Saturday 26 January 2008

Culture Shock

After a week in new homeland, I made friends, brand new ones, but as always close to heart....

It was Indian Society Social, I was introduced as person from India, Mumbai; Everyone gave a very warm welcome anxious to strike conversation. Every second person I met asked "So are you in cultural shock?"

I raised the toast and shaked booty till midnight with all, while having a go at Indian food, not cooked by me (I prefer food cooked by me). When I was returning home "Cultural Shock" creeped in my mind, and I was filled with thought, what was this fuss all about, free culture-smoking, drinking, sex, lifestyle?


Is lifestyle so different back my home, I see even school children smoking openly, bars are on steep rise and government even thought about free sale of wine with soft drink, on any fine day atleast thousand couples will be snuggled ever closely on Bandstand, and live in relation is on ever rise!

And I was asked of cultural Shock!

Sunday 13 January 2008

Sweet Little Angel

"Whenever you are in true need God sends his angels to help you out" I was brought up reminding this, but time and tide had blurred this, until that day I happened to meet my angel!

Alone, clueless, I was stranded on bus stop after union express left me in the maze of UEA, I managed to pull my two huge trolley bags, carrying a huge shoulder backpack, but was clueless about where to reach. This continued for some time , till a sweet little girl passed me she turned back twice deciding something and finally reached back to me "Are you new here?" "Yes" I replied promptly taking my gaze up from bags. "Can I help?" "Yes, Can you tell me where to report?" and the ball rolled she told me that she dint knew anything but she can help me carry one of my huge bag unless I reached desired place.

I was more than grateful for having someone to guide me, I said no need to carry bags but just guide me to right place, but she insisted and carried my bags!

It took us good 2 hours to reach my desired place searching it on campus, she stayed by me, guiding me and carrying my bag, I was more than grateful to have a helping friend on unknown campus in unknown country. I couldn't thank her enough before she left me.

Its been almost month but I had no chance to see her again, my angel came down, helped me and went away without clue, just her name "Elisa", Thanks dear you will always stay in my memory as my sweet little angel God sent to me!

Thursday 10 January 2008

Journey

As I walked with my huge baggages, wearing my new black tuxedo, my hand went up to bid bye and I turned around to have a last glimpse of my beloveds I was leaving behind, tear rolled down from corner of my left eye (even our heart is on left isn't it?)!

I entered the lounge, amongst the sea of people, I settled on a chair putting my backpack by side as my eyes caught the public phone I quickly reached out to phone. Alas! I dint have a single coin in pocket, I bought juice and grabbed the public phone, dialed, dad picked I felt anchored like a ship in unknown waters.

I got inside the plane, and got on my seat, numerous flying machines passed me as the plane took off and I first time saw whats bird eye view of city I call home, tears welled up and the view blurred as my hands reached to bid bye to city I dwelled for past 26 years!


It was 7.00 am in UK and plane was hovering over the city LONDON, I peeped out and a very well planned city with numerous lights, very busy with cars and trains speeding peeped back at me with open arms welcoming me!

I gathered myself and came out of very busy Heathrow, to Central bus station, chilly wind kissed my face but lacked the warmth of my homeland, I came out and sat on the bench assimilating the new world around me!