What I Know Now

A few things I have discovered since coming to the USA:

1) RULES. You wait for signals to cross the road on foot too. Its irritating for someone who has spent his life in Mumbai.

2) SMOOTH ROADS. An 8 hour bus journey from NYC to Buffalo is less stressful than a 1 1/2 hour busride from Kandivali to SEEPZ.

3) POLITENESS. Despite the tales of American brashness, they actually greet everyone on the street. Dont even get me started on the 'Thank You's and 'Have a nice day's when you go to counters at stores or information desks.

4) DESI. Yup, that’s what you become when you come here.

5) HOTPANTS. Need I say anything more?

6) WOODEN HOUSES. They can actually withstand all the weight.

7) CHEAP ELECTRONICS. Will Airtel or Hutch ever give you a Sony Ericsson 760 for Rs. 4000 because you took their postpaid connection?

From Mumbai to Buffalo

Well, here I am in the U S of A. Almost a week here, and still getting used to it. It is so different here. The roads, the traffic rules, the houses, the people. Some of the stereotypes I had in mind sure turned out right. The African-American brothers here do like to groove to the hip-hop beat while driving, and talk with that same Will Smith/ Chris Tucker swagger.

But speaking of Buffalo, it turned out to be a picturesque countryside. It might be the second biggest city in NY state after NYC, but the two are poles apart. Just spent an hour or so in the Big Apple, but it had the madness of Mumbai written all over it. The traffic, the crowds, the hustle-bustle wow!!! Here in Buffalo, its calm, quiet and peaceful. Ofcourse, the odd police siren goes off every hour or two, but hey its USA baby.

Now, about the SUNY Buffalo campus. I am impressed. Its divided into two actually, the North and South campus both connected by the "UB Stampede" buses that run at 10 min frequencies. It also has its own metro station(yay!!!!). The campuses are filled with halls, Starbucks Coffee/ Burger King et-all outlets, parking lots. Right now, with no work to do, I feel like being in a park. Guess it will all change real soon, but I'm looking forward to it.