Oktoberfest in India

This week Munich celebrated it's 200th Anniversary of Oktoberfest.    India could not be left out of that fun - they are huge beer drinkers and love many things German.   Many Indians learned German as a second or third language, lots of Germans vacation here and most Indian websites have Hindi, English and German as options for the text!    I guess with a name like Schmitt we should feel right at home. 

I had a business trip to Hyderabad which coincided with a client visit from a German Automotive group...Indians also are terrific hosts...so we set up Oktoberfest here for all to enjoy.   The Westin hosted our event complete with jalapeno poppers (not really German but satisfied my need for processed cheese), soft pretzels, chicken fingers and fish sticks (out of place, I know).      The ballroom was lined with long tables and low benches sporting glass Kingfisher mugs and make shift draft beer stations on each table.    Now this is where Oktoberfest converts to India flavor - we were served only one type of beer - Kingfisher (is there any other?) and were entertained by a fashion show, hip hop dancing, Indian ethnic dancing and two hosts that reminded me of Sonny and Cher.     The best part about the entertainment is that it was all provided by our employees that work on the automotive account.    Darling Indian women sported after five dresses - all in black, bearing their shoulders and the men had on dapper vests and ties.      The hip hop dancers donned GAP hoodies, converse sneakers and Levi's jeans - truly looking like any mall rats you see in the US.    The Desi dancers (Desi means local in Hindi) had amazing Punjabi suits, flowing scarves and absolutely floated across the stage.    This rhapsody of sight and sound was topped off by our guests participating on the catwalk.    What could be more Indian than grown men in Lederhosen escorted by our team down a stage to Lady Gaga.    Oh what a night!

Time for Whine - Malbec Please

People often ask us what we miss from home.  The list varies across the family but we all agree on is affordable ice cream (missing the Kroger 2 half gallons for $5USD) vs. the Baskin Robins 1/2 gallon for the equivalent of $8USD and chocolate.   You must bring M&Ms if you are visiting me in Bangalore.    Taco Bell seems to be next on the list and I cannot say we even eat it that much at home, but shredded cheddar, corn chips/ taco shells and refried beans are not found anywhere nearby.  We have googled and found a Taco Bell - this is the next outing the kids are asking for, but like other things in India, the menu is undoubtedly vegetarian and has a hint of masala.   

I have found myself craving Italian food, ravioli with meat sauce and bruschetta.   And what goes with that Italian dinner better than a nice glass of Chianti?  Not the Sula Shiraz Cabernet which is the top Indian wine available here.   Wine is a huge void.   The Indian vineyards are a burgeoning industry so the government taxes imported wine to the hilt.  Just to give you an example, a bottle of YellowTail Shiraz would be $6-9USD depending on where you buy and here it's an equivalent of $25USD+ and that is not really even good wine.  In fact, I was celebrating another week of work last night and headed to the liquor store.  I immediately ventured into the Imported section only to find the selection slim.   I settled on a bottle of Borbore Malbec from Argentina which was Rs1181 or $27USD (the dollar is weak this week).    I was so excited to sit on the terrace with a nice glass of vino - it's quality is irrelevant - all I can say is it's the nicest glass I've had since my Lufthansa flight on August 18.     I stopped myself at just one glass (SHOCKER, I know) and am saving the rest for tonight.    There must be a way to stop my whine for wine, when I found out I will let you know.

Jimmy, Tod, Christian and Tory have landed in India!!!

On July 26th we packed up our house in Grosse Pointe. The neighbors watched as mattresses, bikes, golf clubs and countless unmarked boxes were loaded on the truck.    It was a mad dash - we were expecting to be boarding our fight only 48 hours later.   Doug and I hauled everything we could think of to the front door.  Here is what we missed:  TV,  rattan end tables, office supplies (scissors, pens, glue), rolling pin, plastic glasses, movies, blankets etc... BUT what I did not skimp on was my shoes.   It was a laborious task to sort through the 200 boxes of labeled shoes, boots, sandals, sneakers in my closets.  I live in a 1930's house, so my collection is spread across every closet on the second floor.  I skipped the boot closet for the most part -I was heading to India but I couldn't resist one pair of Frye Riding boots (in case we go to Katmandu), Tory's summer suede booties and a sassy pair of open too Jimmy Choo booties.   At the time, these seemed like a necessity for Jeans, summer dresses and heading out to dinners.   My life has had none of those things thus far - too hot for jeans, my summer dresses are too revealing and most our dinners involve the kids = not sassy!    I am happy I included every pair of flat sandals and ballet shoes I own as the streets and sidewalks are uneven, sandy and usually fairly sketchy.    Additionally, if you have any sort of personal space issues - avoid the elevators.  I find myself walking up four flights of stairs daily to my office and another four flights to the cafeteria.     Flat shoes are now considered exercise equipment because most days the up and down the stairs 3-4 times is all the exercise I get.    Finally all my heels are lining up provide hiding places for dust bunnies and I fear real bugs...I am usually taller than most people barefoot, so the 4 inch louboutins and Tod's strappy sandals are waiting for the other expats to arrive and invite me out...

Scene and be Seen

The kids had their first adventure in Bangalore in more ways than one. We are finally getting settled, not having to spend our Saturdays running errands. Doug is able to get our family organized during the week so Saturday is a time for fun together. Two of the best things about being in India are that we have to be together (yes, that is also the negative for a teen and pre-teen) and exploring together. Now Bangalore is not the ultimate tourist destination but you can see some of the gardens that have made Bangalore an attractive spot to live coupled with the consistent weather. Lalbagh is the city's botanical garden that has a place for snow white, a granite hill with a Hindu temple, a gorgeous glass pavilion, a lake and tons of trees made for climbing. It was originally a royal garden and covers 40 acres. Doug and I enjoyed the walk through the garden, however the kids were hot and kept asking when I would open the can of Pringles in my purse. Additionally, my shoe moment was that sneakers with ankle socks do not prevent the red ants for getting to you....Ouch! The really interesting part of this sight seeing trip was that the kids seemed to be the focus for the local people. I felt like Britney and paparazzi, every time Emma and I turned around some random guy was taking our picture and groups of people approached us asking to be photographed with them. I was prepared as this happened to us in June, but it was very disconcerting to Emma and Nolan. We certainly see lots of other European looking folks around Bangalore but a blond family in rather local place draws attention. My advice, smile - you will never see the pictures anyway.

Goin' Goan

My first domestic trip in India was to Goa this week, commonly referred to as the Hawaii of India. I was pumped however I seemed to forget that I am in INDIA! We are fortunate here in Bangalore that we have a brand new beautiful airport, Goa on the other hand has something resembling a large garage built 30 years ago. Ok, not terrible, I carried my luggage onboard and was able to pop off the double propeller plane and get to my car in about 5 minutes. The hotel sent a slick gray SUV to whisk me away down the usual bumpy unpaved road. Difference number 1 between Goa and Hawaii - US infrastructure providing good roads, stop lights and trash removal. As we coast down the road curving around the bay the typical make shift homes and "hotels" which are really local restaurants dot the rolling hills. Difference number 2: nothing familiar, Hawaii has the benefit of money - chain restaurants, stores, strip malls along the mountainous landscape. I am beginning to think that Goa is really the Jamaica of India (which I quite like too, however that would have set my expectations better). Arriving at our hotel, Taj Vivanta - which I was pretty happy with but my colleagues felt that this was low end for the Taj Hotel chain. Next our hotel was city center about 3km from the beach, my only view of the beach was from the roof top bar. The bay looked great, I was sure I would take a walk to the beach, however after about an hour at the roof top for our welcome dinner my hair had doubled its volume from the humidity and I was on the verge of heat exhaustion. Yes, lifting my hand to my mouth for gin & tonics does wear you out in 100% humidity and 33 degrees celcius. I never made it to the beach, the braver more senior crew from work walked down and stayed through the night. Goa has fabulous shacks on the beach that you stay late and do it up. Goa also bucks the India norm in that alcohol is cheap and other decadent past times are enjoyed openly. Next time I go, i will get to the beach and take advantage of the 7 bottle export option and stock the bar for my visitors.

Cat Lady Update!

My Feline Foe has moved but has apparently forgotten one blonde cat who arrives at 6 am looking for breakfast. I am reminded of this daily when my dog launches off my bed toward the balcony frantically howling at the cat who stares blankly at our window....as if to say, "why can't you feed me?" I am hoping maintenance comes and picks up the 18 bags of kitty litter left on the corner, but for now, I am happy the other 49 cats are gone.

This requires pocket change!

Sight seeing has taken on a whole new meaning in India. Sensory overload is oppressive - sounds, sights, smells, taste and general motion sickness are part of my commute to work every day. I now have my favorite cow family I see each morning before I make the turn to our facility, commonly known as Bang 3. I recognize the way home not by street signs (because there are not any) but by street vendors selling fruit to people in traffic jams on a particular corner or the stores I long to stop at but have no time. One of these days I will get to Mother Earth, @Home or the Cane Boutique. One of the most unique things to see is a pack of beggars (I know, not very nice) but this is a special variety. On a few key roads, like the one in front of Emma's dance studio, are the cross-dressing group.
From a far, this crew stands out from the regular street beggars - as they are dressed in colorful, crisp sarees and arms stacked with shimmery bangles. A closer stare reveals wispy side burns, jaw achne and a pronounced adam's apple. Could it be? Is that a guy? I am not convinced, but his partner slowly makes his way along the cars parked in the traffic jamb. Knock, knock! They have stopped at my car - asking for money. My driver (who is usually pretty strict on waving away the panderers) promptly rolls down the window and forks over a few rupees. Appalled by this,I am informed that if you don't give some money- you might get flashed or the pair of beggers may start kissing each other! Still feeling safe in the backseat of my car, I put on my oversized Mary-Kate Olsen sunglasses and pretend I cannot see a thing. Safe!

About an hour later Emma and I are waitng on the steps of the studio waiting for our pick up and the troop of day ladies meander up to us asking for something in Hindi. This time Emma puts on her sunglasses and we both look at the sky. Thankfully they walked away, I am told they usually don't bother the ladies :)