Regrets? Not yet!

It has been two weeks and thus far I have no regrets about the decision to move back. It has been a mixed bag of experiences...some pleasant and some very frustrating but all in all I feel good about doing this at this stage of our lives. 

Pune has changed so much....from once being a "pure Marathi" speaking community to an " English Speaking" community...except for Bhajiwalas and Rickshawalas pretty much everywhere I went so far I was able to get by with English. Not that I cannot speak Marathi, but am just testing the waters for my darling husband who has no clue of Marathi and from my experience thus far, I think he can get around just fine...

Speaking of rickshaw guys, the arrogance has only gotten worst!. A couple of days ago, I came by auto with three kids. After getting down he returned change deducting Rs. 20 for the extra seat in (my nine year old is one petite kid)..I don't have problem paying but I expected him to tell me upfront not just take my Rs 20 !! After a mild discussion and his refusal to return the money, I told him "You didn't tell me upfront, so until you return my amount I will not get down from the rickshaw"..5 minutes of power struggle later...full of "Bh" language by him...I got down with my Rs. 20 :-)

The school has started and the kids have lot of stories to share when they come home...they are amused by many things...The school bus Tai apparently screams, " mage ja, mage ja...mandiwar ghya bagaa" was amusing to them! I must say that on the first day, the sounds of Santoor and a special welcome to each child by applying Chandan on their forehead was very warm and inviting. They have liked their teachers and feel they are very friendly. So far the kids have been excited about the school but a little unhappy with the bus as there is no A/C :-)

Dealing with systems continues to be difficult...in general people are decent about following a process but there is huge lack of training and hence anytime they have to deal with a request slightly outside the box, they tend to makeup stuff and create more headache...The localities know "how and when to scream and shout" to get things done. This is surely a skill I need to polish...everyone gets the benefit of doubt once, but if they don't keep their promise, I too will have to be "part of the system" and just yell and scream to get things done :-)

At the end of the day "aaple te sone"  feelings prevail...I guess embracing our imperfections is what makes us unique! 

** (Aaple te sone - what belongs to us is gold!)