctance to be too adventurous with my lunchtime choices. I am sure I will become less wary in time, and no doubt end up regretting it.
You can't even drink from the water coolers in the office as it apparently cannot be guaranteed that the water in it is actually mineral water instead of tap water. I am told that, when these coolers first arrived everyone drank from them assuming them to be sufficiently filtered for western stomachs. No one got sick, apart from the expats who now give these coolers a very wide berth!
I Finally got my company phone and log in today. The email signature, which they loaded, has my job title as being "Sr. Manager - Operations". A grand title indeed for the most junior member of the operations team. Still, it could be argued that it shows the company is ambitious and has every intention of fulfilling the sales pitch that brought me here....besides which, it really sounds like I am somebody doesn't it? Even though I am not!
Word is I will be moved to one of the company houses soon. I am looking forward to it as I will be nearer the centre of Hyderabad and closer to my colleagues. It is quite lonely being stuck in the middle of nowhere, with little to do and nowhere to go :-(
Monday, December 1, 2008
First Day at The Office - 01st Dec 08
Today I explored the hotel grounds a bit more. With daylight to help me view them they are not too bad. A water feature that must stretch a hundred yards from the main road to the lobby dominates as you come in.
When I got back to the hotel entrance at 08:30 local a car was waiting to collect me. I had been told to expect it at 10:00 local when I had arrived so I wasn't ready! Late for my first day! DOH!
The car returned at 09:30 local and I set off for the office. The first thing that struck me was the shanty towns. I guess this is not the most affluent part of Hyderabad, and I am sure there are nicer parts, but you can't help but wonder when you are faced with row upon row of tents made out of cane and tarpaulin and I simply can't imagine how people live like that. Obviously it is not through choice, even so, it is incomprehensible to me.
Then there are the roads. Take everything you have heard about Indian roads and multiply it ifinitesimally! There are no rules whatsoever it seems. 2 lanes regularly become 3-5 lanes, motorbikes come from everywhere, to pull out you simply make you own gap regardless whether anything is coming or not, you hoot your horn every 3 seconds, and you do your best to dodge the oxen that simply walk out across the Hyderabadi equivolent of the A12! Add to that violent speed humps (of which it is questionable whether they are due to traffic calming or simply bad road building), and you have a small idea of my journey to work. I had to chuckle though, for amidst all the chaos I saw a woman being taught to drive by the Pradhesh School of Motoring. Had I been wearing a cap I would have had to take it off to her for she was much braver than I am for learning to drive on these roads.
Well, having made it to work in one piece (albeit late) I am ready to start my first day. The offices are nice, air conditioned (a must for a country whose average temperature drops to a paltry 24c in winter!), and quite modern. I met my new colleagues, James (ops) and Tony (maintrol) who seem quiet nice. Must admit I am eager to get cracking and get stuck in now. Soon I am to be issued with a laptop and a phone which should make things easier. They also booked me my flights so I can come home for Christmas today which is a weight off my mind. Freya will be 18months old by the time this Christmas comes round and I am looking forward to it.
Plus, there is a get out clause for me should this all go wrong, so it would appear, for when reading the Times of India today I discovered there is a possible career lying in wait for me in Germany. Evidently, there is a shortage of fat, jolly men who a free of any criminal convictions in order to become Father Christmases. Maybe those years of devotion to junk food and beer may have had some purpose after all?
When I got back to the hotel entrance at 08:30 local a car was waiting to collect me. I had been told to expect it at 10:00 local when I had arrived so I wasn't ready! Late for my first day! DOH!
The car returned at 09:30 local and I set off for the office. The first thing that struck me was the shanty towns. I guess this is not the most affluent part of Hyderabad, and I am sure there are nicer parts, but you can't help but wonder when you are faced with row upon row of tents made out of cane and tarpaulin and I simply can't imagine how people live like that. Obviously it is not through choice, even so, it is incomprehensible to me.
Then there are the roads. Take everything you have heard about Indian roads and multiply it ifinitesimally! There are no rules whatsoever it seems. 2 lanes regularly become 3-5 lanes, motorbikes come from everywhere, to pull out you simply make you own gap regardless whether anything is coming or not, you hoot your horn every 3 seconds, and you do your best to dodge the oxen that simply walk out across the Hyderabadi equivolent of the A12! Add to that violent speed humps (of which it is questionable whether they are due to traffic calming or simply bad road building), and you have a small idea of my journey to work. I had to chuckle though, for amidst all the chaos I saw a woman being taught to drive by the Pradhesh School of Motoring. Had I been wearing a cap I would have had to take it off to her for she was much braver than I am for learning to drive on these roads.
Well, having made it to work in one piece (albeit late) I am ready to start my first day. The offices are nice, air conditioned (a must for a country whose average temperature drops to a paltry 24c in winter!), and quite modern. I met my new colleagues, James (ops) and Tony (maintrol) who seem quiet nice. Must admit I am eager to get cracking and get stuck in now. Soon I am to be issued with a laptop and a phone which should make things easier. They also booked me my flights so I can come home for Christmas today which is a weight off my mind. Freya will be 18months old by the time this Christmas comes round and I am looking forward to it.
Plus, there is a get out clause for me should this all go wrong, so it would appear, for when reading the Times of India today I discovered there is a possible career lying in wait for me in Germany. Evidently, there is a shortage of fat, jolly men who a free of any criminal convictions in order to become Father Christmases. Maybe those years of devotion to junk food and beer may have had some purpose after all?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
My first day in India - 30th November 2008
Ok, so I am in a strange country, farther away than I have ever been before and I am still suffering mixed emotions.
The strongest of these is of course sadness. I miss my family loads and I expect that will only get worse as time goes on. What motivates me is a desire to succeed and make the best of it. It is an adveture after all, and one that I am grateful for, and if nothing else the money will come in very handy after two months of nothing.
I woke up at around 1pm local time. Well, I got woken up at around 1pm by the cleaner knocking on the door. I tried to ignore it, and when he couldn't get in he rang the door bell (yes they have them on the rooms here!!), until I woke up.....git. I politely declined the offer to clean my room as I had every intention of trying to get some more sleep. I should have known better really as when I wake up that is generally it, I am awake. Thirty minutes later I gave up trying and decided it was time to explore my surroundings.
The hotel itself is OK. There is the usual bar and restaurant, plus a spa that I doubt I will ever use and that's about it. What else can I say? Ella Suites is functionald and it serves a purpose.
The actual walk itself took about two minutes. There is nothing to see as I am srrounded by high rise apartments on one side, and trees on another. I have been advised not to go wandering on my own for fear of getting lost. Sage advice indeed that I have taken on board I can assure you. There are security guards everywhere, and some soldiers too, which is understandable given the recent terror attacks in Mumbai but they serve to give a sense of security and worry at the same time!
I decided to settle down in the seating area for the "Kebab Pavillion" in the hotel grounds. Having also been warned to be wary of what I eat and drink I was understandably nervous about trying a kebab. To someone who is a connoisseur of all things junk food, and who willing eats kebabs at home whilst sober, this was a hard thing to avoid but I remained resolute. Whilst sat there I glanced across at a man in a monkey suit, with a Fez on his head. Had I been drinking? No, was i tripping? certainly not!! So this was real then?!?! Luckily, he took no interest in me and disappeared through some glass doors that lead to what I later discovered to be the restaurant. I had had a lucky escape.
The strongest of these is of course sadness. I miss my family loads and I expect that will only get worse as time goes on. What motivates me is a desire to succeed and make the best of it. It is an adveture after all, and one that I am grateful for, and if nothing else the money will come in very handy after two months of nothing.
I woke up at around 1pm local time. Well, I got woken up at around 1pm by the cleaner knocking on the door. I tried to ignore it, and when he couldn't get in he rang the door bell (yes they have them on the rooms here!!), until I woke up.....git. I politely declined the offer to clean my room as I had every intention of trying to get some more sleep. I should have known better really as when I wake up that is generally it, I am awake. Thirty minutes later I gave up trying and decided it was time to explore my surroundings.
The hotel itself is OK. There is the usual bar and restaurant, plus a spa that I doubt I will ever use and that's about it. What else can I say? Ella Suites is functionald and it serves a purpose.
The actual walk itself took about two minutes. There is nothing to see as I am srrounded by high rise apartments on one side, and trees on another. I have been advised not to go wandering on my own for fear of getting lost. Sage advice indeed that I have taken on board I can assure you. There are security guards everywhere, and some soldiers too, which is understandable given the recent terror attacks in Mumbai but they serve to give a sense of security and worry at the same time!
I decided to settle down in the seating area for the "Kebab Pavillion" in the hotel grounds. Having also been warned to be wary of what I eat and drink I was understandably nervous about trying a kebab. To someone who is a connoisseur of all things junk food, and who willing eats kebabs at home whilst sober, this was a hard thing to avoid but I remained resolute. Whilst sat there I glanced across at a man in a monkey suit, with a Fez on his head. Had I been drinking? No, was i tripping? certainly not!! So this was real then?!?! Luckily, he took no interest in me and disappeared through some glass doors that lead to what I later discovered to be the restaurant. I had had a lucky escape.
Day one - the journey
Fairly uneventful to the experienced traveller...but an adventure to me. You have to understand that I not a well travelled person, in fact, I have never been outside of Western Europe before today, so I apologise from the beginning if what fascinates me, bores you.
I travelled from Heathrow to Doha intially. A combination of being given less that 24 hours notice to travel, lots to organise, nerves and excitement meant that I ended up only getting 2 hours sleep. No matter, as I hoped to sleep on the plane.
Despite not being an experienced traveller, the various airport terminals I have visited in my life (both as a tourist and in a professional capacity) have taught me one thing.....they are all designed by the same disinterested architect who specialises in featureless designs. Not matter how grandiose the exterior, the interior will always be painted in the same neutral colour they seem to use in NHS hospitals.
Anyway, I digress. No delay at Heathrow, no event in the flight. Qatar airways seem to be fairly hospitable so I was happy. Given that the last flight I took was a Ryanair flight to Mallorca, I guess anything would have been a step up.
Transitting through Doha was an experience. I have never done the transit thing before so I didn't know what to expect. It was pleasent enough, if not a little dreary, but the time passed.
Finally I am off to Hyderabad. A delay in obtaining a take-off slot meant we sat on the taxiway for half an hour, but even that wasn't bad.
Where it became interesting was after I landed. I got off the plane and went to clear customs as you do. The first thing I noticed was the music that greeted me as I entered the terminal. I wasn't expecting music, nor if i had been would I have assumed it to conform to Indian stereotypes, but a panpipes version of "Hark the Herald Angels" would not have been near the top of my list of expectations either!
They had about 10 customs officers on duty at 3:30am. That was actually quite good as I have been at UK airports where they have one or two, even during busy periods! After filling out the customs ford, and having my passport stamped for the first time ever, I joined the huge queue that had developed behind the one available scanning machine. This is the first time I have ever had my hand baggage screened when I am entering a country but I can understand their nervousness given recent events
After waiting an eternity to collect my bag, I proceeded through customs (filled out yet another form), and went through the doors to be greeted by a bizarre sight! Despite it now being around 4:30 am there are row upn row of people held back by crush barriers. I have to say, I did feel a bit like one of the Beatles for a second there!!!
Finally I meet up with one of my colleagues and we go to the car. We have an Indian driver (thankfully). The first thing I noticed is there are no rules. You beep your horn EVERY time you overtake someone, you drive on whatever side of the road takes your fancy, when driving down dual carriageways you straddle both lanes just in case you need to swerve, and the roads are rarely finished. This is the early hours of Sunday morning, what on earth is Monday rush going to be like?!!!
At last I arrive at the hotel. We passed through 3 checkpoints and were screened for weapons before we entered the hotel itself. Again, I am happy to undergo these checks of course for obvious reason. Having checked in and tipped the porter who took my bags for me (not that i had a choice as he practically wrestled them from me), it is time for bed......zzzzzzzzzz
I travelled from Heathrow to Doha intially. A combination of being given less that 24 hours notice to travel, lots to organise, nerves and excitement meant that I ended up only getting 2 hours sleep. No matter, as I hoped to sleep on the plane.
Despite not being an experienced traveller, the various airport terminals I have visited in my life (both as a tourist and in a professional capacity) have taught me one thing.....they are all designed by the same disinterested architect who specialises in featureless designs. Not matter how grandiose the exterior, the interior will always be painted in the same neutral colour they seem to use in NHS hospitals.
Anyway, I digress. No delay at Heathrow, no event in the flight. Qatar airways seem to be fairly hospitable so I was happy. Given that the last flight I took was a Ryanair flight to Mallorca, I guess anything would have been a step up.
Transitting through Doha was an experience. I have never done the transit thing before so I didn't know what to expect. It was pleasent enough, if not a little dreary, but the time passed.
Finally I am off to Hyderabad. A delay in obtaining a take-off slot meant we sat on the taxiway for half an hour, but even that wasn't bad.
Where it became interesting was after I landed. I got off the plane and went to clear customs as you do. The first thing I noticed was the music that greeted me as I entered the terminal. I wasn't expecting music, nor if i had been would I have assumed it to conform to Indian stereotypes, but a panpipes version of "Hark the Herald Angels" would not have been near the top of my list of expectations either!
They had about 10 customs officers on duty at 3:30am. That was actually quite good as I have been at UK airports where they have one or two, even during busy periods! After filling out the customs ford, and having my passport stamped for the first time ever, I joined the huge queue that had developed behind the one available scanning machine. This is the first time I have ever had my hand baggage screened when I am entering a country but I can understand their nervousness given recent events
After waiting an eternity to collect my bag, I proceeded through customs (filled out yet another form), and went through the doors to be greeted by a bizarre sight! Despite it now being around 4:30 am there are row upn row of people held back by crush barriers. I have to say, I did feel a bit like one of the Beatles for a second there!!!
Finally I meet up with one of my colleagues and we go to the car. We have an Indian driver (thankfully). The first thing I noticed is there are no rules. You beep your horn EVERY time you overtake someone, you drive on whatever side of the road takes your fancy, when driving down dual carriageways you straddle both lanes just in case you need to swerve, and the roads are rarely finished. This is the early hours of Sunday morning, what on earth is Monday rush going to be like?!!!
At last I arrive at the hotel. We passed through 3 checkpoints and were screened for weapons before we entered the hotel itself. Again, I am happy to undergo these checks of course for obvious reason. Having checked in and tipped the porter who took my bags for me (not that i had a choice as he practically wrestled them from me), it is time for bed......zzzzzzzzzz
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