Sunday, September 13, 2009

Phase 2: The friend

Since coming here, I have come to know a lot of people, who have of course become friends by now. However, there is a slight difference in the definition - not actually the definition, but the line differentiating the friend from the acquaintance.

It might be because of the short span of time that I have lived here that I feel this, but the fact that there are such less people who you can actually talk normally with; in your own language, about things that you would normally talk about back home; that whoever can at least listen and respond to such conversation automatically becomes your friend.

People you hang around with are your friends, and then there is no necessity of being close to them.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Phase 2: Commencement

My mom sat with me in the afternoon; asking if I was ready for the new phase in my life. She thought I was, and so did I.

The flight to Newark was full of some of the best words written to/for me; with the upgrade to Business from Brussels onwards adding a lot to the excellent experience.

Jersey City was hot, to say the least. I was ready with a sweatshirt in one hand, and a raincoat in the other. The weather was sure to play a large role in this new phase of my life.

After a smooth immigration and an excited hug with my sister, we moved on to her house. The living room was a guy's dream; a 32" Sony LCD, a Harman Kardon sound system, a Playstation 2, a Nintendo Wii, and the Rock Band Set. I spent a couple of hours singing, drumming and playing the guitar; obviously out of tune.

The next few days passed by in eating different cuisines having really large portions, roaming around Manhattan like it was Bombay, experiencing Eureka-like moments for some engineering problems, and cooking a little bit of food.

We drove to Pittsburgh on the Friday. After a brilliant brunch of eggs, sausages and the world's yummiest pancakes, we arrived at the Steel City. Pittsburgh at night was quiet, to an extent that we felt a little scared walking back to the hotel at 10.30 pm; but that is how Pittsburgh is, not unsafe, but quiet.

Most of the next day was spent apartment hunting and settling down. We took a tour of Carnegie Mellon and fell in love with it.

America has really impressed me; at least with the food if not more. In the 10 days I have been here, I have had Indian, American, Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Chinese and Thai food. On my list next are Polish and Spanish.

It has been a good first few days of the new phase!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Choices

The choices you make depend on an uncountable number of factors. This is why the world goes on. A little variation disturbs everything remotely connected to it.