What is Vegetarianism in Indian Terms

What is Vegetarianism
I am a Vegetarian; short form Veggie and when I say the same in the restaurant here in Indonesia, first look which the waiters give is ''Aaahhahhh'' I was 100% sure that there will be issues with the food and was ready for the same. I was fine with it and was ready to be on bread and rice for the whole month and thought it will actually be one kind of dieting for me.
But did not expect that I will get to see a question mark on people's face when I say that I am a veggie and next question come up asking that since have I been a veggi - I respond, since I have been born. Next question - So do you get Veggie food in India easily. I am required to answer this question very carefully as in India we have both categories of people who eat Veggie and Non-Veggie easily with no questions for any. Also, this can be grouped further to spicy-non spicy, hot - non hot, same thing made in different ways etccc....

Regarding my experience ---> Here, Veggie means - some vegetables boiled in salted water and steamed rice, fried rice or just one type of veggie pizza.

So, I thought to put down some pictures and details regarding the Vegetarian food of India. We have so many vegetables which can be cooked and we can have Vegetable Curries made out of the same in different ways. Hence, won't be able to give the number as permutations and combinations will make the list go very big. Also, each region of India takes the main ingredient and cooks the same in n no. of ways.

Just some Examples::
1. Vegetable Curry
a. Paneer made in 10-15 diferent ways.
b. Ladyfinger (Bhindi) Curry made in n no. of ways.
c. Potato(Aaloo) can be made single or used in different vegetables in different ways.
d. Cabbage
e. Cauliflower
f. Vegetable Kolhapuri

2. Different types of Breads which can be made out of the cereals.
a. Rice
b. Wheat - We make different types of Bread -->Chapatis/Naan/Puri and many morewith the same
c. Barley
d. Corn
and some more which I don't remember

3. Some Examples:

And the list goes on and on...I am not a big foodie so couldn't put the right foot in front of you all..Sorry for that but...Keep Eating. Indians love to eat and I look forward for my new friends made here in IBM -CSC Team and in Indonesia to come down to India and taste the food of India. You will like both Veggie and Non-Veggie.

See you in India...

Crazy Week with memorable moments!!!

Crazy Week with memorable moments!!!
Week 3 - First two days!!!

It was Work from Hotel as there are demonstrations all over Indonesia for the Fuel Price Hike. Hence, IBM and our clients asked us not to go out of the hotel due to the safety issues. So, we worked from the hotel but only one week left to complete and close everything. I just hoped that things are better soon and we can deliver the work in a good shape.All of us worked, had discussions over each one's project, discussion over the Common Presentations. Work in the lobby or our Team Room. Liked a lot!

Wednesday - Went to the office. Presented our draft work to the Director and Chief. They provided some comments and were happy with the scope and the expectations which we have tried to capture and accordingly tried to provide some solutions to the same. Also, we got more inputs and requirements over which we need to work and finally finish our work before Monday. We have planned to provide some sessions, training on Monday and Tuesday for the Office Staff and then last 2 days we have the meeting with the Mayor, Press Conference and some community activities. But, it seems so less time and so much to do. I want some more time. Last moment work. Gosh! I feel what will happen. Wish, I can exceed my Clients expectation as per IBM's Vision. Give me strength!!!

Thursday - Awesome, lovely, crazy day!!! We asked our Clients to go to the Villages and meet the Community Women and see the actual scenario. We wanted to go before but due to the time constraints as our clients were busy with some important deliverables, then rains, then demonstrations. But finally we made it today.

We started around 10.15 from our hotel. Picked up Anti(Office Staff on the way from her home). Reached the first village in the Maros District somewhere around 11.50 AM. We went directly to the Community Leader's Home but he was not present, his mother ( she is like a grandmother to us - She is called Nene here). She was so sweet and loving. She got the black tea(I thought, I will not like it as we normally drink tea with cream/milk, but I liked it), then she got noodles with fish egg(Which I couldn't eat, but my team mate - Sabine liked it), now she got some vegetables(some boiled vegetables for me - they were also good), then bananas. It was good brunch!. Then some more women turned up and we spoke about the marketing strategies/promotions they should do for these fish eggs. To give the background, these village women make some home made things and then sell and try to make some money for their home and to get better livelihood, but they are not able to sell/market it in a good way. We tried to give some ideas regarding the Promotion Schemes they should implement . Also, in the end we spoke about Women Empowerment, Motivation; I spoke a lot, but due to the language issue,I could not put my thoughts in the proper format. I wanted to talk and I am sure, I could have spoken for hours on this topic if it was in Hindi/English. After this, some pictures, chicken dance and so much. These women had so much enthusiasm. Just loved it. I had around 24 bangles in my hand when I left my hotel and after the visit from this village, I just have 6 of them as rest all taken by the village women. They liked it so much and I wished I had more to give them. Actually, everyone likes the Indian dresses here- I wear suit (churidaar suit) sometimes, some people call it Saree maybe coz. of the dupatta but they like it a lot.

On the way to the next village, I was thinking if this is what I really want to do forever. I felt so good after this. I am not sure, what is stopping me to take this type of Social Work as full time. But, this what I have been always looking forward to. I just wished, that if IBM would have given me more time to be here and do something, I would have loved it like anything. I actually don't have any issues in living near these people and be part of their families and work for them. I don't know, after todays meeting, something is going in my mind which I am not able to put it down right now. Its like a web inside and I am looking for the right way to come out.
Getting back to our crazy day, on the way there was a wedding preparation going on. There was a tent and people sitting around, there was music, food. Not sure, what time was the wedding but we went there and took some pictures. Went on the stage and sat on the chairs which were for the bride and the groom. Did Chicken Dance with everybody present. After this, they asked us to sing some song. From India they wanted Chaiyan Chaiya or the song from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Sad and bad of me that I didn't know either. But, imagine I, Nitu Sharma went on the stage, alone and sang the song 'Ruk Ruk Arey Baba Ruk'. Girl, who has never sung any song till date, the girl who doesn't remember any lyrics ever went and sung the song. God knows where did I get all that courage, but I did it. I am sure, my voice must have been bad. I liked it but felt and wished if I knew one of the songs they wanted and also wish if I could have the good voice to sing and make these people smile.

Ok..let's move.., we went to the second village. This was less developed than the one before. Also, these people were more shy and we got to know that we were the first time foreigners in this village. There has never been anybody before in this village ever. The people were shy and didn't want to talk much, but they gave us lot to eat. I got some cake and Sabine got Salted Eggs. But, as we sat and tried to speak, gradually they started talking and we spoke about the product they make and we suggested to them that they should actually make and sell the handmade designer cloth which will help them to generate better money than salted eggs. Finally, they gifted us this hand made cloth. So sweet of them.

Finally the third village, where we found a group of Engineering students who was their Community Assignment for two months to teach English in the village. Good Work! Also, had some milk with jelly(very good, liked it).

After this back home/hotel. Day was great and lot to learn and maybe lot for me to introspect myself, my future. There is so much more to write, but thats all for today. Thanks to All!!

Week 2 - First Hand Expierence of Snorkeling!!!

Week 2 Ends with the and awesome expierence of Scooby-Dooby (Snorkeling and Diving)

Thursday was a good day for work. Shared the work done by us with Andi and Irham.Got some more points that what is required regarding the marketing of the product we want to sell. Work is in Progress. I really want that we should be able to provide the good deliverables to client which they can implement.In the evening, we all had a good discussion/brainstorming over each one's Project and all of us shared our views.

Friday was a holiday in Indonesia. Hence, we got a long weekend for ourselves. Two of our team members left early morning for Java to check out the famous temple and other places.Rest of us went to Trans Studio(Internal Theme Park). We got on almost all the rides. It was more fun to have all together and hence, we enjoyed. After this some went for dinner and some came back to the hotel.

Our Clients, YKL - NGO - working for the Marine Conservation had the scheduled Reef Check this weekend for the Universirty Students. This was to check and compare the Coral and Marine Life at different points near three different islands. Hence, we were invited as part of our assignment. Also, they agreed to have our complete team join them for the same.We left Saturday Morning with all the students from different groups, diving club with their equipments, some gasoline to be sold on the island, some people of the island, food etc. We had a good fun over the boat, made Toraja Coffe(awesome taste) on the boat, had lunch on the boat, all tried to mingle with each other inspite of the language barrier. It seemed like a Cruise to myself - no AC or big things but a small group living each moment. Weather was not with us. It started raining after some time of our start and hence, we could not Reef Check any of the scheduled points till afternoon. We reached Barang Lompo Island where we were going to stay in the Marine Diving Station Club. Good place to live in. We took a walk around the island and some of us went for Snorkeling. Water was not so good. I went especially as this was the first time I was getting into water for Snorkeling or for anything. Till date, it has been just on the beach and play in the water.It was good, but I was really afraid. Special Thanks to Irham for his guidance and always being there. Javier was with me all the time to help me. Terima Kasih!!. I could see some corals, fishes here and there.Dinner was good. I got vegetables and rice. After that had a good discussion with Andi over the Project, philosophy, etc. Also, some songs, dances, talks, guitar. It was good.

Next day morning, weather again was not with us. But after breakfast we waited and left with a delay but after that it was an awesome day. One of the best days till date. Firts point, one group of the students and all of our team members went for Snorkeling. I was a bit tensed but somehow decided to go for it. I got ready with my life jacket, fins, snorkeling mask and Tube/Ring to take care of me.I was in the water after some time. Irham did say that don't worry nothing will happen as you have your Jacket, Ring with you. I was afraid. I said, I still want you to be there. And so nice of him that he was there to show me the Coral Reef, Star Fish and different other colors of fish. I had just one thing to say - 'Awesome life in the water and I have been missing so much. Wish I knew swimming, I could have seen more'.Everybody was snorkeling, enjoying. Next point, I again went in water and again with Irham. Final point, I decided not to go any more. Students and some of our team members along with Irham and Andi went for Diving. I was sitting on the boat and thought, lets go again but was afraid, imagined -- its a sea and all what can happen, didn't know what to do. But, don't know what in me asked me to go and change, took the equipment and got down with the Ring. Had some of the students there. I went around in the water, holding the ring and talking to them. We went around the ship for sometime like this. Divers came back, these students also went back to the ship and then I was alone. I decided to remain in the water for sometime, then one of my team members said, just move your hands and swim. I was afraid, took hold of his hand and then after some time, I was just myself trying to swim on my own with nobody to hold my hand. I know, I had those fins and life jacket but somehow I feel I did try my level best by the end to overcome my fear of not able to swim and get into water. And as is said - Life starts when we overcome all these fears. I know, have to overcome many more of bigger fears in my life and I will for sure.Somehow, I feel now that this assignment will get the actual person out of each of us. Thanks IBM and Special Thanks to all my Team - Indonesia 3 Team.After this, we were back by 5.15 PM on Makasaar Port.

This was a never to forget expierence, made some good and new friends, got to know so many things, saw the different life of the nature - Coral and Marine Life, also some more ideas for my assignments.

Thanks to everybody !!! Terima Kasih!!!

Work from Hotel in Indonesia

Day 8, Day 9, Day 10 - WFH

These 3 days have been more of Working from Hotel as our Clients had some conferences wherein we were not required. Hence, we worked from home to make the Business Plan and other deliverables for increasing the efficiency of the YKL.

Monday - We had the Harvard Business Assignment Session. We completed it in an hour. Good inputs to make creative side Vegetarian Dishes and Plans for our Assignment.
We started with an hour session of Stair Walking and Yoga today in the evening and decided to have it everyday.

Tuesday - Same situation. We had other team also working from the Hotel. We worked for the whole day and evening was excercise time.

Wednesday - Morning breakfast starts with a funny incident: As usual, I took bread, put in some butter, then pineapple jam and last with choclate crumbs. There were 2 men standing closeby and one of them said to other 'Kya yaar sabh kuch lagayegi kya' (Means - Will she put everything). Other replied - 'Arey yaar yeh videshi log barey pyar se khatey hain' (Means - Hey, these foreigners eat with lots of love etcc.. ). I was laughing, coz. they were talking in Hindi thinking that I don't know Hindi. So, I said - 'Mujhe Hindi aatee hai'. (Means - I know Hindi). They were all red and shocked. That was so funny. So, it tells us that be careful before we speak and before we assume something.
Today we went the Education Team to meet the school children. Kids are really smart. They tried to ask some questions in English. Also, they love the song 'Chaiyan Chaiyan'. We introduced ourselves that we are from India - Shahrukh Khan - Chaiyan Chaiyan. Also we taught Chicken Dance to two of the classes. Back to Hotel and work. and evening was Excercise Session.
Ended with dinner and plans/discussions for tomorrow.

See you. Good Night! Keep Reading.. :)

Blend of Different Cultures!!!

Trip to Tana Toraja - Blend of Different Cultures!!!

16 Mar - 5.30 PM we start our trip from Makassar to Tana Toraja.
10 people in the group - All from diffrent regions of the world, coming from the unique cultues in which they have grown and now joined hands as one team as one extended family to be in the place which they must have never thought, dreamt of and now are going for their first weekend trip to see a world famous tradition which cannot be seen anywhere.For sure, each one of the team member is different with the uniquness in its own way but there is some similarity and as said by Tom - Similarity of thinking somewhat similar coz we all are IBMers.
All set ready for the trip, packed with clothes, drinks, eatables, medicines and etcccc.........All taken care of by one or the other. We have our Tour Guide - Oola (Ulla) - name sounds to the famous song of The Dirty Picture - Ollaah Ollaah...Got our maps and an explanation from Oolah about the tradition of Tana Toraja.The Toraja are an ethnic group indigenous to a mountainous region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Their population is approximately 650,000, of which 450,000 still live in the regency of Tana Toraja ("Land of Toraja").Most of the population is Christian, and others are Muslim or have local animist beliefs known as aluk ("the way"). The Indonesian government has recognized this animist belief as Aluk To Dolo ("Way of the Ancestors"). The word toraja comes from the Bugis language's to riaja, meaning "people of the uplands". The Dutch colonial government named the people Toraja in 1909. Torajans are renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive peaked-roof traditional houses known as tongkonan, and colorful wood carvings. Toraja funeral rites are important social events, usually attended by hundreds of people and lasting for several days.
Along with the description of the Tana Toraja from Oolah, our team was having KFC(liked by all, cant comment much, as I have no idea about it), drinks. As we move along with our jokes and pulling each others leg, the journey was getting more and more interesting. Vivek, Arun and myself explained to all about the different head movements of Indians:When asked the direct questions -->Up and Down movement of head generally indicates 'Yes' ; Side to side - 'NO' and most special one is for 'Ok', 'Yes', 'I understand' , 'I agree with you' or 'Acknowledgment' is usually the head 'rocking movement' or kind of slight movement of head with the tilted axis along with the eyes talking which is hard to explain. I understand. We gave some demonstrations of the same. Maybe by the end of the month all of us will be rotating our head in some way. By the way I had read about this Indian Head Movement and I used to laugh that why do people do like this and feel that I don't do it but actually realized that its common in India so nobody made me realize that I also do the same and now when I answer something and Sabine gets confused wether its yes or no, I got it that I am also one of the Indians rotating my head. But the session was good. Next was, we discussed about dances, drinks, some other gestures around the world. Cheryl slept in between, pics taken. Javier slept. then a Toilet Break where Jess took the pics and added to her list of 'Different Types of Toilets'. Dinner time. Good dinner and now a pet questions which me and my team has to ask when we sit to eat something 'Excuse Me - Is this Veg, I mean - No chicken, No fish, No meat, No birds, No bear, No crab, no prawn, No shrimps etccc...' and this is repeated and checked 2-3 times, if there is some veggie food for me. Thanks to my team who help me to check it out.
Sabine's birthday song at 12 in English n German.Back to bus, in between the toilet breaks, trying to sleep or just lie down, chatting about the crazy moments of life, pics of different poses while sleeping and finally reaching the hotel in Tana Toraja at 3.30.
Long drive, but was good.Hotel was good, room was also good and goodnight.. :)

17th March - Breakfast time - It was good. As usual - Bread Butter jam for me.Till others got ready, I had a photo session. Special Thanks to Marcelo for the photo sessions I had and I suppose Thanks to my whole team, as I like taking pics and everybody helps me in that with either iphone, cameras. Thanks all!! and I like it... :))
Now we get back to the bus, and reach the village to see the boat shape houses and the hanging graves. People here give lots n lots of value to death. After a person's death, the body is kept — often for several years — while money is saved to pay for the actual funeral ceremony, known as tomate. During the festival, which may last up to a week, ritual dances and buffalo fights are held, and buffaloes and pigs are slaughtered to ferry the soul of the deceased to the afterlife (puya). The deceased is then finally buried either in a small cave, often with a tau-tau effigy placed in front, inside a hollow tree or even left exposed to the elements in a bamboo frame hanging from a cliff. We actually went to a home, which had a dead body of his mother (old lady) who died 3 months back and her funeral will take place in July. I said to somebody that why do they keep the body for so long, doesnt it remind of that person and makes you feel more sad that he is not there any more. I suppose, we cannot smile or feel sad seeing all this. This was something wherein you cannot comment that what this feeling in actual as I say - No Comment Situation. We all saw Baby Graves as in the baby who dies before their teeth come out. They are just put in the tree and covered so that the mother earth takes back the child and takes care of him/her.
To talk about Tana Toraja --> It has unique culture set in stunning scenery. Globalisation and tourism may have impact, but if we venture away from the tarmac roads we will find soon a way of life that has not changed much in the last 100 years.
My personal perpecive --> Its very different and I understand, this is the culture, tradition which is still intact and alive and thats good but not sure, if I liked this way of living and dying or not but yep, got to see something different which I never heard of it. Did a bit of shopping. Cheryl loves shopping. Good Photo Sessions with the things from the shops. Armour of Jess, Masks and different other things worn by each one of us. We all had just one thing to say while returning back. It was a good trip and a memorable one to be remembered forever.Back to hotel and inspite of being tired all of us were on the pool. Some in the pool and some outside the pool. I feel sad that I dont know swimming and cant go inside but we had fun. We started with the Yoga. Tom, Marcelo, Jess, Vivek , Arun tried 2-3 steps of the yoga in the pool. Ruth, Sabine and myself were outside and doing the same. We did some of the asans - Suryanamskar, Pranyams, Omkar etcc...We all liked it. It was good to do Yoga beside the pool. Next was dances of each country. Sabine taught us Austrian dance and Marcelo said that after he goes to Brazil - he will go for Early Morning Jogging and will do the Austrian Dance.Then we had Boogy Woogy from Vivek, Snobs and something of Phillipines from Ruth, Samba and Cuppaware from Marcelo and finally the Chicken Dance with the advanced level. We still have to work out the strategy how to do the last step of the same. Body was aching but we all enjoyed and this can never be forgotten. And now, here comes the evening dinner - special for our Sabine - Happy bday sweetheart. She was looking like an angel. All smiles. Tom got her some special drink(sorry again - don't know the name). Her special cake. Thankgod we found one, I was really afraid, if we would be able to get one there. Her gift which Ruth got in Makassar. Cap - Candles , Live Song from the Hotel. This was a lovely birthday. We all just hoped that she enjoyed and far away from her home, wished that she did not missed anything. As she said, she loved everything. 24 hours of Happy bday.. :) God bless her with all the smiles.Its almost 9.30 PM. We all are tired but wait, its still not goodnight for us...We get back to the lounge. Some of us having the drinks and here its starts the 'Very Very Hot Seat' Program. Something from each one's life was shared. Inspite of coming from different cultures, different regions of the world, maybe different religions, but there is the similarity in all of us. Feelings are the same all over the world, craving to enjoy the life, to smile, to cry is the same whosoever you are, what so ever you are, where-ever you are. Life needs to be lived and enjoyed. I was thinking, we all are different and we need to be different as all can't be same, different perspective of life, situations, how to tackle the same and here we are together on this assignment to get the one output. Inspite of these differences, just wish that all of us become good friends forever and we will. Would love to be in touch with all even after this assignment gets over. I am sure, we all will change after this assignment - maybe in one way or the other as in way of our thinking, way of our doing things, way of our looking at the things, to do the things. Will change for sure and for good.
Amercians, Europeans, Mexicans, Brazilians, Asians - We all are One!!!
Finally back to room to sleep. Get up in the morning. Breakfast and finally the back home journey. We were tired but still could not stop our pranks and games. Songs, Dances, drinks, pics of sleeping poses, dressing up of Javier while he was asleep - (We had necklace, bangles, small guitar played for him, banana, cap, fan placed over him - Javier was looking cute), different discussions ( I had with Javier over India as he plans to come down for one of his trips - I hope he comes), toilet breaks, lunches, etcc.....Finally in the hotel at 6 PM. All dead tired. No idea, what happened after that, if anybody went out for dinner or something, I was sleeping. But, now saw the pics and posts. I suppose, all of us were back to our college days and maybe this whole month we are college students-trying to live back that life again.One week gone. 3 more weeks left. Not sure, if this is less or more. I am enjoying it. ' I Like it'.

Only word I have is 'Awesome Trip'.

Day 5 + Bit of the Trip -->"Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.”

Day 5 + Tits and Bits of the Weekend Trip!!!

Awesome Trip. Have been craving over the whole weekend to put down something somewhere but no laptop + there was no time. We had so much to do and today I was dead tired. Now better after taking the nap. Everybody is on facebook putting up the pics, posting something or the other. I am sure, when we see the posts, first thing which comes is the Smile maybe we like FB or not. All of us wants to see these pictures later in our life that how we were, what we did, with whom we were. Pictures are the best instruments which remind one of his good and sometimes of the bad times. Ok, here I say Thanks to all to whom I keep troubling to take my pics... :)) I love pics.. :)) By the end of this month, if all us combine the photos we have bene taking, it will be in thousands and best part one pose and more than 4-5 cameras to take the same pic. Its just wow and then Tom says "Just one picture" but, we still give our cameras with the dialogue - One more from this camera.. :)) This is an awesome team.

Getting back to the Day 5 - It was kind of an Indonesian day as said by Medi - completly unplanned. We were supposed to leave at 10 for the Conference with the Translator but first thing, Translator went with the other team and there was no other translator to go with us and we thought that we will loose another day without actually understanding what we have to do..But after some time around 10.30, Sabine gets the message from Irma that she will come at 1 to pick us up for the conference in afternoon. So, it was good that translator went with the other team. So, we both came down to the lobby with our laptops working over the Business plan and around 11.10 , we see Irma in the lobby to take us to the office. Cool, we pack again and go to the office but today was a good day. We got some good inputs from Irma about the Community Women, that how they are suffering because the mental block which they have of not wanting to go ahead and this is not somehting unique here in Indonesia. In some parts of the world, women is considered to just do the household and not say anything in the important matters of home and issue is she is happy doing this and she thinks that this is her job and she is born to do this only and not say anything and not get educated. So important point is that we have to change the mentality of the women. We need to tell her that you are actually the owner of your home and the best decision can be taken by you for the goodness of your household, for your children and this is the most difficult thing as we can change anything but changing the mindset which has got build over the years and is now the part and parcel of somebody's life is tough. But, as said "Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.” This might take years but things can change if we want to change.More to say, but will put down my thoughts after this week. Actually, even I am struggling within myself to how to help the team. I don't know, its not just an assignment, this is something which I was always looking forward to work. Now I have got it, but very less time. My assignment is to just give them the Business Plan which is not tough but this change which is required for these women needs more than the Business Plan. Don't know, what should be done, how it should be done. Wish, I could do something.

Going ahead, we went for the Conference to the hotel. Not yet started and our translator was there and then we met somebody (Sorry, name forgotten) who is the alumini head of the Marine Sciences Department through which YKL is attached. He also provided us the the information regarding the difficulties of the coastal region and issues. Good discussion, could not stay for long as we had to start our trip today for Taran Toraja. So we came back to our hotel after staying for an hour. Back to the hotel, packed and trip starts at 5.30 PM Types.

I will come back with the trip details which is going to be a big one as want to share so much in some time.. Keep Reading.. :))

Day 4 - Karaoke Special

Day 4 - Anna's last day and Karaoke

We had a workshop today at Hotel Bhumi Asih - "Restoring Social and Ecological Livelihood in Mangrove Ecosystem in South Sulweisi". Best part was that talks were in Indonesian Bhasha and both Sabine and myself could not understand much but sweet part was Irma was trying to explain us something in Eglish regarding all what was being spoken. She is so lovely. We don't have a translator but she was trying her level best to make us undesratnd all what was being discussed. Hats off to the people here - they are so considertae and helpful.
To give a high level overview of the undrestanding I got from the Irma is that Coastal Regions are not developed and we have different agencies which have come here to talk about it and work over it. YKL is facilituating the same with the help of Oxfam and CIDA.Women in the Costal region, they are not well educated and they get married off beofre 17 and have children. They are not made to study as they have to work in the kitchen only. Also, the income of the household is on daily wages rather than on monthly basis.After this, Irma got busy with other things and I had no option but to just see the people around and after sometime I see Anna, Kevin and Medi outside the conference room. Felt as if the saviours have come. We went out and they said that they are trying to get the translators but they seem to be busy and then we all decided that its better to come back to hotel as we cannot understand + there is no broadband.

So back to hotel, wrote some blogs.Meeting at 4 in our Team Room 312. It was a good discussion. All the 5 teams spoke about their expiernces and customer issues they have been facing till date. Also, teams discussed if in which way they can help each other as in we needed the help for the Business Plans and Financials. Also, we spoke about our trip and finally we decided that we are going to Tana Toraja. To give the overview, please read but will let you know more details after my trip---> The Toraja are an ethnic group indigenous to a mountainous region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Most of the population is Christian, and others are Muslim or have local animist beliefs known as aluk ("the way"). The Indonesian government has recognized this animist belief as Aluk To Dolo ("Way of the Ancestors"). The word toraja comes from the Bugis language's to riaja, meaning "people of the uplands". The Dutch colonial government named the people Toraja in 1909.Torajans are renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive peaked-roof traditional houses known as tongkonan, and colorful wood carvings. Toraja funeral rites are important social events, usually attended by hundreds of people and lasting for several days.

For the dinner we went to Red bowl nearby and I got a good fried rice with strawberry milk shake.. Yummy ..Then as was discussed last night we went to Karaoke. Frankly saying, I never heard about it or had seen it. So, I just went along to check it out but it was so fun.I have no clue about songs, music but even I could sing and it was good. Loved it. Saw Sabine - Jessica, Anna, Vivek, Tom, Ruth, Marcelo, Arun and somewhat of me too - everybody was smiles , laughing aloud and singing...Wow, just loved it. Wish I could sing like Sabine. She is just into music. I suppose, if you give music to her, she will not even want food. She lives music. One can see the sparkle in the eyes of both Jessica and Sabine when they dance, sing...Wow...For all those who don't know Karaoke, it is : Karaoke is a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music (a music video) using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol, changing color, or music video images, to guide the singer.
Ok, bye bye to day 4 and to Anna S also. She will be leaving tomorrow early morning for her next Assignment to Malaysia. All the best Anna. Miss you. You have been great and Thanks to you for everything. You manage it so well.
Keep Smiling.. :) Tomorrow I will be going so now will write back on Monday..Hectic weekend.... See you.. Keep checking out on me...

Day 2 - New Office with New Colleagues

Day 2 -- Dhak Dhak

Today, we had to go to meet out clients in their office. Looking forward for it but was a bit nervous with the wish that all goes well. Irham came to pick us up and we went to the office which was just closeby. Its actually a house rented by YKL to use it as its office. We had a meeting chaired by Andi. Irham - Andi showed us the presentation telling about their organization. It was so good to meet the team. Its a small team of 11 including 3 girls. All are Marine Sciences Graduates. There was Irma, Rosalina (Ochha), Anti, then Irham and Andi, Lookee, Edol (Sorry for wrong spellings), Naseruddin. Sorry not able to recall the names of 3 others.. :(((.We got a room for ourselves.Irma got Rambutan(Its like a litichi in India - just the covering is different) to eat, Kopi for the morning drink. By the way, Rambutan means hair in Indonesian language and hence the name Rambutan for this fruit as it has the skin like hair..:)

Later lunch - it was rice and some Tofu. It was good but a bit spicy. Also, as I had showed in my profile presentation that I love choclates, they got banana cake with choclate and one more sweet dish later in the day. Day ends. Sabine and myself created some plans for the assignment and shared with Irham. He said, it looks good and was happy to see the same on the very first day, but I was apprehensive that have we actually understood our scope as there was not clarity with the requirements. And issue is till you don't know the details, requirements and as is situation, it's difficult to comment and talk about any solution or present anything. So, bit nervous and tensed that whats going on and what will happen.

Back to hotel, meeting with Annas and then it was dinner time. We went to a beach hotel. We got to know that we should give the money to the Taxi driver as soon as it stops else the meter keeps running if we take time in giving him the money. We paid 200-300 Rph extra. Anna B helped me to get something for the dinner and actually it was good. I had steam rice and spinach type of vegetable (which was actually just boiled with salt) but I likd it as was eating something good after a long time. But to tell more about it. Javier was most of the time scratching himself as mosquitoes liked him so much. He is sweet and hence mosquitoes wanted to taste his Mexican blood. Then we had lovely couple dance by Jessica - Vivek and Tom -Sabine. Lovely.Sabine is good dancer and singer. She knows so much. Wish I knew 0.1% of what she knows, it would have been good.

I still have to write about my trip from Delhi to Makassar and about today before I close my day. Keep Reading!!!

Day 1 - Meeting with the Clients and Bapak Walikota

I know, already on Day 4 but writing for Day 1 as have been so busy, you see, could not put down anything..So all those who said that this is like a paid holiday, please note that I have been so busy that I could not write anything in last 3 days...I have to now write for all the days, which I will complete today for sure...

This was an special day. We were going to meet the Mayor of Makassar and the Clients today with whom we will be working for the coming month till 5th APril-12. I was highly excited for the same. On the way we learnt that Mayor is addressed as "Bapak Walikota" so we had to say "Selamt Pagi Bapak Walikota". This means "Good Morning Mr. Mayor". After reaching the Mayor's Office which was a huge building. We met Andreas from Philipines, Santi had come down from Jakarta for this meeting of ours. Then as usual, there was photo sessions, taking pics in different poses; we all love pics. After this mayor came in and then there were speeches from somebody (sorry, don't know who), then Santi, Andreas and the Mayor. Santi and Andreas told about CSC and IBM in length. Mayor was highly impressed by the same and said that he was looking forward for the team to help in the city improvement.All of us also told about ourselves one by one; name, country and which organization we will be working for. After this Mayor left and we all were introduced to our clients respectively by Medi.We had Andi and Irham coming from YKL. They were really nice and were speaking good English. We told Anna that we don't need the translator for our team as they speak good English. They told us about the work they are doing. The organization started in 1997 as an NGO. This is an institution which focuses on coastal issues, especially about marine conservation, coastal community development and application of environmentally friendly technologies. They are attached with CIDA and OXFAM who funds for the developement of the Costal Regions. Their misson is to 1. Coastal & Marine Environmental Conservation,2. Coastal & Small Islands Community Empowerment,3. Application of Environmental-Friendly Alternative Technology. Will get to know more as we go ahead. As of now, they are working on the Project "Restoring Coastal Livelihood" in different communities of the Makassar Coastal Regions.We had the lunch and on the way back to hotel we went to the Kopi (Coffee) Shop at Laros Beach. Had a good Cappuchino.

The day ends with the plans for tomorrow and with lots of butterflie sin the stomach. But, day doesnt end like this. I didnt go for the dinner as was almost full. I was in my room and around 10 I suppose heard a knock and I see Vivek, Ruth standing outside and they said something which I again dont remember but after that we 5 of us - Cheryl, Ruth, Vivek, Sabine and me too were in the room tilll 12 types, talking of here and there, pulling each others leg - Miss Maths - Currency Manager, and WECM(don;t want to put down the word invented in my room for WECM), bad boy, help desk, miss heighty, chking the profiles of everybody and what not..and it ended with the sweet hopes of the coming month. Love you all!!!

14-March-2012 - Indonesia - My B'Day!!!

Day 3 - 14th March - B'day in Indonesia

The date sounds similar. Hey its my birthday today and I am celebrating my " "th B'day in Indonesia. Its cool. Last night at Indonesian time 12 midnight - Ruth and Vivek came to my room to wish me and after that at 2.40 my brother - bhabhi and mom called up to wish me as per India 12 midnight.. :)
Morning as usual - Get up, get ready - all wished and breakfast as usual - Bread and Butter - Jam, Kopi(Coffee). I like it now as that's the best thing which I will surely get till the last day I am here.

Office as usual - Third time - Scope change - Let's see, if this is the final scope or not. But, now we have to make the Business Plan/Model for the Small End Enterprise - Coastal Region Women.

After sometime, Irma comes and says - We have got Durians. Durian is a type of a fruit - very strong smell. Everybody in the office liked it. Sabine and myself - had a small piece of it but we didnt like it much. But, good, its different and good to know one more fruit.
Getting on back to work. Suddenly at 3 - Irma calls both of us outisde our working room and we see there is a lovely chocolate cake. This was a lovely surprise from these new office friends. Wasn't expecting this. These people are so sweet. How much do I know them. As heard about Indonesia, that Indonesians are very friendly and lovely - This seems to be the fact which I saw today. They all were clapping. They did sing something in Indonesian Bhasha also. Thanks all of you - Irma, Ochha, Anti, Irham and all!!! Thanks a lot dear!!!

After that back to hotel. In room and got to know there was a team meeting at 7 in our common room - Room 312. I thought that we will go out for the dinner party and I will treat all my friends but when I reached in the Room 312. I saw Javier, Vivek, Ruth, Sabine, Arun present there and there were was pinkish crown kept on the table. There were balloons. Jessica, Cheryl, Tom, Marcelo joining in after some time. I was surprised that when was this all done as everybody had to go to office in the day. This was so lovely and then saw the cake. I have no words for it. As said, pictures say a lot. I will post the pictures and they will talk. Cake, and this team. I don't know to call this as a team or my extended family from all over the world.
Jessica taught us the Chicken Dance. It's so cute to dance like little chickens. Love my team and all of us as chickens. There is so much to write about all what we did. Javier clicking his and my pic when Jessica was all ready with the pose and smile. Anna coming up with the Pizzas and everybody was so happy to have them that Ruth forgot to take the pic which she normally does. Wines, Beer, some other drinks were also there. No idea what else. Javier and me just had the coke. Since, I have no idea about the drinks, not sure all what was there but the party was rocking. Jessica also sang her family Song - Horse's Ass. I need to check back with her again and put it down here..Tom with his bottle opener in the slippers and we have a bad boy who is actually sweet and he is our help desk Vivek. Lovely Sabine, she just loves to sing and sing and sing. She has sweet voice and has good knowledge about music. Javier is always on his phone. I suppose its iphone and he clicks lovely pics. Ruth - wow awesome height. Standing close to her makes you feel that you didnt drink the Complan/Bournvita when you were a kid and have remained small. Like me, wants to have her pics clicked but she is photogenic. Love Cheryl - She is b'ful and very sweet to talk to. Arun wants to go on a ferry. I relaly wish his wish of going over a ferry gets fulfilled. Marcelo, our guitar guy who didnt get his guitar, will be singing something tomorrow. Want to say one thing - Everybody is so b'ful and helpful here. God you are so great to make people and let me meet those who are so good.
Then we sat to plan out for our weekend trips. Everybody was so tired and we were going round and round and round to close it. Not sure, if its already closed or not..
We plan to go out tomorrow night as Anna will be leaving on Friday!!!

Thanks IBM - CSC, Thanks to my lovely extended family to make my day! You are the Best!!!Love you all!!!

Here I start with my dreams - First Step !!!

Last 2 weeks have been hectic, exciting. Closing up with the office work, completing the assignments given to us. Back-ups, Manuals, Process docs, so many things. I know, even if I am there or not there, work can be managed but maybe working, owning some of the tasks, feeling my work as my baby sometimes gave me a fear, that how will they be managed, wishing if I could work from there also. So, I decided to create the process docs/user manuals so that my team members don't have to face any issues and troubles.

Now, here I sit on the Indira Gandhi International Airport waiting for the trip to start, talking with friends, surfing internet. Trying to connect to WECM so that can close some of my office emails. I had to buy Internet for an hour + charging the laptop was a big time issue (had to search for the workable plug).

So many things going in my mind, what will happen tomorrow, how is this 1 month going to be. Will I be able to manage, will I give my best. Butterflies in the stomach. There are expectations from our Seniors since we are representing IBM. Wish to exceed all...
Also, looking forward for this trip as so many things are planned. Hope, everything is materialized. Also, this 1 month is like a break from this daily routine, which I am looking forward for myself to think that how do I want to steer it going ahead. One year has been full of ups and down from all the sides. I have tried to keep that smiling face ( or as my Manager says - Funny Bone) up always, but this cannot go forever. I have to do something and will do something. This one month is very impt for me as a person. I have to put on my thinking cap...

Will put down something later tomorrow. Thinking cap on for next 7 hours...Time for boarding..

Keep Smiling
:)
Happy Journey Nitu and All the Best!!! Do well...

Packing n Packing!!!

Gosh....!!!
No other words...I suppose, this was the fourth time, I was reviewing my luggage.
But, good thing is each time, I reduce atleast 1 dress. Good part is not much but some grams get reduced.

Now, why this packing.... I am leaving for my CSC Assignment about which I already explained in my previous post. This is an IBM Assignment - Corporate Service Corps.
I will be travelling to Indonesia (Makasaar) for a month. Its a team of 10 IBMers from all over the world. We will be representing IBM there and we have to give our best to do the best. We have to get the results with our team work.

My assignment is to work with "Indonesia-Marine Conservation Foundation". Will post about my assignment and details in my next post. As of now, just an high level overview - The objective is to "To improve the knowledge and skills of YKL staff and community groups in project management & business planning".

I am so excited and looking forward for this trip. So many things going in my mind + its come on such a good time for myself. Break from the daily routine work. I realized that I haven't taken a single day vacation in last one year. Let's get back to the list of my To-Do and Packing.. :)

This will help me to understand the world, the people, the market, the cultures and most important - Myself. This is a community-based assignment wherein we will be performing community-driven economic development projects working at the intersection of business, technology, and society. I am sure, after this - there will be a different Nitu. Awaiting for the same.

See you soon!!!!

Tremors!!!

Tremors!!!!!!!!!!

Around 1.10 PM IST, CTR Meeting going on. Our new DPE -Ajay addressing us and suddenly Ekta speaks in between - "Run Guys, Its an Earthquake"...and then everybody in the room looks at each other and 'Yes, ..it is...it is....Lets move..Lets go down". Then all of us got up taking the laptops/phones and started to leave...but we could still feel the tremors. And then even Sanjeev Sir from Gurgaon said, Guys Run, its an earthquake...

But then suddenly somebody said - "What will happen now, Nature wouldn't have given so much time if something had to happen"....and then I thought, yep that's true. I agree as per the announcement, we should move as soon as we feel these tremors. But, I was smiling and thought, if something has to happen, it will happen. Why is everybody running?? Why?? Why are we so afraid of something which we are never sure is ours?? Why???

And some of my colleagues, did actually go downstairs. I even took the pic of the parking area from our floor. I called up my home also to ask if everything was fine. Went online to check the scale of the earthquake.

People went for a cup of coffee/tea. Came back, had lunch and then there were discussions over life, nature, what man is doing. Discussions are always there but are we really doing something that all this doesnt happen.

All this while I was smiling - First coz. this was the first time, I felt the tremors and second over the questions which were coming back and again in my mind. Why are we afraid??? Let my thought process run around more and also need to give more time from my office work to pen down my thoughts over this.

In the end, just want to say:
"Some things in life are either taken way to seriously or not serious enough. So why worry so much about our everyday problems. I mean there is only so much time to be alive but plenty of time to be dead. So live every day like it is your last. Take way to many pictures, laugh to hard and love with all your heart. "

My Assignment - My Zoe - IBM's Corporate Service Corps (CSC) - Indonesia

The Corporate Service Corps (CSC) Program, inspired by the Peace Corps, increases IBM's understanding and appreciation of growth markets while creating global leaders who are culturally aware and possess advanced teaching skills.

The Corporate Service Corps offers a triple benefit:
a. Leadership development for the IBMers
b. Leadership training and development for the communities
c. Greater knowledge and enhanced reputation in the growth markets for IBM.

The Corporate Service Corps was launched in 2008 to help provide IBMers with high quality leadership development while delivering high quality problem solving for communities and organizations in emerging markets. The program empowers IBM employees as global citizens by sending groups of 10 - 15 individuals from different countries with a range of skills to an emerging market for four week community-based assignments. During the assignment, participants perform community-driven economic development projects working at the intersection of business, technology, and society.

This program increases IBM's understanding and appreciation of growth markets while creating global leaders who are culturally aware and possess advanced teaching skills. The Corporate Service Corps offers a triple benefit: leadership development for the IBMers, leadership training and development for the communities, and greater knowledge and enhanced reputation in the growth markets for IBM.

Launching Zoe Zone!!!!

Hi,

This is Nitu...Zoe...Love this name...Its a Greek Name which means Life.
Here I launch Zoe Zone!!!

I have been reading/hearing from friends who keep writing their blogs. I have read some...but was always in a doubt if I could write one..Today, sitting in my room, felt like starting one of my own....Lets see till where it goes and takes of my dreams...:)

I want this to be a place where I can pen down my thoughts ...my dreams...my hopes...whatever comes to the mind...So much keeps coming to the mind without even a second wait in between two thoughts...but when I am putting it down, I am taking time...why so??Our mind works with god knows what speed but same thing takes time when you want to put it down, is it coz of the writing speed???...:)Nopes, it coz of our thoughts our 360 degree but writing is direct....

Hey, read somewhere...
Life is just like a sea.
We are moving without end Nothing stays with us.
What remains is just the memories of some people who touched ... us as waves.

Good and Actual Thought!!!

This was a starting..See you all as I go ahead..!!!
Enjoy!Keep Smiling............:)
Nitu