Shifting

Much has been going on which has diverted our attention from our blog. The pace of Jay’s work has increased and Helen has been increasingly involved in activities with the Overseas Woman’s Club. However, the biggest activity that has dominated our thinking, and time has been our shifting. Yes, shifting….one can not leave home without shifting. As a matter of fact, the only way to leave home is to shift.

As with many subtleties in Indian English, variations from our American English are used to describe everyday events. One takes a diversion rather than a detour. One rides a two wheeler rather than a motorcycle. One calls on a mobile rather than a cell phone. One reverts rather replies to an e-mail. Lift, flat and satchel are now common words in our lexicon. Most recently when we moved from our home in the Diamond District to our new apartment in Salarpuria Splendor, we realized one does not move…one shifts.

As part of our shift, we needed to transfer our AirTel broadband service. Helen intrepidly ventured out to find the AirTel business office to coordinate the move…er…shift. When she asked for directions to the office from an AirTel store front that takes only payments and sells mobiles, she was told, “Down the road by the battery (Exide) shop.” Down the road by the battery shop means…walk down to the motorcycle…er…two wheeler battery shop, turn down the alley, walk past several buildings, find a narrow entrance way and walk up to the second floor, that would be three flights of stairs, and hunt down someone who knows something about shifting. Really simple stuff once you get the hang of things.

When we first arrived in India a bit more than three months ago, we didn’t have a clue about styles and qualities of apartments. We had basic needs upon arrival: a safe, secure compound-like apartment, walking distance from Jay’s work and something that would fit Jay’s work budget. The Diamond District satisfied all requirements. After a week in India we signed a three month lease and home became D-57 Diamond District. With time we learned more about apartment living in India and the quality and amenities available. We also realized our 80,000 rupees ($1,800) rent was way overpriced and the service provided way under par. So we started our own search. We visited many apartments, compared value for money with other expats, found an apartment broker (very common here) and eventually selected our new home at A-801 Salarpuria Splendor in N.R. Colony, about a kilometer east of the Diamond District.

We now live in a six month old apartment (vs. 15 years old). The appointments are marvelous. We have three balconies. We have piped in gas instead of a cylinder under the counter and a water filter instead of having 20 gallon jugs brought in that sit beside the sink. If you think that’s top drawer, if one leaves the refrigerator door open too long, “It’s a Small World” begins to chime out from a tiny computer chip. All this and we have a 40% reduction in rent. We had other discoveries in the apartment upon our arrival, but that will be another blog.