Thoughts

The past 7 days we went to different historical places, or should I say tourist attractions, in New Delhi and Jaipur, like the India Gate, Shiv-Murti Complex, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri in Delhi and Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur. The attractions in Delhi are very different from those in Jaipur. I think that the complex in Jaipur has been maintained very well while those in New Delhi are not so well maintained.

At all the tourist attraction sites, other than just tour around, we met the most dedicated salespeople we have ever seen. As soon as we arrived at every single site, there are always people age ranging from 4-40 selling us India souvenirs like little elephants, mirrors, vcd, postcards, magnets, etc. As long as you show that you have tiny little bit of interests in their products, simple a glance at their products, they can follow you to negotiate the price of the products from the car park to the entrance of the attraction site. No matter how you reject or ignore them, they will never give up until you agree to buy one or you can luckily get on to the bus.

Apart from these salespersons, we can see a lot of business opportunities in India too. Unlike the Untied States, India has a lot of street vendors and small business. When we go shopping in the US, usually we can only shop in those chain stores, like American Eagle, Forever 21, Hollister, Victoria Secret, etc. In India, there are a lot of small shops and street vendors and local small market. People do not need a large sum of capital in order to start a business. Some family can sell fresh fruits on a cart, or some can sell clothes and nuts with just a cloth and some simple tools on the street . Even on a highway, you can see men selling motor cycle helmet. This is a very interesting scene for me. I think developing countries really have a lot of opportunities for every individuals to develop their career or interest.

Hi India

After a long wait for 3 weeks since the winter break, on January 9, 2011 our group finally gathered at the Newark airport and took off to India. On the flight, I was seated beside an Indian woman, who was grown up in New Jersey. She was taking her mom with her to visit their family in India. She is a very nice lady that she taught me how they use to eat the dishes in India.

For the breakfast we had on the flight, I chose to try the Indian vegetarian dish. In the main dish, there was a burger-like patty, which the lady said is made from some kind of flower and it is called “verla”, right next to it is a piece of bread-like food and a spoonful of something like mashed potato with spice mixed in it, and finally on top of everything there is some mild thick curry sauce. I had no idea on how to eat the food in front of me, and the lady said they usually eat them with plain yogurt. Then, I followed her recommendation and try the food. They are.. special and taste like.. indian curry, of course, but as I always have an upset stomach on a plane, I could not finish it at the end. After all, it is a nice experience of trying new cuisine.

At 9:40 we finally arrived at the Delhi Gandhi Airport. We met Professor Gupta and head off to our hotel. The hotel which our hotel was located seems to be very old and not very good looking at night. However, when we enter the hotel, it turns out to be very nice and clean and modern! The check-in process was still very.. traditional, I’d say, because we have to write our names and address on a big book for record instead of everything computerized. After checking in, Dila and I can’t wait to go to see our room! Tada! The room is pretty! Much more prettier than we thought. There’s a LCD tv, fridge, mini closet and everything! Oh! Most importantly, there are tissues here!

After unpacking everything, we lied on our Queen size bed at 3:30am, hoping that we can sleep for 2-3 hours and get ready for our activities tomorrow that is going to start at 6am!

 

Counting Down

Time flies this is the last day of our India trip. The last 3 days are more relaxing for us.

We went to visit Wipro and ICICI Bank on January 18.I learnt how Wipro developed their business in India, how it is like to do business in India and its economy. Although we were not planning to visit ICICI Bank before the trip, I am glad Professor Gupta can arrange a visit to a bank here. I learnt quite a lot from the discussion with the ICICI staff that how a bank work in a developing country. The target and focus of the banks are very different from what the American Banks. In the evening, Professor Kahai’s uncle who is a astrologist gave us a speech. That was the most interesting speech I have ever had, and I am very interested in Astrology now. I wish I can know more about my horoscope that I want to learn it so much!

On January 19, we went to visit the Humayun Tomb and the Lotus Temple with our E-Buddies! The tomb was not very interesting to see, but I love the Lotus Temple. It is so peaceful, quiet and holy there, which makes it a perfect place for people of different religion to meditate there. We took a lot of pictures there with our e-buddies.