Diwali Time

Happy Diwali!  It was said all day yesterday!  The happiness was everywhere.  For me to be in India during the Diwali celebration has been wonderful.  I watched the fireworks announcing Diwali is here! 

After work shift ended, I was back at the Hyatt Regency.  Rush called to discuss the plans for lunch with his family.  Based on the time we discussed, I was ready at 12 noon IST.  This time is my time not India or Rush time.  About 1-1/2 hours later we were off in an auto rickshaw to his home.  We had a wonderful lunch and great conversation with his Mom and sister.  Due to the lateness of the lunch my plans with Khatija were canceled.  I feel horrible about missing time with her.   I had time to shop with Rush and his Mom.  It was a great time.  I purchased some items. 

Rush, Mom and Me!

Wednesday of Diwali I have been told is the best day to by gold.  It was fun and listen to the bartering.  Even though it was in a different language, I knew the best deal will be given.  Look at Rush's Mom face.  She is so beautiful.  Who can say NO to her???  It was a fun experience.  Rush is a great son!

Later in the evening Ashish, Swapnil, Madhura and I drove to the Queen's Necklace in Mumbai.  We were meeting Avinash and Ruchi.  

Diwali fireworks were dancing in the night sky.  I was watching the show from my hotel room.  It was so beautiful.  Diwali celebration began Monday!  November 7 was Diwali.What is Diwali?

It was a beautiful night.  The light cool breeze.  The happiness filling the air around me.  The women dressed so beautifully!  We met at a restaurant that is so popular the customers wait for a very long time. The food (vegetarian) was amazing.  It was so buttery and delicious.  Swapnil ate his and mine as well.  For a skinny guy he can eat a lot.  

Breathe freshener

Cooking!

Then - Avinash told me to get on the back of his scooter!  My head was spinning.  I told him that I wanted to ride on a scooter/bike in Mumbai.  And - here it is - the opportunity to do it.  My mind was trying to think of every possible excuse not to.  As I was getting on the back - my mind was telling me "YOU ARE CRAZY!".  There is no helmet of the passenger.  There is a new law for the driver and passenger to wear a helmet, but it so new no one does it.  The driver is required to wear a helmet.  Again so many do not wear it.  Most drivers do not fasten it under the chin, so it would not help anyway.  

I am on the bike.  Now I have to get my feet on the foot rests.  Done!  Ruchi is telling me to hold onto Avinash.  I was holding onto the back of the bike.  This is what I see others do.  I felt better to hold onto him instead.  Now we are ready, but need to take a selfie.  The excitement was growing.  I was actually ride on the Mumbai streets at night on the back of a bike. Me!  

Just the beginning! Excitement!

We are off.  I keep talking.  I needed to calm down.  The cool night air was brushing my face.  I was so excited to be on the bike.  I did it.  I overcame a fear.  I wanted to do this.  Avinash and Ruchi gave me a great gift!

 

I was asking questions during the entire trip.  This calmed me.  When the car had the left blinker on and Avinash went to the left side of the car...that scared me.  The car was turning into us.  Avinash took charge of the situation.  

What a great night!  

Back in traffic in Mumbai

My first day back in the office in Mumbai!  I felt at home. There are new people and the same people from 4 years ago. 
To begin at the beginning of the day or night.  I was ready and waiting in the lobby of the Hyatt at 630pm IST to get to the office at 7pm IST.  Remember I had no mobile from the office so there was no contact.  Thank goodness for Avinash and Ehsan.  I contacted them and was updated within a few minutes.  The taxi left at 545pm IST from the office and finally reached the Hyatt at 655pm IST, then 1 hour later we were at the office.  I said I would rather be 1 hour early then 1 minute late.
But this is Mumbai.  The traffic is as bad as Bangalore.  It took 10 minutes to be dropped off at 415am IST. 

Today I was picked up at 3pm IST.  I needed to visit with the off hours Interface Techs.  It was great to see all of the people who have been wonderful doing my assigned work.  I was so excited.  All of them are amazing people. 

As I was riding in the taxi this afternoon, I realized Mumbai is so green.  When I was here 4 years ago in February there was very little green.  There are plants and trees all over.  The greenery is so beautiful.  My vision has changed.  The green brings Mumbai to life.  I was told the rainy season just ended.  Now the trees and plants are green and growing.  The city is so alive.  I do not see many crows or pigeons as I did 4 years ago.  Maybe they are afraid of the Hyatt Regency. 
The green grass around the pool area is removed and patched daily.  If there is any spot turning brown, there is a man who has sod keeps the area GREEN.  There are roadways with plants and trees in the median.  It is so beautiful.  With all the traffic and pollution, the live growing plants make the places look so alive. 

Coming back to the office in Mumbai.  It is the same place with many new faces.  What is the same?  I can hear the honking of the traffic 7 floors below.  Why do they honk?  The honking tells the vehicles and pedestrians I am coming watch out.  There are different types of honking.  A quick little honk is warning I am coming or passing you. The longer angry honk means either I am cutting in front of you or you have cut in front of me.  Then there is the multiple little honks.  I believe this is to make the driver feel he/she has control of the situation.  There is no control.  If people have respect for each other the congestion would be less, but it would not  be as much fun.
The DUCK QUACK of the red buses makes me still laugh.

I have worn my first traditional outfit for Diwali which is tomorrow.  Why are the women's traditional outfits so cumbersome?  Why?  It is heavy and very warm.  It shows the women's mid-section.  I have covered mine.  I will be wearing sarees as well.  I will post pictures tomorrow. I am very excited to celebrate Diwali.  More explanation about Diwali tomorrow. 

I met the off hours Interface Techs today.  It is great to put faces to the voices.  Of course I met Prithvi, Ganesh, Dhawal and Shreyas on my last visit.  I finally met MY Akash.  I will be back on Thursday as well. 

I am falling asleep at the desk.  I am watching My Avinash.  I am keeping an eye or two on him.  I am floating from area to area.  I am sitting at Pankaj's desk.  I can see My Avinash from here.  It is a great spot.  I see Vance and Subhro as well.  Ok - at this time I only see Subhro!  He is a very dedicated IPM.  He was in early today. 

I need to move to Aijaz's desk to attend a call with a client. 

Happy Diwali!

Bangalore to Mumbai

I cannot believe I have been in Bangalore for almost 3 weeks.  Friday will be my last day in this beautiful city.  I am not going to say anything more on this topic until tomorrow.

It is almost time for Diwali.  What is Diwali?  All about Diwali!  The only experience I have with Diwali is at the Westboro Office.  Many dress in traditional Indian attire and we have Indian food for lunch.  The experience in India will be different.  I cannot wait for November 7th.  I have one traditional outfit.  On Saturday I will be shopping with Madhura for another outfit.  I will have pictures of the festivities next week.  I am so excited!

Today is a holiday in Kannada state. Bangalore is located in this state.  Some people at the office are taking it off.  Of course I am not.  Nov 1 Holiday for Kannada Day
I like the idea each state has the day off to celebrate their day.  It would be great if each state in the US did the same.  The date the state joined the United State Union would be declared a holiday as well as Independence Day on July 4th.  The problem is businesses in the US remove more paid holidays instead of adding.  It is all about the bottom line.
Because of the holiday it took 5 minutes door to door with my favorite taxi driver #7555.  I told him is a lucky.  Out of 4 times he has driven me there is only 1 time traffic was bad.  It was the gas main leak, so it does not count.  He is like me about time.  Be on time!

I never had a chance to finish my blog from yesterday.

Today is my last full day in Bangalore.  This experience has been amazing.  The city of Bangalore is full of life.
I have seen cows working in the streets of Bangalore. I have seen wild monkeys at Nandi Hills.  Shopping has been great!
The problem is my 2 pieces of luggage is at the limit for weight.  I have a small suitcase, backpack and another bag to carry on.  Will Air India get upset with me?  I need to practice to look pitiful!  Hopefully they will take pity on a crazy American woman who has a lot of stuff.  A week in Mumbai more stuff will be bought.  Maybe I will need to mail a box home????  I will have to think about this.  The airlines should be happy I am spending money.

Kiran at the Bangalore Office and I have met and I will be picked up tomorrow morning at 515am IST.  My flight on Air India is at 8am IST.  I will be landing in Mumbai around 1030am IST.  I will need to sleep because I will have no time when I end my  shift.

The time with the team has been a blessing.  I learned so much from them from the questions and calls we went on together.
Nitish (Hitman) will have the WHOLE area space back to himself.  Thank you for allowing me to sit with you.  Your joy of life is great!  You are spoiled.  You do not cook, clean or do laundry.  You need to learn this for the future Mrs. Nitish (HitWoman) to share all chores of the house equally.  Remember it is the 21st Century!  I will come to you for assistance on the documents.

Param - The Little Mouse

What can I say about Param!!!  My little Mouse.  You are so much fun!  You a time traveler.  How many people can travel backwards in time like you do.  Everyone in the office knows what I mean.  Param thank you for being who you are.  We will work together even more!

Nethra is the MAMA of the IPM Team.  Her eyes will tell you if she is happy, sad or frustrated.  I am so happy to have finally met her.   She is a great leader and very patient with all the other IPMs in the group.

Avinash K and Shibin are great leads.  Shibin is the old man of the group.  Ha! Ha! 
Thank you for everything.  Charith, Dhanya, Madhuri, Apo, and everyone else please keep asking questions to gain even more knowledge. 

Please reach out to me for anything.

Dhanya and Me

Having Fun

Param, Pari and Me

The GUYS

Bangalore Team - My friends!

I left Bangalore wearing with my eClinicalWorks sweatshirt.  It was cool and the Air India plane was cold.  We had to circle the Mumbai airport for 1 hour because of TRAFFIC! 
You cannot get away from Traffic even in the sky.

I have left my new friends in Bangalore to meet up with my old friends in Mumbai.

The first person I saw at the airport was my first TAGGED Tech!  Yes - "Who is Ashish?"

Ashish and Me 4 years later at the Mumbai Airport

I was met by Vijay at eCW.  We made it to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. WOW!  I could live in this style.  I will have a video tomorrow.

After 24 hours with no sleep, I had to take a little nap.  Then, I was off in a taxi to Viviana (??) Mall in Mumbai to meet up with Madhura and Vimal to shop!  Madhura and I did not talk much 4 years ago.  She would not talk to me.  Then, she became my Tagged Tech and our friendship grew.  Vimal, Madhura and I were off finding so many beautiful clothes.  I had to much fun.  Yes - I bought for others. Some for me! 

Sunday morning Rohit came to pick me up for Mass.  Mass was wonderful.  It was the same church as 4 years ago.  We were off to his home.  I was greeted by his Mom, Rachna and one of the Grannies!  They are still so beautiful. The other Granny is not well and in the hospital.  I pray she is well soon.  I met Swati,  Rohit's wife.  They are perfect for each other.  Swati lights the room with her smile!  Rohit is lucky to have her in his life.  Swati prepared a wonderful lunch.  It was great to catch up with everyone's life.   After, he drove me back to the Hyatt Regency.

I rested for a little while, then Khatija, the girls and her cousin came to visited.  We talked for hours.  It was great to catch up with all of them.  Kaynat is in college.  Afreen is in the last year in high school.  Time has flown by so quickly.  They are beautiful young women.  Khatija is always beautiful.  Loved catching up on everything.  Khatija and I will meet Wednesday afternoon for a couple hours to shop.  She already told the girls they are not welcomed.  It will be the 2 of us.  

Khatija, Kaynat, Afreen and Me

Last night, Shahbaaz and I went to dinner at a Persian restaurant.  It was delicious.  Then we were off the Flea Market in Bandra.  When Shahbaaz was purchasing the tickets for him and I to get in, a man selling the tickets asked if I was 60!  Do I really look like I am 60!!!!  He told me if I were 60 I would get in free.  I told him NO!  Do I really look 60?  Maybe in his eyes I do.  

We met Ashish, Swapnil and Madhura there.  It was a VERY VERY VERY HOT night.  There is no cool breezes like in Bangalore.  There is heat and no wind.  There was music and smells of food in the air.  You could buy anything and everything.  We walked up and down the lanes.  The place was alive with life.  After walking and shopping we were off to eat.  Madhura was hungry but did not know what she was hungry for.  She is so funny!  

We were off to a great restaurant.  I forgot to get the name of the place.  We sat inside with air conditioning.  It was still HOT at 1am IST.  We had butter chicken, some mutton dish (I did not try this one.  It had BONES!), roti, naan, aloo partha, some other dishes.  It was delicious.  The explosion of all the flavors.  Butter chicken in Mumbai is absolutely AMAZING!  We had so much fun - great conversation, great food, great friends!

After we stopped at St. Mary's in Bandra.  We lit candles for the loves who are no longer on this Earth.  I love this place.  It is so beautiful at night. We were there around 2am IST and there were people selling candles and people walking around the area.  

Mumbai is always moving.  There is something exciting to do every minute of the day!

Today is my first day at Waikiki office.  I am going to see old friends and meet new friends.  I am so excite.  

The weather in Mumbai is 90 F and SMOKE!   I have never seen the word Smoke in weather!  I do not see any smoke.  It is hot and humid!  There is a person asking to do Turndown Service in my room.  I am SPOILED!  

It is almost time!  Let the fun begin in Mumbai office.