where are all the expats

chrisandcin · Jun 30th, 2009, 11:47

We are living out near the airport at rajarhat in the ment apartcomplex attached to the soon to be open city center 2 shopping mall. We are a just a couple from florida here on a 2 year stay with our 2 dogs and 1 cat. Any other expats interested in getting together for a beer let us know, be fun to meet others and share our experiences

chris

ps www.chrisandcin.com is our blog about the adventure so far

smakkar · Jul 3rd, 2009, 03:55

Hey Chris... Since you are currently in India, on www.chrisandcin.com, why does the "Before India" section say "Coming shortly"...

Am I missing something here?

Santanu Das · Jul 4th, 2009, 12:31

Hi Chrisandcin,

Welcome to Kolkata. I am not an expat but a Bengali (which means Indian people born in West Bengal).
I have read your blog & see your point of view.I can understand the culture shock you are experiencing trying to settle in a developing country ( Well, its just an euphanism, lets accept we are an economically poor country)
You write well,its a good read ( No sarcasm meant , but honest opinion). Of course reading about the negatives( being a Indian)is not easy, but factual truths must be accepted.
I am sure you would also find the good things about my city & my country as well soon. Rest assured, you would discover it yourself.
Keep on the blog.

If you need any help in settling here, please dont hesitate to inform.

Once again, Welcome to India ,

chrisandcin · Jul 5th, 2009, 09:22

smakkar - before india is coming soon as that part of our history and the countries we have lived and things we have seen is just too big to write...at the moment anyway

Santanu Das - honestly I think that a Indian going to say America for instance would have a worse culture shock than we got, I really feel for a Indian who is a vegetarian going to the USA, you would starve! (yes I like veg food and especially Indian veg food)

Its easy to write and vent about our experiences this way, its not meant to be nasty...although I could see how people could take offense and I apologize in advance for that. I think the worst thing for us is that out of all the non western places we have lived, India had higher expectations for us... we have been basically taken aback at how basic the place really is. We knew of the bureaucracy and thought we were up to the challenge, but a lot of what happens here is just plain stupid and not needed. What is really amazing is that if the layers of bureaucracy, rules and regulations were lifted India would be a super power battling it out with China for number one position in the world.

AwayFromHome · Jul 5th, 2009, 14:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisandcin

Its easy to write and vent about our experiences this way, its not meant to be nasty...although I could see how people could take offense and I apologize in advance for that. I think the worst thing for us is that out of all the non western places we have lived, India had higher expectations for us... we have been basically taken aback at how basic the place really is. We knew of the bureaucracy and thought we were up to the challenge, but a lot of what happens here is just plain stupid and not needed. What is really amazing is that if the layers of bureaucracy, rules and regulations were lifted India would be a super power battling it out with China for number one position in the world.

Hi Chris,

No need to apologize _ India's government machinery is vexing, even to us Indians.

You'll never get used to it, but you will develop some sense of tolerance. Hopefully, the pluses will outweigh the minuses for you.
Good luck, and Cheers!

ek51 · Jul 6th, 2009, 20:32

Hi chrisandcin,

all the expats do live there, I suspect you would need to go to 'posh' areas to meet up with them.

As far as I am aware, you could probably network yourself into a group of them by going to the American centre?
Maybe joining a gym, Golds gym is in Kolkata, do a google search.

The deal with Kolkata is that even though the State portrays itself as a welcoming state for foreign investment, the snails pace at which progress is made puts off any major changes.

Indians abroad are percieved as hard workers, dilligent and honest. When they are in their own country though, that's when they don't have a problem breaking every rule or law, it's their right to do so, even at the cost of inconveniencing the population going about their own business trying to earn a good living and better themselves.

I suggest that you go with the flow.

India is a lovely country, pity that petty politics and selfish attitudes by authority blemish the country and West Bengal.
All so that the politicians can keep up their votebanks and stay in power forever.

Hey ho..... never mind.

smakkar · Jul 6th, 2009, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by ek51

The deal with Kolkata is that even though the State portrays itself as a welcoming state for foreign investment, the snails pace at which progress is made puts off any major changes.

You are left.. I mean right.!!

stepmyrjov · Jul 8th, 2009, 17:29

Chris,

I am american woman, living in Kolkata too. I live over by Ruby Hospital with my bengali husband and family. =D I'm up for meeting others! You can email me here or at stephaniedasgupta AT gmail DOT com

gorigirl · Aug 25th, 2009, 20:06

We all live in South Cal.

Supe2U · Nov 16th, 2009, 05:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisandcin

What is really amazing is that if the layers of bureaucracy, rules and regulations were lifted India would be a super power battling it out with China for number one position in the world.

I am a Non-Resident Indian living in the US for the past 38 years. In my humble opinion if all those layers of bureaucracy were removed then instantly there would be millions of "baboos" (clerical staff) out of work and perhaps not be able to support their families. Instead, here is my suggestion: DON'T EMBRACE THE BUREAUCRACY YOURSELF, which can be a frustrating experience! Hire a MUNSHI (a Man Friday) for around INR 5,000-7,000/month and let him/her sweat it out at the lines for you! My friends who have moved back from here all tell me that a munshi is worth his pay in gold! LOL

Supe2U · Nov 16th, 2009, 06:16

Elsewhere in the thread, a Calcutta native apologized for Calcutta and implied that this city is not as advanced as Chennai. I take objection to this. After all, in the "good ole days" Calcutta was the Number Two city in the entire British Empire, with London ranking Numero Uno.

Here, judge for yourself. Go visit http://www.greatmirror.com. At the bottom you will find links to various countries. Select the link for "Northern India" and then select the very first link for Calcutta. (Yes, there are 104 pics of Calcutta, covered in 4 separate links). When you are done with Calcutta, return to the Home page of Great Mirror and select "Peninsular India" then select the link for Chennai and go through the 74 pics of this city hosted by the same American photographer (and an university professor).

Come on fellas! Let's get one thing damn straight: us Bengalis have always led the Tamils in the art of sophistication. Cheers!

parlan · Nov 19th, 2009, 22:22

Hi, I read your comment on Indiamike. I am a Swedish journalist who has moved to Calcutta with my family (husband who is at Jodhavpur university and my two kids, 9 and 12 who just have joined Calcutta International School). We live near Ruby hospital,the place is called Ruchira Residency. I would be happy to meet other expats! If you are interested email mer here or at pernilla_stahl@hotmail.com.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepmyrjov

Chris,

I am american woman, living in Kolkata too. I live over by Ruby Hospital with my bengali husband and family. =D I'm up for meeting others! You can email me here or at stephaniedasgupta AT gmail DOT com

Jun 30th, 2009, 11:47	#1
chrisandcin Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 27	where are all the expats We are living out near the airport at rajarhat in the ment apartcomplex attached to the soon to be open city center 2 shopping mall. We are a just a couple from florida here on a 2 year stay with our 2 dogs and 1 cat. Any other expats interested in getting together for a beer let us know, be fun to meet others and share our experiences chris ps www.chrisandcin.com is our blog about the adventure so far

Jul 3rd, 2009, 03:55	#2
smakkar Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delhi and everywhere else... Posts: 526	Hey Chris... Since you are currently in India, on www.chrisandcin.com, why does the "Before India" section say "Coming shortly"... Am I missing something here? __________________ All my Travels... www.flickr.com/photos/saurabh_sunny/ A lot still pending though...............

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Expats in Kochi?	Coupled	Moving to Other Cities	20	Sep 30th, 2009 00:12
Expats in Chandigarh	mcp	Moving to Other Cities	4	Jun 23rd, 2009 09:22
Expats are smarter than non-expats	mazha	Chai and Chat	6	May 22nd, 2009 14:14
What do expats need in an apartment?	ok_can_97	Moving to Delhi	6	Feb 25th, 2009 22:52

Jul 4th, 2009, 12:31	#3
Santanu Das Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: New Alipur Posts: 73	Hi Chrisandcin, Welcome to Kolkata. I am not an expat but a Bengali (which means Indian people born in West Bengal). I have read your blog & see your point of view.I can understand the culture shock you are experiencing trying to settle in a developing country ( Well, its just an euphanism, lets accept we are an economically poor country) You write well,its a good read ( No sarcasm meant , but honest opinion). Of course reading about the negatives( being a Indian)is not easy, but factual truths must be accepted. I am sure you would also find the good things about my city & my country as well soon. Rest assured, you would discover it yourself. Keep on the blog. If you need any help in settling here, please dont hesitate to inform. Once again, Welcome to India ,

Jul 5th, 2009, 09:22	#4
chrisandcin Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 27	smakkar - before india is coming soon as that part of our history and the countries we have lived and things we have seen is just too big to write...at the moment anyway Santanu Das - honestly I think that a Indian going to say America for instance would have a worse culture shock than we got, I really feel for a Indian who is a vegetarian going to the USA, you would starve! (yes I like veg food and especially Indian veg food) Its easy to write and vent about our experiences this way, its not meant to be nasty...although I could see how people could take offense and I apologize in advance for that. I think the worst thing for us is that out of all the non western places we have lived, India had higher expectations for us... we have been basically taken aback at how basic the place really is. We knew of the bureaucracy and thought we were up to the challenge, but a lot of what happens here is just plain stupid and not needed. What is really amazing is that if the layers of bureaucracy, rules and regulations were lifted India would be a super power battling it out with China for number one position in the world.

Jul 6th, 2009, 20:32	#6
ek51 nearly in Kolkata, give me a little time Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: london Posts: 23	Hi chrisandcin, all the expats do live there, I suspect you would need to go to 'posh' areas to meet up with them. As far as I am aware, you could probably network yourself into a group of them by going to the American centre? Maybe joining a gym, Golds gym is in Kolkata, do a google search. The deal with Kolkata is that even though the State portrays itself as a welcoming state for foreign investment, the snails pace at which progress is made puts off any major changes. Indians abroad are percieved as hard workers, dilligent and honest. When they are in their own country though, that's when they don't have a problem breaking every rule or law, it's their right to do so, even at the cost of inconveniencing the population going about their own business trying to earn a good living and better themselves. I suggest that you go with the flow. India is a lovely country, pity that petty politics and selfish attitudes by authority blemish the country and West Bengal. All so that the politicians can keep up their votebanks and stay in power forever. Hey ho..... never mind.

Jul 8th, 2009, 17:29	#8
stepmyrjov Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kolkata, India Posts: 95	Chris, I am american woman, living in Kolkata too. I live over by Ruby Hospital with my bengali husband and family. =D I'm up for meeting others! You can email me here or at stephaniedasgupta AT gmail DOT com

Aug 25th, 2009, 20:06	#9
gorigirl Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kolkata Posts: 40	We all live in South Cal.

Nov 16th, 2009, 06:16	#11
Supe2U No experience happens just by chance! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Houston TX, USA Posts: 17	Elsewhere in the thread, a Calcutta native apologized for Calcutta and implied that this city is not as advanced as Chennai. I take objection to this. After all, in the "good ole days" Calcutta was the Number Two city in the entire British Empire, with London ranking Numero Uno. Here, judge for yourself. Go visit http://www.greatmirror.com. At the bottom you will find links to various countries. Select the link for "Northern India" and then select the very first link for Calcutta. (Yes, there are 104 pics of Calcutta, covered in 4 separate links). When you are done with Calcutta, return to the Home page of Great Mirror and select "Peninsular India" then select the link for Chennai and go through the 74 pics of this city hosted by the same American photographer (and an university professor). Come on fellas! Let's get one thing damn straight: us Bengalis have always led the Tamils in the art of sophistication. Cheers!