Living In QATAR - An Honest Experience
Qatar, as I
remember is a place populated with money hungry or needy expats. Certainly,
what really could motivate a migrant worker or a senior working professional
live in a climate of scorching heat, a Muslim culture devoid of humane freedom
and a land that does not treat it’s visitors with dignity. Money free of tax or a better job role? Although, Qatar does
not have anything of it’s own, even the food, groceries and clothes are
imported from other countries viz. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, China
etc. And this is not only limited to the goods and merchandises but also to the
work force who opt to travel to Qatar from these countries in the sheer hope of
making their lives better.
Daily Lifestyle in Doha
Doha is the only
major city in Qatar and a majority of the country’s population is that of
expats. Qataris form a small population and enjoy the apex position in the
Qatari society. Qatar does not provide citizenship to people of other
nationalities despite their decades of stay in the country. I have noticed that
most of the top positions in the local Qatari organizations are acquired by
local men and women. English may not be always the official language at work
and you may many a times encounter several Qatari co-workers speaking in Arabic
language. Qataris are relaxed people and overall work culture is slow. Do not
get bothered too much if work is not moving fast or simple decisions take
unusually long time. This is the way work happens in this satisfied, rich
country.
Life of an
average migrant worker in Qatar is boring. If you are single, living in Doha,
be prepared for this boredom as neither the climate nor the places outside are
that appealing. Expat population is quite high in Doha and you could very well
make friends easily here since there are many more expats like you getting
bored to death. Walking around the Doha Corniche in the evening may be relaxing
but being a single Asian male, I had some bad experiences of being ill-treated
by a Qatari guard around Corniche. Well, do not necessarily take this as a
humiliation since this is quite common in Qatar as there are several places in
the city where single bachelors alone or in groups cannot roam around esp. on
Fridays. Most Qatari men can legally marry up to four women and most commonly do
not like anyone of them being ogled by other men. Hence, most of the places in
Doha are reserved only for families.
A daily life
of a migrant construction worker is pathetic in Doha. They are often exploited,
overworked and most of the times enslaved by their employers. I have tried
communicating with few of these workers and have seen their homes which brought
nothing but sympathy in my mind. An average construction worker often stays in
Qatar for several years saving money and sending it to their families. For most
of such families, their man slogging in Qatar is the sole means of bread and
butter yet unsure when he could return home. These construction workers work in
extreme and adverse climatic conditions and often die every day yet unnoticed.
It is said that work must stop if the temperatures rise beyond 50 degree Celsius
but authorities never declare such things to meet their deadlines.
I observed
that Non-Muslim Women have a better freedom of clothing in cities like Doha.
However, it still needs to be remembered that Qatar is still a part of the
Middle East and women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders while in
public. Men are expected to avoid a prolonged eye contact with a woman and
maintain sufficient distance while communicating with women at work.
Places to Visit in Qatar
Fanar - Qatar Islamic Cultural Center |
There are
several Islamic cultural centers in Qatar and even people of other religions
and beliefs are encouraged to visit these places. I would rather encourage you
to visit the Fanar, which is Qatar’s Islamic Cultural Center spreading awareness
about Qatar’s culture to Non-Arab population. The Fanar is an iconic structure
of Qatar with a beautiful Arabic architecture. There are also some Arabic
language courses available in case it is a matter of someone’s interest.
The Dukhan beach, around 60 kms. from Doha is the most visited picnic spot among the locals and expats alike. It is by far the best hangout I have found in Qatar. The Dukhan beach is an ideal place to have a barbeque party for families. I have even observed few European ladies bathing in the sea water in bikini here. That is something way beyond the social taboos but how far a culturally different woman wait to break free in such a wicked country? The sea water however, has considerable levels of salt content which will not let you drown for sure. But beware, you may have problems if the water enters your eyes causing irritation and discomfort. The Dukhan beach is a very good place to enjoy water sports. Several rich locals own their own speed boats and other water sport equipment. These may also be rented for a ride.
The Pearl
Qatar is a well-constructed place in Qatar and is a good place for a weekend
visit. It is a home for several International brands the prominent being the
Ferrari showroom just at the entrance gate of the Pearl Qatar. It is also said
that other nationalities can own their property at the Pearl Qatar however
these are too expensive. Visitors can enjoy cruise rides and some adventure
water sports at the Pearl Qatar. The view of the Doha skyline offered by the
Pearl is just as beautiful as that seen from the Corniche. While in Qatar the
Pearl is a place just too good to miss.
The Dukhan beach, around 60 kms. from Doha is the most visited picnic spot among the locals and expats alike. It is by far the best hangout I have found in Qatar. The Dukhan beach is an ideal place to have a barbeque party for families. I have even observed few European ladies bathing in the sea water in bikini here. That is something way beyond the social taboos but how far a culturally different woman wait to break free in such a wicked country? The sea water however, has considerable levels of salt content which will not let you drown for sure. But beware, you may have problems if the water enters your eyes causing irritation and discomfort. The Dukhan beach is a very good place to enjoy water sports. Several rich locals own their own speed boats and other water sport equipment. These may also be rented for a ride.
Dukhan Beach, Qatar |
Doha Skyline as seen from the Corniche |
A Breathtaking View Of The Sea & The Sand from a Sand Dune |
Accommodation in Qatar
Most of the
migrant workers in Qatar live single for a simple reason that it is not so easy
to get a Visa for a family. I have recently noticed that for some reason, Qatar
has started rejecting Visa for female workers. Moreover, the cost of accommodation
in Doha is very high. Most expats in Qatar share accommodation and live in a
poor and unhygienic conditions. However, In case you are a senior executive
hired by a local Company in Qatar, arranging visa for the family becomes
easier. Most of the apartments and condominiums are owned by local agencies or
a local Qatari who could charge huge rent for a decent accommodation. Nearly,
all places in the country look the same hence, it is worthless to search a
locality where you could find your home. I would suggest you could opt a place
to live near your office.
Food and Grocery Options
Since 90% of
the food and groceries are imported, you would find the same food options that
you had in your home country but with a much higher price. There are several
high rated food brands and joints in Doha along with local small Malabari restaurants
mostly owned by Indians (Keralites) and Nepalis. Sometimes, it may become
difficult to find a Vegetarian option in these restaurants. Chicken, Pork and
Beef based food items are abundantly available. Khabus and Hamus (Arabic breads)
are the cheapest subsidized food options available for the poor. However, they
are tasteless and cannot be taken as a daily food option. Most commonly, there
are several Filipino and Indian restaurants serving good food all over Doha.
The municipal
water supply is good however, drinking water needs to be purchased which may
cost you QAR 8 to 10 for a bottle of 5 liters.
Transportation and Communication
With fuel
being dirt cheap in the country, owning a car becomes inevitable for another
good reason that Public transportation is still in the state of infancy. There
are local buses plying in Doha but their frequency cannot be trusted much. Locals
and some expats are much fond of cars and tend to spend much on speedy, high
end machines on the roads. When it comes to roads, these are the most unsafe
places in the country. I have noticed that most locals drive like maniacs
almost unbothered of pedestrians walking or crossing the streets. This, just explains
their disregard for human life and a boastful attitude of possessing great
wealth.
Speaking on
cellular phones is very expensive and a single phone call for a minute could
cost half a Qatari Riyal. A little study on highly expensive telecommunication
industry gave me an answer that the sector like several other sectors is
dominated by the King of Qatar and it is him who decides the price you pay for
speaking to your loved ones. Broadband Internet services rates are also higher
than normal.
Education in Qatar
I believe
that it is a good sign that middle eastern countries like Qatar is giving more
emphasis on quality education. There are several Public and Private
institutions providing good education to the children. However, the Public
Schools and Colleges are confined to Arabic curriculum. Private schools and
colleges have American or British curriculum in studies. Qatar encourages hiring
of qualified teachers and educationalists in its quest to impart good education
to its people.
Well, with
all those mixed experiences of observing the life of an average expat in Qatar,
I conclude that human life is certainly much more than craving for money. The
State of Qatar is one of the richest countries due to its enormous natural
wealth of oil reserves. Its GDP will remain strong for several decades to come; which is nothing but easy money for sure. Qatar is still totally dependent on
other countries for its simple daily needs and I am sure given the adverse
climate it will always continue to. It must learn to recognize humanity above materialistic wealth and religious beliefs.
The Transit Tours Of Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong has been attracting transiting tourist for quite a
while now. The most crucial question a transiting tourist at Hong Kong will ask is what
to visit and what to skip? Well, it really depends upon the amount of time you
have in hand for your connecting flight. In case you have a very small layover
approximately 2-4 hours, I would never suggest you to go out of the airport. In
such a scenario, you can always visit several shops at the airport itself. I
would strongly suggest that you can plan to visit places outside the airport
only if you have more than 4-5 hours of layover time. In my case, I had a long
layover of around 11 hours which was quite enough for me to visit quite a few
places in the town. In case you land at the Hong Kong airport in the early
morning, you stand a good chance to avoid the crazy rush of city. In my
opinion, with such a good layover time, one must not think of skipping the Hong
Kong Downtown and the Peak. Trust me, even if you skip any other places at Hong
Kong, you won’t regret it much.
Frankly, as far as my recent travel experiences goes, the
Peak is what I would recommend to visit for all transiting tourists. Another
close option I could suggest is the Big Buddha on the Lantau Island which is
however, an almost half day tour from the Tung Chung Cable car station. I had a
glimpse of the Big Buddha which is situated on a mountain peak on the Lantau
Island from the aircraft during my landing at the Hong Kong airport. But, to
observe the large Buddha Statue, you really need to focus on the mountains.
There is a stream of cable cars continually moving towards the Big Buddha
statue which is also prominently visible from the airport.
Located on The Peak, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is only eight minutes away from the city centre when visiting by the Peak Tram.
The Majestic View of Hong Kong Sky from The Peak |
Exploring the Hong Kong City
I reached Hong Kong early morning at 5:30 AM and soon after
the immigration check, I bought a round trip Airport Express ticket costing HKD
180. The Airport Express is the quickest mode of transport towards the Hong
Kong Central Station and the journey hardly takes 25 minutes. The frequency of
the Airport Express Trains is also quite good which assures a nominal waiting
time. The journey in the train is very luxurious and speedy. I enjoyed the
comfort of a speedy transport through the mountains, the flyovers and the
bridges built over the sea. It also provided glimpses of the huge skyscrapers
built on either side of the railways.
After reaching the Hong Kong Central station, we boarded a
taxi from the train station towards the hotel which costed me additional HKD 35.
The taxi driver may charge you HKD 5 additionally for each luggage bag. I would
recommend to get this thing sorted with him prior to boarding the taxi. In
case, you do not have any luggage with you, I would recommend you to walk
towards the Peak Tram station which is merely 20 min by walk from the Hong Kong
Central Station. Taxis in Hong Kong are too expensive and are avoidable if you
are prepared to walk on the streets to gather an extra fun and adventure.
Hotels in Hong Kong are very expensive too. Overall, I
observed that the entire city has been facing a land crunch. Numerous multistoried
buildings are just a result of severe fight for land for settlement. You could
end up paying almost USD 100 for a hotel room sized that of a bathroom in the
city center. In case, you have a really long layover or if your flight is on
the next day, I would suggest booking a hotel in advance but be ready to spend
more for less.
The Peak tram is the best way to reach the Peak Tower. It will
cost you HKD 40 just for the tram ride. An additional HKD 40 on the same
ticket, will give you access to the Peak terrace which will offer you a magnificent
360 degree view of the Hong Kong City. I would strongly suggest you to go for
the HDK 80 ticket as missing the Peak terrace is something not worth it. The
journey through the Peak tram is historic one. The tram has a glorious history
starting back from the year 1888. Over the years, there have been few changes
in its way of operations; however, there have been absolutely no change in the
thrill and the fun riding it. The tram could scare you with a tilt of as good
as 27 degrees with the horizontal as you experience the skyscrapers almost leaning
towards you. Although the Peak Tram journey could last for about 10-15 minutes
towards the Peak Tower and back, I can assure you that it will remain evergreen
in your mind for the rest of your life after you leave the place.
Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
The Historic Peak Tram |
The Peak Tower |
The Effiel Tower in Paris, the Empire State Building in New York, the Skytree in Tokyo – every world city has an iconic observation deck. In Hong Kong, it is “sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck”, located in the city’s tallest building, ICC. From this harbor-front vantage point some 393 meters above sea level, you can enjoy incredible day and night Victoria Harbor views, and a stunning 360-degree panorama of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Terrirories. “sky100” offers you an unparalleled viewing experience, from the hustle and bustle of this international city to its visionary urban planning.
The Peak tower is an architectural wonder and it has
experienced several changes in its structure for the past few years. It is a
place for entertainment, shops and eateries. Food is expensive at the Peak. A
single bottle of water will cost HKD 12.
View from the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck |
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
There is a wax museum located in the tower at an additional cost. You may plan to visit it if time permits and if it is a matter of your interest to take pictures with wax models of several renowned personalities. But above all, the terrace view of the Peak tower is unparalled and something which you will cherish lifelong. As the one and only celebrity-inspired attraction in Hong Kong, you can meet over 100 A-Listers from around the World in one place at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Not only can fans get up close with their idols and snap pictures, they can also interact with these celebrities and iconic personalities as they step into each of the specially designed exhibition sets. The new expansion “Fantasy Kingdom” brings more excitement to the star-studded journey with the Super Heroes, Children’s Favorites and Chinese Legendary figures.
Madame Tussauds @ The Peak |
Many people think Hong Kong is only cosmopolitan city with
its high-rise apartment blocks and busy roads. However, this is not the case.
The New Territories, which lie between the Kowloon hills and the boundary which
Mainland China, is an enormously diverse suburban area full of contrasts, a
blend of traditional customs and modern ideas, of natural beauty and man-made
achievements.
More than a century ago, this area was entirely rural. Small
villages and farming fields dotted the landscape, home to people who farmed
rice, tea and other crops. Today, the area still abounds in rural beauty. Yet
modern developments have made its mark. Sophisticated new towns exist alongside
peaceful woodland. “The Land Between” is the land bridging the motherland in China
and the city centre of Hong Kong. It stands both as a gentle reminder of Hong
Kong’s past as well as hopes for closer relationship with the motherland in the
years to come.
A Spectacular View from the Airport Express on the way towards Hong Kong Central MTR |
Then it’s time to head to the boundary with Mainland China by
driving on Luk Keng Road. A photo stop will be made at Luk Keng Road lookout
point to see natural surroundings of Starling Inlet, and the boundary town of
Sha Tau Kok on Mainland, just across the Inlet. Next is a trip through the
Plover Cove Country Park. The view is dominated by the water of Plover Cove
Reservoir on one side and the massive ranges of Pat Sin Lang Range Country Park
on the other. A photo stop is made at Bride’s Pool Falls, which has a
constantly flowing waterfall year round. It is a popular place for outdoor BBQ
parties in the cooler months.
Hong Kong Heritage
Tour
Hidden away among high-rise apartment towers and busy
highways, the past lives on in the New Territories – a living museum shaped by
the rise and development of the so called five great clans of Hong Kong (the
Tang, Hau, Pang, Liu and Man). Taking in historic sites around the New
Territories, the Heritage Tour brings to life the customs and cultures of these
clans and provides a fascinating glimpse of Hong Kong’s rich heritage.
1.
Tai Fu Mandarin’s Mansion / Fan Tin Village
Located in San Tin, Tai Fu Tai is an opulent stately
residence built in 1865 by a senior Man clan member who was bestowed the title
of Tai Fu (mandarin) by the Qing emperor. The extravagantly designed interior
boasts three courtyards and is a striking example of how high-ranking officials
once lived. The visit also includes a short walk into Fan Tin Village, the
village where Man clan members live. Many of the village houses still retain their
historic architecture, bearing testimony to the historical and social
developments of the area.
2.
Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall / Lo Wai Walled
Village
Lung Yeuk Tau in Fanling is home to the Tangs, one of
the five indigenous clans of Hong Kong. Visit the 16th century Tang
Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, which honors the Tang lineage, including a Sung
dynasty princess and her husband. The exquisitely decorated three-hall building
is still used for annual rituals and festival celebrations. The structure was
declared a protected monument in 1997. A photo stop will be made at the nearby
Lo Wai Walled Village, the first walled village built by the Tang clan. The
site was also declared a monument in 1997. However, the Walled Village is a
private property and visits can be organized only by invitation.
3.
Man Mo Temple / Tai Po Market
Dedicated to the deities Man (literature) and Mo
(Martial Arts), the Man Mo temple in Tai Po was built in the style of a central
walled compound to emphasize seclusion. Its construction in 1892 marked the
founding of Tai Po New Market. Within the temple walls more than a century ago,
defiant villagers chase to oppose Britain’s 99-year lease of the New
Territories, sparking a five-day “war” that failed to avert the area falling
under British control.
4.
Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees
In the Lam Tseun Valley, the two famous banyan trees
are a favourite with local villagers who come to burn joss sticks and incense
papers hoping their wishes will come true. During Chinese New Year, many Hong
Kong people make a pilgrimage to this spot to make a pilgrimage to this spot to
make their Chinese New Year wishes. Participate in this tradition and your wish
may come true.
The Lantau Island
Experience
Whether you are interested in aerial, land or water
activities, Lantau has just the right thing to offer – the idyllic fishing
village, the renowned Big Buddha, the rare Chinese White Dolphins, local
culture and heritage, thrilling water sports. Ngong Ping 360 is where you start
your Sky-Land-Sea Lantau adventure.
Ngong Ping Cable Car
The Big Buddha at the Lantau Island |
Kick start your Sky-Land-Sea Lantau adventure with a
25-minute, 5.7 km cable car ride. Enjoy the stunning landscapes of Lantau
Island, and the warm welcomes from the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping Village.
Riding on Asia’s longest bi-cable ropeway, you will enjoy the blues and greens
of Tung Chung, North Lantau and the South China Sea. If you opt for a Crystal
Cabin, you will experience an uncluttered bird’s eye view through the cabin’s
novel glass bottom. Private cabin services are also available to have a privacy
for couples and families.
2 Ngong Ping Village
Disembarking from your cable cars, you will arrive at
Ngong Ping Village – a 1.5 hectare culturally themed marketplace. In addition
to offering visitors with unique shopping and dining experience. You can also
enjoy the three main attractions of Ngong Ping Village – the multisensory “Stage
360” and “Motion 360”, as well as the enlightening “Walking with Buddha”.
3.
Completing the Lantau Experience
Venture out to the other parts of Lantau Island by
taking a bus at Ngong Ping’s Public Transport Interchange located conveniently
right next to Ngong Ping Village. Discover culture, heritage, nature, native
wildlife, fresh seafood, local delicacy and more hidden gems of the island.
Big Bus Tours in Hong
Kong
The Big Bus Tours offers you the best possible sightseeing
experience to visitors and tourists. Their speciality includes a 24 or 48 hour
ticket, hop-on and hop-off facility, 4 routes with more than 20 breakpoints,
fun and entertaining commentary, complimentary rewards booklet and free
earphone and tickets to major attraction. You can explore Hong Kong’s famous
landmarks; from the high rise skyline of Central, buzzing Nathan Road to world
famous Stanley Market.
If you are for more than a day in Hong Kong, Big Bus is the
best way to discover all that Hong Kong has to offer at affordable price.
A Busy Street at the Hong Kong Downtown |
Hong Kong Wetland
Park
Opened in 2006, Hong Kong Wetland Park consists of a
60-hectare wetland reserve area which embraces freshwater marsh, streams,
mangroves, farmlands, fishponds, reedbeds, butterfly garden, floating boardwalk
and three bird hides. Visitors will explore various wetland animals and plants,
and understand the importance of balanced ecosystem.
By demonstrating the best practices in energy saving and
sustainability, the Visitor Centre has won many international architectural awards. Three themed galleries showcase the biodiversity of the wetland
ecosystem, cultural development and wetland conservation. Visitors will learn
from different perspectives through the exhibits, movies and interactive games
too. The wetland park tickets can also be booked online and is operational
between 10:00 am to 5:00 pm except on Tuesdays.
Spring and summer times are the best seasons for watching
butterflies, dragonflies and flowers in Hong Kong Wetland Park. Apart from the
beautiful butterflies, spectacular plants such as Common Melastoma, Fortune’s
Cape Jasmine, Lidded Cleistocalyx, Water-lily and Indian Lotus are also major
attractions. During autumn and winter time, thousands of migratory birds
including endangered species like Black-faced Spoonbills take shelter in the
park. The three bird hides and Viewing Gallery are equipped with telescopes for
visitors to watch birds. The prime time for bird watching is from November to
March.
The Park regularly
organizes special campaigns to introduce wildlife, such as the annual “Bird
Watching Festival” every winter. Guided activities of various themes are held
every day in the park. Yuen Long where this Park is located has numerous famous
natural or cultural attractions, such as Tsim Bei Tsui, Kam Tin Tree House,
Ping Shan Heritage Trail etc. You can also take a 10-minute taxi ride to Lau
Fau Shan, a renowned seafood centre, for delicious seafood and souvenirs. Yuen
Long town centre is also a great place for Chinese and International cuisine.
How are the locals of Hong Kong City?
While in Hong Kong Central, I interacted with several local people in the City. I found that language is a major barrier in communication among-st the local population. Keeping the language issue aside, I also found them to be indifferent to questions asked by tourists. In face, I found many of them simply nodding a 'No' even before I asked them for directions. Is this an attitude problem? I am not really sure but several local people of Hong Kong are not friendly at all. Most of them are too much engrossed within themselves so much so that they often behave indifferently or sometimes with a whim of anger.
On the contrary, when I was asking my way back to the Hong Kong Airport Express Station to a local person, an old Filipino lady interrupted us and offered a help with guiding me with directions. Another non-local couple spent almost 10 minutes speaking to me advising me with places and markets I could visit around the area. They also suggested me of some Do's and Don'ts while visiting the local markets. Undoubtedly, you can expect a good helping hand from the fellow tourists while in Hong Kong rather than the locals. While interacting with fellow friendly tourists, you would never know if they would be instantly ready to capture a lovely picture with you too ;-)
How are the locals of Hong Kong City?
While in Hong Kong Central, I interacted with several local people in the City. I found that language is a major barrier in communication among-st the local population. Keeping the language issue aside, I also found them to be indifferent to questions asked by tourists. In face, I found many of them simply nodding a 'No' even before I asked them for directions. Is this an attitude problem? I am not really sure but several local people of Hong Kong are not friendly at all. Most of them are too much engrossed within themselves so much so that they often behave indifferently or sometimes with a whim of anger.
I Love You The Peak |
Top 10 Experiences In the United States
Many of my close friends and acquaintances have been asking me about my experiences in the United States right after my first visit to this nation of Prosperity. More than the travel experience, I would like to emphasize on my people and cultural experiences in this post which I believe has left a significant impact on my mind esp. after my consecutive visits to the country. There are several great things that America should undoubtedly be proud of which includes their infrastructure, broad open freeways, ease of luxury, quality of lifestyle, their minimum wages practice and a broad open mindset to treat every individual with dignity. There are several things that I found intriguing while in the USA some of which I would like to pen down along with some other things for which I can only pity the Americans. Let us start with few good things first.
Treating Individuals with Dignity and Respect
No wonder the United States has strict laws in this matter and it is just not fair to mistreat your co-worker, individuals providing you household services, family member including a toddler or a random person on the street. Treating each other with respect irrespective of his/her creed, race or origin of birth or position at work is something taught to the American kids right since the tender age at schools. Unlike India, an average worker’s lifestyle is much more uplifted than his Indian counterpart. There is almost no discrimination of work in the United States. At work, you may have a top designation or a better job role but when it comes to treating individuals, it is always with dignity. At a workplace, every individual contribution is valued and respect for individuals is a major factor for a better productivity at a workplace. When it comes to Indians working at an American workplace, well, it really hurts for me to say that Indian Managers are the ones spoiling this culture. There seems to be a long way for them to get out of the Superiority complex given that at a workplace there is just a Senior-Junior relationship that prevails.
Random Greetings
All these days I have been accepting random greets from strangers while at the workplace or while walking down the streets. This was unusual for an Indian like me where I have been seeing people in my country staring at strangers continually until he remains in the range of the visual contact yet reluctant to offer a smile. That is something me, being an Indian would like to be ashamed of. I am sure that Indians would try to evade this in the pretext of cultural differences but to all such guardians of Indian culture, I would just like to ask if it really costs to greet a random person you come across? Believe me, I had been away, lonely on the other part of the globe yet such gestures helped me pacify my loneliness and made me realize that I am not away from home. If we could just stop comparing ourselves with others and overcome our jealous mindsets, I am sure this is not that difficult. Today, we are so much engrossed with our self-centeredness that we easily label a person greeting you as crazy or an overfriendly weirdo. Something worth giving a thought!
The Road Belongs to Pedestrians First
I have never felt so privileged to walk on the street before. If you are a pedestrian, you will be treated like a God in the United States. No wonder, that there are strict laws and penalties if you hit a pedestrian or a construction worker which may go up to USD 10,000/- and imprisonment. Right since my childhood days, I have been taught to look over the right and the left before crossing a road. On the contrary, I have seen cars and trucks stopping several yards away to give me a way while crossing the street. Moreover, cars stop compulsorily at the STOP signs even though there are absolutely no pedestrians crossing the roads. I was really amazed to see the Zebra crossing rules really adhered and put to practice. Most of the times, I felt embarrassed to make so many vehicles halt on the roads just for me. Wish I could explain them that I am not used to such a royal treatment on the streets. What a regard for human life! Well, if not something to learn from, this is something of which most of the Middle East and Asian countries should be ashamed of.
Millennium Park @ Chicago Downtown |
Feels like a Valued Citizen
No land on this planet is free of Crime but Certainly, being an American feels like a privilege when it comes to regard for human life. While in India, we keep on hearing victims dying of abuses, yet ignored by the authorities until it grabs a certain threshold of attention or attains a certain level of pressure on the authorities. Just call up the 911 helpline and boom there is a troop of Cops to escort you. Well, I did not have a practical experience of it but I really adore their readiness. Apart from this, the liberty of thoughts, liberty of beliefs and the freedom of life free of discrimination makes it one of the best countries to live in.
Mom does not know where to ask her Son to Eat
American food is the worst food in the world. Nonetheless, the Americans are fond of food, with numerous food joints, fast food chains and eatery options, what they are left behind with is a body loaded with extraneous fat craving for some more. When it comes to food, it is sad and true that Americans do not know what to eat. Most of them run behind Italian burgers, pastas, macaroni and salads. Pork, becon and Ham are their favorite ingredients in almost every food item which often makes the food rich in fat content. Given that an average American leads such a luxurious way of life, does he really need to follow such a fat rich diet? It is truly said that diseases like the Diabetes, Obesity, High blood pressure and Hypertension are the diseases of the Rich. There are always good nutritious food options available which Americans can learn to cook on their own and eat. Of course, giving up their conventional food habits will not happen in a day, rather it needs to be cultivated. I seriously believe that, the United States needs a food revolution.
Sex Just Happens in the US
While in most of the Asian countries, pre-marital or extra marital sex is considered a Sin, most of the Americans including the teenagers believe that Sex just happens. Now, what is that supposed to mean is something that I would like to leave up to you. For instance, I had been to the Water Tower Place, a prominent Mall at the Michigan Avenue in the Chicago Downtown with a co-worker friend, and happened to come across this lady managing a shop. This friend of mine was quite a talkative person and was in no time engaged in a conversation with the lady. After a brief spell of a friendly conversation, they ended up with this topic of having fun this weekend. Well, I was quite sure where this conversation would have landed up my friend in a situation which his fiancé would never like. Sex just happens is the conception and it is an integral part of friendship and a relationship is what most Americans believe. Of course, the United States is a free country and so are the sexual preferences and sexual whims.
Americans can buy Almost Anything
The American Dream is prosperity and with prosperity comes the continual desire to make human life easier and more convenient each day. Keeping this in mind, sellers and manufacturers can encash any of their weird ideas to penetrate into the American market. It could be anything like an automated floor mopping broom, a lipstick that also serves as a lip balm, onion peeler or an egg smasher. They are so used to technology that it is almost impossible to imagine daily life without machines. No matter what is sold, you will find a buyer for virtually anything and everything.
It is a Culturally Poor Country
Americans are the most confused people when it comes to their culture and matters of heritage. They have some weird festivals like Halloween for which they spend Billions of Dollars on evil decoration materials, vampire or a zombie costume and makeups. They believe that this is a tribute to their ancestors who are turned into ghosts and regard it as a matter of celebration. I have seen people shopping like crazy for Halloween. When it comes to shopping how can I miss describing the festival of Black Friday or the so called Thanksgiving when several almost kill each other to get the best deal at Walmart and Best Buy outlets. I wonder why this is called Thanksgiving and not Sorrygiving in it’s true sense.
It’s just the United States and Rest of the World
I remember how one of our American Onsite Project Manager landed himself in trouble at the airport after he was made realize by the authorities that he actually needed a Business Visa to travel to India. All these years, he had never been outside the United States and had been travelling all throughout the United States only. In fact, this is a common mentality built due to ignorance amongst a majority of the Americans who truly believe that it is just the USA and rest of the World. Being born in the most powerful country in the world does that give them this privilege? America may be a free country but you would still need a Visa to fly to other countries. Alas! We hardly care is what most of the Americans think about it.
Nothing is sold less than a Dollar but Pennies are all Over
Pennies or a Cent coins are found abundantly almost all over the United States in ample quantities. They are in every car, office cubicle and most of the times lying orphan on the streets. No matter you like to carry them or not, if you do a cash payment at a store you will get a handful of them in return. Weather you opt to throw them away or collect them is left up to you. Many think that it is almost worthless but they are still abundant in circulation and there is almost no dispute I have found in the United States over change.
The United States has been a Prosperous Nation for several years and I believe that, strict implementation of policies, adherence to the laws, dedication towards the national affairs, harmonious attitude towards the state property, ethics and respect towards it’s citizens are few of the driving factors towards the success of the Country. If I were an American citizen, I would have happily paid my 30 percent taxes as I would be sure that this money will actually return back to me in the form of better freeways, free quality education for my kids and improved infrastructure and transportation facilities. It is only after a democratic government could build such a trust, the citizens would feel motivated to work towards a Nation of Prosperity.
Lake Shore at the Chicago |
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