The Second Time Around

Second time was painful than the first one. After a month spending time with the kids (and their mother), it was the time to say goodbye again. Spending time alone in an airport hotel in Delhi, I realized that my life wasn’t that meaningful and cheerful without them by my side. For that reason, million of thanks to the Almighty.

Abang and adik self take picture, using MacBook camera

Since I went back using NCL – AMS – DEL – KUL –ALS route, the return trip looks like exactly the opposite of that. As I am writing, I am waiting for DEL – AMS route to be accomplished. I arrived here in Delhi this morning, and have to wait almost 12 hours for the connecting flight. So long so, I’ve to collect my bags first and then re-check in, as the period between Flight A and Flight B must be less than 6 hours if you want to check in straight away. No complaint though, the difficulties in journey cannot be compared to a month I spent in Malaysia.

To certain entrepreneur-engineer, I am sorry because I left before we have a chance to meet. I was in KL last night, waiting for a morning flight to Delhi. I wanted to call you, but, being a father myself, I think it is quite uncomfortable to ask you to go out late at night, so I dismissed the idea.

Welcome to India

Delhi's traffic.

India journey was, a lifetime experienced. After touchdown at Indira Gandhi Airport, we were welcomed by Delhi’s noise outside the airport. The weather was warmer, nice one after 3 cold months in northeast Angleterre. A driver waited for us and chauffeured us to RCCI guesthouse.

Above: Din negotiating after our names were not in the list. The red shirt guy was our driver, minus english

Below: RCCI guest house. 

Early next morning, we started the journey to Dehradun, which is only about 300 km from New Delhi. What we failed to understand though, why on earth this journey will take about 6 hours, albeit the distance. This kind of journey in Malaysia (equivalent to Kangar-Penang maybe) will take only 2 and half hours, 3 hours top. But, upon reaching the road, suddenly it all makes sense. 

Innova, the mode of our transport. 

We use the shortcuts, instead of highway, to avoid traffic. When I said highway, please don’t imagine the north-south highway, because highway in India means “a main road using by majority of people to go from A to B, despite the condition of the road”.

The above mentioned shortcut. We were in this kind of road for most of the time in the journey to Dehradun.

After half period of the journey, we headed back to the main road to fill our hungry stomach in a nice restaurant. This was what to be our first encounter with the legendary Indian food. I had typical Indian breakfast to fill my stomach.

Above: Typical Indian breakfast

Below: Dehradun town

Arrived at Dehradun half past two and had our lunch in the hotel. It is a nice hotel, with Himalayan (I guess) in the background. The place itself is 2000 ft above sea level, and they have tea plantations here. The town is bustling with daily activities and the sound of the horns from all types of vehicles. Here in India, you use your horns because (a) you wanted to tell others that I am overtaking you, so please move aside, or (b) I am coming in your direction, so please move aside, eventhough I am way over your side of the road. Amazing enough, during my stays, I only saw one minor accident involving motorcycles. That’s all. Everyone seems to be understood with the system.

Madhuban Hotel. If u look carefully, you can see the ridge in the background. I guess that is Himalayan, but, forgive me if I am wrong, I failed my geography

Lunch finished and done and we moved to Indian Institute of Petroleum, another 30 minutes of driving. This is a government institution, with interest lies on with all things associate with petroleum (and fuel). They did their research, and sold the technology to the parties interested. They put less interest in publication (opposite of academician/ university researches), but importantly, have a high regard on patenting. This is more like PRSS or MPOB in our country (I think).

Anyway, there goes our first day in India..

India-Namaste

Dear inspector shahab, namastee

I am off to India (with 2 friends) in wee hour tomorrow morning. 5.00 am from NCL to Amsterdam and then 9.00 am from Amsterdam to Delhi. Still didn't make up my mind whether to sleep or not, since I must get up from bed at 3.00, and move to the airport 15 minutes before 4 am. One thing I will regret from this trip is, the Euro 08 Final tomorrow night. Other than that, nehi he.

The place we are heading to called Dehradun, right at the bottom of mighty Himalaya Ridge. That must be fun. It is expected to rain cats and dogs though. That must be double fun!!! Will report back as soon as I get a decent internet connection.

Acha Namaste

Life never been better (in my fantasy)

This piece was also been published in The Times University Guide. If this is the case back home, I'll be a rich man. Unfortunately this applicable to the UK only. There no lecturer in that list though. Maybe it is not even a real job. Back home, the first one would be a politician (with the certain party of course).

Where to study

If, you want to be a chemical engineer, or you want to continue your study in chemical engineering, which university do you want to choose? See no further my friends, this list published in Times Good University Guide 2009, for UK universities only

Not a bad place to be eh..

Badminton tournament

We (Newcastle's Balai Malaysia) have had a badminton tourney today. I was team up with one of the senior resident here, and we JUST miss the place to advance to semi final. It was not the prizes that motivate us I guess, but rather to enjoy a good sunny day and spending time with others. It's good to flex the muscles here and there, now and then. I did not remember where was the last time I sweat. At here, even playing hours of football did not make you sweat. Try that in Malaysia, 5 minutes of running chasing a ball around the park will make you sweat like a..err..cat. Is it good for our health if we are not sweating? I don't know. I do a lot of exercises though, in fact, I walk everyday to university, a good 15 minutes walk.

On the other note, my only house mate (other went back to Malaysia for summer holiday) left for London and Paris today. This guy, spend 5 years in Newcastle , where he attended Dentistry course alone. No other single soul of Malay, or Malaysian in his class.He finished his study this term, now waiting to go back to Malaysia this August. Good for him.


Then, how about this Russia team, beat a fancy Netherlands in quarter final of Euro. I really cheer for them. They play a good stuff, and man, what about their No10? I tell you this guy will be a hot property in Europe football scene next season. I rather have him in Man Utd team compare to 'a-guy-who-wanted-to-go-to-Madrid' SOB!!!

Good day guys...

Come Back

I am making a comeback. It's summer and today is the longest day of the year here in UK. So, this is a good time to make a comeback

watch this space