#4: Dichotomy

Dichotomy.  That’s the best possible word to describe India.  There are many modern shopping malls…

… and a mile down the road you’ll find women collecting fire wood for cooking.

Women ride side-saddle on motorcycles, and they don’t hold on.

There is a huge shortage of electrical power, and demand cannot keep up with supply.  The power goes off every night for about 20 seconds before the backup diesel generator kicks in.  The record so far is five outages in one night.

This is the artwork that hangs over my bed.  Note the Swastic on the left.  This is a very positive symbol dating back to 2000 BC.  The Swastic is seen everywhere in India and is considered to bring good fortune.  There is no thought of how this symbol was modified in the 1920’s for other purposes. 

This is Cyber City where the BMW offices are located.

This week, we hosted the F&I Managers meeting with all 22 dealers participating.  We trained them on leasing which launched on Friday. 

 Friday afternoon, we presented the 12 Principles to all associates.  They were highly engaged and stood before speaking.

The BMW web site for India had no FS presence.  In 10 days time, we added our services and are now featured on the main navigation bar.

Common words you’ll hear in India…

Fortnight:  every two weeks.

Bifurcate:  divide, split in two.

Club:  bundle (as in: let’s club those two ideas).

Fresher:  rookie, a new player.

Scheme:  offer (used in a positive manner as in: Let’s distribute our March schemes).

Pan-India:  nationwide.

Auspicious:  Favorable, fortunate.  It’s important to pick an auspicious day to buy a new car.

Animal of the week:  Elephant.  This one is a rental for birthday parties and weddings.

I’m eating lots of chicken, and so far, have not craved red meat.  I’m proud to say I’ve now completed my first full week in India without illness.  Feel free to comment below.  All my best from the sub-continent.

ts

#3: Keep to the left.

Caution:  This week’s edition has some “edge” to it.

I visited 2 of the largest BMW dealers in the country this week (and a Rolls-Royce dealership as well).  The Joy campaign is used extensively throughout the BMW stores, and it really jumped out at me how European the photos are.  My colleagues tell me this is aspirational.  (double click photos for a larger view)

At this construction site, women were transporting bricks.  I saw one woman with 6 bricks on her head, and an infant child in a sling around her neck.  This made a strong impression and made me realize how comfortable life is in the US. (please double click this photo)

Driving here is beyond chaotic; therefore, I have a driver (which is common in India).  His name is Amir.  Since India is a former British colony, driving is on the left side of the road.

This “left side” approach spills over to all aspects of life, including escalators and walking down the hall (my biggest challenge).  I’ve had many near-collisions at the office.  I need a voice in my head that says, “keep to the left.”

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the events of the week.  On Monday, there was an incident in Delhi, and on Tuesday, three in Bangkok.  The people here are saddened by the news, but life goes on.  Everyone accepts it as a reality of our world today. 

I had a fever this week, which was followed by Delhi Belly, round 2.  Expats tell me it takes 6 months to adjust.

I went grocery shopping today, and my bill was 3,162 Indian Rupees ($64 USD).  I’m amazed how few and how tiny the grocery stores are.  I was at a “large” store today which is about the size of a 7-11.

I’ve seen plenty of roadside barbers (typically a chair positioned in front of a tree with a mirror). I got my haircut today, but it was at a unisex salon for 220 Rupees, which included a cup of tea and a straight-edge razor against the back of my neck.  To put the cost in perspective, I can get almost 2 haircuts for the same price as one box of Kellogg’s Brand Flakes. (note: this is an Internet photo)

I found a book store today and spent 45 minutes browsing.  This was total joy for me, and an experience not found on Amazon.

Men hold hands here.  It’s not what you think.  They are just best buddies.  I doubt they’ve ever seen an episode of GLEE.

In preparation for the move to India, I was told to be very cautious with fruits and vegetables.  The rule is peel it, cook it, boil it, or forget it. Thus the market was created for “Veg Fru Wash,” a cleaning solution for fruits and vegetables.  I’m going to experiment on lettuce today.

Animal of the week:  Pig.  Wild pigs are everywhere.  This one is at the entrance of a luxury condo complex.

I will be having fresh chicken tonight for dinner.  At this store, three men sat in front of knives to prepare fish, chicken and lamb.  (this photo is worth a double click)

This man held a knife between his toes for the final trims.  

I’ve had a few people ask me “are you crazy?” and I’m sure after reading this blog entry everyone would agree “yes.”  However, I have a big smile on my face.  I am excited by the challenges of this culture and completely energized by the people.  I am thrilled to be here.  Stay tuned for future updates.

ts

 

 

#2: Sights of India + a glimpse of Bangkok

India is full of dichotomies.  I was in a 5 Series as we passed this cyclist with his chickens.  (double click photos for a larger view – and this one is worth the double click)

The 3-wheeled auto rickshaw taxi is a main source of transportation.

Yes, there are cows everywhere and they roam freely (they are sacred in the Hindu religion).  There are serious penalties for harming a cow.

McDonald’s has penetrated the Indian market, but they only serve chicken and fish.  No Big Macs here.

Here are two of the dozen monkeys who visit my apartment grounds.  They are considered pests.

And here is a Lagooni (chimp) who is brought in to chase the monkeys.

I spent the past week in Bangkok, Thailand, for an Asia regional conference (a 4-hour flight from Delhi). 

Bangkok is filled with old-world charm…

… surrounded by a very cosmopolitan city. 

Thai kick boxing is a popular sport.  This fierce competition is embedded in tradition and respect.

Bangkok is absolutely beautiful, and I can’t wait to return.

I attended an Indian wedding Saturday night.  This is the groom arriving by horse (with a nephew).

Here are some of my BMW FS colleagues with the groom (Mohit). 

It’s been a busy week.  Look for more updates next week.

ts

#1: Welcome to IndiaTom

Welcome to the IndiaTom Blog, The goal is to provide visual short stories from Asia over the next three years, along with a bit of personal perspective. 

Here is my apartment building.  There are 11 such towers in this complex called “Central Park,” here on Golf Course Road. American influences are everywhere.  (click on any photo for a larger view)

And this is the view from the front door of my building.  Monster apartment towers are under construction within spitting distance, which dwarf my building.

And this is my washer / dryer (located on the balcony).  Yes, that’s the dryer on the left.  Electricity is very expense and in short supply, so all clothing is air dried.

Here’s the propane tank for the stove. It should last about two months before needing a refill.  There are four burners for the stove, and no oven.

We only drink bottled or filtered water in India (even the locals).  I’d been warned that it’s only a matter of time until “Delhi Belly” strikes.  Sure enough, I had my first experience on my third day here (sorry, no photos).

Here is the Geyser in my bathroom which produces hot water.  I have to turn it on 45 minutes before taking a shower.

In lieu of central heat, electric space heaters are provided.  I have two.  Let’s just say I’m wearing extra layers of clothing at all times.

I am adjusting to apartment living again.  Noises include crying babies, shouting parents, and wooden chairs being moved across the marble floors above me.  I’ve not seen wall-to-wall carpeting anywhere — only marble floors.

Now it’s time to play “The Price is Right.”  List these five products from most to least expensive. The items pictured are Campbell’s Cream of Potato soup, a bag of almonds, Kellogg’s Brand Flakes, Oral-B toothbrush and 40 grams of Top Ramen noodles.  Answer is below.

Yes, there is English TV, but most of the channels are in Hindi.

Here is the answer from above — most to least expensive (in both Indian Rupees and US Dollars).  The exchange rate is 49 to 1.

Kellogg’s Brand Flakes  375 Rupees = $7.66

Almonds  167 Rupees = $3.41

Campbell’s Soup  115 Rupees = $2.35

Ramen noodles  58 Rupees = $1.18

Oral-B toothbrush  30 Rupees = 61 cents

Three final thoughts.

Yes, there are cows.

I’ve not come close to adjusting to the 10.5 hour time difference yet. 

On Sunday, we’re off to Bangkok for an Asian Region meeting.  The Superbowl will begin at 6 am Monday morning there.

I hope you enjoyed this inaugural edition of the IndiaTom blog.  More to come.