Moving to India - Mussoorie

OcoeeG

Hello all, I would like to start by saying how wonderful a community this forum is. This is my first post but I have been doing a lot of reading and research in these forums during the past couple of weeks. Great to be a part of it all.

So here is my story. I am a school teacher (male) in my early 30's, single and no children. I am anticipating being offered a teaching position at one of the private schools near Mussoorie by the end of the week. I am extremely excited about this possibility, but I also am a bit scared, it will be a huge change. I have to commit to the school for 2 years. I love to travel, the more culturally different the better. I have been to a few developing countries in South America and love it. Japan, wonderful!!! Mexico, amazing!!! But I have a feeling these locations are tame when compared to India. However, this is the kind of travel I love, experiencing everything a new and exciting place has to offer. I have wanted to travel to India since I was a boy, I love the outdoors, and have always wanted to see the Himalayas. Seems like a perfect opportunity doesn't it? I guess what I am looking for is a little reassurance that I will be able to handle living in a place as wonderfully crazy as India for 2 years. One saving grace is that the schools campus is away from town, secluded and quiet. Almost like my own sheltered oasis.
Sorry for the novel, again it is great to be a part of IM.
Chris

Nattusbs

Chris

This opportunity sounds very exciting and I hope you get it. Some of the private schools in the Musoorie and Dehra Dun area have a good reputation, although some of the kids could be from rich families and be spoilt. Not all of them, but some.

The campus setting will definitely provide solace from the happenings around town if you get overwhelmed. In addition, the school will provide accomodation. In many of these schools sports is mandatory for the students, cricket and hockey used to be the norm when I was growing up. I am not sure what sports are played nowadays, you may have softball (I remember playing softball when I was in school in Bhubaneswar!!). I am sure you will get to hike and such and it would not be uncommon for the school to arrange such events for the students with a teacher or two as bosses. I am sure that the medium of instruction will be English, although it would be good if you start to pick up some Hindi words and phrases for the wanderings around town. What about your food likes and dislikes? Breakfast of omellete and toast is common and so is cereal (hot or cold - the hot variety is called porridge in India).

Please keeep us updated.

Cheers

Nattusbs

PS: What will you be teaching?

OcoeeG

Thanks for the info. Nattusbs. Yes, I think the possibilities seem wonderful. I love all types of food. I will eat just about anything. Have not eaten too much Indian food, but what I have I have really enjoyed. So the food department is not an issue. I will definitely keep you posted. I will be a science teacher.
Chris

ananda2193

I would definitely go for it.I would love to live and work in the Himalayas.I love it up there. And you'll make memories that will be with you always. Great stories for your kids!

If you don't do it, you might regret it later when your tied down with kids and wife.

It should be a great experience that will surely make your resume more interesting.

ddevadatta

Congrats Chris. Hope you got the job. I venture to say this school is Woodstock. I was just there a few months ago. My friend is chair of the music department. I serve on the Board of Trustees for Emmanuel Hospital Association which has the Landur hospital just above the school, walking distance between the two. Great location and place and the people are fabulous.

Keep us abreast of your progress.

__________________
Ayurvedic cure for an Indian headache

barodian

Hi OcoeeG,

First of all, Congrats and good luck on your endevours! From what you are writing, it seems to me that you won't have any problem staying in India. Go with your arms open and grasp everything India is and you will surely enjoy yourself, the people and the great country that India is.

You must learn few Hindi words, which will help you get around the city. Best of luck!

OcoeeG

Thanks everyone for your posts!
The more I think about this opportunity, I could never let it slip through my fingers. I would be an idiot. All of your words have helped me realize this even more. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!! I will keep you all updated and if everything works out may be having some chai with my Indian IM brethren in a few months.
Thanks,
Chris

dzibead

Or Wynberg-Allen? Or St. George's?? There are private ("public") schools other than Woodstock in or near Mussoorie- although Woodstock is probably the best known and probably has the most international student body and faculty.

OcoeeG, you lucky dog! You can't pass up this opportunity! Mussoorie is a pleasant place. Not as crazy-intense as the big cities, but because it's a holiday destination it's still lively and fun. If by chance you're going to be teaching at Wynberg-Allen, PM me - I know a kid who's in school there.

robotvoice

Hello, and best of luck to you! I'm sure you will find Mussoorie wonderful! I just wanted to add, that although I would still encourage learning some hindi language, I don't think you would find it necessary to get by around town, as English is widely understood. But out of respect for the local culture it would be appreciated.

mira4bai4

Hi OcoeeG, Sounds like a great beginning to an adventure, hope that you get the post. I have not been to Mussoorie yet though I am really not far from it and it is certainly on the list of spots to have a look at once I get another bike to ride.

Please keep us posted on events as some Hill Stations still have magic.

capt_mahajan

Judging by the rest of your post, the simple answer to your question is yes.

OcoeeG

Mira,
I will definitely let you know how it goes. If I get over there I am planning on buying a bike to get myself around. As soon as you get another ride we will have to hook up for a little ride in the mountains. While on the subject, what is the best way to buy a bike. I was thinking about going with a new one, but I would seriously consider a nice used Bullet. There is a dealership in Dehradun and I am sure plenty of used bikes for sale. Any advice?

Capt. - Yea, I feel the same way, sometimes it is just nice to hear it. Thanks

mira4bai4

Well a ride round the mountains would be great. Bullets hmmm., nice ones, is it looks, the sound or the quality. Great looks, nice sound but no illusion on the quality as it just is not there. I had a 500 from new and every 6 weeks there was major work to be done, 500's are not a good bike. 350's are better but when you sit in service centres round the country and see how many bikes are being repaired and how much people are forking out after warranty it begs the question, why.


Bullets have the image and the speed but nothing else. I am banking a cheque from a dealer buy back for my bike and it was a struggle to get it. Compare a Japanese styled bike for say Rs67,000 180cc with 5 years warranty, to a Bullet 350 at Rs76,000 with 1 year warranty. So is it more for less or less for more?

I would still get another but have it rebuilt at Bulletwallas for another Rs50,000 and get it sorted once and for all, then try and avoid the RE trained engineers until I could find someone that really cared.

OcoeeG

Mira, are Japanese bikes readily available in India? I Like the looks and mystic of the Bullet, retro looking with a cool history. But I don't want a bike I can't rely on. If I can get a Japanese bike maybe I will do that. I need to do some research on the topic. Thanks again, Chris

cyberhippie

A Bajaj Pulsar is also a good reliable machine!!