Weekend 2/15cont.-2/19

Continuing on the 15th, Deepak took us to a hospital to check it out...... Man, total chaos! You see, when one family member goes to the hospital, the whole family usually comes too....... Which means, there's 3-4 times as many people there..... Anyway, we took the tour and I only got lost twice from the group..... But, at least we now have an understanding of how the hospital system  works.

Also on Friday, Deepak took us to the local movie Theater..... I didn't get any pictures here as it looked like any other huge modern theater....... One thing interesting though, they have a desert place right next to it, which is owned by the theater chain...... When you walk into this place, it's like it could be a desert shop on Melrose Ave...... Young, hip, and wild looking deserts, but tasty too........

Then to cap the evening off, Deepak took Karen and I home to meet his parents and wife (Meeto).... It was so much fun. We learned how an actual Indian family lives and worships...... Later, we sat down for some Indian snacks...... This was truly a high-lite to our exhausting day..... Really down to earth people. 

By the way, I've been invited to his cousin's wedding at the end of the month...... More to come on this.....

Then on Saturday 2/16 - we were off..... Going from one furniture show room to another looking for cheap furniture for our new (hopefully) apt...... We put this couch on hold. It cost Rs. 56,900 on sale........ Which equates to approx. $1,425. 

Wait a minute, it's not that cheap!

For a late lunch, we went to this great little south Indian Restaurant..... The name escapes me for the moment. It's located at the Park Sheraton Hotel, which is right around the block from the Boat Club area...... Again, this is the area where I'm trying to get the apt....

If you think the roads weren't hectic enough, try the local mall "Spencer's". It was so packed we lasted about 15 min. there...... And for Karen and shopping, that's unheard of......  We did find a neat antique furniture store which I'll go back and pick up some end tables later this week......

Week of 2/11 - 2/15

This is another vegi. Rest. called - "Cream Center" not only does it have Indian food, but Mexican and Greek as well...... But I have to tell you, the Quesadilla and Pita w/Humus tasted good, but with Indian spice......

This is the welcoming committee at the airport..... I was waiting for Karen to arrive. Can you pick me out in the frame?

This was my Tuesday....... Spent at the Bureau of Immigration.. You see, I have 14 days from the time I arrive in India to register for a work visa..... The only real treat was Deepak picked me up in one of those Auto Rickshaws..... Boy, was that a fun ride......

. 

Then we went to Bazaar on the streets and a Singapore Shopping Center..... They have a little of everything CHEAP......... I would have posted more pictures, but to upload a picture to my blog takes about 5 min. per pic. (that's if it works)

Then Karen and I spend the rest of the week looking at places to live....... This was a beautiful house w/4 bedrooms a study and a backyard....... It was sooo cheap.... But the big problem, it was way out in the country and about 35 min. to work (w/traffic)...... I will try to post more pics later. Also, we think we found an apt. we really liked and we're waiting to see if we get it...... It's more expensive but it's in town and close to work...... 

Day 3 - 2/10/08

I hit the wall today...... No Pictures. I spent the whole day in the hotel. I had breakfast and dinner and the rest of the time I either slept or watched Cricket........

Cricket is a pretty exciting game. India was playing Australia in melbourne. India won by 5 wickets.... Don't ask me how it's played. I'm still figuring it out.

That's all for today...... Maybe more pictures tomorrow....

Chow

Day 2 - 2/9/08

Well, where do I begin..... Here is where I'm staying "The Park in Chennai", and the view, along with a pool on the roof......

While we were out hunting for housing, Deepak stopped along the side of the road for a little refreshment, coconut juice. It's supposed to sooth your stomach..... It actually tasted pretty good. I would definitely do it again...

Here are 2 possible places I found to live...... The apts. inside looked really nice and roomy. The ocean view was extraordinary, until you looked down. You saw the most disgusting living conditions ever..... People living in tin huts along with all the trash. You would never want to walk the neighborhood at all. I guess you could call this the extreme, which I've heard so much about.......

My first day in India 2/8/08

Wow what a day... It started as a 21 1/2 hr plane ride followed by an hour car ride to the hotel.

Here are some pictures of the ride from the airport to the hotel.......

.

 Also on the way, it took so long, our driver fell asleep and Deepak (my work contact) had to wake him.....

 

After a little nap in the hotel, Deepak took me to "Little Italy" an Italian restaurant. I call it a taste of Italy, Indian style....

It was as I expected, an overwhelming and fulfilling day........