i saw a squirrel! (it was doin' like this...*chitter*)

[rhyll]

In deference to the weekend, i did touristy stuff this morning and went to Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. They're very large, and quite pleasant to wander around. The dustiness of Bangalore reminds me a lot of Africa, and Kalgoorlie. The Botanical Gardens are no exception, but once i got over expecting masses of green i enjoyed myself a lot. I also finally did the tourist thing and took a heap of photos - i haven't really been taking photos up until now because it feels rude to without asking. There was a weird topiary garden, and a small tower on a large rock, and a rather unhappy looking aquarium full of rather unhappy looking fish. There were also squirrels everywhere (i had to say "lookit!" to myself), and hawks (or eagles? some kind of big hunting bird), and monkeys. Monkeys! And the monkeys are used to people, so i got to just walk along next to them and watch them doing monkey things. (it made me think of miss n, who i still miss a lot now and then, and her big love for monkeys.)

I'm feeling a little less socially inept now, although i'm sure i'm still getting everything quite wrong. It would be better if i knew the language, but i'm managing to do ok at conveying a generally friendly ineptitude. I wish i could wear a t-shirt saying "I don't expect everyone else to know English! Please be nice when i point at things, stutter out some urdu, and look hopeful - I'm trying! And no thank you, I do not want any saris."

In other exciting news - I actually have an interview with someone who might be able to help me on Monday morning, so i can get on with things (finally!) And i have a few more places that i will try to call again today, or on Monday if they're not working on the weekends.

in other news: i am horribly unstylish here, also. it amuses me, in a quiet kind of way.

Comments

[stonethestone.livejournal.com]

I guess the key to effective communication is understanding the local english slang! The english here seems to be peppered with a lot of Indian words and some typically Indian phrases! I guess you will start getting it after you start hanging out with some Indians. We used to have a German, Finn and a French Canadian working with us and trust me their English was not too good , but they adapted soon, I guess mainly because they were hanging out with some totally crazy Indians like my collegues and me most of the time!! Don't worry you will get used to it all in a week or so!