After spending a decade in the US of A ... I packed up and came back to Chennai (permanently). Three years back, this would have been an impossible scenario to even think ... but as of today I am back and so far it has been good. I am going to narrate about by returning / re-adjusting to India experience in a series of posts. Without too much drama, I'll just get started.
Why did I come back to India ?
I am definitely not going to bring up heavy sentiments of patriotism, motherland calling, taking care of parents ... etc etc(like most people do). I just got tired of my VISA status affecting all major decisions of my life. I want to have the freedom to do what I want to do. This being said - I have NO ill feelings about the US of A. I also needed a BIG change to SHAKE things up in my life.
India ... after 10 years ...
I returned around mid-April. This is the time of the year when Chennai is "sweltering" HOT. The first thing I noticed right after getting off the plane was the humidity. The fact that I had just visited Alaska 10 days before made it all the more dramatic. It felt like I had transitioned from a fridge to an oven (20°F to 35°C).
Chennai Airport (or any Airport / Railway station) is a swindlers paradise. As a rule of thumb here - NO ONE IS NICE ... DO NOT TRUST ANYONE WHO IS NICE (they are after your money / trying to cheat you in a skillful way). Right from the point when I was waiting for my checked-in bags to arrive, I encountered one such blessed soul (sarcasm intended) who tried to help me with my suitcases. I specifically asked this dude if he was with the airline and he said he was 'private porter' at the airport. I told him a couple of times that I was fine and needed NO help and he could help someone who really needed it. He still decided to stick on and loaded my bags on to a trolley and he asked me to spare him some $$$ (not Rupees). I politely refused and walked away. On my way out, I was flooded by taxi and auto drivers who tried to offer me best fare to my Chennai destination (a.k.a Home). They're pretty smart and annoyingly persistent ... at the slightest hint that you're totally new / did not do your research, they might charge you $500 for a ride that is worth Rs.500 (Rs.500 is approximately $10). After evading them, I finally come out to see another big swarm of people waiting for their near & dear ones. I was relieved to spot my brother-in-law waving to me amidst the chaos. In India, CHAOS RULES !!!
In the past 20 days, I have been enjoying good good home food. I don't have to cook or clean the dishes ;-). I only have to EAT :-) :-) :-). The fact that I have been away from home for long helps in this aspect ... I like the attention / pampering (no harm in enjoying it when it lasts).
Other than that, I have been going around the city in ALL forms of public transport. I was pleasantly surprised (on a couple of occasions) to travel by AC deluxe VOLVO bus. It was supremely comfortable (I was able to fit in comfortably in the seats). I have also used overhead trains and regular trains (like NYC subways). Although people here in Chennai, don't prefer public transport, I seem to be having a love affair with it. Especially after living in a place like Kentucky where public transport is scarce, it is wonderful to not be dependent on car.
to be continued ... (hopefully on a regular basis)
