So at this point, everything still seems very new and there is lots of excitement in the air. However, who are the 15 IBMers that have flown around the world to work together for the next 4 weeks? Thats a great questions and we had the opportunity to answer that at our kick-off meeting on Saturday. Each of us was tasked to write a life map about what led us to this moment.... we all joked that mine was a smidgen shorter than some of the other veteraned IBMers but nonetheless we all did the exercise.
In all honestly, getting up in front of this new group of people explaining the most pivotal moments of my life, who influenced me, what motivated me, and what I was proud of - this was an uncomfortable position. BUT I'm very glad I did it and was able to learn so much more about my new CSC family. It was eye-opening to listen to the paths of my colleagues and how each had multiple careers, multiple jobs at IBM, had loved, and lost, and all had wonderful families at home missing them. Despite being from 13 different countries, we are were united with why we wanted to participate in the CSC programs: to work on a project that ultimately made a difference in someones life. Im very happy I will get to share the next 4 weeks with this amazing team!
Sunday, Veronica organized a field trip for us! We all loaded in the bus and headed to the India Gate, a massive war memorial built to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during WWI. It was located in an area called the Rajpath, which means Kingsway in Hindi. This area was very well established with a long path leading to parliament buildings and dozens of foreign embassies. From the bus, we all called out our different embassies as we drove past the international neighbourhoods. I noted the Canadian embassy half in pride, half noting it down incase I lost my passport and actually needed to go (knock on wood).
At the India Gate, it was quite obviously a tourist trap for street merchants ... and some of the best sales people I have ever seen. Despite some language barriers, their persistence was notable offering bangles, blow-up animals, elasticized sling shots, and light up bobbles. The moment our bus pulled up, we were marked and we were being asked through the windows before we even left the bus. We walked toward the gate, taking in how grand it actually is, taking pictures, watching our pockets, and observing some of the interesting interactions.
Erin (also from Canada) had the opportunity to take a pictures with a snake charmer with a real snake! I genuinely thought that was a myth but there, in front of my eyes, a snake dancing to the rhythm. Greg (from the USA) was an expert haggler feigning just enough interest to keep the merchants engaged. I laughed every time because I don't think Greg really wanted bangles but he got the best deal - starting price was 1 for 100 rupees. He ended up with 5 for 100 at the end.
We then were able to do some more historic sight seeing and visit a place called Humayun's tomb which was commissioned for the one of the first Mughal Emperor Humayun from 1570. He was quite an impressive ruler and controlled his empire from Delhi. He was actually the great grandfather of the emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal. I had not heard much about his tomb but I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it. I have to also remind myself that despite how large and impressive it was, it was constructed 500 years ago without modern machinery. The vastness of the complex, the intricacy of the stone work, and quality of craftsman ship. Very happy be able to see the tomb.
And then I was hungry.... a common theme. We all loaded into the bus again and had the opportunity to explore an interesting area of Delhi called Hauz Khas. This was a unique fusion of shopping and restaurants perfectly merged with ancient ruins and temples. As we walked in, the chaos was immediately noticeable. Tuk tuks, market carts, pedestrians, cars, and animals all fighting for their space on the road. As we were walking in, we even witnessed two motos crash in a head-on collision. "Keep your whits about you" I shouted... half in jest, half as a serious suggestion to myself. There was even a pack of wild dogs barking at a family of monkeys crawling across overhead wires.
We then had lunch in a nice restaurant called Social overlooking a lake and ancient ruins. I ordered a seafood curry with coconut milk. As much as I was expecting a mild warm taste, it was the hottest dish I've ever eaten... a full on 3 alarm fire: nose watering, eyes watering, and I was physically sweating. I ate the whole thing though because it was so good. We then explored the wonderful ruins as a perfect end to a perfect weekend.
Looking forward to the next 4 weeks with my CSC family!
