Andaman and Nicobar islands!!

Even though I have said that "Almost Pakistan" might be my last one, Im adding this one for one beautiful, sometimes very stubborn, but amazing lady, that has asked me to post something about Andamans. So this one is dedicated to you Elena.. ;)

The Andaman islands are islands in the bay of Bengal, considerably closer to Thailand then to India, but they are still under Indian influence. They were washed of during the 2004 boxing tsunami... Many people have died there, but the islands and the people have moved on and the tourism is back to the peak again.

We have spent amazing 5 days there, flying from Chennai, but there can be also other rout from Kolkata. The only entering airport is in the capital Port Blair. Non Indian citizens have to fill up a form on the arrival, which will give you a pass to move around Andamans. You have to get one (it is free of charge and takes only about 10 minutes) since few places in Andaman and Nicobar islands are very protected and nobody can enter there. This paper is allowing you to stay in many places around the Andamans and you better keep it with you all the time.

When we reached Pt. Blair, we made it straight to the jetty for the boat to Neil islands. Since Port Blair really dont have much to offer and the closest nice beach is around 10kms out from the city. So we have taken the governmental boat to Neil island, which took around 2 and half hours and cost 250 ruppies per person. What a coincidence that we have met another Czech family, travelling to Neil island also!!! :D :D

When it comes to Neil island and accommodation you have plenty options to choose from. I have made a booking for us before we even came through booking.com and it really was a good choice. The resort was called Symphony something, but it was really nice type of resort with restaurant and sometimes helpful staff. ;) (The only problem was that the hot water wasnt running, but it was constantly over 30 degrees Celsius so a little bit of cold water didnt hurt).

The other option is to look for the accommodation when you get to the islands. HERE BE CAREFUL with the rickshaw drivers. They are waiting for the Goras (white people) when they get out of the boat and offer cheap rides to places offering accommodation, but if they bring you, you will have to pay extra commission to the rickshaw driver, so always know where you want to go (find out on internet) and say that you already have a booking.. ;)

The best way to travel around the Neil islands is by a scooter. To rent the scooter it costs only 250 per day (without petrol that you have to buy in the village), but you have to pay deposit of 1000 INR and then they will give you the rest when you return the scooter. You rent it for 24 hours (day).
You have to travel around on the island, since the best beaches are not around the places of accommodation.

The most known and one of the best ones is the beach number 7. Its 10kms from the village number two and I wouldnt recommend to try to get there by bike. We have tried and mom almost died, since its quite hilly and the heat is horrible. The next day we have done it by scooter and it was great...
Another places "to see" is beach number 5. Its lower part, I would say 6 kms down from the village number 2 is amazing. I would say its the best place... The send is pure white and the sea changes color there in three different tones of blue... Absolutely stunning.

The food around the island can be cheap and good, cheap and horrible, extremely over prized and good or extremely over prized and horrible.
The best and quite cheap is La meridian on the right side while going down towards beach number 5 and close to the Wild orchid resort. They have plenty of choice and really tasty stuff for reasonable price, actually quite cheap. The bad thing is that sometimes it takes quite a lot of time.
On the other side, the restaurant in wild orchid is quite good, but not as good as what they charge for.
You can get cheap beer in the Symphony something bar, which is quite fancy, but as I have said, cheap. Nice seating and atmosphere.

The number one thing "to do" is the snorkeling on close to the light house on the way to elephant beach and then close to the elephant beach... It costs 3000 INR for couple and it is scheduled by the wild orchid. They will borrow you the needed gear and your own boat with a person sailing it. ;)
It is a 4 hour trip and it is absolutely stunning and breathtaking, sometimes literally :D :D :D
The coral and the extremely colorful fish are delight for the eyes.

One recommendation. You will get around a lot of seashells end coral that will be either bring up by the sea or that you will find in the sea. There is no point on taking those with you!!!
On your way back home your luggage has to go through the xray and they are looking for the shells more then for bombs. We had to open our suitcases and fight our lives just to leave the bags with shells there.

Andamans, if you can, go there, but dont forget, it is still India, so you will come around trash on the streets and sometimes not pleasant views around. But overall amazing time... :)

hope this satisfies you Elena.. ;)
Btw. the price of the fly ticket is around 14.000 INR from Chennai to Pt. Blair and back, and the flight from Delhi to Chennai and back around 10.000 INR... It is, next to the other costs, the biggest amount by a lot...

Almost in Pakistan!!!

So here it is, our last trip before heading back home...
And as people say, the last, but the best...
Amritsar, here we are!!!

When I was deciding on how to get here, I was playing in my mind with two options. Either train or plane.
To be honest, I didnt really want to "risk" another flight with domestic cheap airlines, so I have booked the highest class in the Amritsar express, leaving from Delhi at 7:20am.

I think, overall, it was a good choice. Even though we have spent 6 hours in the train, the trip was nice and comfy. Who knows how the lower class will look like, since we are taking it today to go back.
They serve water, proper meal and also daily newspapers and coffee/tea and you can plug in your computer or cell if you want to. Unfortunately, they dont have wifi, but that would be too much for Indian railways.. ;)

SO we got to Amritsar at around 1pm and had the taxi ready for us at 3:30pm to go to the Pakistan borders.
The city of Attari and its borders at Waghai or something like that. What is going on there is hard to explain. I would say that the split countries are showing their respect to each other as they also show their strength in a one and half hour long "ceremony".
On each side of the border are spectators sitting, standing, sitting and standing and shouting and chanting for their country. It all turns in a surreal picture of two groups (even though men and women are separated) screaming at each other.

What is going on on the road that is normally used for passing the border is also somehow surreal and hard to capture in a text. The chosen soldiers are marching there and back, kicking their legs high, either with the knees or straighten up, kicking the leg so high that it often ends up over their head.
The purpose is to lower down the flags of both nations and exchanged them as I have said with showing the power and pride of the nation, but also respect to each other.

As a white power here, you are being sent to a "VIP" lounge, that is exactly the same as Indians are sitting at, but a tiny rope is separating you from them...
The mistake comes, when there is no room for the Indians, but the officials keep sending the Indians into the over crowded stands and there is just few white people sitting on a huge empty space. You can see and hear the angry Indians, with their eyes poking you... ;)
So what happens is that they get pissed and go over the rope and stand in front of you.. so you find yourself not being able to see something, with officers jumping and whistling around you, trying to get rid off the Indians who jumped over to the "white" side... :D

 Overall it was a very nice experience though. Its hard to believe that I was so close to Pakistan. Its scary and amusing in the same time...
Maybe I will be able to go there once...

So after that we have traveled back to Amritsar, sleeping over in Raj Continental Hotel... and we went to see the Golden temple today...
It was amazing!!! I liked it a lot. Only thing that I have found annoying was the fact of the fact that you have to take of your shoes (that would be fine), but ALSO your SOCKS...
With the temperature dropping down really low during the night now and the marble paths, you find yourself sometimes shivering... But when the sun hits you, you get hotter and hotter with the sun rising higher and higher.. ;)

I have to mention one thing. We have spent around 2 hours in the temple and surrounding areas and met only one white guy. We were being eyed on like some kind of strangers and we were also almost yelled at, when we sit close to the holy pond without crossing our legs...
The strange thing was, that there were plenty of people sitting without crossed legs, but we were the only one who was yelled at... (so we crossed them and the problem was solved) :D

 After getting done there, we went through the city to do the final shopping.. ;)
If any of the ex TLs are reading, they will get something very nice. We will see, who of them are reading my blog, so they would know, that they are supposed to get something... :D

So right now, we are sitting in the hotel lobby, waiting for our train to go and we are going to spend 6 hours travelling back to Delhi.
Tomorrow we have our last day in Delhi and we are leaving the next day early morning...

I have to say, that this might be my last post here, so I hope that you have enjoyed my posting and Im sure that I will not stay home for long and spam you with a new blog from different country.. ;)

Keep happy and hopefully see you soon in Czech republic!!!
The best thing would be to see you over goulas!!! ;)

CHANGES... (travelling and such...)

Oh wow!!! It will 2 months in 5 days from my last post.. :(
Sorry for not updating, but things started turning so quick and time started passing by even quicker.

So to update you on my life...
I have finished my job...
My mom has arrived...
And we are travelling together through India!!!

My last day at work was the 7th of November, which I will be probably celebrating for the rest of my life, next to other important days, such as birthday, Xmass and the day of invention of electricity.. ;)
Since then, I was just being very lazy, spending my time mostly by sleeping, that I didnt get during my work in here and I also think that I got hit by the stress that was piling up from my work. I wasnt feeling good, my body was aching and I couldnt eat that much. Just really shitty two weeks.
I have actually managed to plan the trips with my mom and was just waiting for her to come.

She has landed to international terminal on the 20th of November and then the fun has started.
She brought me some Czech treats to make me feel better, such as Studentska pecet and Salam and we were ready to start travelling...

First two days we were just running around Delhi. I was trying to be a good guide, but it was also a first time for me in many places. We didnt cover everything, but we still have few days left when we get done with travelling and finish our Delhi sightseeing.
I have to say, that temperatures in Delhi dropped quite a lot, so my mom wasnt that shocked by the weather, but she was obviously shocked by the lifestyle and dirt around the city.

To let you know about our travelling plans, I have came up with 3 trips. The first one covered Rajasthan, going to Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur, which was amazing.
The second one is still in progress and consists of Mumbai, Cochin, Alleppuza, Chennai and Andaman islands. (we are currently in Chennai)...
And the last one is just overnight trip to Amritsar in Punjab.

So we have pretty much covered a lot of places in really short time.

The first trip to Rajasthan started horribly. We were taking the famous and comfortable train from Delhi to Agra. It was scheduled for 6:15, so we got up quite early to jump in our pre ordered taxi and catch the train in time. PROBLEM number one: The taxi didnt show up, so I was ordering a different one last minute. PROBLE number two: the train didnt show up. First it was supposed to be delayed by one hour, then two, then three. In the end, we were leaving Delhi at 9:55, 3 hours and 40 minutes late.
To mention really scary thing, we were approached by probably 5 guys trying to scam us. First one before we even entered the train station, that we have to exchange our internet printed tickets for normal ones. (Mom was starting to be really mad). I knew though that this was enough and waved the guy away. He was sending us somewhere in rickshaw to make us miss the train and then probably helping us by hiring a taxi for us to Agra in "great" price...
Then other 4 were trying their luck when Goras, or in English white people, were sitting on the platform, waiting for the delayed train. Many were saying that the train will not come, to go with them and that they will help us finding another train. That always turned out to be an offer for a taxi or bus, since there were no other trains.
After finally arriving to Agra, we have seen our ordered taxi driver, but he wasnt alone, he showed up with a guide, that we havent ordered. But he came with us. Just like that.
We had a great time in Taj Mahal and Agra fort and to be honest the guide was worth the 1000 ruppies that I gave him in the end of the day.
To finish the horrible travelling during the first day, we havent stayed in Agra, but drove to Jaipur right away. It was supposed to be 3 hours drive, BUT there was such a thick fog, that we were able to go only 30km/h and honestly, the driver didnt really look fresh, so I was speaking with him, trying to understand his HORRIBLE english and laugh to his Indian jokes. Not pleasant!!! Finally we arrived to our hotel in Jaipur after 4and half hours.

The rest of the Rajasthan trip was amazing though, covering the Jaipur-Udaipur 450kms by another taxi, 6 hours, which drove me mad, but we made it. The cities were amazing and it was totally worth it.
In the end we took a plane from Udaipur to Delhi in 1 hour and 45 minutes.
From 30-35 degrees in Rajasthan, we were back to 20 and less in Delhi that night, very chilly!!!

We have recovered by spending one day in Delhi and left to Mumbai the next day. Mumbai is huuuge!!!
We have managed to cover only the old part with Gateway to India and some church and Marina drive. We have also decided to take a "short" walk to hanging gardens on the other side of the bay, but we found ourselves, after hour and 30 minutes still climbing up the hill, totally exhausted in the heat and humidity. Finally, after 2 hours, we made it. Not really worth it, but we sat and drunk and ate... :)
The way back took 15 minutes in taxi and 100 ruppies... :D :D
Oh totally forgot to mention a great flight to Mumbai from Delhi with Air India.. huge plane with entertainment  on board. 2 hours flew by so fast!!

The biggest disappointment came the next day, flying to Cochin, Kerala and then driving to Fort Cochin. We have found out that the airport is 45 kms away from the city, so it took good 90 minutes to reach. Then after getting into the desired hotel the taxi driver started yelling at us, wanting a tip and some other money that he didnt explain what they were for. Since we were using a Pre paid taxi stand I told him he will not see more money from me and waved him away. He started yelling even more and I got in to a big verbal fight. It ended shortly by me turning back and getting my key from the room.
We were staying at a old hotel, heritage. Later we found out that they put us in different room that we were supposed to be, cheaper one. Obviously, we knew it right after opening the door. The room was humid and you could make out the smell of mold in the air. The washroom wasnt really clean and when we wanted to change, the hotel was full.
Also Fort Cochin, even though its noted almost in every guide book as a relly nice and lovely city, we found it horrible. Very dirty and not that amusing.
When we were leaving the next day, we were relieved.
What we have suffered in Fort Cochin, we got back the next day. Alleppuza or Alleppi was a great choice. The heart of backwaters, as they say that Kerala is a Venice of Asia, Alleppi was amazing. We ave booked our own boat, quite over prized though, for our 6 hours trip on the channels. It was stunning!!
We also got a little bit of tan, but seriously, great time and relax. The next day, we have rented smaller boat, with no engine, to get to the smaller channels of backwaters. This 5 hour trip was much cheaper, but also not as relaxing. On this trip we went to a small village where we have visited a kindergarden, giveing some chocolates. On the way back we were stopped by a screaming lady. Two cows were thrilled, looking at a spot in the bush, screaming lady pointing at the same direction, shouting some native curses. Then, after five minutes, we saw what scared the shit out of her and the two cows. A huge snake was attacking the cow again and again and then jumped done to a rice field and was escaping fast. So freaky, so long, I havent seen anything like that outside of zoo before.

And now we are in Chennai, we have taken an early flight to Chennai from Cochin airport and are resting today. We have a tour scheduled for tomorrow and the day after the one thing, that Im looking forward the most is coming... ANDAMAN ISLANDS!!!

Will update you while lying on the beach with coconut in my hand, tanning... ;)
And guess what, Im coming home in 13 days!!! yay!! Im so excited!!!
My mom isnt though, back to reality, back to work... 

Delhi is a ZOO!!!

To be honest, my life in here is not really that interesting to keep updating my blog more regular. (this will change though pretty soon, once I start traveling) ;) So since Im bored while taking metro to work for more then one hour, I came out with this idea on what to write about.

I was about to take a shower this morning, when I saw this huge lizard on the wall in my bathroom. And it was just chilling there, watching me while showering.... now tell me something about big brother and his eyes everywhere... ;)
So yes, as a title says, Delhi is pretty much a zoo. You are surrounded by animals everywhere and NO, Im not talking about Homo Sapiens Sapiens... :D
So what have I gotten to see here already? (Going down in number of encounters)

Ents: oh God, the smallest but the most noticeable. Especially if they are climbing up my hairy legs in my bed...

Dogs: in various shapes, colors and states. From the ugliest and fattest that I have ever seen, living in marbled houses of their millioner masters, to homeless poor creatures, fighting for their life everyday...

Cows: just running on the streets between the cars, being a holy animal equals no hamburger for me... (but still get some in Hard rock cafe from time to time, but dont tell Indians!!! ;)

Chicken: actually only seen on my plate cooked, so here is the question, Where are the chickens from???

Mosquitoes: God they are fast in here!!! No chance to kill them easily... and when they sting you, oh mama!!! it itches badly!!! (not mentioning possibility of Malaria)

Rats: Im not really proud to admit, but even in my beautiful apartment we caught one.... And after calling the exterminator, he forgot to tell us about three traps that he put behind the counters, so we found another dead ones after trying to find out what the fu.. stinks in the kitchen so much... lol

Elephants: Ive seen only two so far, but if you take in consideration that they were just strolling up the street, it is pretty cool... And Im going to ride one pretty soon on my trip to Jaipur and Udaipur.. ;)

Horses: oh, the poorest "little" things, they look so beaten in here... Probably not as appreciated here as back home... :(

Lizards: totally different color then back home. They are albinos!!! Totally white/yellow with orange eyes. Always hiding in the cracks on the houses, away from the burning sun...

Cats: Im quite amazed and shocked that I havent seen even one here. But with so many starving and homeless dogs everywhere Im not wondering!!! :D

Wild pigs: Ive seen oe when going home from work at night. It was most likely caught and eaten the next day.. :D

Peacocks: just walking around in Lodhi garden, so cool...


So as I have said, the funnier part of my stay in India is coming up... Im about to start travelling very soon...
First to Sikkim with my three friends. Flying out from Delhi on the 22nd of October... coming back on the 28th... I bet it will be amazing, all the mountains and views!!! great that two of the three friends are pretty much professional photographers... that means great pictures for me.. ;)
And in three weeks after that, my mom is coming!!!
And more travelling to come, such as Agra and Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bangkok, Goa, Kerala, KL...
So exciting!!!
All the money that I have made in here will be spent!! :D

2 months evaluation...

I just wanted to do this for myself, but I haven´t put anything in here for long time, so I will spit it out in here.. ;)

Lets start with what amuses me in here:

Generosity of people - it´s simply amazing... I think its the main difference from home. People are very curious if your experience in India is going well. If you have any problems, they are always willing to help. Always very friendly. Always ready to host you and if you let them, you will never regret your decision. :)


Accommodation - I will owe Eric for the rest of my life. He was so nice to let me move in. My experience changed 180 degrees since Ive moved here. The location is amazing, the flat is amazing, great to have Eric and our common friend Parishot (Paritosh, Rapitosh, Rapishot) around.

Clothing!!! - Sometimes I just stare at some ladies, because the Saris that they are wearing are just out of the world... I wish I could buy one to my mom and my sister... Im pretty sure that my mom will buy one when she gets here, but we will have to find one for my sister. Btw. I have already bought pair of Kurta tops for myself... And Eric AND my Indian friend Parishot (who is very critical) loves it!!! so I think Ive done some good purchase... (but honestly, I got ripped off = for being white) :(

Possibility of travelling and diversity - the options where you can go and what you can see are tremendous. Also with many options how to get from spot A to the spot B. Himalayas on the north with amazing views of the roof of the Earth or amazing beaches on the west shore of Kerala and Goa. Numerous temples all over the India or rafting, hiking and bouldering in Manali. You name it, you can find it here. And many ways how to travel. Walk, bike, bus, ship, train, plane. Different prices, many options. You want to save, you take train. You want to do it fast and dont care about the price, take a plane (but the flights are still cheap) ;)Just amazing.. ;) Looking forward my travelling which is coming soon.. ;)

And now about the not cool Indian stuff:


The crowd - honestly, I think that Indian people are multiplying so fast, just because they love to touch each other, make huge crowds and hug. The best way how to notice this is to take a metro in the rush hour (which is by the way almost the whole day in Delhi lol). At first, just stay in the middle of the platform and watch. The best one for this is Rajiw Chowk. The train stops, door swings open, but what happens? Only one or two people will get out and the rest is already facing the barrier, that has created by human bodies, pushing everyone inside of the train... At first I thought its mainly because of trying to take a seat before they get full, but then you take a close look on the pushing people and you will see that the once who are in the middle of the crowd are having a very pleasant face expressions. They are loving it!!! But to be honest, I hate it and find it quite rude.


The food - I know that lots of people will be hating me for this, but I really cant stand the food in here. Im really bad with spices and there is no way, how to avoid them. So dont take this offensively, but it suuucks!! Just cant get my mind of a dinner at my place few weeks back, when Indian friends were cooking. Out of probably 6 different meals, the only not spicy stuff was rice. (and spicy in this case was really spicy, Imagine me crying for 15 minutes with red face and opened mouth) Actually I know one really close person, who would love this... :(

The traffic and travelling around Delhi - being white means many things in India. Mostly its good, but for travelling around Delhi its bed!! Like really bed. Rickshaw drivers trying to rip you off everyday, not a good experience. I hate bargaining with them everyday. Also, when you get stuck in the traffic, sitting inside of the auto rickshaw, not very good. One of my Indian friends told me, that riding rickshaw for about 30 minutes in the traffic is like smoking 30 cigarettes. How awful is that? :O It also takes time to get from one place to another... :(

Weather - despite its getting better now, its still super crazy. The humidity level is like 8 out of 10 and the temperature during the day goes really high. Really looking forward next few months when its supposed to go really low. That makes me think that I havent brought my winter jacket here. Ive heard that the mornings and evenings can be super chilly in here and I will definitely need one to our Sikkim trip with my friends. That means buying a new one in here.. :D

There is many more things that I will be able to come up, but I really need to go to sleep now, since Im working early tomorrow again.
So hope you have enjoyed it and blog you later.. ;)

Don´t panic, DON´T PANIC!!!

Wow... that´s all I can say...

I have been very close to a terroristic attack.
You know what, waking up to a new day, finding out that a bomb exploded and 9 people were killed and more then 50 are seriously injured doesn´t make it easy to get up. Actually, it made me stay at home for the whole day...
And what HORRIBLE day it was!!!
Black Tuesday, the 7th of September... Now it wasn´t really a lucky seven...
I  woke up by getting text massage by my Indian friend, telling me about the bomb blast and that Delhi is on the red alert.
Knowing, that I was supposed to work in Pacific mall, which I have to go through Rajiv Chowk metro station, which is probably the busiest junction of Delhi metro, I have decided to stay at home and not go to work. Even though there wasnt another bomb blast, I think it was a good decision.

And after few hours of getting a really good rest at home I found out about the plane crash in Russia. I was struck, hard to admit but cried for a bit and really angry. Knowing that so many great sportsman have died... :(
And especially three amazing Czech players that have just became fathers and they will not be able to see their kids grow up... :(
I got very emotional, especially being so far from my family and friends.

And to make it the WORST day in India so far, we have had a HUGE earthquake at around 10:30pm I think. We were sitting with Eric in the living room and suddenly a huge tremor came up with a very loud sound. We jumped up, Eric running towards the doors, me towards the window, because he thought it´s an earthquake, but I thought it´s another bomb blast very close!!!
Few seconds later I got a text from the same friend from morning, that we just had a huge earthquake, 6.6 Richter scale...
After calming down my adrenalin rush few hours later, I went to sleep, ending the horrible and disastrous 7/9/11...

So that is the news what is happening and now to let you know what happened before that.. :)

Time flies here very fast, especially with working shifts of 9 hours and 6 days a week.
I have finally activated my international phone calls (like 3 weeks ago) lol, so I have had a chance to speak with my fam many times. Very good feeling to speak with the one you love and care about, knowing that they are ok and using your own language again.. ;)

I was trying to get in touch with Czech embassy in here, but failed. Im trying to find out if they organize any cultural events as many other embassies do in here. I think the best way to connect with them is to go there personaly, which is not really hard since its like 5 minuets from where I live right now.

Eric, my US flat mate was hosting a dinner few days back, but his Indian friends were cooking, so I had a chance to try some typical Indian, home made, meal. And it was amazing! ;)

Regarding work, I think I start quite liking it... even though it´s seriously physically and mentally the toughest work I have ever done.

I´m planning my first trip in here. With my flat mate and our two friends (Indian and German) we are about to book fly tickets to Sikkim. It is the least populated state in India with Nepal so close that you can touch if you lean over. ;) It is very well known for its spectacular-spectacular (Used from Moulin Rouge) ;) snow-topped mountains and views. I have to admit that Im very excited. We are going for a week during the last week of October. Hopefully everything will work out well for us.

And I have been also researching about another trip, when my mom gets here.
I still havent told her, but I think we will do a short trip by train to Jaipur, then off to Agra by taxi or bus and back to Delhi. Few days in here and then off to Goa, Mumbai, Bangkok (Thailand), either Phnom Penh (Cambodia) or Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and then too Bali (Indonesia)...
The very interesting thing is, that in many of those places, I can get cheap accommodation thanks to my friends staying there and also the flights are quite cheap.
We have to make the best out of this trip, because I got just double entrance visa to India!!! :(

Hope you all are doing well and keep me filled with your lives also.. ;)

Loving lazy lifestyle? MOVE TO INDIA!!!!

I have just celebrated my first month in Delhi and I have survived... but it could have been different...
When I got sick, having stomach issues, not able to leave my flat for 5 minutes due obvious reasons, I have discovered very convenient, but very lazy style of Indians... HOME DELIVERY!!!

You can think of whatever you want and Im positive that you can order it from home with delivery. Its pretty usual with pizza back home, but this is different dimension. While back home you have to pay extra for home delivery, its absolutely for free here.
Yesterday, we have even ordered our grocery through the phone. "One milk, bread, dozen eggs, spaghetti, ketchup, vegetable". Even a flower delivery is for free!!
Actually, Im pretty sure that they would deliver you your own dad or mom to your home... ;)

And now, read CAREFULLY!!!
You ever thought about slavery being banned forever?
Well, different story in here...
You want your own driver, maid, gardener, cook? NO PROBLEM!!!
Well, call them slaves is a little bit harsh, they do get paid... BUT...

Driver, alert the whole day from 6am till 10pm, always ready to drive you whenever you want... Just 5000 IRN per month, thats about 80Euros. And maid, why not...
You dont want to wash your dishes, iron your clothes, sweep your floor, vacuum??

This is a solution for about 3000 IRN per month, thats about 48Euros...

Amazing isnt it?!!

Next post about expenses in Delhi... ;)

How much do you love your life? :)

I was taking a ride from work yesterday night with rickshaw as I do everyday and it was raining very heavily... The monsoon season right? The streets are flooded with water, ponds are created in the middle of the boulevards.
I was thinking how great the day was, since it was so cold and the humidity was pretty low...

And then... huge hit, splash of a water and I thought the rickshaw was broken in the middle. We were just driving down from one of the bridges with the huge pond in front of us. BUT an enormous pothole was hiding in the water. It is very common during the monsoon season, that the streets are covered with many of them and its easy to drive around them, but this one was hidden very well...

Well I think that I blacked out for few seconds... when I realized what happened, I was soaked with water/shits from the streets. My head hurt since I hit the roof of the rickshaw and my knees hit the front partition made of metal... not really pleasant. The driver was cursing himself and the road for about 5 minutes in Hindi. Thanks I couldnt understand a word... ;)

But it made me think of how safe this transportation is, actually how DANGEROUS it is!!!
The traffic is heavy every day here. With no rules, no lines, cars passing on red lights, not stopping on stop signs. Im actually very lucky, that I havent experienced a major car/rickshaw/bike accident yet.

I was always afraid of flying, but after taking one ride in a traffic with auto rickshaw in Delhi, you will never be afraid anymore before taking off with airplane!!! :)


Anyways, to update you on my life here.
I have moved to a new place. Its pretty much amazing!!! It is in a really calm expat area in Moti Bagh, Anand Niketan, very close to all embassies that are based in Delhi. I think I have seen a Czech one, which is connected with Slovakian one and its also very close to my work.
I have my own room, AC, bathroom, balcony.... :)
I just got my first pay check after first month and now, Im gonna be paid every 14 days.
Im going to join a gym very soon, which is located 5 minutes from my house. Already looking forward that, since I got so lazy in here.
I have also cooked my first REAL dinner, thanks to the really clean and neat kitchen in my new place.

So by moving, I have solved the very last major problem that I have and it really made me calm down.

I think it has also shown in my work, because since Ive moved, I have been doing quite a lot of sales and Im getting really successful... ;)

Im also planning my first trip away from Delhi sometimes soon. I think its gonna be around the beginning of September, after getting my second pay check...

I hope that everyone who is reading this blog is having a good time while reading it and whenever you are, stay positive!!!
As far as we are not dying, IT IS ALRIGHT!!! :)

Few snaps... ;)

I hate it sometimes!!!

Alright...
India is lovely place if you try to overlook many terrible things that are happening around, but when you get involved in something, it makes you hate the place...

So for example, the water is not running at my place again!!!
With 40 degrees outside, sweating, you cannot take a shower!!!
You cannot flush the toilet!!!
You cannot shave your face!!!

Especially really bad when you are suffering with Delhi belly again, diarrhea for a day and then you cannot flush the toilet!!! Where are we!? (And just let you know, that we are paying over 70000 IRN for this 3bedroom flat, which is really really really expensive for how shitting this flat is!!!)

So I decided I have to move as soon as possible, I cant handle this anymore!!!

When we were driving with auto rickshaw this friday from Hype club in Sangri La Hotel, we have seen a horrible car accident at around 2am. I dont really know how it happened, but Im pretty sure that the 7 guys who were driving in one of the cars were pretty much wasted...
One of them was covered in blood, his friend trying to stop the bleeding, while the other 5 guys threw the driver from the other car out of his car, beating him up heavily...
It was an unreal picture of how it works in Delhi...

When the police and "ambulance" came, the guys from the crashed car were still going crazy...

The two crashed cars were in the middle of the road... so we were driving really slow passing them, but suddenly one of the drunk guys run towards our rickshaw and smashed the front window with his fist... I think that my heart stopped for few seconds, the rickshaw driver couldnt believe what just happened and put his face in his palms... He pulled off the rickshaw for about ten minutes beside the road, not knowing what to do...
Then we took of from there eventually with terrible feeling that it might get worse there...

Its not like its really expensive for us to replace the shield (its around 500 IRN= 200 CZK=10 dollars), but its quite a lot for a man who drives rickshaw...
When he dropped us at our place, we gave him some extra money, because he looked like he is going to black out soon... :(

Everyday is different in India... One day is shitty as hell and the next one can be the best you have ever experienced...
Lets just hope the good days would come soon.. ;)

Two faced Delhi: Poverty and Luxury

It has been quite long since my last update. Im writing this one at 3am after drinking red bull, which doesnt allow me to go to sleep... :) What was I thinking? :D

New Delhi is a very interesting place... In just few minutes or nearly seconds you can see and breath the same air with the lowest cast Indians but also with one of the richest Indians in India. The changing differences are so drastic that it might hit you in your face few times if you are not ready for it...

One example: The Select City Walk or for locals shortly just SAKET mall is one of the best malls in whole India. It is located in South part of Delhi and you can find the most expensive brands in here. Actually shopping here is more expensive then in same malls in Europe. The only HARD ROCK CAFE is located in this mall and Im working in this mall by coincidence. :)
Its not just about the mall inside, but also about the surroundings. It is magnificent!!! Palm trees, ponds, water falls, grass that Masters could be played on it. BUT just make one step outside of this fenced property and dirty, sick kids would run at you, begging for the money. Its a upside-down world, where you are meeting the Indian Bill Gates in one minute and in the other, you are facing a family, that hasn´t eaten for weeks.

The last few days were pretty hot in here... The temperature and humidity is unbearable, but show must go on and life never stops here.

Im having a day off tomorrow, hoping to get to see the Lotus temple, which is located nearby. Im so bad in taking pictures, but after tomorrows sightseeing I will upload some for sure...

Delhi is a place full of interesting buildings, temples and monuments and its almost impossible to visit them all... but I will try to do my best and try to keep showing you my little steps through amazing India and incredible New Delhi...

Tip of the day: When you are taking auto rickshaw, make sure that you have a scarf with you. The pollution is so high in here that you would not like to see what you are breathing... Scarf around your nose and mouth doesn´t seem to make a big difference, but trust me, it does... and also sun glasses to avoid dust bursting into your eyes is a pretty good idea also.. ;) 

How to travel in New Delhi???

Its official!!! The rush hours in Delhi are just horrifying!!!

The beat of the engines of bumped cars and never stopping autos (understand small "taxis") are mingling in the streets with sweaty rickshaw drivers, tired man on bicycles going from/to work and crazy bike riders, who are cruising through the streets like maniacs (Especially if there is whole family sitting at one bike - Small kid standing up front with his father driving, few kids behind him and mother on the end sitting sideways, holding a new born baby - only the man wears "helmet". It seems like the veins of Delhi will never stop bringing people in and out of the city.

Only a mad man would buy a new expensive car and try to drive it in Delhi. Tanks and armored transporters are the only exceptions. I have just seen a new white Skoda Superb in a nasty crash yesterday.

So there is actually a lot more options then I have expected, how to travel in Delhi. You can either:
Take a rickshaw
Take an auto
Take a taxi
Use the metro
Take the bus
Or walk


Honestly, walking in Delhi is not a really good idea. Especially now, when the temperature is really high and it would probably take you ages to reach the point. Not talking about getting lost.
I really cant say anything about travelling with bus, because I have never tried it, but as I could have seen, getting into or out of the bus might be a life threatening situation by being attacked by bike and auto drivers. It doesnt really look comfortable either, because there is always a lot of people inside.
So talking about the public transport, the best choice is the METRO!


It is AMAZING!!! Its fast, new, not that pricey for internationals but the most important, it covers pretty much a whole Delhi and its really cool inside, because of non-stopping AC.
Although there are few significant differences comparing European metros, it blew me away!
1. The cabins are not separated and you can see from the first cabin to the last one.
2. Woman have the first cabin just for themselves. No man is standing or sitting there. Especially funny situation happen during the rush hour. You can see hundreds of Indians squeezing in few cabins, but the one for ladies is almost empty.
3. To enter the metro, you have to go through a security check that can be compared with the one in Prague´s airport.
4. There are two ways of paying the metro, either paying with token for exact number of stations or prepaid metro card. With th prepaid metro card you can travel for how long you want, but in the end the maximum price will be just 29 ruppies. Thats why you can always find a group of people just talking in metro and enjoying the AC, going there and back again.

And now about the options that Im and everyone really is using the most in here.

The taxi is not really common, but when the temperature goes over 40, you can be sure that there is heaps of business man, who are ordering taxis with AC to bring them to their work.

The rickshaw. You have to try at least once in Delhi. Im using it all the time. The first time is the worse. If you dont know how much you should pay, the Indian guys can sense it and then they will rip you off. I have paid 110 ruppies for a ride that I have taken in three days again for 30. It is really convenient way of travelling for short distances. Paying around 20-40 ruppies. Sometimes the guy just jumps down if the hill is too steep and walks next to the bike, sometimes you hit your head into the roof, since the Delhi roads are horrible and sometimes you can up ion the ground when the wheel breaks.

The autos. To be honest, I hate bargaining, but that is the only way how to pay the exact amount of what you are supposed to. There is two ways of paying. You either set the price before you get in, where the bargaining is really needed. (Using only when you know how far and how much you should pay) or you ask the driver to use a meter. This is something that might not happen. But you can always complain through phone call that the driver doesnt want to start up the meter and if 5 complains come to the same auto driver, his licence gets suspended. (Use meter only when you feel like you know the way, because you pay for every half a kilometer and if you dont know where to go, the auto guy will always try to find the longest way. ;)
The really amazing pat about autos is, that the drivers dont really speak that much of English. Therefor finding the place where you want to get to might be quite hard, before you get to know places, that are nearby and the local drivers would know them.

Im just falling in love with this city and the way of living here. The only thing that really makes me crazy is my housing, but about that in another post. ;)

Have a good one and I hope you have enjoyed my post... ;)

How many internationals can fit in one house in Delhi?

After sleeping few hours probably on the hardest bed I have been speaking with Snigdha´s mom for about two hours. Talking about the biggest problems in India, trying to get the feeling of real Indian. ;)

I have also tasted the first real Indian food, which reminded me of a taste of pizza back in middle school. Chicken stuffed Indian bread didnt hit the top notch, but filled my starving stomach. I had the option to decide, whether I stay in this house for one more night or go to the flat Im renting. Not wanting to bother the amazing family, I decided to move right away.

But before that, I have had the chance to experience "LC" meeting of AIESEC Delhi University. Getting to know  that they have over 100 active members, I was really thrilled to find out, where they meet.... :D
It was a little bit disappointment finding out, that the 25 people sitting around a long table was just OC of just running Underprivileged children project. But even there was only 25 people sitting, if you were standing behind the door, you would say that hundreds are inside. REALLY LAUD!!! As I was told, this was just a really soft behavior... :D

And now about the house. AIESEC in New Delhi has a contract with Delhi Stay, which is a provider of housing for internationals in New Delhi. I was told that Kailash is a nice part of the city. What is more important to me is, that it should take just few minutes to work. Comparing with Martin, a Slovak guy living next door who has to travel 90 minutes to work every day, Im kinda lucky... ;)

Three stories building, with Indians living in the first and multinational on the second and third. I have chosen the standard type of accommodation. Which means only thing, AC on the room. BUT the usage of electricity for running it is not included in the price. Therefor we turn it on only before we go to sleep and then turn it off when falling asleep.
On my floor there is two guys from Egypt, that are living in my room, but I havent met them yet, guy from Slovakia, Mexico, El Salvador, Germany, Japan and three girls from Poland, Ukraine and Kostarika.
There are people from China, Mexico, Taiwan and Spain living in the third floor.
I will see how we will get along, but everything seems alright now. I was just told to buy only needed stuff, because someone is usually stealing food from the fridge... :D (its happening everywhere) :D
The C market is really close where you can buy almost everything, but what really made my day was a fact of finding out that a really nice gym is close by and you can get the 3 months entrance fro just 3500 Indian rups, which is 58 Euros---

Will continue with the post of first steps through Delhi shortly.. ;)

Tell me how to get to India and how to survive first day!!!

And it came eventually.
I have said bye to my friends in Prague on the July 14th, still hangover from last night´s farewell party, but the two advils taken at 3am helped a lot!!!

I took the first flight from Prague to Istanbul, having a enormous luck to get to the exit seat with no one sitting next to me!!! It went very fast and the service was amazing as always with Turkish airlines..
But by taken all the luck with the first flight, the second one wasnt really that great...
Flying with Airbus A330-200, you would say that for a six hour flight, there should be at least an amazing entertainment on board. Well, the only entertainment and not really a good one was problems with electricity on board, when every one was feeling like partying in city center with stroboscope. I have never ever seen that before and the crew did not really look bothered.
If this didnt hit the point, two arguing Indians for a seat in a ail for 15 minutes was another story. Considering the plane half empty, it was a worth money, pre-departure entertainment. All solved with one word of the fly attended that he can sit in the row behind him... :D

The six hours boring flight was paid back by great meal served and amazing view on New Delhi at night.
Covered with the blanket of darkness, you could see thousands and thousands of torches piercing the dark cover. No blinking lights of 21st century, just dull orange color of mid evil times.

Supposed to be landing at 3:10am, we have jumped on the ground at 3:20am, sitting on the runway for about 20 minutes. I have also spent quite long on the costumes and I have already felt something going wrong with my airport pick up.
My watches showing 4:35am, I have stepped into the humid and hot night of 13.5million city, trying to find my driver. Terminal 3, gate 4, pillar 14, nowhere to be seen. Struggling around for about 15 minutes, totally soaked with my sweat, I decided to call my contact. And after talking to hear, the driver showed up immediately after finishing the call.

Well, for someone it would be amazing to survive the flight to Delhi, but I have found out in few minutes, that the aprox. 40 minutes drive through the night Delhi will be another story. No lines, no rules, only the fastest and the most hanking drivers can survive in this jungle full of beaten cars, handmade rickshaws and small taxis. Thinking of ending up under few 200years old buses and head crushes with different vehicles (and few cows) I have eventually made it to the place, where a really nice family was waiting for me with a little bit hard, but that much needed bed.

Stay tuned for tomorrows first impression of India by Petr ;)

Feel the India in Czech republic...

Great!!!
VISA - check!!!
But how!!! Since Indian embassy is in Prague, I had to move my ass to Prague...

Monday morning, 7am, Im getting into Student agency bus, the 3rd most admired company in Czech republic in 2011, which Ive read on the side of the bus...
Since Im going to Indian embassy, the fact that Im sitting right next to an Indian wo/man, is no surprise for me.. :D I was more surprised with the fact that for almost 30 minutes, I couldnt figure out if the person next to me is a man or woman... Problem solved when she answered her phone, high pitch, squeak... cracked drum in my ear... ouch... :D

Ok, what next? What I coincidence taht after introducing herself, the bus attendant say: "And on channel 8 you can listen the voice for today´s movie, Slum dog Millionaire... :D haha, are you kidding me? :D

Anyways, finding Indian embassy is not really that hard in Prague. You just take the subway to Hradčanská stop, get out and probably 2 minutes walk towards Letná and here it is. The Indian flag waiving in the air, saying "come smell and experience the real challenge" ;)

I got in right away. Just one person in front of me. I have to say that I have prepared myself very carefully. Put all the paperwork in foils in order, the VISA application together, one foil, another one my contract, invitation letter from the company another one etc. etc.
And suddenly, it was my turn, with no time of breathing in the atmosphere of Czech made Indian embassy. I have to admit, that the first impression of that guy sitting on the other side of small window was scary, no smile, not a really nice face, horrible English (oh, how Im excited to come to India) ;)
I started giving him the paper work, one by one, smelling something will go terribly wrong...

And there it came... "Whhhy do not you giving me all papers?" the little Indian guy asked, suddenly growing into the biggest man I have ever seen... I tried to give him the whole folder, but he refused... "Only papers"!!!
So after few minutes Ive done so, sweat dripping from my forehead...
After 10 minutes of reading the contract, invitation letter, my flights, he decided to take 200 US dollars from me and told me that my passport will be ready on monday... SWEEEEEEET!!!

Without saying good bye he almost kicked me out of the embassy... THAAAAANKS!!!

If any of you goes to the embassy, fingers crossed you wont meet this little/huge man... ;)

(UN)formalities before travelling to India...

The decision made to travel to India came fast... fast as a bolt skidding through the sky. I have had 3 weeks to get everything ready, from the point of being accepted to the company, to the departure date.


Not long huh? :D 


I was thinking how easy it would be to manage it all in three weeks, but Im getting really tight on my time now, 11 days before leaving Brno...


There are so many things that have to be taken care of, but I have had a great support from my family and the manager from the company from India, so everything is going smoothly (knock, knock)...


First what came to my mind was vaccination... Feeling so specially with already been vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B few years ago, I have found out that there are more threads then this. Mainly typhoid and meningitis... Vaccination in the same day for both was alright...
But then I found out how smart this little, old woman doctor was. What a great businesswoman!!! First, scaring me of possibilities of dying to Malaria, finishing with selling me anti-malarias tablets and repellents. All together with vaccinations for around 220 US dollars. 
After talking with the manager of the company in Delhi I was pissed even more. Finding out that he hasnt met or know anyone, who have ever had Malaria in Delhi... :D (what a business to the doctor!!!)


I also need to mention the fly tickets. Really not that expensive as I thought it might be. I have already traveled with Turkish airlines, founding out that their service is really nice and that it might be one of few foods on board that I have said to myself, can I get more?
Anyways, two way ticket to New Delhi from Prague was about 740 US dollars.


And then the costs, that I wasnt really counting with...
Business VISA to India, Im going to sort that out this Monday in Prague, but their web page says 200 US dollars.
Insurance, still in process of finding the best one, but it seems that its going to be around 190 US dollars for half a year.

So all together, not talking about money needed for the first month before I get my first check is about 1350 US dollars. Way more then I have expected... But that comes with travelling and living abroad. Hope I havent screwed any of your plans to come to India... :)

Petr

Hi everyone!!!

Hello and welcome on my blog about my life in India!!!

First I need to say that this blog will be posted in English since I have also many friends who dont speak Czech.. ;)

So once more WELCOME here. You have just become a part of an amazing trip to India with me!!! As Im writing this Im finishing all needed paper work to apply for my business VISA to India and also getting ready for the amazing work and life experience ahead!

Im leaving with Turkish airlines from Prague on the July 14th, going through Istanbul and arriving on Ghandi International airport in Delhi on July 15th in really not reasonable time at 3:10am. Im hoping to use one of the rickshaws right away, hoping not to be killed or robbed by the "driver". ;)

As for people who are not informed on what Im really going to do in India and how I got such an amazing opportunity, here I go:

Thanks to AIESEC, which is the largest student (NGO) organisation that I have been part of for about year and half, I have decided to use the great potential of this organisation and find my internship, since I have spare half a year in between my studies now. Deciding between China or India, the fastest growing country in birth (more then 1 billion people there already!) but mainly in economics, I decided to go for India!!!

Im going to spend an amazing 6 months in cosmetic company called SEACRET on a position of sales representative. Im hoping to get an inside look on how companies are starting in India, since its such a big boom there, which I might use in my future career. (There is always not enough of international experience) ;)

So yes, Im going to live in New Delhi, the capital of India for 6 months, not going back for Christmas or New Years eve, but during that time, I might be spending the most splendid time on Maldives . (But about that later) :) 

Im going to miss all of my friends, but we have been through this many times before (USA, New Zealand, etc.) so we will get through this.. ;)

Petr