28th September 2010, V and I received my parents at the Frankfurt Am Main International Airport.
It was such a pleasure to see them.
Mom and Dad went through all the painstaking processes patiently to finally get the visa, board an international flight for the first time in their life. Am so proud of them :)
The weather was lousy, but it didn't seem to matter much. The day went past as they looked around the house, caught up on some sleep, spoke of all the things in Bangalore.
In the evening we went out to Heidelberg to eat at Sahara, walked briefly on the Alte Bruecke to look at the illuminated Schloss. Thankfully, it was not too cold for them.
Was really nice start to their vacation here with us in Germany.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Watching Formula 1 live
I love cars, driving; my husband and my friend are F1 fans...so were all the thousands of people who were in Hockenheimring last Sunday.
Driving a car is perhaps the one 'so-called unsustainable' activity that I would not give up easily. If it helps in some way, I always drove; will drive a small car; I am driving a car that has decent CO2 emission ratings and engine efficiency; as much as possible, I have atleast one more person riding with me; I primarily use my car for getting around the city. Given its power, fuel efficiency etc, I rarely drive long distances with it.
In future, I would be very open to switching to an electric/ hybrid car when they are more viable and feasible.
Cars are interesting!
Sunday: 25th July 2010
The Ferrari; Mercedes Mclarens...all lined up.
The start of the race was one exciting moment...out go all the F1 drivers - a split second in front of my eyes and they are gone...way past...
The Ferrari's successfully kept the Red Bull car at bay and took the lead...
1st lap...
2nd lap...
3rd lap...
67 laps in all!!!!
By the 4th or 5th lap, I could not keep track of who was in which position.
The binoculars helped to view the large screen display and know what's going on.
Despite all that noise, I caught myself dosing off.
I looked around me...everyone seemed to be hard core followers of this sport. By now, I really really was wondering how VERY UNSUSTAINABLE this sport is. Thousands of people have spent a whole lot of money to come and watch these car drivers literally burn high speed fuel to complete 67 laps on the track.
Phew!
Yes, I confessed I like driving cars...but this was way extreme. I felt guilty for having contributed and promoted (having purchased a high priced ticket) this sport.
Besides, I felt it was so much more interesting to watch it on TV with all the interesting commentary.
Given the industry behind the sport, I would be surprised if it dissappears completely.
When a sport like Cricket can innovate to have 'one day internationals' and now the popular '20-20' matches...why can't F1 do something too? ATLEAST have lesser; smaller laps? Thereby consume 'lesser' of the high speed fuel?
Irrespective of the future of the F1 sport, I told myself, I do not want to subscribe to this sport and/or contribute to its promotion in any way.
Driving a car is perhaps the one 'so-called unsustainable' activity that I would not give up easily. If it helps in some way, I always drove; will drive a small car; I am driving a car that has decent CO2 emission ratings and engine efficiency; as much as possible, I have atleast one more person riding with me; I primarily use my car for getting around the city. Given its power, fuel efficiency etc, I rarely drive long distances with it.
In future, I would be very open to switching to an electric/ hybrid car when they are more viable and feasible.
Cars are interesting!
Sunday: 25th July 2010
The Ferrari; Mercedes Mclarens...all lined up.
The start of the race was one exciting moment...out go all the F1 drivers - a split second in front of my eyes and they are gone...way past...
The Ferrari's successfully kept the Red Bull car at bay and took the lead...
1st lap...
2nd lap...
3rd lap...
67 laps in all!!!!
By the 4th or 5th lap, I could not keep track of who was in which position.
The binoculars helped to view the large screen display and know what's going on.
Despite all that noise, I caught myself dosing off.
I looked around me...everyone seemed to be hard core followers of this sport. By now, I really really was wondering how VERY UNSUSTAINABLE this sport is. Thousands of people have spent a whole lot of money to come and watch these car drivers literally burn high speed fuel to complete 67 laps on the track.
Phew!
Yes, I confessed I like driving cars...but this was way extreme. I felt guilty for having contributed and promoted (having purchased a high priced ticket) this sport.
Besides, I felt it was so much more interesting to watch it on TV with all the interesting commentary.
Given the industry behind the sport, I would be surprised if it dissappears completely.
When a sport like Cricket can innovate to have 'one day internationals' and now the popular '20-20' matches...why can't F1 do something too? ATLEAST have lesser; smaller laps? Thereby consume 'lesser' of the high speed fuel?
Irrespective of the future of the F1 sport, I told myself, I do not want to subscribe to this sport and/or contribute to its promotion in any way.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Its official, "I have become very 'German.'"
Many of my friends and colleagues have been telling me, 'I have become very 'German' in my ways.'
More often than not, the statement me defensive.
But not today.
Today I realized, among other things, there is definitely ONE aspect in which I am closer to being 'German' than 'Indian' - i.e. revealing information that I consider private - information that is nobody's business.
The Indian, the 'social,' 'class' and 'cultural' distinctions forced me to reveal information that I strongly believed was nobody's business - not even my immediate family members. I feel really SHITTY about it.
I realize and am aware that I cannot change the Indian society in some aspects.
But, I have learnt to respect some aspects of another culture. Yes, Germans draw very clear lines between what's private and public. Something not easily comprehendable for many. Since I have been exposed to it and have been dealing with it, I have grown to respect this trait.
Cultural diversity for me, is interesting precisely for this reason - to let diverse cultural traits influence you - you make the choice of what makes sense for you, adopt it into your own way of thinking, into your own life and belief.
To this trait in particular, here are somethings I promise to myself:
I am willing to pay that price. I think I anyway give that impression to many :)
More often than not, the statement me defensive.
But not today.
Today I realized, among other things, there is definitely ONE aspect in which I am closer to being 'German' than 'Indian' - i.e. revealing information that I consider private - information that is nobody's business.
The Indian, the 'social,' 'class' and 'cultural' distinctions forced me to reveal information that I strongly believed was nobody's business - not even my immediate family members. I feel really SHITTY about it.
I realize and am aware that I cannot change the Indian society in some aspects.
But, I have learnt to respect some aspects of another culture. Yes, Germans draw very clear lines between what's private and public. Something not easily comprehendable for many. Since I have been exposed to it and have been dealing with it, I have grown to respect this trait.
Cultural diversity for me, is interesting precisely for this reason - to let diverse cultural traits influence you - you make the choice of what makes sense for you, adopt it into your own way of thinking, into your own life and belief.
To this trait in particular, here are somethings I promise to myself:
- I will put my judgement, perception, conscience before asking someone something if it is something I can / cannot ask. - Whether the information is really important for me. Can I live without that information?
- I will not 'IMPOSE' myself on anyone and DEMAND information that may not be something someone wants to share.
- If I do ask someone something, I will give them the choice to tell me, "I do not want to tell you," and I will accept it with all due respect.
I am willing to pay that price. I think I anyway give that impression to many :)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
"A volcano erupted, so cannot make it for the wedding."
CNN interviewed some of the impacted passengers.
Two of many were people flying over for their wedding.
One of them, "skyped" in all the friends and families from the other side of the Atlantic to watch the wedding online.
I wonder, how a traditional Indian wedding would be handled in such unpredictable scenarios? Those thousands of invitees; there could be scenarios where the bride and groom are in not in the same location...
On second thoughts the likelihood of such a thing to happen may be rare because owing to all the elaborate rituals before the wedding, people would be in the desired location many days/ weeks in advance to the actual wedding date :P :D
Two of many were people flying over for their wedding.
One of them, "skyped" in all the friends and families from the other side of the Atlantic to watch the wedding online.
I wonder, how a traditional Indian wedding would be handled in such unpredictable scenarios? Those thousands of invitees; there could be scenarios where the bride and groom are in not in the same location...
On second thoughts the likelihood of such a thing to happen may be rare because owing to all the elaborate rituals before the wedding, people would be in the desired location many days/ weeks in advance to the actual wedding date :P :D
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Atlanta 3: Stuck here
The last time the volcano in Iceland erupted, it continued for over a year...
How long would it continue this time?
How long do I need to stay in Atlanta?
Thankfully, I am not in too bad a situation. I can go to the local office and work, can continue in a hotel room. But I still want to get back 'home' - more so now, when this seems like an 'open ended wait.'
How long would it continue this time?
How long do I need to stay in Atlanta?
Thankfully, I am not in too bad a situation. I can go to the local office and work, can continue in a hotel room. But I still want to get back 'home' - more so now, when this seems like an 'open ended wait.'
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Atlanta 2: Finding "veggie; healthy" food
Among Steaks and Original Hamburgers, the first challenge is to find any vegetarian food.
The next challenge is to find something not too greasy, heavy and large - something "healthy"
Looking to eat something around noon, I went towards 'Underground Atlanta.' Its an interesting little place. Lots of food stalls but none that offer something vegetarian. (I really missed having the ubiquitous bakeries of Germany where I could just get myself a croissant/preztel and a coffee)
Finally, I saw a 'Waffle House.' Among the huge combo meal options, I choose to eat 1 waffle with honey and a glass of cold milk. The size and 'guilt' factor did not make me want to do my body a favour and go for a jog immediately.
On looking around, I learnt that the Waffle House is a rather old establishment and saw an interesting sign board that read, 'Shirts and shoes are required to be served.' ha! :)
The next challenge is to find something not too greasy, heavy and large - something "healthy"
Looking to eat something around noon, I went towards 'Underground Atlanta.' Its an interesting little place. Lots of food stalls but none that offer something vegetarian. (I really missed having the ubiquitous bakeries of Germany where I could just get myself a croissant/preztel and a coffee)
Finally, I saw a 'Waffle House.' Among the huge combo meal options, I choose to eat 1 waffle with honey and a glass of cold milk. The size and 'guilt' factor did not make me want to do my body a favour and go for a jog immediately.
On looking around, I learnt that the Waffle House is a rather old establishment and saw an interesting sign board that read, 'Shirts and shoes are required to be served.' ha! :)
Atlanta 1: Recession?
In the country where a Chrysler 300 looks small
A mini really looks tiny
The Toyota Tundras and Chevy Tahoes, Hummers make their presence felt among rows of stretch limosines and beefed up engines on old vintage Cadillac. I have not seen a single small car or hatchback on the streets so far.
My hotel receptionist finds it queer that a 'Silver member' Marriott would like to use the Metro to get somewhere and not a Limo service. On a Saturday night, the Metro stations are empty. The trains are too.
I wonder if the metro system is making any profits to continue functioning.
Tons of advertisements on the telly, on how to make money...many of them stating, "no credit checks" (still?) and how to spend the money.
Looking around, it does not feel like this country was in severe recession just recently.
A mini really looks tiny
The Toyota Tundras and Chevy Tahoes, Hummers make their presence felt among rows of stretch limosines and beefed up engines on old vintage Cadillac. I have not seen a single small car or hatchback on the streets so far.
My hotel receptionist finds it queer that a 'Silver member' Marriott would like to use the Metro to get somewhere and not a Limo service. On a Saturday night, the Metro stations are empty. The trains are too.
I wonder if the metro system is making any profits to continue functioning.
Tons of advertisements on the telly, on how to make money...many of them stating, "no credit checks" (still?) and how to spend the money.
Looking around, it does not feel like this country was in severe recession just recently.
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