Meeting people..
is easy… they are just all over and you meet people all the time. In fact, another issue emerges here – how not to meet people…
Ok. I mean, basically, meeting people of the same sex … for the sake of meeting regardless any sexual and matrimonial consequences…
But at times you can really meet great people in somewhat interesting settings. Last week I was in the bus – reading a report of female foeticide (sex-selective abortion with strong son preference). A girl sitting next to me asked where I work and I told her. She replied she is working for an NGO’s that deals with population programs. Amazing ;o) Ok, we did not discuss the scope of female foeticide, but had a nice chat. This way I am really getting a clue of what people are doing here and what kind of life they are having. Needless to say, I got her email address.
Last night I went to Sarojini Nagar Market to shop for a sari (seriously, I am going for a wedding next week). On the bus I asked one woman how to get to the market. By coincidence, she was going the same way and a conversation developed. She explained me her views on sari being a very comfortable and sexy wear. She also explained where I should buy it and where I should not. She warned me regarding bargaining (ok, that’s I know). The woman, by the way, appeared to be from Vasant Kunj police station (near my office). All those connections (our organization does training and more with police and when she was looking for her business card to give me, I saw CSR’s business card in her wallet)! She gave me her phone numbers and told that day after tomorrow she would be free so she can accompany me for the sari shopping. Can you believe it?
Still, women do not approach you like that on the streets or anywhere else: there is a sort of reason for conversation or it is you asking them for some tips or directions. People might call me a gender freak, but I have to state: being a White male it’s much easier to meet people here. Or just different. Just last night at TC (this western-like pub) I observed Hannes being approached by so many Indian guys. They all wanted to make friends with him, to take pictures with him, exchange mobile numbers, gave him their business cards. I was not approached by any girl and none of our girls was either... Women get jealous, men get friends? Does female sisterhood emerge only in need, but no reason needed for male brotherhood?...
Ok. I mean, basically, meeting people of the same sex … for the sake of meeting regardless any sexual and matrimonial consequences…
But at times you can really meet great people in somewhat interesting settings. Last week I was in the bus – reading a report of female foeticide (sex-selective abortion with strong son preference). A girl sitting next to me asked where I work and I told her. She replied she is working for an NGO’s that deals with population programs. Amazing ;o) Ok, we did not discuss the scope of female foeticide, but had a nice chat. This way I am really getting a clue of what people are doing here and what kind of life they are having. Needless to say, I got her email address.
Last night I went to Sarojini Nagar Market to shop for a sari (seriously, I am going for a wedding next week). On the bus I asked one woman how to get to the market. By coincidence, she was going the same way and a conversation developed. She explained me her views on sari being a very comfortable and sexy wear. She also explained where I should buy it and where I should not. She warned me regarding bargaining (ok, that’s I know). The woman, by the way, appeared to be from Vasant Kunj police station (near my office). All those connections (our organization does training and more with police and when she was looking for her business card to give me, I saw CSR’s business card in her wallet)! She gave me her phone numbers and told that day after tomorrow she would be free so she can accompany me for the sari shopping. Can you believe it?
Still, women do not approach you like that on the streets or anywhere else: there is a sort of reason for conversation or it is you asking them for some tips or directions. People might call me a gender freak, but I have to state: being a White male it’s much easier to meet people here. Or just different. Just last night at TC (this western-like pub) I observed Hannes being approached by so many Indian guys. They all wanted to make friends with him, to take pictures with him, exchange mobile numbers, gave him their business cards. I was not approached by any girl and none of our girls was either... Women get jealous, men get friends? Does female sisterhood emerge only in need, but no reason needed for male brotherhood?...
posted by Olga Tikhonova | 11:43 am
2 Comments:
HEha,a,a,,a,a,a,a,,aa,
I love reading your blogs,,.... A very true picture...of mordern india or city new delhi.
Another Indian Abroad.
Cheers!!!
hei Rahul,
wow! One of the best kind of praise you can get when writing or telling about a country is that from the natives of this country. Thank you so much! Where are you based for now? I love being in India as every day brings so many of experiences that they outgrow the blog even ;o)
Thanks a lot for reading and commenting,
Olga
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