Incredible India
In India, the weather is cold but the people are warm.
But apart from the locals who welcomed us, it’s also our ASEAN colleagues that make the stay enjoyable and filled with laughter. Here are some unforgettable thoughts:
• Are they serving hot tea in the cocktail party? No, I said. Only hottie! And by the way, tea reminds me of the Delhi Dialogue! Hahaha
• A hump is called speed breaker.
• When I asked “Where is the nearest comfort room?,” the man said he had no idea. But I asked again, “How about toilets? Restroom?” And he pointed… “Ah, there!”
• Dinner time? Let’s go to Hall number 9! We’ll always remember walking a far distance in Pragati Maidan just to have dinner and miss the cultural program!
• While munching on nuts, I couldn’t believe that somebody said it’s spicy. But she added, “Try 5!” (seeing that I’ve only had one)
• Ratih, with her creative mind, abbreviated “visit to Agra” as: Viagra. Dangerous! And she sometimes accidentally calls Anil as An_l. Careful!
• The more he explains, the more we get confused. (Answer: Anil)
• I’m still wondering why it’s common to see vendors selling maps in the street.
• Indian Oil. Biryani and Naan. Crows that flock together, the “auto,” and small cars. 10-character vehicle plates.
• “I met someone from Brunei, but he has no card,” said the Indian journalist. No problem, the ASEAN Secretariat has the flight details!
• Mr. Galvez suggested that there be a Facebook account for the India-ASEAN press (in the guise of connectivity and people-to-people interaction but it all boils down to photo grabbing). But since it’s an added responsibility, Jatu and Ratih agreed that “it’s noted for consideration until further notice.” Hahaha. And since the username “Delhi Dialogue” might be boring, what about kamasutra@yahoo.com?
• Just when we were laughing too loud, we noticed that on the other table, ASEAN mediamen are interacting among themselves, instead of getting to know the Indian press! One even seemed to be the main speaker and the rest are reactors.
• When it’s entertainment time, Mr. Galvez and I would deny that we are Filipinos so that they won’t let us sing. Then later, he would also deny being a journalist!
• Other fellows complained of not knowing they’ll cover business. Their bosses only said “enjoy!” Haha
After attending the “1st India-ASEAN Business Fair and Conclave,” sessions of the “Delhi Dialogue 3,” and fora at the FICCI Federation House, we took a long bus trip to Agra to visit Taj Mahal. We came back to the hotel and packed our things for an early flight to Mumbai the following morning.
Within a week in India, it’s great having seen The Lalit, Le Meridien, The Connaught at The Oberoi (overlooking the Old and New Delhi), and The Ambassador in Mumbai. As I write this, we just arrived to the hotel after visiting Stock Exchange. Yes, we went straight to their office fresh from Delhi! As DDG puts it, walang pahinga! But we are obviously enjoying our trip. One more week to go. Philippines is still, where the heart is. =)
But apart from the locals who welcomed us, it’s also our ASEAN colleagues that make the stay enjoyable and filled with laughter. Here are some unforgettable thoughts:
• Are they serving hot tea in the cocktail party? No, I said. Only hottie! And by the way, tea reminds me of the Delhi Dialogue! Hahaha
• A hump is called speed breaker.
• When I asked “Where is the nearest comfort room?,” the man said he had no idea. But I asked again, “How about toilets? Restroom?” And he pointed… “Ah, there!”
• Dinner time? Let’s go to Hall number 9! We’ll always remember walking a far distance in Pragati Maidan just to have dinner and miss the cultural program!
• While munching on nuts, I couldn’t believe that somebody said it’s spicy. But she added, “Try 5!” (seeing that I’ve only had one)
• Ratih, with her creative mind, abbreviated “visit to Agra” as: Viagra. Dangerous! And she sometimes accidentally calls Anil as An_l. Careful!
• The more he explains, the more we get confused. (Answer: Anil)
• I’m still wondering why it’s common to see vendors selling maps in the street.
• Indian Oil. Biryani and Naan. Crows that flock together, the “auto,” and small cars. 10-character vehicle plates.
• “I met someone from Brunei, but he has no card,” said the Indian journalist. No problem, the ASEAN Secretariat has the flight details!
• Mr. Galvez suggested that there be a Facebook account for the India-ASEAN press (in the guise of connectivity and people-to-people interaction but it all boils down to photo grabbing). But since it’s an added responsibility, Jatu and Ratih agreed that “it’s noted for consideration until further notice.” Hahaha. And since the username “Delhi Dialogue” might be boring, what about kamasutra@yahoo.com?
• Just when we were laughing too loud, we noticed that on the other table, ASEAN mediamen are interacting among themselves, instead of getting to know the Indian press! One even seemed to be the main speaker and the rest are reactors.
• When it’s entertainment time, Mr. Galvez and I would deny that we are Filipinos so that they won’t let us sing. Then later, he would also deny being a journalist!
• Other fellows complained of not knowing they’ll cover business. Their bosses only said “enjoy!” Haha
After attending the “1st India-ASEAN Business Fair and Conclave,” sessions of the “Delhi Dialogue 3,” and fora at the FICCI Federation House, we took a long bus trip to Agra to visit Taj Mahal. We came back to the hotel and packed our things for an early flight to Mumbai the following morning.
Within a week in India, it’s great having seen The Lalit, Le Meridien, The Connaught at The Oberoi (overlooking the Old and New Delhi), and The Ambassador in Mumbai. As I write this, we just arrived to the hotel after visiting Stock Exchange. Yes, we went straight to their office fresh from Delhi! As DDG puts it, walang pahinga! But we are obviously enjoying our trip. One more week to go. Philippines is still, where the heart is. =)
