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Tag Archives: India
The Business of Socializing
Social gatherings bring business + pleasure?
While much is written about the business of business cards, culturally appropriate ways of exchanging in a formal business context, the lines between professional and personal interactions often blur in Bombay. Perhaps it is because Bombay is the capital of both film and finance in India – a beacon to hopefuls with dreams of fame and fortune – be it in Bollywood or banks.
Mumbai Monsoon, Manitoba Memories
Balcony view of monsoon in Mumbai
The monsoon has reached Mumbai and even after so many years here, the first rains bring a special joy! There is something about the monsoon. It is the difference between the economy flourishing or failing. It is the delight of dancing in the warm rain. Children playing, laughing with abandon, splashing about soaking wet. There is a different light in the sky, a different scent in the air, the feel of life pulsing strong, plants and trees take on a lush rich green hue, bursting with renewal.
Winnipeg Folk Fest Part 1 – Making Plans
Winnipeg Folk Fest main stage
Coming from Manitoba, one summer highlight is the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Held in Birds Hill Provincial Park, it is a remarkable community affair. Just imagine Woodstock superbly run for decades! I have terrific childhood memories of dancing to merry tunes, magical musical moments and mischief with friends as a teenager/young adult, and best of all – the joy of contributing as a volunteer – not only during the festival but as a year-round labour of love coordinating the site security (now safety) crew aka “Fun Managers”.
July 2013 is the 40th Anniversary. It is now a five night, four-day affair, exceptionally organized, harnessing the energies of thousands of dedicated volunteers. While the programming has evolved over the years under various artistic directors – the core of folk, local and global music remains. There is always something to discover…
Improbable Efficiency – A Dabba Love Story
Dabba or tiffin (Photo: Carissa Hickling)
I recently saw a new film “The Lunchbox” or “Dabba” by Ritesh Batra starring Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur. It was a private preview screening for cast, crew, family and friends before the official world premier in Cannes this weekend. My interest was a chance to see my partner on-screen – playing the role of Irrfan’s boss. Irrfan’s character Saajan Fernandez is a taciturn claims officer in a public insurance company, about to retire after 35 years of service. Nimrat plays Ila, a young middle class housewife and mother.
The premise of the story is that Saajan and Ila’s husband’s lunch dabbas are mistakenly switched when delivered by Mumbai’s dabba wallas. Saajan, a widower, has a neighbourhood restaurant send him lunch in office. Whereas Ila carefully prepares her husband’s lunch, hoping to re-capture his drifting regard through the quality and inventiveness of her culinary creations. She is amazed one day when the dabba is returned home with the food so relished that the container was uncharacteristically licked clean!
“Ding dong!” or inconvenient conveniences
Grumpy “OPEN” guy sez it all…
The domestic activities part of day-to-day life here in India often strikes our guests as fascinating. So many services and little life luxuries that are simply not available or affordable for most folks in the west. However convenience comes with a price, and for me, the morning routine can sometimes lead to a serious bout of grouchiness with the incessant ringing of the doorbell.
You have to understand, I am decidedly NOT a morning person… it is best to not expect a coherent conversation until after my second cappuccino. However much I yearn for an easy morning ritual, I instead contend with a series of door bells which typically goes like this:
Every Day Adventures in Asia (Mostly)
Gateway of India
About the blog:
Over the years, I’ve had the great fortune to travel, interact with fascinating people, and have a few adventures that seem to be of interest to others. What is normal and part of everyday life for me, gains a different hue when viewed through the eyes of folks from different walks of life. After much prompting and encouragement, this blog is the result.
Carissa Hickling
About the blogger:
Carissa Hickling is from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Early on the travel bug hit her – first with an exchange program to Quebec, then another to Germany, a Rotary program in France, further University studies in France, former Yugoslavia and India. Since 2003, India has become her adopted home, working in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, travelling to Dubai, Vietnam and more!
See Everyday Asia – Time to change! for an update.
Everyday Asia 