Its been three weeks since we have landed in India and two weeks since I started my new role as the CEO of Cabot Solutions. I thought I would give an update on how things are progressing for us as a family and for me, professionally and personally.
In a nutshell, if you ask me today how things were, I would say they are fantastic ! We have had a very good initial transition, even though I am afraid the transition period is still in place and wont be over until we fully settle in at our house here in Kochi. We had shipped all our goods in a container from Halifax on March 20th. It was expected that it would reach Kochi, India around the 1st week of May. Due to shipping delays, it now wont get here until the 27th of May. That has caused us a bit of grief, but in the big picture that is a small problem to have right now.
Our trip itself was uneventful but pleasant. The connections were great and we did not spend any time idling around in airports. As a result, we were all in good shape and spirits when we landed in Kochi and that in turn, allowed me to do a quick run to the duty free shop at the Airport and get some of my favorite beverages.
Weather here at this time of the year is not fit for welcoming somebody from Halifax. It is in the high 30s and humid. Air conditioning is the only savior and I sometimes get a chill just thinking about the power bill that I will have to pay at the end of the month. Kids are putting up a brave front and adjusting themselves very well. Their diet is still a bit messy as they find some of their favorite food items missing from the menu here. But overall, they are doing an excellent job drinking and eating. As I was mentioning to Vani, I don’t think I have seen Veda this excited for such a long period of time in a stretch. She is amused by anything and everything around her. The temples, roads, cars, other kids…etc, you name it, she has a comment or two about things around her. Sruthi is a bit more bugged by the heat this time than her previous visits and has no idea how to tackle that. Even though she walks around with a water/juice bottle around, she is still a bit dehydrated and is sleeping more than usual. Vani is playing the anchor role to a perfection and she is making sure the kiddos are doing well and happy all the time. She has her hands full throughout the day and night. Nap time is her favorite part of the day, but Veda doesn’t like taking naps anymore and she also doesn’t want Sruthi to take one.
We have made one trip to our home town. Trivandrum. It was a short trip of 4 days but still packed with events. My mother turned 70 in April and we had a small celebration for that. My nephew turned one, also in April and we celebrated his birthday with great pomp as well.
By far, I am having the most fun J I have a new job where I have lots to contribute and lots more to learn. I am also learning driving a car in this mayhem of Indian roads and traffic. Currently, I drive a two wheeler to work and it is fun. I too am not a big fan of the heat and I am finding comfort in the air conditioners, wherever I can find them. The lunch options are very exciting and I am having fun exploring the different restaurants in the office neighborhood. Management and HR issues here are different from the ones that I have encountered in North America, but nothing that good common sense and business knowledge cannot overcome. I am trying to introduce some best practices for project management, delivery and general employee benefits in my first month here.
I haven’t had a chance to take a lot of pictures with my camera. I have taken couple of shots with my phone camera. The first one here is a picture taken from my car. It is the picture of a family riding in a scooter. The scooter is meant for two riders and as you can see in the picture, there are four people in this one. The second picture is that on an elephant in our neighborhood temple. I shall send more pictures as they become available.
Please do stay in touch and stay tuned for the next edition of Back to India…..
