Comments on: How much money do you need to save before you move to India ? http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:40:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Mala http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-15357 Mala Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:32:53 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-15357 I am a business woman...travelled most parts of the world..Dubai,Singapore,Europe,US...nothing beats the feeling when Iam sitting at my house in Bangalore. I am a business woman…travelled most parts of the world..Dubai,Singapore,Europe,US…nothing beats the feeling when Iam sitting at my house in Bangalore.

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]]> By: Jhunti http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-14175 Jhunti Sat, 11 Sep 2010 19:09:15 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-14175 Woo i just loved this blog and cant wait to agree with Annie. I had exact stories with her so not writing... Woo i just loved this blog and cant wait to agree with Annie.
I had exact stories with her so not writing…

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]]> By: Mamta http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-10876 Mamta Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:19:34 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-10876 I will take an inefficient maid in India over no maid at all in the U.S. Moreover, who says househelp here is efficient. My help here in the U.S was so irregular that I had to fire her after 3 yrs of putting up with her excuses. All I know is that I am happier in India than I am here, not really sure why...maybe that sense of belonging or it could be my big family or just being able to see my mom everyday!! I will take an inefficient maid in India over no maid at all in the U.S. Moreover, who says househelp here is efficient. My help here in the U.S was so irregular that I had to fire her after 3 yrs of putting up with her excuses. All I know is that I am happier in India than I am here, not really sure why…maybe that sense of belonging or it could be my big family or just being able to see my mom everyday!!

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]]> By: Raju http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-8793 Raju Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:32:47 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-8793 I must also claim that you are my 'kumbh ka mela' long-lost sibling! Same boat... and trying to land a good job to r2i. Definitely, the growth prospects there are awesome compared to those in the U.S. I must also claim that you are my ‘kumbh ka mela’ long-lost sibling! Same boat… and trying to land a good job to r2i. Definitely, the growth prospects there are awesome compared to those in the U.S.

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]]> By: vijayraj http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-6673 vijayraj Tue, 29 Dec 2009 06:54:03 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-6673 Fantastic blog. But I guess your comparison and effort savings applies only if you are an entrepreneur maybe? Otherwise, in a city like Mumbai - believe me you are LUCKY if you get to leave for work by 6:30 am and reach home by 9 pm(IT indutsry). Plus the fact that the crushing crowds sap your energy by the time you reach office/reach home. All that a human would want to do is eat his food and go to sleep. No matter who cooked it and how much effort was saved. Of course this becomes worse if your project is a wee bit in trouble. The work 'ethic' expects submissiveness and conformance for the sake of 'team spirit'. I mean I see Americal employees putting in overtime - but I also see the gratitude that they receive and the fact that it is NEVER taken for granted. So which time is saved. I am sure I would have had to "plan" this comment as one of my weekend tasks had I been in Mumbai right now. So what gym, what quality time with children? Secondly, I might pay 1/4 or maybe 1/3 of my TAKE-HOME salary towards my monthly rent in the US. I am guaranteed a good public education for free. I can buy a used car in about 3 months of salary. In India, that would be more than a years salary for a car. And more than half of my take home salary for my apartment EMI for a decent house. So I do not get the logic of purchasing power either. Are you talking about very high management level positions in India which allow you to afford a home, school which is 10 minutes away from the commercial hub? Of course that makes life easy anywhere. Not just in India. The only challenges then left are which you choose to take up, not the daily ones that are thrust upon you. Fantastic blog. But I guess your comparison and effort savings applies only if you are an entrepreneur maybe?

Otherwise, in a city like Mumbai – believe me you are LUCKY if you get to leave for work by 6:30 am and reach home by 9 pm(IT indutsry). Plus the fact that the crushing crowds sap your energy by the time you reach office/reach home. All that a human would want to do is eat his food and go to sleep. No matter who cooked it and how much effort was saved. Of course this becomes worse if your project is a wee bit in trouble. The work ‘ethic’ expects submissiveness and conformance for the sake of ‘team spirit’. I mean I see Americal employees putting in overtime – but I also see the gratitude that they receive and the fact that it is NEVER taken for granted. So which time is saved. I am sure I would have had to “plan” this comment as one of my weekend tasks had I been in Mumbai right now. So what gym, what quality time with children?

Secondly, I might pay 1/4 or maybe 1/3 of my TAKE-HOME salary towards my monthly rent in the US. I am guaranteed a good public education for free. I can buy a used car in about 3 months of salary. In India, that would be more than a years salary for a car. And more than half of my take home salary for my apartment EMI for a decent house. So I do not get the logic of purchasing power either.

Are you talking about very high management level positions in India which allow you to afford a home, school which is 10 minutes away from the commercial hub? Of course that makes life easy anywhere. Not just in India. The only challenges then left are which you choose to take up, not the daily ones that are thrust upon you.

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]]> By: long to be back http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-4961 long to be back Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:03:34 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-4961 I read with a great deal of interest the above posts about the battles one constantly faces in a bid to return home. In all of us, there is a tiny voice that nudges us to return someday, that is my belief...We had a very comfortable ( and I can claim now, almost stressfree) existence in India. Money was not great, but not bad either! Childcare was easy, the flexibility in some ways was superb. While I agree with all everyone says about corruption and inefficiency eroding the Indian way of life, I guess much more of the reluctance to return is due to habit that one falls into..I hope I will muster enough courage to return soon! I read with a great deal of interest the above posts about the battles one constantly faces in a bid to return home. In all of us, there is a tiny voice that nudges us to return someday, that is my belief…We had a very comfortable ( and I can claim now, almost stressfree) existence in India. Money was not great, but not bad either! Childcare was easy, the flexibility in some ways was superb. While I agree with all everyone says about corruption and inefficiency eroding the Indian way of life, I guess much more of the reluctance to return is due to habit that one falls into..I hope I will muster enough courage to return soon!

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]]> By: neo http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-2101 neo Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:01:18 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-2101 Hi Tina, Lets just say that moving to India is very hard even for those people who dream of moving to India all their life. Also reading through your comment makes me think you already know your answer in your heart. -Neo Hi Tina,

Lets just say that moving to India is very hard even for those people who dream of moving to India all their life.

Also reading through your comment makes me think you already know your answer in your heart.

-Neo

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]]> By: Tina http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-2099 Tina Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:30:19 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-2099 Okay long story short. I'm Canadian born and raised - met my fob lover in the US - now we're kinda engaged - and now he wants to only stay in india. I'm horrified. The lack of toilet paper - public amenities ( i have to dehyrdate myself whenever we go anywhere so i don't have to pee in a bush) and what not. Also, I'm not done university yet and I'll have a huge student loan at the end of the year. If I stayed in Canada, I would be able to live comfortable while making monthly payments. In India, my profession has no value. I'll barely be making the equivalent of $1000 dollars per month. That's not gonna cut it. And India isn't cheap anymore. If you want a decent non-designer sari - u have to cough up at least 6000 rupees. I just don't get it. And I refuse to drive where nobody obeys any rules or laws. Is my almost not there asthma gonna get violent ?I know that this might not be enough information but I don't know what else to say. I love my fob but we're now having problems because he thinks I won't follow through on my committment to him, and all I want from him is to just understand that in order for me to drop everything and move there for him - he needs to be the best damn fiancee in the world! Sorry - i Know this isn't a relationship advice column but I'm kinda glad I stumbled upon it - it's nice to hear some good things about India too. So - can anyone help me out a bit ? PLEASSE!! Okay long story short. I’m Canadian born and raised – met my fob lover in the US – now we’re kinda engaged – and now he wants to only stay in india. I’m horrified. The lack of toilet paper – public amenities ( i have to dehyrdate myself whenever we go anywhere so i don’t have to pee in a bush) and what not. Also, I’m not done university yet and I’ll have a huge student loan at the end of the year. If I stayed in Canada, I would be able to live comfortable while making monthly payments. In India, my profession has no value. I’ll barely be making the equivalent of $1000 dollars per month. That’s not gonna cut it. And India isn’t cheap anymore. If you want a decent non-designer sari – u have to cough up at least 6000 rupees. I just don’t get it. And I refuse to drive where nobody obeys any rules or laws. Is my almost not there asthma gonna get violent ?I know that this might not be enough information but I don’t know what else to say. I love my fob but we’re now having problems because he thinks I won’t follow through on my committment to him, and all I want from him is to just understand that in order for me to drop everything and move there for him – he needs to be the best damn fiancee in the world! Sorry – i Know this isn’t a relationship advice column but I’m kinda glad I stumbled upon it – it’s nice to hear some good things about India too. So – can anyone help me out a bit ? PLEASSE!!

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]]> By: Annie http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1769 Annie Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:45:05 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1769 hey i typed in a comment but seems to have dissappeared! heh heh nice try but bad excuses NEO - me and spouse both work for product companies, management for me, upper management for spouse, both of us work with our marketing/sales counterparts in India, they seem to work much longer hours than in the US, moving to india has many advantages, saving time is not one of them. hey i typed in a comment but seems to have dissappeared! heh heh nice try but bad excuses NEO – me and spouse both work for product companies, management for me, upper management for spouse, both of us work with our marketing/sales counterparts in India, they seem to work much longer hours than in the US, moving to india has many advantages, saving time is not one of them.

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]]> By: Nehal http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1764 Nehal Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:46:28 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1764 Really enjoy reading your blog. my husband and I have these plans of 'what we'd do' when 'we move to India' etc..etc...surely, money factor comes in and I guess the challenge is more for us now than ever before when family support extended beyond emotions. Your take on moving back and the experiences thus far and that too from third person are interesting..wonder what would Mrs. Neo have to say on some of them. Really enjoy reading your blog. my husband and I have these plans of ‘what we’d do’ when ‘we move to India’ etc..etc…surely, money factor comes in and I guess the challenge is more for us now than ever before when family support extended beyond emotions.
Your take on moving back and the experiences thus far and that too from third person are interesting..wonder what would Mrs. Neo have to say on some of them.

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]]> By: Easily Amused http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1756 Easily Amused Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:57:50 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1756 “communal lunch” you say?... haven't done that since middle school.. :-). Now sadly, I could never understand people who brought lunch from home.. In India, I'd always treated lunch hour as the golden hour of exploration... the time to hang with like minded folk.. to hop on a bike to the far end of town and experience the delights of a fantastical and taboo and whispered foods... and the occasional beer while at it. Ahhh... to be single and eat what you want.. the untold sacrifices we make for our wives. So does the "dear Mrs. Neo" or the "suspiciously good-looking maid" pack lunch? And does it explain why your won't share? ;-) PS: I noticed.. the (new) click to edit button/feature.. for someone prone to shooting from the hip with all the grammatical and spelling mistakes that entail.... I need a permanent edit button.. ;-) “communal lunch” you say?… haven’t done that since middle school.. :-).

Now sadly, I could never understand people who brought lunch from home.. In India, I’d always treated lunch hour as the golden hour of exploration… the time to hang with like minded folk.. to hop on a bike to the far end of town and experience the delights of a fantastical and taboo and whispered foods… and the occasional beer while at it.

Ahhh… to be single and eat what you want.. the untold sacrifices we make for our wives.

So does the “dear Mrs. Neo” or the “suspiciously good-looking maid” pack lunch? And does it explain why your won’t share? ;-)

PS: I noticed.. the (new) click to edit button/feature.. for someone prone to shooting from the hip with all the grammatical and spelling mistakes that entail…. I need a permanent edit button.. ;-)

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]]> By: neo http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1746 neo Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:22:06 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1746 LOL - I think there are two kinds of people in India: 1. The sort who think that a "communal lunch", with everyone eating from everyone else's lunch boxes is a good thing. 2. Those who can't stand the sight (and smell) of that much food in one square meter. So now I'm in this bizarre position of walking to my car in the lunch break, getting the safely hidden lunch box, finding a secluded area, eating my lunch in private (yes, with my NPR podcasts), and then coming back to work, acting as if I "ate out". LOL – I think there are two kinds of people in India:

1. The sort who think that a “communal lunch”, with everyone eating from everyone else’s lunch boxes is a good thing.
2. Those who can’t stand the sight (and smell) of that much food in one square meter.

So now I’m in this bizarre position of walking to my car in the lunch break, getting the safely hidden lunch box, finding a secluded area, eating my lunch in private (yes, with my NPR podcasts), and then coming back to work, acting as if I “ate out”.

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]]> By: neo http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1743 neo Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:10:35 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1743 @Roshni If you see a dude with unkempt hair in khaki shorts pushing the swing, and being "checked out" by all the "social moms", come and say hi - you've found me. :-)</em> @Roshni If you see a dude with unkempt hair in khaki shorts pushing the swing, and being “checked out” by all the “social moms”, come and say hi – you’ve found me. :-)

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]]> By: Roshni http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1709 Roshni Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:26:48 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1709 totally agree with Annie and Shefaly! In addition, in general when I see parents in India, I only see them with an ayah/driver tag along who does the actual playing with the kids in the park. I was the only parent who was pushing the swing for my kids..the rest stayed away from the playground as if it would reduce their social standing to do so! I even saw the ayah feeding the kid while mom talked on the cell phone. I pity them all!! In addition, having talked to my friends and relative in India, I was the object of envy that I could take off on days when my child was sick or I just decided that I wanted to work from home. The understanding that I have with my boss on these matters (as long as I complete my projects within the deadline which I definitely do) is something unheard of in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore (talking from personal observation; can't generalize to other parts of India). So, on these aspects, 40 hrs definitely doesn't cut it! totally agree with Annie and Shefaly!
In addition, in general when I see parents in India, I only see them with an ayah/driver tag along who does the actual playing with the kids in the park. I was the only parent who was pushing the swing for my kids..the rest stayed away from the playground as if it would reduce their social standing to do so! I even saw the ayah feeding the kid while mom talked on the cell phone. I pity them all!!

In addition, having talked to my friends and relative in India, I was the object of envy that I could take off on days when my child was sick or I just decided that I wanted to work from home. The understanding that I have with my boss on these matters (as long as I complete my projects within the deadline which I definitely do) is something unheard of in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bangalore (talking from personal observation; can’t generalize to other parts of India).

So, on these aspects, 40 hrs definitely doesn’t cut it!

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]]> By: Shefaly http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1707 Shefaly Tue, 02 Jun 2009 06:07:51 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1707 Dinesh I shall have you know that Tod's have a rather fetching Ferrari red shoes that many men wear. The man maketh the shoe etc. Dinesh

I shall have you know that Tod’s have a rather fetching Ferrari red shoes that many men wear. The man maketh the shoe etc.

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]]> By: Easily Amused http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1706 Easily Amused Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:08:04 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1706 That my friend is a brilliant idea.. throw in a math camp, some science classes.. cross cultural mishmash and you should have those formerly know as NRI's beating a path to your door.. That my friend is a brilliant idea.. throw in a math camp, some science classes.. cross cultural mishmash and you should have those formerly know as NRI’s beating a path to your door..

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]]> By: bea walker http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1705 bea walker Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:49:28 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1705 In a sense that was my point - long time residents of the U.S tend to look more at the value and time spent for the money paid - hence the acceptance of higher fees for better service, also we are less willing to accept status quo thinking that is still a large part of methods, mind set and services provided in India.....hence the necessity of mental preparation :)....and you are SO right about the whining friends and family!!!! good info about the companies/services in India that are competitive and I concur with the comments about aspiring to be a "global indian"....for the impatient like me, I just wish the good things about the rest of the globe would find their way more quickly to India - preferably the process being started and nurtured by all Indians themselves! In a sense that was my point – long time residents of the U.S tend to look more at the value and time spent for the money paid – hence the acceptance of higher fees for better service, also we are less willing to accept status quo thinking that is still a large part of methods, mind set and services provided in India…..hence the necessity of mental preparation :)….and you are SO right about the whining friends and family!!!!
good info about the companies/services in India that are competitive and I concur with the comments about aspiring to be a “global indian”….for the impatient like me, I just wish the good things about the rest of the globe would find their way more quickly to India – preferably the process being started and nurtured by all Indians themselves!

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]]> By: no-one http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1704 no-one Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:18:15 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1704 Some smart person will start a Summer in India for NRI kids and Summer in USA for ex-pat kids. Because, both want their kids to have Indian and American experiences. If you become that person, you may join the ranks of successful NRIs. NRIs is no longer meaningful, the term Global Indian makes more sense. Some smart person will start a Summer in India for NRI kids and Summer in USA for ex-pat kids. Because, both want their kids to have Indian and American experiences. If you become that person, you may join the ranks of successful NRIs.

NRIs is no longer meaningful, the term Global Indian makes more sense.

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]]> By: no-one http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1703 no-one Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:53:00 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1703 Now...now...an up and coming Executive like you should not settle for a paypal handout. I am not 'upper crust' but if you happen to run into one, make them your Client, whatever you are selling, that is the way to make real money. Finally, I can't get to 'upper crust' if I were to paypal my 'odds and ends' to anyone with a blog, now would I? Now…now…an up and coming Executive like you should not settle for a paypal handout. I am not ‘upper crust’ but if you happen to run into one, make them your Client, whatever you are selling, that is the way to make real money.

Finally, I can’t get to ‘upper crust’ if I were to paypal my ‘odds and ends’ to anyone with a blog, now would I?

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]]> By: Easily Amused http://neoindian.org/2009/05/26/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-save-before-you-move-to-india/#comment-1698 Easily Amused Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:05:37 +0000 http://neoindian.org/?p=1170#comment-1698 Neo.. the answer to your question is... (drum rolls) a Quadrillion..... in small unmarked bills or in a numbered Swiss account, so neither the US or the Indian govts can get their damp clammy hands on... he! he! Now that's out of the way.. dude have you noticed how time slows down in India and you seem to be always hungry and always be waiting for it to be lunch hour or tea time or dinner time... always waiting.. and waiting.. and then you like over eat with a vengeance. Time flies in the US.. I'm constantly surprised by lunch hour.. it jumps on you suddenly or sneaks by completely.. and you have to run down to the cafeteria scraps before they close lunch and all they have are the crappy dried out sandwiches in the vending m/c. In India.. time seemed to stretch on forever... I'd wait 5 hours for it to turn 12 so we could all go have lunch.. and then wait long hours in eager anticipation for tea.. dinner was another wait to eternity.. I am constantly hungry there.. not so much in the US.. what gives? I neither had maids in India or in the US.. so I don't really know what it means to have one at your beck and call.. my sibling in India does.. and we stay with that sibling, so we experience maid and chauffeur service vicariously.. but I still have to bribe the help to get food and go places.. PS: I feel brain dead.. missed lunch.. can't focus.... Neo.. the answer to your question is… (drum rolls) a Quadrillion….. in small unmarked bills or in a numbered Swiss account, so neither the US or the Indian govts can get their damp clammy hands on… he! he!

Now that’s out of the way.. dude have you noticed how time slows down in India and you seem to be always hungry and always be waiting for it to be lunch hour or tea time or dinner time… always waiting.. and waiting.. and then you like over eat with a vengeance.

Time flies in the US.. I’m constantly surprised by lunch hour.. it jumps on you suddenly or sneaks by completely.. and you have to run down to the cafeteria scraps before they close lunch and all they have are the crappy dried out sandwiches in the vending m/c.

In India.. time seemed to stretch on forever… I’d wait 5 hours for it to turn 12 so we could all go have lunch.. and then wait long hours in eager anticipation for tea.. dinner was another wait to eternity.. I am constantly hungry there.. not so much in the US.. what gives?

I neither had maids in India or in the US.. so I don’t really know what it means to have one at your beck and call.. my sibling in India does.. and we stay with that sibling, so we experience maid and chauffeur service vicariously.. but I still have to bribe the help to get food and go places..

PS: I feel brain dead.. missed lunch.. can’t focus….

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