India - Week 1 Summary

So, let's see.  The week started out with me in front of 14 people who eagerly want to learn everything quickly, so they can start working.  The eagerness and enthusiasm was very exciting and encouraging.  There were a few unpleasant things about the first day though:

·         We were in a room that had a malfunctioning air conditioner; it was ~109 degrees that day and I had on jeans and a long sleeve T-shirt (guess who wasn’t eager to get too close to anyone for the remainder of the day).

·         It also was the first time in a very long time that I spent that much time in front of people talking (now I remember why I tasked my analysts with this responsibilityJ). 

·         Internet connection SUCKED (really? People aren’t able to function without cell phones that can essentially hold a conversation with you and this 12-story, brand-new building is not properly setup with Wi-Fi.  You can get Wi-Fi at TCBY)

·         Random power outages were not limited to the area of Gurgaon that the hotel is located in (funny thing is they happen so often that whenever it happens, no one flinches)

But you know me; I can find the good in every situation:

·         Because most people in this area carry a smell naturally, I still smelled pretty good by the end of the day by comparison and hopefully I managed to shed a couple of calories with all of that sweating.

·         A good refresher is an admired skill is always a plus

·         Since I had no internet connection, I didn’t have to worry about responding to emails from crazy people or receiving random IMs from people asking “Tammy, are you really unavailable?”

·         Lights out for a little while allows for a quick break.  J

So, that was just Day 1 J  The other days will be summarized. 

The driver arrives every day at ~12:20 p.m.  Every day, we see goats and cows roaming the streets or simply sitting on the ground with no immediate plans.  While I noticed it every day, it wasn’t until Wednesday that I realized that the big dead animal on the side of the road (cover up by some sort of too small sheet) was never going to be removed from that spot.  For those that don’t believe me, I didn’t capture a pretty good picture of it.  Security is not to be taken lightly either.  Every day upon entry into the office, we go through the security tower and our bags go through the scanner; when we return to the hotel, there is a quick check in the vehicle then another walk through security checkpoint and bag scan. 

The connectivity issues lasted until Thursday when I informed the manager and project lead that I would be escalating the issue because we could not impact our training plan any longer (frustrated Tammy came through in discussion and emails to my management).  After which, they found a way to get us access and confirmed that their IT team would be installing Wi-Fi in the need areas on Saturday and testing on Sunday for us to continue with training and practice on Monday.

Oh yeah, I successfully learned all 14 of the team’s names by Thursday morning; which apparently impressed the team members (my guess is that we have been so arrogant that we don’t even take the time).
I just want everyone to remember how blessed we truly are.  We have so many luxuries that we take for granted simply because they have become commonplace to us.  There are people in this world that can’t even dream of having the things that we enjoy with little effort.

Oh yeah, I am guessing I will only be able upload photos via a LAN connection so I will try that this weekend.

This weekend, TAMMY TOURS DELHI!!!  Talk to you soon.

Sorry this one was so long, it's been a minute

India - Day 3

I think I finally felt the time difference today.  I woke up @ 7:a.m. IST just as I did yesterday; I video-chatted with Jamie @ 8:00 a.m. IST/9:30 p.m. CST.  I went down for breakfast with my co-worker @ 9 a.m. IST/10:30 p.m. CST. 

When I came back upstairs, my intent was to go over my presentation documents for the first day of training tomorrow.  I sat down to watch a little TV then thought I can take a nap for about an hour and a half then I can get up and go to The Royal Lounge to work (that way I can be out of the room when they come to service it). 

Needless to say, my plans didn't work out so well.  I slept until 6; then woke up to find out that I could not access the documents that I needed to review.  Luckily, I have a great husband and partner who went up to the office to aid with my dilemma.

Well, I am shutting down for the night to try and get some sleep before the first day in the office.  If I have to come back to India again, I am opting to make plans for the weekend.  :-)

In India

My co-worker and I made it safely to Delhi/Gurgaon India yesterday @ 3:15 pm IST/4:30 am CST.  The flight was long but not terribly uncomfortable; the place was very large with seat that could convert into sleeping space.  The food and service were very good.

The airport is large and not terribly different from the states; it is a newer airport so I expected this.  When first exiting, I heard a man call the name of our hotel but didn't think anything of it, because a driver and Sanchita and Naren (company representatives) were supposed to meet us.  The man then said, "Mrs. Morris" which took me by surprise.  Apparently, only the drivers can come into to the airport and they are not allowed to wait with their cars.  They sent two cars for me and my co-worker.

Riding in cars with the steering wheel on the right side is a little different and makes me wonder if I could get used to it.  Nevertheless, there are lanes lanes on the road (despite what people will tell you); it just depends if the drivers will stay in them :-).  On the roads, you will see anything that moves, people, bikes, rickshaws, trucks, construction equipment; if it moves, it's on the road.

Arriving at the hotel, everyone must go through security.  I was met by a hostess and one of the hotel managers.  They personally walked provided a tour of the hotel and walked me to my hotel (carrying my bags).  In my room, we completed check-in and they let me know what services were available to me.  The manager then gave me her card and offered her assistance if I should need it and suggested that we meet for drinks at some point during my stay.

The hotel is very westernized and modern.  The room is a residence suite that has a kitchen, living space, desk, WiFi and LAN connection, separate bedroom and bath with rain shower and dipping pool.  We are right next to one of the top mall in Delhi, so we are not lacking anything at this point.

I would say the greatest difference that I can see at this point between the Indian and American cultures is that Indians are very eager and willing to assist others; this is a characteristic not found very often in the US.