TravelStream™ news feed for member s27dickson on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/s27dickson en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sun, 20 Aug 2006 21:11:00 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1156091220/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1156091220/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1156091220/tpod.html Sun, 20 Aug 2006 21:11:00 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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New Delhi, India

It's interesting find common themes across cultures. Today, I came across an Indian version of "ojo" or the "evil eye." While shopping around Delhi and Gurgaon on previous occasions, I realize now that I had seen various versions of the same all with the intention of warding off the eye.

At first sight, I dismissed the items as merely a charm or a sun catcher. I'm now thinking how ridiculous as the ones that I recall seeing were no where near a window or light source. After much inquiry, I came to know that this round bright azure blue background with a white center and black beady pupil in the center is intended to ward off evil for shopkeepers, businesses, etc. I was advised that upon entering the vicinity of the establishment (as not all businesses I entered actually had walls or a roof for that matter), the amulet protects agains the ill-will of a customer (talk about anti-theft devices, who needs those ink filled cartridges anyway?) and ensures that your business will thrive over your competitor. It also protects against forces of nature, unforseen tragedies, and of course, fluctuations in the market.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155648600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155648600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155648600/tpod.html Tue, 15 Aug 2006 21:01:41 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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Gurgaon, India

"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance .... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again." - Jawaharlal Nehru (Speech on Indian Independence Day, 1947).

I think this just really says it all.

For more info, this was a good site: http://festivals.tajonline.com/independence-day.php
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155524880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155524880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155524880/tpod.html Tue, 15 Aug 2006 20:44:55 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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New Delhi, India

Unfortunately, like the birthday cake in the face, we do not have the all-out work party in our office. This party was a resort, garden, conference center called Tivoli Gardens. Yes, please take time to look at the link...it's beautiful. http://www.tivoligarden.com/

Drinks started at 7 with appetizers of fish, paneer, and other really wonderful things that I can't seem to remember for a variety of reason (you pick the one that you think is appropriate).

The DJ played a variety of music from hip-hop to India's Top 40 to traditional Punjabi music. The BIG difference was that everyone from the office danced. Ok, so not every single person that attended the party...but about 90% did! I literally danced for about 4 hours straight with small breaks to the bar for water. Really. It was at least 85 degrees and 60% humidity. Add in a crowded dance floor with 200+ people ranging from full intoxication to 0.0 B.A.L. and it makes for a splendid time.

Dinner was served at 9:30, but I never quite made it to the serving tables. The lure of the dance floor was simply too strong. Also, I was able to borrow this very chic black halter party dress from a dear friend and dancing was the only way to do it justice.

The party ended with a traditional Punjabi song and the crowd pleading the DJ to keep playing. I ended up leaving at almost midnight (this 27 yr old Cinderella knows when to quit).

So enjoy the pics and know that it was an excellent work party, the likes of which I have never seen in our US office.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155013380/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155013380/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1155013380/tpod.html Tue, 15 Aug 2006 19:56:36 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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Gurgaon, India

So once again in the tradition of Indian/work birthdays, a co-worker is sloshed with his own cake. Have I mentioned that I'm glad this is not a tradition that our US based office practices?
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154671440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154671440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154671440/tpod.html Sat, 05 Aug 2006 21:55:14 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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Gurgaon, India

Another birthday celebration in the office. Unfortunately this time however, we only had one cake. Regardless, it was a great way to spend the early morning.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1153893720/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1153893720/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1153893720/tpod.html Sat, 05 Aug 2006 21:28:18 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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Gurgaon, India

Happy Birthday!

It was Bhavisha's birthday on 7-26. In the tradition of Indian birthdays at work, we celebrated with cake...in her face. The birthday started out promising with singing, cake, sharing. Bhavisha even had a new suit made for the occasion. The party turned sour when cake started flying and ended up on her face and suit.

We all had a good time and she eventually started talking to Ankur a couple of days later.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154284500/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154284500/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154284500/tpod.html Sat, 05 Aug 2006 21:09:43 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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Gurgaon, India

Chor Bazaar, or the "market of thieves," is where we had dinner this evening. The original is appropriately located in Old Delhi, the one in Gurgaon is a very nice replica however.

The Chor Bazaar is called the market of thieves because it is where stolen goods end up for sale. The dining area consists of stained glass windows, a recessed candle wall, a vintage 1927 Austin car (now turned into a buffet), a massage table (aka the salad bar), a vintage 4-post bed (the big party table), and various church pews serving as seating areas. The cutlery didn't match, but was always silver. The plates were ornate, swirling with flowers and paisley designs - obviously the best stolen china anywhere.

The food was phenomenal! Very flavorful and the presentation was extraordinary. I will definitely be dining there again before leaving.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154131980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154131980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154131980/tpod.html Sat, 05 Aug 2006 21:06:47 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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Gurgaon, India

So, dinner this evening was awesome! We strolled down about 2 blocks from the office to an outdoor cafe called Machan. The name refers to a hunting stand while on the hunt for tigers - like the equivalent of deer hunting but obviously a deer isn't going to do what a tiger potentially can (sorry Dad, it's true).

Regardless, the atomsphere was incredible. It was a warm, breezy night and we were all hungry and tired from training all evening. Dinner started with a barbecued chicken dish (sorry, don't remember the name). Drinks followed, non-alcohol of course as we were still working afterwards. The main courses consisted of butter chicken, paneer daal, buttered roti, and a mutton dish. All of which were incredibly tasty and filling!

We eavesdropped on nearby men getting drunk at the wetbar. This one guy was constantly shouting "you're not listening, I'm the boss!" Hey, it's better than "I'm sorry man, I love you. No really, I LOVE you." Yeah no comment on that experience. Regardless, we had an excellent time eating, talking, and eavesdropping.

The walk back was nice but it started to rain a bit...hopefully everyone will survive over the weekend and turn back up for training again on Monday sans head cold.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154272200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154272200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154272200/tpod.html Sat, 05 Aug 2006 20:32:32 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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Gurgaon, India

I took these pics very early in the morning but after the diehard joggers had already left. The skyline to the left of my terrace is beautiful! It will be amazing to see how Gurgaon continues to grow and develop. I look forward to an opportunity in the upcoming years to visit again and see no gaps in the horizon.

For more info on an awesome place to stay: http://dlfclub.com/
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154199600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154199600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/s27dickson/india_2006/1154199600/tpod.html Sun, 30 Jul 2006 15:21:10 -0400 India - looking through the looking glass and finding Wonderland.

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Gurgaon, India

ok, so not a bar but a really cool three room flat. I was invited to Pia's for dinner and I eagerly accepted the invitation as she is one of the coolest Indians that I know. We started dinner with barbecued prawns and chicken in a spicy Thai sauce. I made a fresh salad with orange slices and red and yellow peppers. The main course was veggie lasagna and wonderfully garliced bread (Andy was right, adding more garlic was definitely the way to go). Pre-dinner drinks consisted of tonic and gin; we had a local wine during dinner. Andy says that the Indian wine industry should be picking up in the next 25-30 years and will likely replace the California wines in the mid-priced market.

We rounded out dinner with games of Chinese solitaire and Pirates of the Carribean (part 1). The next go round will include after dinner drinks and cigars (and pics too)...I was just entirely too tired to partake that evening.

Overall, a good time was had by all. It was nice to just "hang out" and not have to be entertained.
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