My move to IIT-KGP

Nattusbs · Apr 16th, 2008, 03:06

All preparations are being made. Some of the things I am making sure I take:

1. Set of at least a dozen passport-size photographs since in India one needs to submit these for all kinds of purposes - eg, opening a bank account with SBI at IIT-KGP, getting a new SIM card (India has taken a leaf off the US model - it is all for security purposes: really, I wonder how that helps).
2. Scanned copies + originals of my degrees (in all the 18 years of employment in Canada & the US, not once has any employer asked to see my degrees!) - that way, a Gazetted officer can attest the printed scanned copies.
3. I had left photocopies of my US passport, PIO card as well as a mobile phone with charger + adapter for other gadgets with my Dad in Hyderabad. He has sent these with my name c/o the department Head at IIT by courier. I plan to get a new SIM card at IIT for use (interestingly, when my Dad went to the Hutch or now Vodafone, outlet near his home to get a new SIM card and told them that it was for me to use from KGP, they advised him that I should get it locally to avoid some charges (presumably roaming or incoming calls).

Now re: British Airways. I got an e-mail from them that the move to the new Terminal 5 has been postponed to June (ya, right, during the peak summer travel season!). So, my flight to & from LA is at Terminal 5, while the to & from Kolkata flights wll be at Terminal 4.

On the outbound journey, the layover is 3 hours in Heathrow, I would presume that this is enough time to change terminals.

On the return, the layover is 2 hours. I am not sure if that is enough time to change terminals - it could be close. If I don't make it then, I would have to spend a night in London. Can I ask BA to pay for the hotel? If not, would anybody recommend a B&B place - say, city center that is a reasonable price (what is reasonable? I have not been to London for many years so, if someone can advise what it may cost, please let me know. Also, what is the easiest transportation from Heathrow to the city center - is there tube service?).

Cheers

Nattusbs

KABAARY · Apr 16th, 2008, 03:13

Not answering your questions....just wanted to remind you to post snaps of your meeting with Nattu..

I'd like to post a few snaps of my best pal to you but is there any way to send it through a pm ?

Nick-H · Apr 16th, 2008, 03:53

You'll find lots of places where you can get your passport- (and some indian bureuocrasy requires stamp-) sized pics in an hour or two, and very cheap. Make sure they are digital, and they'll give you a CD so you can always go back for reprints.

Terminal 5. Oh dear. Be afraid! Do hope all that goes ok for you with the transit.

Yes, Heathrow is connected to the rest of london by tube-train, although it is a little hard to define its 'city centre'. Lets hope you don't need it.

Glad to hear that you are on the way

capt_mahajan · Apr 16th, 2008, 08:35

Nattsbs, welcome back.

Nattusbs · Apr 21st, 2008, 15:56

Update - reached Kolkata & then KGP on Sunday morning.

BA flight from LAX to LHR and then CCU was great - no complaints except: Hindu meal (non-veg presumably) - was horrible on the LAX-LHR leg (rice, dal & saag paneer!) and it was excellent on the LHR-CCU leg. Must have been the catering from the London curry houses for the 2nd leg made it great.

Car with driver was at CCU airport - stopped at a Dhaba on the way to IIT KGP. Great roads except for the many times lorries were driving on the wrong side of the divided highway!!!!

Joined IIT this morning - lots of paperwork - no problems though. Got my office with A/C, will get PC tomorrow, using my laptop for now - got internet hooked up within an hour of starting! Wow, things have improved a lot.

Staying in guest house for this week - moving into the bungalow this weekend. No furniture yet, got to get an A/C and a cot. Also, gas connection (cylinder) for stove. Need a vehicle or motorbike or something. Have not seen any auto rickshaws here, if there are then I could use it to commute in the heat !

More later.

Cheers

Nattusbs

PS: I am back home!!!!

jyotirmoy · Apr 21st, 2008, 15:59

Glad to know that you are settling down at KGP.
There was nothing other than cyclerickshaws during my student days. Students and teachers all used bicycles to commute. Now many teachers must be having cars.

Nick-H · Apr 21st, 2008, 16:33

Welcome Home

brishti · Apr 21st, 2008, 18:56

nattusbs: wishing you all the very best, welcome home

:brishti

wonderwomanusa · Apr 21st, 2008, 23:59

So, you arrived safely and, having finished all the paperwork, are now gainfully employed in academia! Hoorah!

I'll look forward to seeing you later this year!

simv · Apr 22nd, 2008, 00:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nattusbs

Great roads except for the many times lorries were driving on the wrong side of the divided highway!!!!

Thats normal by indian standards. Its boring to always use the same side. We all do it irrespective of the vehicle. I mean almost all.

Nick-H · Apr 22nd, 2008, 00:45

I felt a strange kind of liberation the first time I drove on the wrong side of a dual-carriageway road.

It was only for a few yards, and I stuck close to the edge ---and I don't think I'll make a habit of it

Nattusbs · Apr 29th, 2008, 17:15

Completed over a week here, settling down. I still can't believe it. Need to buy at least a 2-wheeler for now - seriously considering a Bullet. Always loved it. I will buy a Tata Safari Dicor later on when I bring Nattu here (that is IF my Mom gives him back to me!!!). On the other hand a neighbor of my parents have a Golden Retriever pup for me (hopefully still there!). I will find out when I go tot Hyderabad on May 10th. Both these breeds however have lots of hair - shedding problems. I would actually love to have a yellow Lab for the Indian climate. In any case, I love all three breeds.

What contrasts - the vegetable market on campus - just like I experienced back in the 1960's. then we have all offices, guest house rooms and faculty houses - "wireless", internet connection.

Life is definitely less stressful - exactly what I need. Enjoying being around students.

I had originally booked on-line a SpiceJet flight from Kolkatta to Hyderabad for last Saturday. It turns out that the flight was cancelled and they had sent me an e-mail. They had asked me to call their toll free # to confirm that I wanted the refund on my CC. I did call them on Friday, everything went smoothly - I am pleasantly surprised at their customer service -I wish all other Indian companies follow this.

Cheers

Nattusbs

obione980 · Apr 29th, 2008, 17:23

Quote:

India has taken a leaf off the US model - it is all for security purposes: really, I wonder how that helps).

Sorry, Nattusbs - not the case. You can buy a phone, sim card and all for $30 (USD) or so at Walmart - no documentation whatsoever required. Did just that in October last year in Chattanooga, having arrived in the country through Atlanta 4 hours earlier. Phone is useable within 3 hours, for domestic and international calls.

Nattusbs · Apr 29th, 2008, 18:09

Obione

I guess I was not clear. What I meant is that the use of the terminology "for security reasons" (in this case for SIM card in India, in the US for something else, not cell phone) has become the "mantra". No one can question once that is said.

Cheers

Nattusbs

Apr 16th, 2008, 03:06	#1
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 358	My move to IIT-KGP All preparations are being made. Some of the things I am making sure I take: 1. Set of at least a dozen passport-size photographs since in India one needs to submit these for all kinds of purposes - eg, opening a bank account with SBI at IIT-KGP, getting a new SIM card (India has taken a leaf off the US model - it is all for security purposes: really, I wonder how that helps). 2. Scanned copies + originals of my degrees (in all the 18 years of employment in Canada & the US, not once has any employer asked to see my degrees!) - that way, a Gazetted officer can attest the printed scanned copies. 3. I had left photocopies of my US passport, PIO card as well as a mobile phone with charger + adapter for other gadgets with my Dad in Hyderabad. He has sent these with my name c/o the department Head at IIT by courier. I plan to get a new SIM card at IIT for use (interestingly, when my Dad went to the Hutch or now Vodafone, outlet near his home to get a new SIM card and told them that it was for me to use from KGP, they advised him that I should get it locally to avoid some charges (presumably roaming or incoming calls). Now re: British Airways. I got an e-mail from them that the move to the new Terminal 5 has been postponed to June (ya, right, during the peak summer travel season!). So, my flight to & from LA is at Terminal 5, while the to & from Kolkata flights wll be at Terminal 4. On the outbound journey, the layover is 3 hours in Heathrow, I would presume that this is enough time to change terminals. On the return, the layover is 2 hours. I am not sure if that is enough time to change terminals - it could be close. If I don't make it then, I would have to spend a night in London. Can I ask BA to pay for the hotel? If not, would anybody recommend a B&B place - say, city center that is a reasonable price (what is reasonable? I have not been to London for many years so, if someone can advise what it may cost, please let me know. Also, what is the easiest transportation from Heathrow to the city center - is there tube service?). Cheers Nattusbs

Apr 16th, 2008, 03:53	#3
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,960	You'll find lots of places where you can get your passport- (and some indian bureuocrasy requires stamp-) sized pics in an hour or two, and very cheap. Make sure they are digital, and they'll give you a CD so you can always go back for reprints. Terminal 5. Oh dear. Be afraid! Do hope all that goes ok for you with the transit. Yes, Heathrow is connected to the rest of london by tube-train, although it is a little hard to define its 'city centre'. Lets hope you don't need it. Glad to hear that you are on the way __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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Apr 16th, 2008, 03:13	#2
KABAARY Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: INDIA Posts: 370	Not answering your questions....just wanted to remind you to post snaps of your meeting with Nattu.. I'd like to post a few snaps of my best pal to you but is there any way to send it through a pm ?

Apr 16th, 2008, 08:35	#4
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,139	Nattsbs, welcome back.

Apr 21st, 2008, 15:56	#5
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 358	Update - reached Kolkata & then KGP on Sunday morning. BA flight from LAX to LHR and then CCU was great - no complaints except: Hindu meal (non-veg presumably) - was horrible on the LAX-LHR leg (rice, dal & saag paneer!) and it was excellent on the LHR-CCU leg. Must have been the catering from the London curry houses for the 2nd leg made it great. Car with driver was at CCU airport - stopped at a Dhaba on the way to IIT KGP. Great roads except for the many times lorries were driving on the wrong side of the divided highway!!!! Joined IIT this morning - lots of paperwork - no problems though. Got my office with A/C, will get PC tomorrow, using my laptop for now - got internet hooked up within an hour of starting! Wow, things have improved a lot. Staying in guest house for this week - moving into the bungalow this weekend. No furniture yet, got to get an A/C and a cot. Also, gas connection (cylinder) for stove. Need a vehicle or motorbike or something. Have not seen any auto rickshaws here, if there are then I could use it to commute in the heat ! More later. Cheers Nattusbs PS: I am back home!!!!

Apr 21st, 2008, 15:59	#6
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,622	Glad to know that you are settling down at KGP. There was nothing other than cyclerickshaws during my student days. Students and teachers all used bicycles to commute. Now many teachers must be having cars.

Apr 21st, 2008, 16:33	#7
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,960	Welcome Home

Apr 21st, 2008, 18:56	#8
brishti just another member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: india Posts: 1,982	nattusbs: wishing you all the very best, welcome home :brishti

Apr 21st, 2008, 23:59	#9
wonderwomanusa Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 3,560	So, you arrived safely and, having finished all the paperwork, are now gainfully employed in academia! Hoorah! I'll look forward to seeing you later this year!

Apr 22nd, 2008, 00:45	#11
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,960	I felt a strange kind of liberation the first time I drove on the wrong side of a dual-carriageway road. It was only for a few yards, and I stuck close to the edge ---and I don't think I'll make a habit of it

Apr 29th, 2008, 17:15	#12
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 358	Completed over a week here, settling down. I still can't believe it. Need to buy at least a 2-wheeler for now - seriously considering a Bullet. Always loved it. I will buy a Tata Safari Dicor later on when I bring Nattu here (that is IF my Mom gives him back to me!!!). On the other hand a neighbor of my parents have a Golden Retriever pup for me (hopefully still there!). I will find out when I go tot Hyderabad on May 10th. Both these breeds however have lots of hair - shedding problems. I would actually love to have a yellow Lab for the Indian climate. In any case, I love all three breeds. What contrasts - the vegetable market on campus - just like I experienced back in the 1960's. then we have all offices, guest house rooms and faculty houses - "wireless", internet connection. Life is definitely less stressful - exactly what I need. Enjoying being around students. I had originally booked on-line a SpiceJet flight from Kolkatta to Hyderabad for last Saturday. It turns out that the flight was cancelled and they had sent me an e-mail. They had asked me to call their toll free # to confirm that I wanted the refund on my CC. I did call them on Friday, everything went smoothly - I am pleasantly surprised at their customer service -I wish all other Indian companies follow this. Cheers Nattusbs

Apr 29th, 2008, 18:09	#14
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 358	Obione I guess I was not clear. What I meant is that the use of the terminology "for security reasons" (in this case for SIM card in India, in the US for something else, not cell phone) has become the "mantra". No one can question once that is said. Cheers Nattusbs

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