The guys.......

Now I would like to introduce you all to the team I have had the pleasure of working with for the past few months. They are an energetic, full of vim and vigour group of young men (nope, no women dbas to be found yet! So if you know any, send them the group’s way).

For these many months it has really been my pleasure to work with them. They have had their ups and downs at work, and yet they still remain positive. Coming to work each day and trying to find new ways to do better and learn more about the technology they work with.

As well, they know how to let their hair down. The pics to the right are from the first event we had. It was a going away for a team member. Since then we try to all get together and go out at least every 3 weeks, going away or not.

And ladies…these guys DANCE. As soon as the music starts they are up on the dance floor. And stay there until they have to go home. Don’t get inebriated either.

Overall, one of the greatest bunch of people I have worked with. I am proud to work with them and hope that we will all remain in touch going forward.

Edward - The Superb Driver

Now I should tell you about my driver. Over here ‘us’ people are NOT allowed to drive, strictly verboten. You can imagine why…first there is the issue that people drive on the ‘wrong’ side of the street, then there is the issue that the traffic is just, well, crazy. Sooooo, when you rent a car, a DRIVER comes along with it! (Now if only they would let me hand pick the driver, you know, single, about my age, etc etc). My driver is an absolute gem. He speaks English and about 5 different Indian dialects as well as reads and writes many languages. He is very polite and always calls me ‘Madam’ (ok, not sure about whether that has any other connotations…but don’t think so) and he calls my flatmate ‘Madam Madam’ because, after all, he needs to differentiate us! It started as a joke, but has become the norm.

His name is Edward and his is unfailingly polite. He always finds the place I want to go even if I have absolutely no idea of the address. It is really amazing that over here my car (ok with the driver) NEVER gets lost whereas at home my car is always getting lost….Now everyone seems to think it is some sort of problem with ME! I say it is that my car at home just has some sort of mechanical difficulty…What do you think?

So Edward gets to see us first thing in the a.m. on the way to work and right after work when some days I am not sure we want to see ourselves! When we need to find a store he has this never ending circle of other drivers (which includes his father that has driven for ages) on whom he can call.

And! The nicest part? Even if I ask him to pick up some eggs or some mangoes he never complains or in any way makes me feel like I am asking too much. Now, sure it is often that way here in India, but it is REALLY nice to have someone to talk to that understands you easily and yet doesn’t mind if you are late getting out of work or quiet etc etc.

3rd Week in India

Well, it has been a REALLY long time since I wrote. But then, everyone knows I am horrible at this writing ‘stuff’. Let me try to write in chronological order.

After the ‘flea’ episode everything got really busy at work. I was put in charge of the dba team. What a GREAT bunch of fellows. But….more about them later!

The 2nd weekend I went up to Hyderabad to see some friends and order some earrings (Navarotna they are called). Now, the story of the Navarotna is, about 30 years ago (yep I am that old remember?) I met a woman working at the hospital who has these LOVELY earrings. They were little round gold pyramids with all these numerous precious stones around them. Sooooo there I went to Hyerabad and we traipsed around all day looking at earrings and asking the jewelers about this. FINALLY we found someone to make them.

My friend from Hyerabad was truly amazing! (See us to the right in the shop) She was brutal on the guy. I was prepared to bargain a bit, but when I looked over she had this look on her face I would be afraid of! Next thing he dropped the price by over Rs2000!!! I certainly did not mind that.

As well, I was able to meet with some other fellows about the idea of a children’s home. It quickly became obvious that such an endeavour is very difficult. People were/are very encouraging and yet not very encouraging. There is always the issue of having to leave one’s finances in someone else’s hands because one is not here. As well, because one does not speak the language how can one know what is REALLY happening? Such concerns.

It was VERY hot in Hyderabad. Let’s put it this way….I figured if people who live there are complaining about the heat then this little person from the frozen white north had a right to feel VERY hot. The heat is dry though so not quite so bad.

We rode around for a while in the ‘angry bees’ three wheelers (see pic), at least that is what my flatmate Karen calls them. You can fit about 4 people squished in them. They are a sort of three wheeled motorbike with a back seat and canopy. For places with warm weather I think they are the cutest things and totally sensible.

What do you think of me....in one of them....drinking COCONUT milk! The only thing about coconut milk is....it is a diuretic so be near a washroom. :-)