Just watched part of the opening ceremonies live on ESPN. I missed the first hour as it started at 7:30 am here. But, I woke up and turned on the television just as the Canadian athletes were entering the stadium - good timing I think on my part. What I saw was pretty impressive. Looks like there were a few glitches, but overall well done. Will have to see what the critics and reviewers say. I wasn't sure why there was the minute of silence for one of the athletes, but as I now watch the headline news, there is quite a bit of coverage about the luger who died just hours before the start of the games. Pretty tragic.
There are three athletes from India competing at the games in the luge event. So really, the Olympics are not a big deal here. I will be watching what I can on ESPN. For those of you who don't know, In Bangalore, I am 13.5 hour ahead of Vancouver time, so watching live will be a little difficult.
I brought some Olympic t-shirts and wore one to work yesterday to show my support - Go Canada!
February 12, 2010
February 10, 2010
Cats
I keep talking about the wild dogs, but as I am more of a cat person I need to also talk about cats. There are three cats that hang around the food court at work. I imagin
e that they live there and survive on rats and mice (which I have not seen any of which might be why they are so skinny) and on any food that they can coax from the lunch/dinner crowd. I know that they are a little discernible as they did not want to touch the curried mushrooms that we offered a few days ago! They also do not like to be petted, which is something that they should consider as they would more likely get more food in exchange!
e that they live there and survive on rats and mice (which I have not seen any of which might be why they are so skinny) and on any food that they can coax from the lunch/dinner crowd. I know that they are a little discernible as they did not want to touch the curried mushrooms that we offered a few days ago! They also do not like to be petted, which is something that they should consider as they would more likely get more food in exchange!
February 7, 2010
Out for a wander
MAM had spent the whole day at the hotel yesterday vegging out and was now ready to explore a bit. Our driver told us that Sunday was his day off, so we decided to stick close to the hotel again rather than try to procure another car. So after my breakfast, 1k swim and 12k treadmill run we decided to walk to the Big Bazaar store two long blocks from the hotel. It is basically an Indian version of a Wal-mart. I had walked there yesterday and bought a $2 t-shirt and some cookies and hair conditioner (since the stuff at the hotel is crap). You can get just about anything you want there from kitchen supplies, clothes, food, etc. We wandered around there for a bit and then decided to venture further.
We got as far as across the street where behind some gates were some very nice looking gardens and treed grounds, and what I thought was an office building- very unlike any scenery we had seen so far. We asked the security guy at the gate if we could wander around the grounds, and I was expecting him to say no, but he lead us in and to the building sitting just inside. I tried to explain we just wanted to walk around outside, but either he did not understand or he was checking in with occupants. A woman answered the door and again I explained we just wanted to walk around, but she insisted that we come in and look at the demonstration. I was a little reluctant as I wasn't sure what she wanted to show us, but after stepping inside I was glad I did. The building was actually a show room for some expensive duplexes that they were building. The place was almost 6000 square feet and was spectacular. There was teak wood and marble everywhere and the rooms were all very big as you might imagine. This unit was on two levels, but they do three level units as well. We were informed that they went for $1M US and that included all the furniture and fixtures. Quite a deal really, but pretty unreachable for 99% of the Indian population. We wanted to take some pictures, but felt that it wasn't really appropriate.
We left there to continue on our walk, without really getting to walk around the grounds after all, but felt like we were pretty fortunate to stumble upon that find.
We then contin
ued on towards the Aon office which was only about 1K further away. We wanted to take a closer look at the 'free' hospital that sits directly across the street. Not sure how the free hospital works, but it looks pretty impressive and I hope to be able to get a closer look at some point before I leave. Again it is gated and you can't just wander around without appropriate clearance.
We then decided to try to get back to the hotel from a different direction. It should have been easy, but we ended up nowhere where we thought we should have been. We ended up walking through a fairly lower class street. It was a mix of run down apartments, man made shacks and and street stalls. MAM and I got some interesting looks as it was clear we did not belong among the dogs,
cows and chickens that were running around the streets among all of the people. We eventually realized that we were not going to make it back to the hotel going in that direction and ended up backtracking our steps. It was a pretty interesting outing as we felt we had seen how a majority of the people in Bangalore really live as well as how some of the very privileged live.
We got as far as across the street where behind some gates were some very nice looking gardens and treed grounds, and what I thought was an office building- very unlike any scenery we had seen so far. We asked the security guy at the gate if we could wander around the grounds, and I was expecting him to say no, but he lead us in and to the building sitting just inside. I tried to explain we just wanted to walk around outside, but either he did not understand or he was checking in with occupants. A woman answered the door and again I explained we just wanted to walk around, but she insisted that we come in and look at the demonstration. I was a little reluctant as I wasn't sure what she wanted to show us, but after stepping inside I was glad I did. The building was actually a show room for some expensive duplexes that they were building. The place was almost 6000 square feet and was spectacular. There was teak wood and marble everywhere and the rooms were all very big as you might imagine. This unit was on two levels, but they do three level units as well. We were informed that they went for $1M US and that included all the furniture and fixtures. Quite a deal really, but pretty unreachable for 99% of the Indian population. We wanted to take some pictures, but felt that it wasn't really appropriate.
We left there to continue on our walk, without really getting to walk around the grounds after all, but felt like we were pretty fortunate to stumble upon that find.
We then contin
ued on towards the Aon office which was only about 1K further away. We wanted to take a closer look at the 'free' hospital that sits directly across the street. Not sure how the free hospital works, but it looks pretty impressive and I hope to be able to get a closer look at some point before I leave. Again it is gated and you can't just wander around without appropriate clearance.We then decided to try to get back to the hotel from a different direction. It should have been easy, but we ended up nowhere where we thought we should have been. We ended up walking through a fairly lower class street. It was a mix of run down apartments, man made shacks and and street stalls. MAM and I got some interesting looks as it was clear we did not belong among the dogs,
cows and chickens that were running around the streets among all of the people. We eventually realized that we were not going to make it back to the hotel going in that direction and ended up backtracking our steps. It was a pretty interesting outing as we felt we had seen how a majority of the people in Bangalore really live as well as how some of the very privileged live.
February 6, 2010
Bannerghatta National Park
I was feeling a little cooped up after this past week and needed to get outside and away from the office and the hotel. After talking with people at the hotel and the office I decided this national park was the best bet. I was told that it was about 45 minutes away from the hotel on the outskirts of the city. It took the driver almost 2 hours to get there. Perhaps he didn't take me on the most direct route or I was mislead on the distance? I didn't mind too much as I still enjoy seeing the city streets as we drive through.
We finally made it to the Park and I paid the $150INR to get the grand safari tour - about $4! The grand safari tour included a bus drive through the park to see lions and tigers and other native Indian animals. I was ushered onto a bus and felt lucky to get the last seat at the front, next to the driver with unobstructive views out of the front and side windows. The tour took about an hour and sure enough we saw different types of deer, bears (Asian black bears), lions, and tigers, including white tigers. 
The lions and white tigers were sleeping as it was the middle of the day, so didn't get to see them up and about but we did see them sleeping close by.
The animals all looked healthy and well taken care of which was nice to see.
After the tour was over, I was made to realize why I was given the best seat on the bus. Everyone got off the bus first, and as I was getting off, I was held back and told I had to provide a tip! No one else had to which kind of irked me, but since I had the best seat and the driver did take a couple of the pictures for me with my camera, I gave him an additional $150INR. He wanted more, but I refused and had to practically push my way off.
I then went into the attached zoo where they had a surprising amount of other animals. I spent another hour and a half waking around looking at snakes, crocodiles, monkeys, birds,
elephants, and more. It was just nice to relax and wander around outside. I could have taken a ride on an elephant, but felt I could live without that experience and I think the elephants could too as they did not look that thrilled with their occupation. Unfortunately the animals here did not look as well taken care of. Their cages were mostly small and bare and not really all that secure. It would be so easy to jump into the hippo or crocodile pens. I guess Indian people have a lot more sense than North Americans and Europeans - or it is an easy, cheap way to feed them
!
The animals all looked healthy and well taken care of which was nice to see.
After the tour was over, I was made to realize why I was given the best seat on the bus. Everyone got off the bus first, and as I was getting off, I was held back and told I had to provide a tip! No one else had to which kind of irked me, but since I had the best seat and the driver did take a couple of the pictures for me with my camera, I gave him an additional $150INR. He wanted more, but I refused and had to practically push my way off.I then went into the attached zoo where they had a surprising amount of other animals. I spent another hour and a half waking around looking at snakes, crocodiles, monkeys, birds,
elephants, and more. It was just nice to relax and wander around outside. I could have taken a ride on an elephant, but felt I could live without that experience and I think the elephants could too as they did not look that thrilled with their occupation. Unfortunately the animals here did not look as well taken care of. Their cages were mostly small and bare and not really all that secure. It would be so easy to jump into the hippo or crocodile pens. I guess Indian people have a lot more sense than North Americans and Europeans - or it is an easy, cheap way to feed them
! February 5, 2010
My work week
Just finished my first week at the office! This week went by very quickly and very slowly at the same time. There was a lot of material that was covered, but the team did a very good job and seemed to catch on very well. 8-9 hours each day at the office plus many hours before and after getting ready - I am pretty tired now.
Some interesting notes made this week:
Security is very high in Bangalore. At least at the hotel and the office. The hotel is gated and there is security that checks under the car and also inside the car every time we drive in. We have to pass through a scanner whenever coming into the hotel. The office has a security check to get into the complex and security men at every floor in the building.
Food is really cheap - lunch at the food court is about 40-60INR or less than $2CND.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant is about $10CND (without alcohol). Breakfast is free as it is included in the room rate. You might be interested to know that my chocolate consumption has decreased quite a bit. With the change in eating schedule, I just don't feel like eating as much - shocking, I know.
At the office they have staff where their only duty is to make tea or coffee on demand. You are not allowed to make it yourself.
There is no tipping anywhere here that I have seen.
Here is a picture of me, my driver Narayan, and Marc-A (MAM). MAM is here for two weeks from the Montreal office to work with me on training the team. Also MAM and some of the offshore team trying to stay awake!
February 2, 2010
quick update
I tried a short swim and treadmill run today. Swam about a kilometer and got nice and cold and then jumped directly onto a treadmill and didn't start sweating until the last couple of minutes into my 5k! This will be a good strategy for the future. My last couple of treadmill runs have been difficult because I overheat within minutes. The sun shines directly down on the gym at that time of the morning. This is the best time for me to run so I will just have to get used to it.
It has only been a few days of work, but so far my days are long and pretty unexciting. I get up, work out for about an hour, have breakfast and then start prep for the day. Go to the office before noon and work with the group until just after 2:00. We then go for lunch down at the food court and then back to work until about 8:00. Come back to the hotel, have dinner, respond to a few emails and then to bed because I am so exhausted!
It has only been a few days of work, but so far my days are long and pretty unexciting. I get up, work out for about an hour, have breakfast and then start prep for the day. Go to the office before noon and work with the group until just after 2:00. We then go for lunch down at the food court and then back to work until about 8:00. Come back to the hotel, have dinner, respond to a few emails and then to bed because I am so exhausted!
January 31, 2010
Venture out into the city
Yesterday I had arranged for my driver to come and get me in the morning and he drove me for an hour closer to the city centre. I found out that he does not like to speak, so asking questions is pointless. The mall was not that exciting, but the drive was pretty entertaining.
He took me to what he said was the best mall in town. The mall was pretty typical to malls in Canada, but they are much more security cautous as a lot of the shops and the entries into the mall itself has scanners and you have to check any bags before going into the shops.
I thought stuff was going to be cheaper. It was cheaper than Vancouver, but not by as much as I would have thought. There are sales everywhere of 20 to 50% off so that helps. I am hoping the street markets will be better.
I have been told that the economic down turn hit India pretty hard as you can see by all of the skeletons of unfinished buildings that are everywhere. It is quite something to see because on my drive I saw large modern office buildings among half built ones, some apartment buildings ranging from high scale to squalor, old shops and even make shift shacks made of all sorts of scraps that people live in. Saw tons of more wild dogs and about a half dozen sacred cows roaming around.
Closer to city centre there were the beggars tapping on your window looking for change at the intersections.
One thing I want to find the answer to is why there are big piles of dirt everywhere. There are no real sidewalks in most places and where they should be are just these dirt piles. I suspect that they are dug up and sifted through for rocks, or are dumped by building sites. If I find out I will let you know.
He took me to what he said was the best mall in town. The mall was pretty typical to malls in Canada, but they are much more security cautous as a lot of the shops and the entries into the mall itself has scanners and you have to check any bags before going into the shops.
I thought stuff was going to be cheaper. It was cheaper than Vancouver, but not by as much as I would have thought. There are sales everywhere of 20 to 50% off so that helps. I am hoping the street markets will be better.
I have been told that the economic down turn hit India pretty hard as you can see by all of the skeletons of unfinished buildings that are everywhere. It is quite something to see because on my drive I saw large modern office buildings among half built ones, some apartment buildings ranging from high scale to squalor, old shops and even make shift shacks made of all sorts of scraps that people live in. Saw tons of more wild dogs and about a half dozen sacred cows roaming around.
Closer to city centre there were the beggars tapping on your window looking for change at the intersections.
One thing I want to find the answer to is why there are big piles of dirt everywhere. There are no real sidewalks in most places and where they should be are just these dirt piles. I suspect that they are dug up and sifted through for rocks, or are dumped by building sites. If I find out I will let you know.
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