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!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
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?
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