30 January 2007
After living outside India for nearly 2 years and 7 months and some odd days now, it is definitely a time for me to do a comprehensive analysis of what I have been through in past. Hence decided to dedicate a series of posts on the living experience here down under.
I arrived in this country like any other NRI flashing his teeth in search of a wonderful life ahead. Glorification was taught to us, Indians, by the rich NRI, who remit money at the count of lakhs in each and every bank account found in India. I was excited & thrilled to pouch at the opportunity.
No sooner than I arrived in this wonderful land, I was shown the door by my friend to find a life on my own. I came in search of Independence and Democracy, most importantly a career, I was given my share of it immediately. I found myself with 72 kgs of baggage on the road at midnight on a Sunday, with my grad school commencing just two days in time. A helping hand was given, I grabbed it with the most dubious smile ever given.
The first semester was an experience of lifetime. I experienced Snapshots from Chris Gardner life all 6 months . So I was well prepared expecting the worst danger possible. I had my own doubts if I would be able to succeed in this profession. My expectations were as usual souring high, not thinking about the delivery. I was fortunate enough not to get bowled over by the speeding ball when delivered. I got an insight of a different education system (Not that I went to my under-grad classes!). Wondered if it is was a research degree or coursework for long; later realizing I was sitting in the wrong lectures! Started waking up at 2pm in the morning to discover my assignments pending even after putting in zillion hours of work in it with my friend then realized my logic is totally wrong.
If school life was such, home stay was even better with nice friends unfortunately forced to leave the house due to some misunderstanding. But as the story goes of an usual desi who in the process of Cultural issues and Indianism, as termed, forgoes the best of opportunities in aid of a better future, and curses himself while thinking about those golden doorways again. Those late night parties followed with surprise assignment the next day at class was the best combo, even beating a 40 points in 2 quarter by Jordan.
One year flew faster than I thought it would. It left me under-prepared for the Project. My coach always say that in basketball third and fourth quarter are the toughest in Game. He didn't lie. It was the toughest in terms of academic vigorousness coupled with Social life. I am no Social animal, but certainly love the pleasure of a company. This proved to be the best chance to discover the circle & enhance my network. I met some fabulous people at university & outside university, giving an eventful finish to what it can be termed as a synchronized semester. But I found this semester to be far more advanced with some wonderful lectures.
I realised academic systems are different. Research was given more priority than spoon-feeding lectures. Even after immense paper submissions, the marks were allocated according to the in-depthness of the subject matter involved. In India it was about India, but in Australia it was not about Australia; rather about the World, may be this proved to be the biggest difference. Everything was large-scale and big-picture than country specificness. The best part about the whole experience was the design which suited poets and in-experienced students, synchronized with industry professionals & amazing lecturers. Knowledge transmission was fabulous. I grew myself, groomed and more work-ready.
At last the day came where I need to put full stop for my studies and to start thinking about my Job. Damn!! Life is really fast but again I was fortunate where I end up with Job. New Job, New life, New friends, New place and of course New goals - this is how I started my year 3. To be honest I enjoyed my life as student but now everything changed in different way. I have to think from square to decide something in my life.
This is life .. Lets enjoy .. Keep smiling..
29 January 2007
Last five days I was in Canberra with my friends and I had a nice time hanging around everywhere in Canberra even though it was an official trip. I found some interesting stuff about Canberra when I spend my time over there..
I’d like to correct some people’s views of Australia's capital but these are some interesting stuff I noticed when I was there...
ACT locals don’t like traffic lights. I counted at least twenty roundabouts and 10 car's passed even if it's in RED.
The city has to be the greenest city in all of Australia - instead of token parks in between masses of buildings, Canberra has token buildings between masses of parks and bushland. I saw some car's number plate saying ‘Australia’s bush capital’ .
Their buses have stickers on the outside of windows that state (in all seriousness) ‘Do not enter the bus through windows’.
Locals remark they do have traffic jams - but when the lights go green, the jam is gone (I’m told they have recently started having real traffic jams due to increase in population).
Their bus stops are camouflaged as 70’s science fiction booths ( not all Bus stops only few of them).
They have an unusual amount of irish themed pubs for such a small population which seems to be too busy where you can't get in after 10 Pm.
The first couple of people I met told me that Canberrra is like Perth but much quieter. That concerns me given I thought Perth was quiet.
Everyone who I saw walking the streets of the city had Government ID cards on lanyards around their necks. I’m talking 3 out of every four people, no kidding ( Most of them working in Government sector).Every place of importance needs to be named starting with the word ‘National’ (see National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, etc) or ‘Commonwealth’ (Commonwealth Place, Commonwealth Circle, Commonwealth Building, etc) - I expected to see a National Commonwealth 
Capital Street, but I was sadly unfulfilled.
There are 80 embassies within 5 km of Parliament House.
There is little graffiti or stenciling.
There are no international flights in or out of Canberra ( Really bad) .
Everyone is amazingly friendly - bus drivers, taxi drivers, random people in the street.
28 January 2007
This is one of my favorite films of the this year which emotionally won my heart. Will Smith is nothing less than perfect! The story is about a man (Chris Gardner) who is very much a victim of taxes. He is a family man, with a wife who is fed up with living in such debt, and a five year old son is to young and innocent to know whats going on. Will Smith wins my pick for the best actor award come Oscar season. He gives it all and there isn't a single scene that he could have done better.
For me as a graduate, it is a major wake up call! Chris Gardner talks about how he would get an A on a test and wonders how he got where he was, homeless, and doing everything he possibly can to help him and his kid (Jaden Smith Wills REAL son) get through this. The film co-stars Thandie Newton, and she gives a great performance as well. This movie should be seen in schools! Its that important! Next to Untied 93, this is the most powerful and eye opening movie I have seen this year! 10/10.
You should definitely watch this.. yes it is pretty sad in the beginning and the middle but you will feel happy at the end. It turned out better then i expected. It is one of the most heartwarming stories ever... and you actually can feel your body crying inside. I would definitely recommend that you do see this!.
