I bet I am not the first foreigner to complain about the Sie – Du nuances of the German language. And I am convinced the only reason it exists is to confuse the hell out of non-Germans. I didn’t realise what a pain it is, till now – I have finally reached a stage where …
Nimbupani has an interesting post on “are they us“?, which is still having some active and lively discussions. Very many years ago, I used to have a very simplistic exclusive view to what Indian means. “If you live in India, you are an Indian”. period. One fine day, I had to fill in an application …
“Oh, I know a great joke. But, before I start, let me just say – please don’t be offended”. Before even waiting for an answer, someone goes on to narrate a crude joke about say, your country, your language, your culture, your beliefs or anything else that you may hold dear. If you have lived …
Some time back, I griped about how people thought Singapore was in Germany (and everywhere else except where it really is). Now, check out how American Express addresses my credit card bills! Sure, my previous address used to be in Holland, but that’s no reason to think Germany is in the Netherlands. I also don’t …
I had my doctor’s appointment today and much against my better judgement, I decided to leave the safety of my house. Srijith had repeatedly assured me that “he would kick anyone’s ass” if they stared at my rather ghastly scarred face. I needn’t have worried at all, no one we met on the way so …
I am getting good at keeping a straight face when I really want to laugh. Today, I did not laugh when my colleague secretly confessed that he bought his Corrs CD from the pirates. Nor, when another male colleague distributed chocolates because he was pregnant. You see, they patiently correct me when I say things …
Some cultural nuances dissected, with not much of reverence or tact. “A handshake is a universal token of friendliness here. Be it in office, or at home or in the street when two cab drivers greet each other. Something that may not be done even in offices back in Trichur.” I came across this at …
“What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance”-Jane Austen Why does the weather play such an important part in one’s lives? I remember, when I lived in Singapore, the ‘air-conditioned nation’, you are hardly ever really physically affected by the weather – all offices and most homes have …
I was at the Landeshauptstadt to convert my Singapore driving licence to an EU one. After flipping through many many pages, the lady at the counter turns to me and asks, “Where exactly is Singapore? What is near to it?”. “Er..Malaysia, Indonesia..”. Hmm..Is this a trick question I have to answer correctly to get my …
An easy recipe for whipped potatoes, and then the story of potatoes. I had no idea how easy it is to make whipped potatoes! Peel and cut, say 6 potatoes, put them in cold water, cover the lid and boil.After the water is boiled, remove the lid and continue boiling for about 15 mins or …