Thursday, October 23, 2008
Work Day 4
Today we woke up to a raining day. Expectations were lots of interior work and mud, mud, and more mud. We got to the site and assignments were given out, I selected a off-sight project. About ten of us went to another house in Waveland, a hard hit area, to finish some task to get this house to its owner by EOY. We completed some siding, added installation, caulked. This was my first time using the power tools. I forgot the name, but it was to measure and cut the concrete singles to fix, which were then nailed into place and caulked. We arrived back to the main house at around 4PM, just in time to cleanup the job site. The house looked amazing, exterior had its final coats of pant, paint touch up was competed, the house numbers were nailed into place, interior window boxes, ceiling lights, soffet vents, some base flooring was nailed down. It finally looked like a home to be. We also were assigned some cleanup activities in an adjacent house, used for staging of cabinets and other stuff. Today we left the raining job site for dinner and hopefully another Phillies victory.
Other notes
While we were walking back to our car a lady pulled off to talk and thank us for our efforts and wanted to let us know this is still appreciated. As we walk to our jobsite we often get honked at, which just shows their appreciation. A family located across the street of our build site, daily stops by twice a day with goodies, chips, donuts. He is always cheerful and appreciative of our work to date. We see them throughout the day wishing us the best. Today he stopped over and talked to a group of us about how pleased he was of our work and accomplishments.
Work Day 3
Today we awoke to a very overcast day. Breakfast was unusual, bacon, sausage and donuts, sounds like a winning combination. Off to the work site and we are again split into many groups, some the same as yesterday and some different. I started out carrying drywall, this was a hard job to recruit for. Afterwards work with a couple guys cutting boards for the top of the soffet area, first large sheets were cut into strips, then those strips were cut out so that air vents would fit into them. Finally these sheets were given to another team to be applied to the roof. After a couple hours of this work, I moved on to painting. Did some touch up painting of the exterior then work on painting the first coat of the side deck wall. It was a pale green...This completed my day. The drywall contracts took a couple hours completing the whole interior house, it was amazing to watch them work, such precision and speed. They slapped the drywall up and nailed it into place, while cutting out all needed cutouts for windows, doors, vents, electrical boxes, etc. Then they applied mud and spread it out evenly, pointed corners were a must. Finally they completed the ceiling with a textured white ceiling material. Other contracts can to the site to compete the roof with shingles. I was told they completed in hours during the down pouring rain. Yes it rained for the most of the day, making Mississippi mud, hard to walk and work in this mess. I often made tasks difficult as many were working in the areas were rainfall wouldn't reach them. Scaffolding and exterior painting was pretty much off limits. During lunch we took our team picture with our trip t-shirts. After work we all rain for the showers as it was out to dinner, as Hancock bank sponsored a dinner at Shaggies, a local popular seafood restaurant on the coast of the Gulf. It was raining something fierce. Dinner was tastey and spicy, corn on the cob, shrimp, sausage, jumbolia, deserts, etc. Thank you Hancock for you hospitality. There were a couple birthdays which were celebrated with cake and a birthday song. Then it was game time! The rest of the night was spent support the fightens and celebrating their first world series victory since 1993. Off to bed for another working day.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tuesday - Work Day2
Work up on time and got ready for the second day of work. I felt really good, surprisingly. Had the standard Continental breakfast and headed to the sight. This time we volunteered for a number of different jobs, I selected installing windows. We had about 10 windows to installing. First we carried then into there spots, made sure the were nice and level, nailed them into place and applied flashing. This was a pretty good experience. Then I we off to build the frames for the soffet around the end of the roofs, which ended the morning as lunch time came, a lot quicker this day. We headed to Wendy's for lunch. When returning to the job site, we completed the soffet installation around the entire house. Then end with a number of odds-n-end jobs, like carring drywall. The house now had tar paper on the roof, porch had it ceiling placed, complete siding and soffet was completed and painted. There were jobs of caulking, and many other contractors ran wire and plumbing throughout the house. When leaving today it look very close to a complete house, but there is much more to do. After this workday, we went to the bay saint Louis beach, relaxed in the sand and gulf of Mexico to wind down the day. Our group then went to Pizza Hut for the dinner buffet. Then most retired at the site in preparation to tomorrows tasks. I finally got caught up on most of the blogging
Tidbits
I all driving a minivan with 6 others....I will try to get there complete names but for now first names only, Joe, Mike, Bill, Angela, Vera, and Macky. I think we all get along very well and have had lots of good times to date. We travel to and from the job site and take our meals together.
The guys and girls have separate cabins with bunk beds, the guys have wooden bunks, beds are too bad, espescially after a hard day of work. The showers and bathroom as connected to the main building, showers are trickles of hot water as long as you can hold the spiket on, but all is good after a hard days work.
I am now drink water from a can donated by Anheuser-Busch, never had their water or had water from a can, but it does the trick.
The guys and girls have separate cabins with bunk beds, the guys have wooden bunks, beds are too bad, espescially after a hard day of work. The showers and bathroom as connected to the main building, showers are trickles of hot water as long as you can hold the spiket on, but all is good after a hard days work.
I am now drink water from a can donated by Anheuser-Busch, never had their water or had water from a can, but it does the trick.
Monday - Work Day 1
Alarm went off early, earlier then expected 6AM EST, but 5AM here. I was probably the first to wake and wake others. Went back to bed for a quick rest and then got up and ready for breakfast. We had a continental breakfast and off to the worksite. We started with an introduction to the Habitat employees and other volunteers. We were given pieces of wood with number on it, which dictated the job and group we were assigned to. I was given group 4 and a star, the star meant a special initial project. The special project had to go offsite to perform some offload detail. The house that we were working on had the flooring established and a couple walls framed out nothing much more. My initial task was to off load a truck with a number of prefabricated framed walls. But before our work, the 4X4 got stuck in the red mud of Mississippi. We managed to set plywood and wood near the tires to eventually get the truck on solid ground. Then we spent about an hour of offloading the truck. Once that was finished we returned to the jobsite to join our group, #4. My task was to carry wall framing to their location in the house handing them over to another group for nailing, once that was done, we put up scaffolding to apply plywood to the exterior walls. Others were assigned many tasks, like painting, nailing, cutting, etc. Lunch time came and we went back to out site for shrimp poboys. After our hour break we headed back to the work site. There we were assigned carrying the trusses and stage then on top of the roof for another group nailing them down. Finally my last job of the day was getting cut plywood on the roof to get it all nailed in. We finished all the framing, exterior walls, roof, soffet painting and many more that I can't remember or know of. We decided to go out for dinner and hit a very good mexican restaurant and watched the Monday night game. Then returning to bed for some well over due rest. I felt really sore heading to bed and feared the next day. Not much time for blogging
Rejuvenate - Sunday Trip to Mississippi
-Disclaimer, I am not a blogger or creative writer, but doing so to communicate in one massive format and not have to send multiple emails. Some fact may not be true or entirely true read at your own risk.
Early Sunday morning 4AM - woke up, got ready finished packing then let for SEI to meet the shuttle which leaves for the airport at 6:45. Not much on the road at 4AM, so I made good time and was actually early for the shuttle. About 6 were taking this shuttle to the airport, we left little before 7AM and got a the airport around 7:30, checked in and waited for our 9:40 flight to New Orleans, we were so early I was able to exchange my seat for the emergency seats which had better leg room. We meet up with the rest of the 15+ at the airport. Flight was delayed on the landing pad as we were rerouted to bypass camp David as something top secret must have been going on. We still got to our destination on time. We got our luggage and rental car. Headed for lunch, we stopped at some restaurant called Cotter Brown's, watch some NFL highlights and had some grub. Menu was tasty, poboys, hoagies, awesome cheese fries, alligator, etc. While eating this person leaving said hello and asked me how i was doing, I replied back with a thank you. He stopped as if he knew me, so I just started to talk further. He just wanted to say thanks and show appreciation for all the work done and what we were about to do. -this was not the last time people showed there appreciation- We were on the cuff of the Mississippi rivers so we walked up the levy to see the river and barages being towed up and down the river. To waste some time we headed to a local park to see the river up close, there was lots going on, cook outs, football, volley ball, lots of fun. While walking in the park a couple people spoke up and asked us what we were doing and we talked for a while and they were extreme thankful for all that we were about to do. We left for the Langniappe site, which was about a hour drive. We arrived found our bunks and meet up with the rest of the group. Dinner was served around 6PM, sandwiches, soup, Mac-n-Cheese. I was all good and tasty. Orientation started around 7PM. This session lasted for about an hour, rules and regulations, short video about the going ons in bay Saint Louis, Langniappe projects, and Habitat projects. We were all excited to start working in the AM. Some headed out to watch the Sunday night football and ALCS games. We meet up with our Dublin counterpart, where else by the bar.
Early Sunday morning 4AM - woke up, got ready finished packing then let for SEI to meet the shuttle which leaves for the airport at 6:45. Not much on the road at 4AM, so I made good time and was actually early for the shuttle. About 6 were taking this shuttle to the airport, we left little before 7AM and got a the airport around 7:30, checked in and waited for our 9:40 flight to New Orleans, we were so early I was able to exchange my seat for the emergency seats which had better leg room. We meet up with the rest of the 15+ at the airport. Flight was delayed on the landing pad as we were rerouted to bypass camp David as something top secret must have been going on. We still got to our destination on time. We got our luggage and rental car. Headed for lunch, we stopped at some restaurant called Cotter Brown's, watch some NFL highlights and had some grub. Menu was tasty, poboys, hoagies, awesome cheese fries, alligator, etc. While eating this person leaving said hello and asked me how i was doing, I replied back with a thank you. He stopped as if he knew me, so I just started to talk further. He just wanted to say thanks and show appreciation for all the work done and what we were about to do. -this was not the last time people showed there appreciation- We were on the cuff of the Mississippi rivers so we walked up the levy to see the river and barages being towed up and down the river. To waste some time we headed to a local park to see the river up close, there was lots going on, cook outs, football, volley ball, lots of fun. While walking in the park a couple people spoke up and asked us what we were doing and we talked for a while and they were extreme thankful for all that we were about to do. We left for the Langniappe site, which was about a hour drive. We arrived found our bunks and meet up with the rest of the group. Dinner was served around 6PM, sandwiches, soup, Mac-n-Cheese. I was all good and tasty. Orientation started around 7PM. This session lasted for about an hour, rules and regulations, short video about the going ons in bay Saint Louis, Langniappe projects, and Habitat projects. We were all excited to start working in the AM. Some headed out to watch the Sunday night football and ALCS games. We meet up with our Dublin counterpart, where else by the bar.
Friday, January 18, 2008
India - Friday
Again up early for breakfast and the waiter recognized and asked if I wanted water, OJ and Idli and I quickly said yes. I have been getting requests to try north Indian food so I asked the waiter for a suggestion and tried Parantha, it was two flat shells with stuffing, not bad. There was a yogurt dip and mayo pickles, which was quite tasty. I arrived at the office and met with a number of groups and took many team pictures. It was time for lunch. More new items, Sarvata provide Samosas which are quite different than in US. They were also quiet hot and had raisins in them. I had a hot spring roll, stuffed potato and a fried cheese patty. We also had a number of chicken and fish dishes, not sure of most of the names, but this time everything was very tasty and very very spicy. I had lots of water to drink. Then I went back to the office to talk to more teams and will be heading to the local sweets shop soon.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
India - Thursday Afternoon
We then proceeded to another hotel to work with the core team to identify action items to meet our 2008 goals. This was a very good but tiring process, which produced many great creative ideas and look forward for the implementation and review measurements after a years time.
Again we ate Indian snacks, not really sure what they were, but they were very tasty. Now off to dinner and another hotel. Here we meet some executives, Bhaskar and Wishi. They were very conversational and we talked about many interesting topics, one about the how this consultation relationship began. We had lots of good talk, food and drink. The dinner was again Indian Chinese, very tasting and filling. Not sure the dishes, but tired most of them as I got full from the previous snack. They had a great spicy soup. Then desert was served and I tired a bit, ice cream, fruit, Licheem and a tart like bar, hopefully I will try to identify these sometime soon. Then I returned to the hotel to get up to date on my blogs. signing off.....nothing really exciting lots of work and ideas for some eDel changes when I get back....
Again we ate Indian snacks, not really sure what they were, but they were very tasty. Now off to dinner and another hotel. Here we meet some executives, Bhaskar and Wishi. They were very conversational and we talked about many interesting topics, one about the how this consultation relationship began. We had lots of good talk, food and drink. The dinner was again Indian Chinese, very tasting and filling. Not sure the dishes, but tired most of them as I got full from the previous snack. They had a great spicy soup. Then desert was served and I tired a bit, ice cream, fruit, Licheem and a tart like bar, hopefully I will try to identify these sometime soon. Then I returned to the hotel to get up to date on my blogs. signing off.....nothing really exciting lots of work and ideas for some eDel changes when I get back....
India - Thursday
Again woke up early, had idli and Sambar for breakfast amongst other foods. Off to the office, as I had a 9AM session. Session went well. I finally had some free time so I was able to interview to new comers to eDel, Sham and Prashant, spelling may vary. Each went very well. I couldn't believe the excitement displayed with the actions and facial expressions. I wasn't able to deter them even after telling them of the long hours, weekend tasks, shifting priorities and working with the likes of Ashist, Manish and Sachin...just kidding. I really look for them to add a new level of excitement in the team, hopefully some can rub off.....
As I had more free time. I looked around for some non-busy people and I stumbled onto the BIS QA team....This was a great session, where I was put on the hot seat and answered relentless questions for about 1/2 or more. I was great to provide them some answers to questions that may help them provide better solutions in the future. Then I found the Manage Accounting team breaking for a bit, as I was not very familiar with this product, we talked for a while of eDel standard and infrastructure items. Again very informative. Finally I stumbled on a team with lots of free time and energy the ODT/ODR team. I thought I was on the the hot seat earlier, they took it to the next level. I was drilled on everything, but survived the pressure as I was conveniently requested for lunch, thanks. I again was impressed with the desire for knowledge, pertinent questions and discussions of issues we all have faced. They seem to be on the same page as on-site and eDel. (again kidding about them not really working, I just interrupted them.....)
Lunch was again Indian fare, very good, tried a new desert, something carrot based...very good, Gajar Ka Halwa.
As I had more free time. I looked around for some non-busy people and I stumbled onto the BIS QA team....This was a great session, where I was put on the hot seat and answered relentless questions for about 1/2 or more. I was great to provide them some answers to questions that may help them provide better solutions in the future. Then I found the Manage Accounting team breaking for a bit, as I was not very familiar with this product, we talked for a while of eDel standard and infrastructure items. Again very informative. Finally I stumbled on a team with lots of free time and energy the ODT/ODR team. I thought I was on the the hot seat earlier, they took it to the next level. I was drilled on everything, but survived the pressure as I was conveniently requested for lunch, thanks. I again was impressed with the desire for knowledge, pertinent questions and discussions of issues we all have faced. They seem to be on the same page as on-site and eDel. (again kidding about them not really working, I just interrupted them.....)
Lunch was again Indian fare, very good, tried a new desert, something carrot based...very good, Gajar Ka Halwa.
India - 3Ds
We arrived between 6-7PM at the banquet hall. Again lots of green in the front of the lot with a couple water fountains, as you entered the building they decorated with sliver streamers and blue/orange balloons.....I would I was at a Cingular party as the balloons were similar in shape to the Cingular logo.
Now on to the fun activities:
The teams were lined up and proceeded to play a version of hide-n-seek. They planted a number of gifts and the team finding the most wins. Every ran around frantically and charged up. They seem very very very competitive in every way. I think the ODT won that event.
The second activity was a creative session, each team hand a piece of paper and 5 markers to draw something creative dealing with IT. Survata and myself choose the final three submissions, the winner was the web team again I think
The third activity was the lemon race, both Tom and myself participated. you but a lemon on a spoon and the spoon in your mouth and race to the goal line. I think DJ won that activity, a former eDel'er.
The fourth activity was a whisper activity. About 15 people stood in line, the first being told a phrase, they each had one opportunity to repeat that phrase to the next person. Obviously the phrase became something very different then its original version, not sure if anyone won anything on this one.
Final they play a game called how well the team leads know their team members. The team lead was blind folded and one team member spoke a phrase. If the team lead identified the correct team member they won a prize. Sona from the ODT team won on her first try, then Sandeep from the Global team won the second award. They tried to pull many trips on Sandeep, but he would not fall for them.
Then gifts were exchanged between companies.
The factory held a competitive event mimicking the stock market. Each co-ordinater got a gift. The best broker got a gift, Sham, arriving to eDel shortly. Then the second place team received gifts, and the winner was....sorry don't remember but will try to find out....
During the presentation, a message was spoken, we have winners and non-winners and no losers...kind of interesting slant.
Then the dancing and music began. Everyone ran on stage and started to dance away. They have so much energy and excitement. I initially was able to resist the request to go on stage, but was able to get away to drink a couple Indian Beers, Kingfish lager. I was pretty good, not bad as I am not much of a beer drinker. After a number of request I feel into the temptation and was on the dance...as I know I had to once they played the tune "Just Chill" , I started a couple song earlier. Everyone tried to show me how to dance Indian style as I tried my best, as it was very unfamiliar....but they always say while in Rome do as a Roman.....oh well.
Other co-worker joined as well, Tom and Connie. After a number of songs, I retired to cool off and they kept on going. Dinner was served around 9PM, just in time. After dinner most everyone left, but I again found myself on the dance floor and this time with Georgey, Vikas and Survata.....I need pictures! If anyone took one please forward one to me. This was my only disappointment of the night. I retired to the hotel, updated yesterdays blogs, had a snack and retired to bed.
Needless to say everyone had a great time. This was lots of fun. I hope no one posted anything from this night onto utube that might come back to haunt me.....
Now on to the fun activities:
The teams were lined up and proceeded to play a version of hide-n-seek. They planted a number of gifts and the team finding the most wins. Every ran around frantically and charged up. They seem very very very competitive in every way. I think the ODT won that event.
The second activity was a creative session, each team hand a piece of paper and 5 markers to draw something creative dealing with IT. Survata and myself choose the final three submissions, the winner was the web team again I think
The third activity was the lemon race, both Tom and myself participated. you but a lemon on a spoon and the spoon in your mouth and race to the goal line. I think DJ won that activity, a former eDel'er.
The fourth activity was a whisper activity. About 15 people stood in line, the first being told a phrase, they each had one opportunity to repeat that phrase to the next person. Obviously the phrase became something very different then its original version, not sure if anyone won anything on this one.
Final they play a game called how well the team leads know their team members. The team lead was blind folded and one team member spoke a phrase. If the team lead identified the correct team member they won a prize. Sona from the ODT team won on her first try, then Sandeep from the Global team won the second award. They tried to pull many trips on Sandeep, but he would not fall for them.
Then gifts were exchanged between companies.
The factory held a competitive event mimicking the stock market. Each co-ordinater got a gift. The best broker got a gift, Sham, arriving to eDel shortly. Then the second place team received gifts, and the winner was....sorry don't remember but will try to find out....
During the presentation, a message was spoken, we have winners and non-winners and no losers...kind of interesting slant.
Then the dancing and music began. Everyone ran on stage and started to dance away. They have so much energy and excitement. I initially was able to resist the request to go on stage, but was able to get away to drink a couple Indian Beers, Kingfish lager. I was pretty good, not bad as I am not much of a beer drinker. After a number of request I feel into the temptation and was on the dance...as I know I had to once they played the tune "Just Chill" , I started a couple song earlier. Everyone tried to show me how to dance Indian style as I tried my best, as it was very unfamiliar....but they always say while in Rome do as a Roman.....oh well.
Other co-worker joined as well, Tom and Connie. After a number of songs, I retired to cool off and they kept on going. Dinner was served around 9PM, just in time. After dinner most everyone left, but I again found myself on the dance floor and this time with Georgey, Vikas and Survata.....I need pictures! If anyone took one please forward one to me. This was my only disappointment of the night. I retired to the hotel, updated yesterdays blogs, had a snack and retired to bed.
Needless to say everyone had a great time. This was lots of fun. I hope no one posted anything from this night onto utube that might come back to haunt me.....
India - Wednesday
Now finishing up Wednesday.......Off to NIIT building, we had a company overview for the entire outsourcing team in India. After the meeting, the chocolates were waiting at the exit. Everyone shuffled off to get their share, as it ran out in minutes and few were able to obtain any....I didn't bring enough, but I was told that it was and still is being distributed amongst the team. Then off to another team meeting. This meeting I was more of a spectator then presenter so I was able to gaze in the Delhi downtown street and say a number of interesting things, but saw to oxygen pulling a wagon, as this was happening while I was in a business meeting, kind of weird but unique.
Overall I was very surprised at all the sessions, the consultants asked many pertinent questions, which was different then most of the guys I work with as they are very quiet --- OK a first --- but everyone wanted answers to many good and thought provoking questions. This showed their interests in knowing the business and eagerness to provide better solutions to meet our every changing needs. I little bit different attitude, overall feeling then at Oaks.
Lunch was Chinese Indian, very good. Not sure the names of the dishes but something like fried rice and lo mien, chicken, etc....
I had two other team meetings that again were very engaging and productive. Now preparation were in place to head to the party....3Ds To get to the site it required new routes and new sites, we drove over the intercircle, which as I understand it is a newer highway. The rest of the day is a secret as what happens in Delhi stays in Delhi......
Overall I was very surprised at all the sessions, the consultants asked many pertinent questions, which was different then most of the guys I work with as they are very quiet --- OK a first --- but everyone wanted answers to many good and thought provoking questions. This showed their interests in knowing the business and eagerness to provide better solutions to meet our every changing needs. I little bit different attitude, overall feeling then at Oaks.
Lunch was Chinese Indian, very good. Not sure the names of the dishes but something like fried rice and lo mien, chicken, etc....
I had two other team meetings that again were very engaging and productive. Now preparation were in place to head to the party....3Ds To get to the site it required new routes and new sites, we drove over the intercircle, which as I understand it is a newer highway. The rest of the day is a secret as what happens in Delhi stays in Delhi......
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
India - Wednesday
We meet the rest of the company contingent at breakfast. Again I had idli and sambar, I tried verde and uthappam....not bad....had lots of other stuff too.....I am done for the night will update late......
India - Tuesday
Woke up early and was ready for breakfast quite quickly. I made a error, I used the tap water for brushing my teeth, which was a no-no....one toothbrush down, good thing I brought 2 more.
I was in the lobby about 15 minutes early, so I started to read the core team book...I got carried away and it was 10 minutes past our scheduled meeting time. I got nervous, I was too early or late. I found out that I was on time, everyone finally strolled in. I didn't mind as I was eating one of my favorite Indian dishes, Idle and Samba. It was delicious. Don't let Mark know I am arriving early to work...as he will have the same expectation for my at work....but I would require some idli's and it might work.
We had some time so I watch some TV. Last week my co-worker asked what my ice breaker would be and I said I don't or won't have one, just get to business but have fun. I say a Hindi music video. "just chill" , then it hit me this is my theme throughout my visit. So that was my ice breaker for all my session, but it later came back to haunt me...stay tuned.
We had a 3 hour session, where I talked about some 2007 accomplishments and 2008 projects...I was a great session, lots of feedback. Lunch was again served and it was good Indian food again. I really like the fresh breads.
Afterwards I held a eDelivery/Infrastructure session, again lots of interest and feedback. Then I was done to wrap up email and visit the NIIT consultants.
Dheeraj, kindly volunteered to talk three of us out shopping in the afternoon. The kind of volunteering you do when everyone takes a step back and you are stuck. He took us to Connaught Place. I was a mile long circle of shops, street vendor and tons of shoppers. We walked the circle, there were many fast food shops, McDonald's and TGI Fridays. Interesting. We stopped by a craft shop and all bought some souvenirs. DJ took aim at the salesman and bargained away...at a period of time I thought I was going to get paid to take the crafts. My co-workers said we should take DJ to our company negotiations with our vendors to get the best deal. I think we got a 60% discount at the end, Thanks DJ!
We were also told about tomorrows coming attractions. There will be a team outing called the 3D party.....Drinking, Dancing and Diner. Not a bad combo.
We ate dinner at the hotel, and Italian restaurant. I got four small ravioli, not that filling, but I was fading fast. I almost fell asleep at the table I hit a wall. I managed to finish the meal and retired to my room. That's why no updates to the blog. I know I got lots of emails commented on that....and a late night phone call..... I slept like a baby until the next morning.
I was in the lobby about 15 minutes early, so I started to read the core team book...I got carried away and it was 10 minutes past our scheduled meeting time. I got nervous, I was too early or late. I found out that I was on time, everyone finally strolled in. I didn't mind as I was eating one of my favorite Indian dishes, Idle and Samba. It was delicious. Don't let Mark know I am arriving early to work...as he will have the same expectation for my at work....but I would require some idli's and it might work.
We had some time so I watch some TV. Last week my co-worker asked what my ice breaker would be and I said I don't or won't have one, just get to business but have fun. I say a Hindi music video. "just chill" , then it hit me this is my theme throughout my visit. So that was my ice breaker for all my session, but it later came back to haunt me...stay tuned.
We had a 3 hour session, where I talked about some 2007 accomplishments and 2008 projects...I was a great session, lots of feedback. Lunch was again served and it was good Indian food again. I really like the fresh breads.
Afterwards I held a eDelivery/Infrastructure session, again lots of interest and feedback. Then I was done to wrap up email and visit the NIIT consultants.
Dheeraj, kindly volunteered to talk three of us out shopping in the afternoon. The kind of volunteering you do when everyone takes a step back and you are stuck. He took us to Connaught Place. I was a mile long circle of shops, street vendor and tons of shoppers. We walked the circle, there were many fast food shops, McDonald's and TGI Fridays. Interesting. We stopped by a craft shop and all bought some souvenirs. DJ took aim at the salesman and bargained away...at a period of time I thought I was going to get paid to take the crafts. My co-workers said we should take DJ to our company negotiations with our vendors to get the best deal. I think we got a 60% discount at the end, Thanks DJ!
We were also told about tomorrows coming attractions. There will be a team outing called the 3D party.....Drinking, Dancing and Diner. Not a bad combo.
We ate dinner at the hotel, and Italian restaurant. I got four small ravioli, not that filling, but I was fading fast. I almost fell asleep at the table I hit a wall. I managed to finish the meal and retired to my room. That's why no updates to the blog. I know I got lots of emails commented on that....and a late night phone call..... I slept like a baby until the next morning.
India - Monday Miscellaneous
Just some random thoughts from my first day in India.
They love plants, flowers, tress and bushes, each day in the hotel the put new flowers in my room and bathroom. On houses and business offices you see potted plants everywhere.
I haven't watch must TV but their are a lots of English channels from USA, CNN and movie channels, not sure if that indicative of everywhere or only at the hotel.
My only task was to bring candy for the team. It arrived mid-day on Monday, so I am off the hook for that task. I was getting worried, as nothing arrived as of yet.
One of the craziest things I say on my first day was a bus on the street with full traffic and a number of people hanging on to the side as it proceeded down the street, I hope they get a discount. People hop on to the bus at all times, while going down the street, not sure if there are any bus stops.
We saw a family of 4 on a motorcycle, one kid on the handle bars and the other sandwiched between the mother and father. Another note, I see lots of women on the back of the motorcycles, mostly without helmet, I was told that they don't want to mess up their hair. Also the don't ride straddled, but to one side, not sure how they keep their balance.
My first meal, partially landed on my shirt, thankfully I was given Shout to bring, so I only had a big wet spot on the shirt of the time being.
I relate the trip to old Delhi, like a Jackie Chan movie, you see something unexpected at all times and on either side, so you don't know where to look. You have to deal with numerous people, bikes and people standing by, not to mention the small narrow roads with traffic going in both directions. This could be the next thrill ride at Disney world and make lots of money. Very exciting and exhilarating.
I tried to eat a salad at dinner and was reminded not to...
They love plants, flowers, tress and bushes, each day in the hotel the put new flowers in my room and bathroom. On houses and business offices you see potted plants everywhere.
I haven't watch must TV but their are a lots of English channels from USA, CNN and movie channels, not sure if that indicative of everywhere or only at the hotel.
My only task was to bring candy for the team. It arrived mid-day on Monday, so I am off the hook for that task. I was getting worried, as nothing arrived as of yet.
One of the craziest things I say on my first day was a bus on the street with full traffic and a number of people hanging on to the side as it proceeded down the street, I hope they get a discount. People hop on to the bus at all times, while going down the street, not sure if there are any bus stops.
We saw a family of 4 on a motorcycle, one kid on the handle bars and the other sandwiched between the mother and father. Another note, I see lots of women on the back of the motorcycles, mostly without helmet, I was told that they don't want to mess up their hair. Also the don't ride straddled, but to one side, not sure how they keep their balance.
My first meal, partially landed on my shirt, thankfully I was given Shout to bring, so I only had a big wet spot on the shirt of the time being.
I relate the trip to old Delhi, like a Jackie Chan movie, you see something unexpected at all times and on either side, so you don't know where to look. You have to deal with numerous people, bikes and people standing by, not to mention the small narrow roads with traffic going in both directions. This could be the next thrill ride at Disney world and make lots of money. Very exciting and exhilarating.
I tried to eat a salad at dinner and was reminded not to...
India - Update
Sorry for all those waiting for more updates, but last night I almost fell asleep at dinner, and didn't wake till a 11PM phone call then 6AM in the morning. I sleep like a baby and fully charged, so hopefully tonight I will complete the details from the last to days.
Thanks
Thanks
Monday, January 14, 2008
India Trip - Sightseeing
We meet our tour guide, Anil. Again another friendly and talkative person. We went back to the hotel to change and pick up my co-workers camera. Off to Humayun's Tomb. We were told that the horn was used to let the drivers, rickshaws, people in front that we would be passing and get out of the way. It is used like the break. I have a great quote from the driver : While driving in India, you need good breaks, a good horn and lots of luck. That was true today and I expect every day. You see lots of mixed people from the poor, middle and upper class living side-by-side. Another interested note is that trucks are only allowed in Delhi after 9PM and before 8AM. I think that was to do with limiting traffic and pollution, but wouldn't want to see what the traffic was like with the trucks during the day. As during the day we had to deal with cars, crazy motorcycles, rickshaws- manpower and auto driven, and many people walking. The Humayun's Tomb was very interesting, lots of land, green grass and many trees, somewhat like a park. We saw many old buildings and the renovations project with the manual process of getting the bricks ready for replacement. This was a nice first stop. One downer was the Lotus Temple wasn't open on Monday. This was a must see, hope we can stop by later in the week. Now off to India Gate. We saw men on the sides of the road painting the yellow like, a very slow and manual process, without saying very dangerous.
We stopped at the India gate, but were unable to get close as they are in preparations for next week Republic parade. We got pictures and will try to upload some tomorrow. Also I observed vendors selling pani puni - a treat (hard shell made out of flour, with vegetables inside and a spicy water) that I was able to indulge in at a co-workers celebration a while back. Then we went through the government buildings and stopped for pictures in from of the Parliament building...if I am conveying incorrect information, its because of my guide, not my notes or recollection. We traveled on part of the road where the parade will be held and that part was traffic free, a nice feeling. On our travels, we say monkeys on the street, street barbers giving cuts and shaves, and a samosa stand. Another interesting quote for the tour guide: In India everything is possible and nothing is impossible....I saw lots of impossible, like driving rules and regulations.
We drove by the Red Fort on our way to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque, seating 2,500 people at full capacity. This took us through Old Delhi. If you think New Delhi is too much, you haven't seen a thing. Old Delhi is wild. I loved it. Roads were small, traffic going both ways, people, bikes, motorcycles everywhere and I didn't see any accidents. We went through the hart of Old Delhi, seeing the markets, fish and chicken and may stores and shoppes. Honestly that experiences made the whole day complete. Somewhere in the mix we stopped at a tourist store, they had lots of cool items. My co-worker bought some items, but I held off shopping till I see more items. Now on to our last tourist destination,
The last stop was Raj Ghat, Gandi's Memorial place. This again was very well maintained as spacious with lots of grass and trees. We were told that world diplomats planted trees in the lands as a lasting memorial gesture. I was another cool site. Then we returned back to the hotel for dinner. We ate at the only place open at the time. I had a very traditional Indian meal.....pizza and I tried black tea. The pizza was great, big and filling and the tea was OK. After lots of conversation and talk of our journeys, we headed back to our room and I update today's adventures. Tomorrow will be mainly work stuff so not as exciting. I would have to say this trip has been great so far, different then what I have been told in all aspects.
We stopped at the India gate, but were unable to get close as they are in preparations for next week Republic parade. We got pictures and will try to upload some tomorrow. Also I observed vendors selling pani puni - a treat (hard shell made out of flour, with vegetables inside and a spicy water) that I was able to indulge in at a co-workers celebration a while back. Then we went through the government buildings and stopped for pictures in from of the Parliament building...if I am conveying incorrect information, its because of my guide, not my notes or recollection. We traveled on part of the road where the parade will be held and that part was traffic free, a nice feeling. On our travels, we say monkeys on the street, street barbers giving cuts and shaves, and a samosa stand. Another interesting quote for the tour guide: In India everything is possible and nothing is impossible....I saw lots of impossible, like driving rules and regulations.
We drove by the Red Fort on our way to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque, seating 2,500 people at full capacity. This took us through Old Delhi. If you think New Delhi is too much, you haven't seen a thing. Old Delhi is wild. I loved it. Roads were small, traffic going both ways, people, bikes, motorcycles everywhere and I didn't see any accidents. We went through the hart of Old Delhi, seeing the markets, fish and chicken and may stores and shoppes. Honestly that experiences made the whole day complete. Somewhere in the mix we stopped at a tourist store, they had lots of cool items. My co-worker bought some items, but I held off shopping till I see more items. Now on to our last tourist destination,
The last stop was Raj Ghat, Gandi's Memorial place. This again was very well maintained as spacious with lots of grass and trees. We were told that world diplomats planted trees in the lands as a lasting memorial gesture. I was another cool site. Then we returned back to the hotel for dinner. We ate at the only place open at the time. I had a very traditional Indian meal.....pizza and I tried black tea. The pizza was great, big and filling and the tea was OK. After lots of conversation and talk of our journeys, we headed back to our room and I update today's adventures. Tomorrow will be mainly work stuff so not as exciting. I would have to say this trip has been great so far, different then what I have been told in all aspects.
India Trip - To The Office
Honk, Honk......just trying to get your attention. That's how Indian drivers do it and as I experienced first hand today it kind of works out. We'll I got up after a somewhat good night of rest - once woke up to the honking cars, but overall not bad. The shower was great and really refreshing. I skipped breakfast at the hotel but had some snacks...that was OK until I was told the buffet had idles which are one of my favorites. We exchanged some money, not a great exchange rate though, 1 dollar = 37 rupees. Then we met our drives, I was assigned to Ansari, he was very friendly and talkative, which was fine with me....some initial observations...car honking is as part of the Indian driver as the turn signal, not really sure it their cars have turn signal or no one uses them. It took about 45 minutes, but saw many interesting things. We got to consultant office buildings (three buildings) and saw the sweets store, we will visit that later in the week. We checked-in and met Sarvata (overall manager). Then met some of the team leads, Manish (RBPS and BIS), Sona (ODT and ODR) and Raj....I will update later with the correct name (Stratweb and BB). Vikas joined us as well. We had lunch, Dal, rice, some cottage cheese items, chicken, a couple selections of flat bread and a sweets dish. Everything was very good, a little spicy but really good....I needed to have seconds. I had a can of Coke - it had a pull tab, haven't seen that in years. Then we went to the second building to meet the team....We walked around and met many people. I finally ran into my buddy, DJ "Hollywood". I was good to see him after a year or so. We then got on the computer and did some emails...then we planned our sight seeing activities.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Inida Trip - Airport and Hotel
After getting off the plane, we waited for about 1/2 in queue to go through our first security check in and had our passports stamped. We got our lounge and exchanged some monies. They went through customs, very long and uneventful. We walked through a crowd and found our drives waiting with our name on a board. They assisted with luggage to the cars through a back door. I saw auto confusion and lack of order for the first time. I saw many cars, truck and motorcycles. We got the luggage loaded and off to the hotel.
The driver and others on the road are very horn happy...that is music to their ears I guess. Lines don't mean much as they mainly straddle them and I saw a number of motorcycles run a red light, not very safe. There were all kinds of auto, small cars, cycles, truck and larger go-carts on the road. I also saw some one stopped on the side of the road relieving himself. We got to the hotel and I had a headache from the horn and swerve ride...not too bad.
Hotel greeted us politely, check-in was quick, people were extremely polite and helpful. I unpacked made a phone call back home and am now siting at a Internet terminal, typing all theses posts to get me caught up for the day....
Travel wasn't that bad, accommodations were awesome. I am heading to bed for day one in the office.
The driver and others on the road are very horn happy...that is music to their ears I guess. Lines don't mean much as they mainly straddle them and I saw a number of motorcycles run a red light, not very safe. There were all kinds of auto, small cars, cycles, truck and larger go-carts on the road. I also saw some one stopped on the side of the road relieving himself. We got to the hotel and I had a headache from the horn and swerve ride...not too bad.
Hotel greeted us politely, check-in was quick, people were extremely polite and helpful. I unpacked made a phone call back home and am now siting at a Internet terminal, typing all theses posts to get me caught up for the day....
Travel wasn't that bad, accommodations were awesome. I am heading to bed for day one in the office.
India Trip - Travel
I had a driver pick me up at my parent's house at 3PM, he was a little early and departed shortly afterwards. We needed to make one stop to pickup another co-worker, then off to Newark. We arrived at Newark airport around 5:30. Going through the security check, I was alerted that I had liquids which were unacceptable. I took three tiny containers of Gatorade to keep my stomach settled on the flight. They confiscated those items pretty quickly and everything else was pretty uneventful. We waited in the president's lounge. That was pretty nice, comfy chairs, football game, drinks, and crackers and cheese. We tired the Airborne cocktail, glass of water and one Airborne tablet. I reminded me of Alka-seltzer, but tasted like gator aid. We left for the gate around 7:30, we needed to check-in again and soon after boarded the plane.
Seats were big and comfortable, I say they had a special plug for the electric, which I had planned to watch DVDs, that was quickly changed. Seats allowed for automated leg rest, leg rest extension, seats to go back and a back arch setting...very comfortable. We were given a choice between a number of papers to read and the game each of us a package of socks, eye covers, tooth paste, tooth brush, mints, and head phone to name a few. I started drinking plenty of water as I always get dehydrated on the plane. I was a smooth take off and they estimated 12.5 of flight time. The flight route was up the coast, over Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean, below Greenland, over Russia and into India.
Meals: first course was assorted nuts and an Indian mix of nuts, dried fruit and spices. That was different in that it was sweet and spicy, chewy and hard. Not something I would eat on a regular basis. The second course was breads, wine and water. The third round consisted of appetizers, beans in a tomato or shrimp and lobster. Then was the salad, which I was getting stuffed. Then the main course followed by a hot-fudge ice-cream sundae.
Flight was pretty smooth, some bumpy areas but overall good. I saw parts of three movies, 3:10 to Yuma, The Heartbreak kid and the Gameplan. Nothing really exciting but passed the time. I sleep for 3-4 over Russia. They gave out hot wet towels before each meal, very refreshing.
Breakfast or Dinner: Started with a hot wet towel, then OJ and juices, rolls and sticky buns, ending with cereal or omelets.....Another multi-course meal.
We touched down around 8:45PM India Time, ahead of schedule.
Seats were big and comfortable, I say they had a special plug for the electric, which I had planned to watch DVDs, that was quickly changed. Seats allowed for automated leg rest, leg rest extension, seats to go back and a back arch setting...very comfortable. We were given a choice between a number of papers to read and the game each of us a package of socks, eye covers, tooth paste, tooth brush, mints, and head phone to name a few. I started drinking plenty of water as I always get dehydrated on the plane. I was a smooth take off and they estimated 12.5 of flight time. The flight route was up the coast, over Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean, below Greenland, over Russia and into India.
Meals: first course was assorted nuts and an Indian mix of nuts, dried fruit and spices. That was different in that it was sweet and spicy, chewy and hard. Not something I would eat on a regular basis. The second course was breads, wine and water. The third round consisted of appetizers, beans in a tomato or shrimp and lobster. Then was the salad, which I was getting stuffed. Then the main course followed by a hot-fudge ice-cream sundae.
Flight was pretty smooth, some bumpy areas but overall good. I saw parts of three movies, 3:10 to Yuma, The Heartbreak kid and the Gameplan. Nothing really exciting but passed the time. I sleep for 3-4 over Russia. They gave out hot wet towels before each meal, very refreshing.
Breakfast or Dinner: Started with a hot wet towel, then OJ and juices, rolls and sticky buns, ending with cereal or omelets.....Another multi-course meal.
We touched down around 8:45PM India Time, ahead of schedule.
India Trip - Farewell Party
Woke up on Saturday morning and finished packing. Needed to run around a bit to make some final purchases. I bought some pizzas as my family was going to hold a farewell party for me at noon. My entire family showed up to see me off, but really they attend to get a free meal (just kidding). We had lots of food and cake. Nephews brought me some snacks, as they were debating to keep the snacks for themselves, but eventually turned them over to me and a original self-created sticker card from each of them. My niece created a crayon card and wasn't too eager to let that go either Thanks to everyone for attending.
India Trip - Why Blog
Just wanted to let everyone know this wasn't my idea, as I haven't been really attracted to blogging, but one of my co-workers suggested I create a log and I thought to include it in my blog and be done with it. I told him that since I have given him many tasks in the past which he always completed successfully that I could and would do this task for him, so here it is.....
India Trip - Preparations
I was asked to travel to India and be part of my company's annual executive trip to one of our consultant corporate center. Since I work with many Indian co-workers, I though it would be a great time seeing their homeland and allow me to better relate with them. Initially I was told three major details, I would fly business class, duration would be about a week, and I would need to get a number of shots. Then I was also told that I would have some other tasks, lead some presentations, purchase some chocolate candies and send before our arrival as a gift, and I would need to read a book as it relates to the executive theme of the week. This wasn't that earth shattering. My only concern is if the Eagles were going to have any playoffs games, but as you are already aware that concern did not have any merit.
Medications: I needed about 4 shots 2-3 weeks before my departure, another a week before, another 2-3 days before and the last one - 6 months after my return. I am not a big fan of shots, but everything went without incident. Also I was given a daily pill and a pill for sickness if required.
Other preliminary information: Take lots of over-the-counter stomach medications to recover from the spicy foods. Don't drink the water, only unopened bottles, even when brushing your teeth. Eat at main restaurants not with any street vendors. Do not eat the uncooked vegetables, no salad. Everything must be cooked and always look for the steam from the foods. Finally, fruits were acceptable if they had to be peeled.
If I followed these simple rules, I should have a fun and uneventful trip.
Medications: I needed about 4 shots 2-3 weeks before my departure, another a week before, another 2-3 days before and the last one - 6 months after my return. I am not a big fan of shots, but everything went without incident. Also I was given a daily pill and a pill for sickness if required.
Other preliminary information: Take lots of over-the-counter stomach medications to recover from the spicy foods. Don't drink the water, only unopened bottles, even when brushing your teeth. Eat at main restaurants not with any street vendors. Do not eat the uncooked vegetables, no salad. Everything must be cooked and always look for the steam from the foods. Finally, fruits were acceptable if they had to be peeled.
If I followed these simple rules, I should have a fun and uneventful trip.
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