Blogs from Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Asia - page 58

Apparently its "National Mess With Gringos Day" in India today. Ordering lunch today from canteen; Glenn: "One chicken sandwich" Canteen Guy: "Three sir." (holds up three fingers and starts punching it into the register.) (Glenn stands there scratching head incredulously.) Nic: (*Laughing*) (Glenn finally gathers himself) Glenn: "Um, nooo, not three. One sandwich" (Glenn holds up finger) Canteen Guy: "Ok sir". (Starts battling cash register to undo last action) Glenn: (...minutes later when battle finishes) "And two Sprites please". Canteen Guy: "Ok sir". (Punches more numbers into register. Receipt prints out. Hands it to Glenn) (Receipt is for 1 sandwich and THREE Sprites) Glenn: (Reading receipt and looking confused). "Umm" (pauses) "Nevermind". Nic: (*continues laughing*) Discussion ensues with Nic over lunch trying to understand what the hell just happened. No ... read more

Im not making this up. Found whilst searching a popular rentals site in India, Ad-Mag. Apparently meat-eaters with cars need not apply. http://www.admag.com/viewad.asp?AdID=903682 First Floor 3 BHK in HSR, 6th Sector (Behind Fern hill Apartment) is available for Rent Dilseta Kitchen, Dining, Living, Varandah, Pooja room, Utility etc.. 1 Km from HSR BDA Complex. 3 Bed rooms. Master bed room attached bath and one common bath rooom. All rooms have Ward robes, Fans, Tube lights, Fancy lights etc.. Both the bath rooms have Geysers. Kitchen : Chimney, Hob and complete Kitchen cabinets done. Bore well and Cauvery water. Solar, Car parking for VEGITARIANS. Call 984-------... read more

I was well impressed with the toilet facilities here, given the stories I heard. No squatting and plenty of toilet paper thank God. In fact, instead of toilet brushes, they have these really neat hand-held hoses, which I used to ensure I left the bowl in a better state than I found it. This went on for a week before Nic pointed out the fact that said hoses were not intended for that reason in the same breath that 99% of Indians dont use toilet paper. Dammit.... read more

This place is nuts, but really cool. What an experience catching a $1 auto-rickshaw to work thru some poor areas of town - all the sights, smells sounds are a sensory overload. Not to mention the traffic. Off the wall. Apparently 2 dudes + 2 goats is an underutilisation of available space on a motorbike. Never ask an autorickshaw driver to do a U-turn, because they will, without question, and regardless of what is coming behind you. I was nearly flattened by a bus... The staff at the serviced apartments are great. Only a couple can speak English, but they can all play cricket, which is exactly what we did on Sunday...... read more

To all my friends and loved ones who have anxiously been awaiting my inaugural posting from India, I say “Namaste” with much love and respect. I have been caught in the swift current of the human river this past week, but have finally found my rudder and am navigating quite well. You will notice me returning to water imagery throughout these musings - appropriate given the nature of my work here - but I will try to keep them on point. Last night, while relaxing after a day in the village on the balcony of the 13th floor Ebony Lounge in Bangalore, I witnessed an incredible pre-monsoon lightning display that ignited the sky from the Arabian Sea to the Western Ghats. Since energy is another focal point for this USAID project, you will note the connection. ... read more