Weekday mornings in office is always a rush. Parallel jobs. Multi-tasking. Mails. Deadlines.
A lovely voice came on the PA system two days ago. It invited people to go to the common area where there was a blood donation camp being set up.
I took some time off and landed there. In the queue were scores of people ready to donate blood.
Aerosmith Concert. Dubai Exiles Rugby Stadium. This could be once in a lifetime chance. I took it. And reached there. After a quick haemoglobin and BP check, it was my turn. I took my place in one of the beach beds temporarily set up for the day. To my left was an Arab gentleman and to my right was someone from Srilanka.
We all had tubes running from our arms and the de-coagulator was working. It moved the blood collecting pouch in a slow see-saw motion to ensure that the blood did not coagulate.
The pouches were marked with the blood group and taken away. I wondered who the recipient would be. Irrespective of his nationality, creed, color, race, he would use my blood or anyone else's. It didn't matter. The blood was common.
Last night I landed at the Aerosmith Concert in Dubai Exiles Rugby Stadium. The place was packed. I haven't seen a more energetic action packed crowd.
Steve and gang pelted some amazing music last night. The best of Aerosmith hits. People from all races, all sizes and shapes. Different nationalities. And thanks to Aerosmith producing hits since the 70s, there were different age groups too. From 6 to 60.
I stood there in the crowd, tipsy and happy. The crowd sang along many famous numbers. I felt the power of music.
The same crowd that lives in different social circles, siloed sang together. To my right was an Arab. To my left was a bunch of Englishmen. We sang the same songs. Irrespective of his nationality, creed, color, race, Aerosmith cut through. Nothing mattered. The music was common.
Friday, June 1, 2007
What are you made of?
I took a cab after a short shopping trip to the Mall of Emirates- took the first available one at the cab stand.
Internet City, I told him.
“How are you?” asked the driver. I thought he was being sweet and exchanged wishes. He kept checking me in the mirror.
“Do you work there?” “Yes”
“Did you take a cab to there yesterday?” “Yes”
He continued, “I think you took my cab yesterday too from Mall of Emirates”
I smiled. “That’s cool. Nice to see you again, then” I joked. “ but I don’t think I took your cab. Because I went from Greens to Internet City” That is my route to work
He told me the whole story in his best English, “someone like you come in my cab yesterday. His meter 21.50. He gave 51.50 and he go. Can’t stop cab in the middle of the road. Lots of cars behind . So, I park in parking lot and go to his office. Cant find him. 30 Dirhams he left.”
I quipped him “Good for you, my friend. Bonus for the day, huh?”
“No” He did not sound amused.” I don’t want other people money.”
“Why?, I asked him. “So, what did you do?”
I put in the box. Medicine charity. Khalaas. That’s all. And he ended the conversation\
I knew a cabbie does not make more than Dhs.100 a day. And 30 dirhams would have meant a lot to him.
But his principles were bigger than 30 dirhams. He did not sell his principles for that measly sum. This is what he is and this is what he was made of. I was happy to meet this guy.
My cab fare was 21.50 too. I gave him 22 and started walking. He shouted out. “My friend, your 50 fil. Please take”
Internet City, I told him.
“How are you?” asked the driver. I thought he was being sweet and exchanged wishes. He kept checking me in the mirror.
“Do you work there?” “Yes”
“Did you take a cab to there yesterday?” “Yes”
He continued, “I think you took my cab yesterday too from Mall of Emirates”
I smiled. “That’s cool. Nice to see you again, then” I joked. “ but I don’t think I took your cab. Because I went from Greens to Internet City” That is my route to work
He told me the whole story in his best English, “someone like you come in my cab yesterday. His meter 21.50. He gave 51.50 and he go. Can’t stop cab in the middle of the road. Lots of cars behind . So, I park in parking lot and go to his office. Cant find him. 30 Dirhams he left.”
I quipped him “Good for you, my friend. Bonus for the day, huh?”
“No” He did not sound amused.” I don’t want other people money.”
“Why?, I asked him. “So, what did you do?”
I put in the box. Medicine charity. Khalaas. That’s all. And he ended the conversation\
I knew a cabbie does not make more than Dhs.100 a day. And 30 dirhams would have meant a lot to him.
But his principles were bigger than 30 dirhams. He did not sell his principles for that measly sum. This is what he is and this is what he was made of. I was happy to meet this guy.
My cab fare was 21.50 too. I gave him 22 and started walking. He shouted out. “My friend, your 50 fil. Please take”
Saturday, April 14, 2007
This Corner of the Earth
"This corner of the earth is like me in many ways
I can sit for hours here
and watch the emerald feathers play
On the face of this I'm blessed
When the sunlight comes for free
I know this corner of the earth it smiles at me"
Lyrics from Corner of the Earth by Jamiroquai
I started my road trip here. 7 different emirates. All to be covered in 3 days. To meet different branches of our organisation- different people.
They welcome us. They greet us. Great hospitality. Friendly. Passionate. Emotional. Practical. Business-like. Forceful. Interesting. Many conversations. And many adieus wishing us a safe trip on the road.
I wished I could stay longer in each city or town to know more about people. Not just talk to them about customers, sales, feedback, issues and business. I wanted to know them. Understand their life. Want to see the city. See the lives people lead. Just 3 hours away from homeland, but things are so different here.
Last stop on last day is a small town called Al Ain. We have a branch there. We are late. The office is shut. We meet the care-taker/security guard. He shows us around. We are dead exhausted. Al Ain is warmer than the other cities. Al Ain must be deep into the desert, i console myself, the summer isn't here yet.
We finish our work. 4 tired people. 3 days of road trip. We are going home!
I ask the security chap. "Where do we get some good tea here? "
"Right across the road, just behind that store."
We walk.It was not just across the store. Quite a distance to get there. It was a small cafeteria run by our friendly folks from Kerala, South India. I walk in.
"Do you have tea?"
"Yes, saar"
We order for 2 teas, a bottle of water, a soft drink. My eyes stop at a counter. Pakodas, samosas, vadas. Awesome. I order for some onion pakodas.
No one dares to touch it. The cafeteria could be a shady place for people from uptown Dubai.
I smell some cooking, Kerala parathas.
"Wow! Can you pack me some?"
"Yes, sir. How many?"
"4. Dinner is here too!" I exclaim.
"Chicken or mutton curry, saar?"
"Chicken"
Parcel arrives. I have finished my own plate of pakodas and my tea.
"How much?"
"10 dirhams."
"And how much for the parathas and curry"
"10 dirhams all inclusive, saar"
"Wow", I tell myself." This is like the small malayalee joint back in coimbatore"
I walk with pride. I have quenched everybody's thirst. I have had pakodas and tea, something i haven't done in months. I am carrying kerala parathas and curry for dinner.
I walk to the car humming....
"This corner of the earth is like me in many ways ...
...
..I know this corner of the earth it smiles at me"
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Glimpses of the past!
"Don't live in the past. Don't live in the future. Live for the present."
Last night we were at Sho Cho's. An 'expensive', 'upmarket' japanese bar & restaurant on Jumeira Beach Road. It's virtues of being expensive or upmarket don't help to filter out the growing crowd. We elbowed our way in and hit the bar.
The DJ in the far end was spinning. It was retro! Every second song takes me to someplace.
Roxette- I remember bangalore.
Beat It blares Michael J- I remember dancing for that song in school. It was the new 'Break dance.'
Cranberries- My first 14 inch second hand Akai colour TV.
Temple of the King- The tape from my college dorm.
I realize the power of music. It takes people some place they heard it first. Someplace one has already been to. I realize why I love living in the past. Space in time I have been to, seen, rehearsed. I can modify that memory. Clean it, spit and polish. So, retro + music- what a combination
2 more heinikens. And with every song, I travel across time, across the globe, many discotheques, many people, friends, good times, nostalgia.
3 am. Time to go.
At the immigration counter of NOW and the bouncer opens the door for me.
Last night we were at Sho Cho's. An 'expensive', 'upmarket' japanese bar & restaurant on Jumeira Beach Road. It's virtues of being expensive or upmarket don't help to filter out the growing crowd. We elbowed our way in and hit the bar.
The DJ in the far end was spinning. It was retro! Every second song takes me to someplace.
Roxette- I remember bangalore.
Beat It blares Michael J- I remember dancing for that song in school. It was the new 'Break dance.'
Cranberries- My first 14 inch second hand Akai colour TV.
Temple of the King- The tape from my college dorm.
I realize the power of music. It takes people some place they heard it first. Someplace one has already been to. I realize why I love living in the past. Space in time I have been to, seen, rehearsed. I can modify that memory. Clean it, spit and polish. So, retro + music- what a combination
2 more heinikens. And with every song, I travel across time, across the globe, many discotheques, many people, friends, good times, nostalgia.
3 am. Time to go.
At the immigration counter of NOW and the bouncer opens the door for me.
Jam. Served hot.
Big meeting planned in Oman, the next day.
Dubai to Oman. 2 hours to check in. 35 minutes flight. 1 hour to check out at the Muscat airport. We arrive late at night. Office was 10 kilometers from the hotel. Meeting at 9 am. You need to start early to beat the peak hour traffic says the lady at the front desk. We agree. Muscat, capital city. Must be quite packed in the morning, we reconcile. Cab called for 8:30am.
After a quick meal, night cap, and pressing my shirt for the day, I hit the bed. The alarm buzzes. It is 7 am. 7:35-out of the room. 7:40-woman at the desk taking time to check me out. 8:00-hit breakfast table. 8:30- at the porch waiting for the cab. 8:35- wait continues. 8:40- red lights in the head. thought blurb with woman saying" start early to beat the peak hour traffic" 8:40- Panic. search for local office contacts to check on the cab. damn we dont have the cab drivers numbers. 8:45- Cab comes in.
"Why are u late?"
No reply
"How much time will we take? How far is office?"
"11 Kilometers. Depends on traffic"
"Shit" I murmur
"Lots of traffic?"
"Yes, sir"
The cab speeds across the long, clean roads of Muscat. We see no cars on the road. No signals. Winging flyovers.
8:55- I can see our office building. No sweat.
I see a traffic signal ahead. 5 cars at the red light.
Cab driver says "Traffic Jam, sir. Peak Hour"
Perspectives?
Dubai to Oman. 2 hours to check in. 35 minutes flight. 1 hour to check out at the Muscat airport. We arrive late at night. Office was 10 kilometers from the hotel. Meeting at 9 am. You need to start early to beat the peak hour traffic says the lady at the front desk. We agree. Muscat, capital city. Must be quite packed in the morning, we reconcile. Cab called for 8:30am.
After a quick meal, night cap, and pressing my shirt for the day, I hit the bed. The alarm buzzes. It is 7 am. 7:35-out of the room. 7:40-woman at the desk taking time to check me out. 8:00-hit breakfast table. 8:30- at the porch waiting for the cab. 8:35- wait continues. 8:40- red lights in the head. thought blurb with woman saying" start early to beat the peak hour traffic" 8:40- Panic. search for local office contacts to check on the cab. damn we dont have the cab drivers numbers. 8:45- Cab comes in.
"Why are u late?"
No reply
"How much time will we take? How far is office?"
"11 Kilometers. Depends on traffic"
"Shit" I murmur
"Lots of traffic?"
"Yes, sir"
The cab speeds across the long, clean roads of Muscat. We see no cars on the road. No signals. Winging flyovers.
8:55- I can see our office building. No sweat.
I see a traffic signal ahead. 5 cars at the red light.
Cab driver says "Traffic Jam, sir. Peak Hour"
Perspectives?
Housekeeping from UK
Living in a service apartment for a few weeks is a pampering experience. You leave the apartment without worrying about the dustbins, the plates, the bed linen, the towels etc. Return from work to a sparkling apartment cos the housekeeping fairy godmother has visited your apartment, kept it ready for you to dirty it all over again.
The first few weekdays and weekends I was out, so I never got to see who the fairy god mother was. One weekend, after some serious partying the previous night, i was nursing a bad hangover and did not want to venture out. Ding Dong. "Housekeeping!" Open the door.
Fairy Housekeeping god father was there. A pleasant young man and all his teeth stared at me.
I wanted time away from people. I wanted to hit the bed. Our man insisted on having a conversation with me.
"So where are you from, Sir?"
"India"
"Bombay, huh?"
"Yes"
"Working here, Sir?"
"Yes"
"How long are u going to be here, Sir?"
"Dont know"
"Looking for a house,Sir?"
"Yes"
"Liking Dubai, Sir?"
"Yes. It's a nice city. Expensive"
I was drowning. Please do not make conversation. I dont want to be rude. I am a nice guy. Maybe I will ask a few questions and close this discussion.
"So where are u from?" I asked the fairy god mother.
"UK!"
I say, "Great. You sound like a south Indian, though"
"United Kerala, Sir"
My hangover vanished.
The first few weekdays and weekends I was out, so I never got to see who the fairy god mother was. One weekend, after some serious partying the previous night, i was nursing a bad hangover and did not want to venture out. Ding Dong. "Housekeeping!" Open the door.
Fairy Housekeeping god father was there. A pleasant young man and all his teeth stared at me.
I wanted time away from people. I wanted to hit the bed. Our man insisted on having a conversation with me.
"So where are you from, Sir?"
"India"
"Bombay, huh?"
"Yes"
"Working here, Sir?"
"Yes"
"How long are u going to be here, Sir?"
"Dont know"
"Looking for a house,Sir?"
"Yes"
"Liking Dubai, Sir?"
"Yes. It's a nice city. Expensive"
I was drowning. Please do not make conversation. I dont want to be rude. I am a nice guy. Maybe I will ask a few questions and close this discussion.
"So where are u from?" I asked the fairy god mother.
"UK!"
I say, "Great. You sound like a south Indian, though"
"United Kerala, Sir"
My hangover vanished.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The World Super Culture & Behaviour
In the shortest time, I have met people from a vast number of nationalities. In the last few weeks, i have met people who orignate or from Lebanon, UAE, Syria, Oman, Pakistan, South Africa & Yemen. Similar circumstances, similar job profiles, similar life stages, similar situations. But varied responses.
Cultural moorings change the way one looks at the world. For a person from the west,Dubai is a place in the mid east, rather, part of the east, still developing. For someone from asia, this is his first step towards the west. Well developed, higher standards of living. Others from the middle east come to Dubai for what they can't get in their countries. Opportunity, partying, quick buck, and even peace. The large populance from lebanon and iran will endorse that. It is their region with some more plus plus.
But, the umbilical cord is very strong. People do not change with move. One can see tinges of racism a few from the west. Many from asia still feel subdued, over powered. In meetings and in life their reactions are subservient.
How people react differently with people with the same background or from the same country. Is there sub set of acceptable behaviour with your own people. And a super set of world behaviour?
The more places people go to and more cultures people assimilate, they find the threads of world behaviour. Some commonalities across the world are respect, tolerance, neutrality
As more people travel across the globe, live across countries, I think a super global behaviour will arise. And hopefully it will take the good things from all cultures and manifest in behaviour that will be the pinnacle of our civilisation.
Cultural moorings change the way one looks at the world. For a person from the west,Dubai is a place in the mid east, rather, part of the east, still developing. For someone from asia, this is his first step towards the west. Well developed, higher standards of living. Others from the middle east come to Dubai for what they can't get in their countries. Opportunity, partying, quick buck, and even peace. The large populance from lebanon and iran will endorse that. It is their region with some more plus plus.
But, the umbilical cord is very strong. People do not change with move. One can see tinges of racism a few from the west. Many from asia still feel subdued, over powered. In meetings and in life their reactions are subservient.
How people react differently with people with the same background or from the same country. Is there sub set of acceptable behaviour with your own people. And a super set of world behaviour?
The more places people go to and more cultures people assimilate, they find the threads of world behaviour. Some commonalities across the world are respect, tolerance, neutrality
As more people travel across the globe, live across countries, I think a super global behaviour will arise. And hopefully it will take the good things from all cultures and manifest in behaviour that will be the pinnacle of our civilisation.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
DXB to DXXLB
This is an XL city.
From Coimbatore, Bangalore was XL
From Bangalore, Bombay was XL
From Bombay, Dubai is XXL
From sands of the desert a huge city rising and shining.
Bigger than I saw it for the first time 3 years ago.
Grander than I imagined it would be from what I heard from people.
Visions of one man?
Is it possible? It reminds me of old history texts which spoke of emperors under whose rule trade and culture flourished. This is a history-textbook story. It is big. It is amazing.
XL lifestyles- all designer brands, designer cars, designer villas, designer beaches, designer islands, designer dogs, designer malls, designer designers.
XL opportunity- I meet cab guys turned businessmen, Office boy turned millionaire, Bicycle turned to BMW. People who have ridden the Dubai wave
Happy to be here. Desperate to get out of the suitcase.
From Coimbatore, Bangalore was XL
From Bangalore, Bombay was XL
From Bombay, Dubai is XXL
From sands of the desert a huge city rising and shining.
Bigger than I saw it for the first time 3 years ago.
Grander than I imagined it would be from what I heard from people.
Visions of one man?
Is it possible? It reminds me of old history texts which spoke of emperors under whose rule trade and culture flourished. This is a history-textbook story. It is big. It is amazing.
XL lifestyles- all designer brands, designer cars, designer villas, designer beaches, designer islands, designer dogs, designer malls, designer designers.
XL opportunity- I meet cab guys turned businessmen, Office boy turned millionaire, Bicycle turned to BMW. People who have ridden the Dubai wave
Happy to be here. Desperate to get out of the suitcase.
Ibn Batata
Ibn Battuta:
The great moroccan traveller.
I didnt know of him till I got to Dubai. A big mall in his name. Apparently he has a crater in the moon named after him too. A glorious adventurer who travelled thousands of miles across dozens of countries. He went where his life took him.
I am now in dubai. Life has brought me here. The fatalist in me has followed.
My voyages are voyages of the body, the mind and the spirit within.
I am Ibn Battuta in my own world. I am Ibn Batata from the batata land of bombay! I seek an adventure, and I know it is one I will get.
The great moroccan traveller.
I didnt know of him till I got to Dubai. A big mall in his name. Apparently he has a crater in the moon named after him too. A glorious adventurer who travelled thousands of miles across dozens of countries. He went where his life took him.
I am now in dubai. Life has brought me here. The fatalist in me has followed.
My voyages are voyages of the body, the mind and the spirit within.
I am Ibn Battuta in my own world. I am Ibn Batata from the batata land of bombay! I seek an adventure, and I know it is one I will get.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
