Life in Another Country - Long Version
Discussion
Having spent just over 7 years living and working in India I can relate to everything you have written. I was asked to go to Jaipur to finish a project, duration 6 months. Well that turned into 20 months and then I was asked to work on new project in Kolkata (Calcutta) for 2 1/2 years (which became 3 1/2 years) and then to move to Delhi to chase payment from Jaipur and Kolkata and work in Jamshedpur. I was based in Delhi for 18 months before I moved to Dubai.
I was working on water infrastructure projects (assessing level of efficiency and making recommendations on how to improve the situation).
I also had a PAN card and an Indian driving license (useful as I could claim the VAT back when buying electrical goods etc in the UK) and used to go through the same "but you are not Indian how can you have....".
Sunday morning = golf as it was about the only thing to do.
It was hard and frustrating work but I don't regret going. I still go back once or twice a year as the in-laws live in Delhi. Through having an Indian wife I now have a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cars which is a 15 year visa, allows me to have a bank account (if I wanted one) and to buy property. This does give me some funny looks at Indian immigration.
I would go back and work there but only after I have finished my next project in the Seychelles....
I was working on water infrastructure projects (assessing level of efficiency and making recommendations on how to improve the situation).
I also had a PAN card and an Indian driving license (useful as I could claim the VAT back when buying electrical goods etc in the UK) and used to go through the same "but you are not Indian how can you have....".
Sunday morning = golf as it was about the only thing to do.
It was hard and frustrating work but I don't regret going. I still go back once or twice a year as the in-laws live in Delhi. Through having an Indian wife I now have a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cars which is a 15 year visa, allows me to have a bank account (if I wanted one) and to buy property. This does give me some funny looks at Indian immigration.
I would go back and work there but only after I have finished my next project in the Seychelles....
IanUAE said:
Through having an Indian wife I now have a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cars which is a 15 year visa, allows me to have a bank account (if I wanted one) and to buy property. This does give me some funny looks at Indian immigration.
I keep meaning to get mine - what was the process?OP, nice to hear that they care enough to keep the place clean - winds up me up when I visit how filthy it is and that they simply can't be arsed.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand is absolutely spotless!
OpulentBob said:
IanUAE said:
I also had a PAN card and an Indian driving license (useful as I could claim the VAT back when buying electrical goods etc in the UK) and used to go through the same "but you are not Indian how can you have....".
Ooh claiming VAT back??? Tell me more? 
Asterix said:
IanUAE said:
Through having an Indian wife I now have a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cars which is a 15 year visa, allows me to have a bank account (if I wanted one) and to buy property. This does give me some funny looks at Indian immigration.
I keep meaning to get mine - what was the process?Feel free to give me a ring on 050 659 8780 if you want to discuss.
Asterix said:
IanUAE said:
Through having an Indian wife I now have a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) cars which is a 15 year visa, allows me to have a bank account (if I wanted one) and to buy property. This does give me some funny looks at Indian immigration.
I keep meaning to get mine - what was the process?IanUAE said:
Quite easy actually. Go down to the Indian Embassy in Dubai, collect form, complete form, collate original and copies of 1) your passport, 2) wifes passport, 3) marriage certificate (we got married in the UK and this is not an issue), 4) couple passport pictures, 5) some cash (cannot remember how much but not un reasonable, go to consulate, submit, pay wait about 2 weeks and hey presto you get a PIO card (mine lasts for 15 years but I could exchange it for a lifetime card!!!!).
Feel free to give me a ring on XXX if you want to discuss.
Cool, Ta.Feel free to give me a ring on XXX if you want to discuss.
I've noted the number if you'd like to remove it now mate.
Edited by Asterix on Thursday 10th September 12:12
OpulentBob said:
We stayed at the Flying Elephant, about as far south on the island as you can go without hitting the heavy jungle. It's more of a yoga retreat but as it was off season, we were the only ones there and there was no yoga going on. The owners also have a stake in Andaman Bubbles and a couple of other resorts on the island too, but they're not megalomaniacs or anything, just a really down to earth Canadian/Indian couple who have built a nice peaceful life for themselves there, and as the island is becoming more popular, they are almost being forced to expand to cater for them all.
I heard tales from my instructors of Leopard Sharks, Whale Sharks and some variety of Ray off the coast on some of the larger reefs out to sea. There is also something substantial in the waters because I say the smashed up remnants of a the biggest lobster I've ever seen on the sea bed when I was down there! If you can handle the chore of getting there, then it's got potential for some excellent diving.
Thanks I heard tales from my instructors of Leopard Sharks, Whale Sharks and some variety of Ray off the coast on some of the larger reefs out to sea. There is also something substantial in the waters because I say the smashed up remnants of a the biggest lobster I've ever seen on the sea bed when I was down there! If you can handle the chore of getting there, then it's got potential for some excellent diving.
Hi Bob.
I was discussing your thread in the office the other day as we have recently used a guy in India to do some Excel development fork for us through freelancer.com He's been very good and we have paid him nearly AU$1000 in the last 4 months. Assuming he's doing similarly good work for others on freelancer, I assume he could be doing quite well at this pay rate?
I was discussing your thread in the office the other day as we have recently used a guy in India to do some Excel development fork for us through freelancer.com He's been very good and we have paid him nearly AU$1000 in the last 4 months. Assuming he's doing similarly good work for others on freelancer, I assume he could be doing quite well at this pay rate?
200bhp said:
Hi Bob.
I was discussing your thread in the office the other day as we have recently used a guy in India to do some Excel development fork for us through freelancer.com He's been very good and we have paid him nearly AU$1000 in the last 4 months. Assuming he's doing similarly good work for others on freelancer, I assume he could be doing quite well at this pay rate?
That works out around 450GBP, so around 120GBP/month I would say - I guess it depends how many hours he's working for that! It wouldn't get him very far in Mumbai, but it would be a pretty decent salary somewhere in the sticks... I'd guess that as far as he's concerned, he's getting a good wage, and as far as you're concerned, you're getting a good product for a good price! I was discussing your thread in the office the other day as we have recently used a guy in India to do some Excel development fork for us through freelancer.com He's been very good and we have paid him nearly AU$1000 in the last 4 months. Assuming he's doing similarly good work for others on freelancer, I assume he could be doing quite well at this pay rate?
OpulentBob said:
It is indeed the Fern, it's a nice enough place but in reality it's very similar to a UK travelodge. Seems to be the default for westerners! I'd love to stay at the Renaissance but the cost would be eye watering. I've been there for the odd brunch and to use their pool, once every few weeks as a decadent western treat...
Sounds like you'll be here for the start of the festivals, they sound crazy and I'm looking forward to seeing them. Drowning the Ganpatis, the people-ladders, the stick dances etc. I missed Holi which sounded like a lot of fun.
I feel a bit sorry for Western women, the expats I've been speaking to get a little nervous at the gyms and pools, the local guys will all stop what they're doing and stare while they use the machines etc. I don't think it's anything sinister as much as the novelty of seeing women integrate a little, but I couldn't say for sure either way.
I have a soft spot for the Fern and as it was just a base for a week, I had no problem with it. And the Chef took a shine to me and used to make me extravagantly decorated Kulfi desserts.Sounds like you'll be here for the start of the festivals, they sound crazy and I'm looking forward to seeing them. Drowning the Ganpatis, the people-ladders, the stick dances etc. I missed Holi which sounded like a lot of fun.
I feel a bit sorry for Western women, the expats I've been speaking to get a little nervous at the gyms and pools, the local guys will all stop what they're doing and stare while they use the machines etc. I don't think it's anything sinister as much as the novelty of seeing women integrate a little, but I couldn't say for sure either way.
I am a bit of a nervous traveller in some situations and the unashamed staring is quite nerve wracking but I just make sure I don't let myself get into situations I cannot handle.
I am also blonde (don't get excited chaps, it may be natural but I am well into my forties) and they are fascinated by the hair colour. staring and trying to touch it, this is a step too far for me.
Flights are now booked for end of November as I couldn't make October due to personal commitments and I am staying at:
had ham said:
I do like the Renaissance - and not too expensive either - we have a corporate rate of approx. £75/night...!
I've seen worse views out of the window first thing on a morning on a business trip!
That view of the pool has got me very excited. I won't have too much time to swim in it but I will find some............................ 
I've seen worse views out of the window first thing on a morning on a business trip!
I'm glad it's been entertaining!
I will update later this evening, with what will probably unfortunately be my last one. My company is losing 3 fairly senior members of staff from my UK office this week, and I have been summoned back to help with the inevitable backlog.
Hopefully it will only be for a month or two, but who knows... Anyway - will update later!
I will update later this evening, with what will probably unfortunately be my last one. My company is losing 3 fairly senior members of staff from my UK office this week, and I have been summoned back to help with the inevitable backlog.
Hopefully it will only be for a month or two, but who knows... Anyway - will update later!
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