I love being interviewed! I hate interviews!
As a blogger, I am a member of both IndiBlogger (a community of bloggers in India and of Indian bloggers everywhere) and Expat-Blog (a community of people who are not just expats, or not just bloggers, but of anyone who merely wants to be an expat or to interact with them). Both of them have Forums in which members or moderators present queries or useful information. It was in the forum of the latter that Julie stated that Expat-Blog was looking for expats to Interview. A few emails later, she presented me with the following questions. I consider it an honour to be asked for my opinions, and I am happy to provide information in my blog that I probably could not or would not do otherwise.
As a reader of various written material, however, I dislike the format. In every newspaper, and in the interviews done at Expat-Blog, the interviewer simply writes down the questions and the responses. It would be nice if the interviewer used the information provided by the interviewee to write a biography, or a summation of what she/he has learned. However, I understand that this can be an arduous, time-consuming task. I know that it would be difficult or impossible for me to write a biography or summary of the interviewee based on these questions and answers. Still, it would be ideal if there was a better format.
I greatly suspect that this interview will be heavily edited (at Expat-Blog), given that this interview is over 3400 words in length and given that I write the truth, which can be offensive to some people. For example, if I write about the one-party system in the United States then that would hurt the sensibilities of Statists who hold on to the notion that there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats. Moreover, in the coming days and weeks, I may provide additional information, which I can do at my blog, but not at the Interview section of Expat-Blog. To read the concise version of the interview at Expat-Blog.com, click here
Introduce yourself: where do you come from, how long have you been living in India, what are you doing there (job, studies..)?
As a blogger, I am a member of both IndiBlogger (a community of bloggers in India and of Indian bloggers everywhere) and Expat-Blog (a community of people who are not just expats, or not just bloggers, but of anyone who merely wants to be an expat or to interact with them). Both of them have Forums in which members or moderators present queries or useful information. It was in the forum of the latter that Julie stated that Expat-Blog was looking for expats to Interview. A few emails later, she presented me with the following questions. I consider it an honour to be asked for my opinions, and I am happy to provide information in my blog that I probably could not or would not do otherwise.
As a reader of various written material, however, I dislike the format. In every newspaper, and in the interviews done at Expat-Blog, the interviewer simply writes down the questions and the responses. It would be nice if the interviewer used the information provided by the interviewee to write a biography, or a summation of what she/he has learned. However, I understand that this can be an arduous, time-consuming task. I know that it would be difficult or impossible for me to write a biography or summary of the interviewee based on these questions and answers. Still, it would be ideal if there was a better format.
I greatly suspect that this interview will be heavily edited (at Expat-Blog), given that this interview is over 3400 words in length and given that I write the truth, which can be offensive to some people. For example, if I write about the one-party system in the United States then that would hurt the sensibilities of Statists who hold on to the notion that there is a difference between Republicans and Democrats. Moreover, in the coming days and weeks, I may provide additional information, which I can do at my blog, but not at the Interview section of Expat-Blog. To read the concise version of the interview at Expat-Blog.com, click here
Introduce yourself: where do you come from, how long have you been living in India, what are you doing there (job, studies..)?
At least two of these questions will be elaborated upon below. Here, I simply want to say I lived in San Francisco for a quarter-of-a-century before moving to Kolkata about 4.5 years ago, and where I am currently blogging.
Equally short answer: W.G. Hill
In summary, my wife was suffering from innumerable passport and visa problems, and problems from living on the other side of the world from her mother, at about the same time that I was learning of the benefits of not "belonging" to a country by becoming an expat/PT (Passing Through, Perpetual Traveller, Permanent Tourist, Prior Taxpayer, Prepared Thoroughly, etc.). Thus, instead of my wife living in San Francisco, I decided to move to Kolkata.
In summary, my wife was suffering from innumerable passport and visa problems, and problems from living on the other side of the world from her mother, at about the same time that I was learning of the benefits of not "belonging" to a country by becoming an expat/PT (Passing Through, Perpetual Traveller, Permanent Tourist, Prior Taxpayer, Prepared Thoroughly, etc.). Thus, instead of my wife living in San Francisco, I decided to move to Kolkata.
How was the moving process? (formalities, job search, accommodation search…)
Short answer: My Life in Boxes
In summary, it was surprisingly easy. It is probably easier to shift/move halfway around the globe than to another part of town/city. In shifting/moving to another country, you usually do not have much options so you are more-or-less forced to get rid of everything that you do not absolutely need and that can not be obtained in your new home.
Short answer: My Life in Boxes
In summary, it was surprisingly easy. It is probably easier to shift/move halfway around the globe than to another part of town/city. In shifting/moving to another country, you usually do not have much options so you are more-or-less forced to get rid of everything that you do not absolutely need and that can not be obtained in your new home.
Did you face some difficulties to adapt to your host country (language, culture, do’s and don’ts)?
It is easy to adapt to India; it is difficult to adapt to India.
I have never had a problem with getting a Visa to India. Perhaps that is because I used to work 50 metres away from the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, and was on very good terms with all of the diplomats and employees there. However, whenever I needed to stay in the Philippines for more than 21 days, it was also very easy to get the automatic visa extended.
The problem is in getting the PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card. There are several bloggers (women, usually) here at Expat-Blog.com who have the PIO Card, and it is my impression that they got it almost automatically. For me, however, it has been an unceasing nightmare. Anything and everything that could go wrong with the application has gone wrong.
My wife and I are doing our best to overcome their objections, but it may be another six months before that is done.
My wife translates everything that needs to be translated for me. (That is how I am able to review Hindi films somewhat effectively.) However, I have always thought that it was important to learn Hindi. Before and shortly after my arrival, I studied various books and the CD-ROM from Rosetta Stone. As I studied more, I encountered the hurdle of conjugating verbs; I think that conjugating verbs may be the bane of studying any language.
At about this time in my studies, I encountered the difficulty in communicating in a social networking site (Orkut). I made inquiries and was told that blogging may be suitable for me. As I was already on Google (of which Orkut is a part), I blogged on Blogger.
Shortly afterward, I realized that I could earn money from blogging, and joined the AdSense program. My difficulty now is that there are not enough people clicking on the interesting ads to learn more about the products and services. I still hope people will do so and/or take advantage of My 200th Post.
In short, the time taken in blogging has taken away my capability of learning Hindi, but I do not think that this has adversely affected me.
It did take me a very long time to adapt to the food, water and climate here (which I detail in my Sick of India(?) post), and now I think that I am neither more nor less sick than I would be in San Francisco
Regarding do's and don'ts, it seems as if everybody says that you should not use your left hand. Although everybody seems to say this, I have yet to find anyone who actually objects to this. It has been my experience (both in the United States and in India) that right-handed people are not observant regarding which hand is being used. However, Foreigner has an instance of one person objecting.
It is easy to adapt to India; it is difficult to adapt to India.
I have never had a problem with getting a Visa to India. Perhaps that is because I used to work 50 metres away from the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, and was on very good terms with all of the diplomats and employees there. However, whenever I needed to stay in the Philippines for more than 21 days, it was also very easy to get the automatic visa extended.
The problem is in getting the PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card. There are several bloggers (women, usually) here at Expat-Blog.com who have the PIO Card, and it is my impression that they got it almost automatically. For me, however, it has been an unceasing nightmare. Anything and everything that could go wrong with the application has gone wrong.
My wife and I are doing our best to overcome their objections, but it may be another six months before that is done.
My wife translates everything that needs to be translated for me. (That is how I am able to review Hindi films somewhat effectively.) However, I have always thought that it was important to learn Hindi. Before and shortly after my arrival, I studied various books and the CD-ROM from Rosetta Stone. As I studied more, I encountered the hurdle of conjugating verbs; I think that conjugating verbs may be the bane of studying any language.
At about this time in my studies, I encountered the difficulty in communicating in a social networking site (Orkut). I made inquiries and was told that blogging may be suitable for me. As I was already on Google (of which Orkut is a part), I blogged on Blogger.
Shortly afterward, I realized that I could earn money from blogging, and joined the AdSense program. My difficulty now is that there are not enough people clicking on the interesting ads to learn more about the products and services. I still hope people will do so and/or take advantage of My 200th Post.
In short, the time taken in blogging has taken away my capability of learning Hindi, but I do not think that this has adversely affected me.
It did take me a very long time to adapt to the food, water and climate here (which I detail in my Sick of India(?) post), and now I think that I am neither more nor less sick than I would be in San Francisco
Regarding do's and don'ts, it seems as if everybody says that you should not use your left hand. Although everybody seems to say this, I have yet to find anyone who actually objects to this. It has been my experience (both in the United States and in India) that right-handed people are not observant regarding which hand is being used. However, Foreigner has an instance of one person objecting.
What surprised you the most in Kolkata?
What surprised me the most about Kolkata is what surprised me the least. Before my first visit to Calcutta (as it was then called), the diplomats at the Consulate General of India--San Francisco told me that Calcutta was an extremely crowded city. Because I was told that, that is what I expected, and that is in fact what I experienced.
However, when I returned to San Francisco--a city that I had always thought of as being big and heavily populated--the city suddenly seemed so small.
As a blogger, I read many blog posts, at least two of which discussed "reverse culture shock"--a concept that I had never heard of before. I think that my experience is an example of it, and I may elaborate upon this concept in a post of my own, in the foreseeable future.
What surprised me the most about Kolkata is what surprised me the least. Before my first visit to Calcutta (as it was then called), the diplomats at the Consulate General of India--San Francisco told me that Calcutta was an extremely crowded city. Because I was told that, that is what I expected, and that is in fact what I experienced.
However, when I returned to San Francisco--a city that I had always thought of as being big and heavily populated--the city suddenly seemed so small.
As a blogger, I read many blog posts, at least two of which discussed "reverse culture shock"--a concept that I had never heard of before. I think that my experience is an example of it, and I may elaborate upon this concept in a post of my own, in the foreseeable future.
Could you please share with us something you like about Kolkata and something you don’t like?
Something that I like about Kolkata: the people.
There are those who are concerned about providing good customer service, and respecting and helping you. The labourers are extremely hard-working. Except in the outlying and newer areas, cranes are not used to build buildings. Thus, they (both men and women) carry many bricks on their heads up several storeys to build the walls. Poor people (children, too) lug enormous sacks filled with bottles and other recyclables. Rickshaw-pullers often pull an entire family for perhaps as long as a kilometre. I can not imagine having to do this everyday, and having to do it everyday for a pittance.
Something that I don't like about Kolkata: the people
People have different (and often bad or disgusting) habits. If you see a man then he most likely spits on the ground (and I have seen a few women who do this, as well). Sometimes I think that the monsoon floods are caused not by the monsoon rains but by all the spit that people make. If you see a stairway in a building then the corners of it will surely be red. (Kolkatans tend to chew on something called betel, which produces a red juice. However, this habit seems to be dying out--fortunately and unfortunately. Unfortunately, the chewing of tobacco is simply being replaced by the smoking of tobacco, which is definitely harmful to those of us who are addicted to breathing.)
They are often too inquisitive. The first thing out of the mouths of young men (usually) is "Which country are you from?" I suppose that this is the equivalent of a man asking a woman in a bar (in the United States), "What is your (astrological) sign?" and it is just as annoying. A variation of this is, "Which country do you belong to?" ?????????? I do not belong to a landmass; I am not the property of any government.
They are also too familiar or friendly. They often call older people (and I have encountered older people call me the following) "Uncle" or "Aunty". They say that it is a sign of respect, however--although they may say that and may believe that--it is not true. Caroline (my wife) prefers the truly respectful "Sir" and "Madam" which the people in Mumbai say.
I continue to be amazed at the absence of women on the streets of Kolkata. If you are on any given street at any given time then 95-99% of the people there will be men. The reason for this is, of course, that Indian men kill baby girls, then go on to rape and kill infant girls, rape and kill young girls, rape and kill female students, rape and kill young women, rape and kill wives, rape and kill mothers, and rape and kill grandmothers and great-grandmothers. In India, instead of blaming the perpetrator, victims often blame themselves. They can not deal with the pain and humiliation of this (often encountered when going to the police to report the crime, only to be raped by the cop) so they kill themselves. (See Manish Madan's blog to read verification of these events.)
The women who escape this usually stay at home, doing house-keeping chores, and come out only to do shopping. It does not seem to be like this in other cities, although I suspect that Delhi (which is the Rape Capital of the Rape Capital of the World) is becoming like this (although I can not verify the proportion of women on the streets there, as I have not visited that city).
In Kolkata, I suspect that this absence of women is actually for a cultural or religious reason, rather than as a response to external factors. In Kolkata (and especially in the neighbourhood I reside), there is a large Muslim population. The women may simply be fulfilling traditional duties of being wives and mothers.
Something that I like about Kolkata: the people.
There are those who are concerned about providing good customer service, and respecting and helping you. The labourers are extremely hard-working. Except in the outlying and newer areas, cranes are not used to build buildings. Thus, they (both men and women) carry many bricks on their heads up several storeys to build the walls. Poor people (children, too) lug enormous sacks filled with bottles and other recyclables. Rickshaw-pullers often pull an entire family for perhaps as long as a kilometre. I can not imagine having to do this everyday, and having to do it everyday for a pittance.
Something that I don't like about Kolkata: the people
People have different (and often bad or disgusting) habits. If you see a man then he most likely spits on the ground (and I have seen a few women who do this, as well). Sometimes I think that the monsoon floods are caused not by the monsoon rains but by all the spit that people make. If you see a stairway in a building then the corners of it will surely be red. (Kolkatans tend to chew on something called betel, which produces a red juice. However, this habit seems to be dying out--fortunately and unfortunately. Unfortunately, the chewing of tobacco is simply being replaced by the smoking of tobacco, which is definitely harmful to those of us who are addicted to breathing.)
They are often too inquisitive. The first thing out of the mouths of young men (usually) is "Which country are you from?" I suppose that this is the equivalent of a man asking a woman in a bar (in the United States), "What is your (astrological) sign?" and it is just as annoying. A variation of this is, "Which country do you belong to?" ?????????? I do not belong to a landmass; I am not the property of any government.
They are also too familiar or friendly. They often call older people (and I have encountered older people call me the following) "Uncle" or "Aunty". They say that it is a sign of respect, however--although they may say that and may believe that--it is not true. Caroline (my wife) prefers the truly respectful "Sir" and "Madam" which the people in Mumbai say.
I continue to be amazed at the absence of women on the streets of Kolkata. If you are on any given street at any given time then 95-99% of the people there will be men. The reason for this is, of course, that Indian men kill baby girls, then go on to rape and kill infant girls, rape and kill young girls, rape and kill female students, rape and kill young women, rape and kill wives, rape and kill mothers, and rape and kill grandmothers and great-grandmothers. In India, instead of blaming the perpetrator, victims often blame themselves. They can not deal with the pain and humiliation of this (often encountered when going to the police to report the crime, only to be raped by the cop) so they kill themselves. (See Manish Madan's blog to read verification of these events.)
The women who escape this usually stay at home, doing house-keeping chores, and come out only to do shopping. It does not seem to be like this in other cities, although I suspect that Delhi (which is the Rape Capital of the Rape Capital of the World) is becoming like this (although I can not verify the proportion of women on the streets there, as I have not visited that city).
In Kolkata, I suspect that this absence of women is actually for a cultural or religious reason, rather than as a response to external factors. In Kolkata (and especially in the neighbourhood I reside), there is a large Muslim population. The women may simply be fulfilling traditional duties of being wives and mothers.
A common belief about India which wasn’t right…
As I have said, I used to live in San Francisco, where virtually everyone or everyone's parents was from another country, so there was a clearer, more objective viewpoint of life in other countries. However, I believe that someone did ask me whether or not there were cars in India.
I do remember watching an episode of The Simpsons in which Apu states that he graduated first in his class of 2 million/20 lakh at a Calcutta university (poking fun at the enormous population of Kolkata and India) and in which the city was portrayed as a village(???).
Other than those, I have not heard or read of other misconceptions of India. Its current reputation as being the Rape Capital of the World is, unfortunately, correct.
As I have said, I used to live in San Francisco, where virtually everyone or everyone's parents was from another country, so there was a clearer, more objective viewpoint of life in other countries. However, I believe that someone did ask me whether or not there were cars in India.
I do remember watching an episode of The Simpsons in which Apu states that he graduated first in his class of 2 million/20 lakh at a Calcutta university (poking fun at the enormous population of Kolkata and India) and in which the city was portrayed as a village(???).
Other than those, I have not heard or read of other misconceptions of India. Its current reputation as being the Rape Capital of the World is, unfortunately, correct.
What do you miss the most from the US, your home country?
Being sexually abused at the airports. (Ha ha.) Actually, I never had the "benefit" of that experience. I escaped from the Gulag Archipelago in January 2009, and the Thieves & Sexual Abusers did not begin their procedures until several months later.
I can not say that I miss seeing other Caucasians and hearing them speak English because I used to live in San Francisco, where non-Hispanic Caucasians were a minority and English was usually a second language to the speaker. (I have been to numerous Christmas and other parties and could not understand a word of what people were saying because they were speaking Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese or another language.) Moreover, Caroline and I have breakfast at the Blue Sky Cafe. There we see many Caucasians and other people from the United States. It seems, however, that many of them say that they are from Canada. I suppose that they could truly be from Canada, but it seems to be an unusual number for a sparsely-populated country. I think that they are in fact from the United States, but are ashamed to say so. (But if they are from the United States and if they are ashamed then why did they vote for Bushama four times?)
I suppose that what I truly miss is travelling. In San Francisco, I knew where everything was and I knew where everything else was, as well. I did not own a car nor even know how to drive, but I knew the appropriate websites or locations to get the tickets so that I could travel by local bus, Greyhound, Metro, local train, Amtrak or ferry. I felt comfortable in visiting anyone or anyplace, even though I had not been there previously.
In Kolkata, we do not have a car and although there are an equal (or more) number of ways of travelling, travelling seems to be far more stressful (at least, for me) here.
Being sexually abused at the airports. (Ha ha.) Actually, I never had the "benefit" of that experience. I escaped from the Gulag Archipelago in January 2009, and the Thieves & Sexual Abusers did not begin their procedures until several months later.
I can not say that I miss seeing other Caucasians and hearing them speak English because I used to live in San Francisco, where non-Hispanic Caucasians were a minority and English was usually a second language to the speaker. (I have been to numerous Christmas and other parties and could not understand a word of what people were saying because they were speaking Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese or another language.) Moreover, Caroline and I have breakfast at the Blue Sky Cafe. There we see many Caucasians and other people from the United States. It seems, however, that many of them say that they are from Canada. I suppose that they could truly be from Canada, but it seems to be an unusual number for a sparsely-populated country. I think that they are in fact from the United States, but are ashamed to say so. (But if they are from the United States and if they are ashamed then why did they vote for Bushama four times?)
I suppose that what I truly miss is travelling. In San Francisco, I knew where everything was and I knew where everything else was, as well. I did not own a car nor even know how to drive, but I knew the appropriate websites or locations to get the tickets so that I could travel by local bus, Greyhound, Metro, local train, Amtrak or ferry. I felt comfortable in visiting anyone or anyplace, even though I had not been there previously.
In Kolkata, we do not have a car and although there are an equal (or more) number of ways of travelling, travelling seems to be far more stressful (at least, for me) here.
What does a typical day as an expat in Kolkata look like?
Boring. Well, maybe not really.
Also, I think that there is a distinction between expats and PTs. I would define expats as being those people who reside in a country not of their birth, and who have not yet taken citizenship of that new country. PTs, on the other hand, are simply Passing Through and often do not have to worry about the day-to-day activities that seem to afflict expats. PTs are citizens of the world, rather than beholden to any one country/tax-farm.
In other words, being an expat in Kolkata is much like being an American in the United States, a Canadian in Canada, a Vietnamese in Vietnam, a Malaysian in Malaysia, or a Brazilian in Brazil.
As for me, specifically, when I am not writing on my blog and communicating to others, I am usually assisting/following Caroline in the things that she needs to do (such as going to banks, shopping for things, and going to the doctor).
Also, I think that there is a distinction between expats and PTs. I would define expats as being those people who reside in a country not of their birth, and who have not yet taken citizenship of that new country. PTs, on the other hand, are simply Passing Through and often do not have to worry about the day-to-day activities that seem to afflict expats. PTs are citizens of the world, rather than beholden to any one country/tax-farm.
In other words, being an expat in Kolkata is much like being an American in the United States, a Canadian in Canada, a Vietnamese in Vietnam, a Malaysian in Malaysia, or a Brazilian in Brazil.
As for me, specifically, when I am not writing on my blog and communicating to others, I am usually assisting/following Caroline in the things that she needs to do (such as going to banks, shopping for things, and going to the doctor).
Which advice would you give to people wishing to live in Kolkata?
Visiting Kolkata (or anywhere in India) is somewhat easy; living in India is difficult. Countries (or "tax farms", in the words of Stefan Molyneux) are like prisons, in that they do not want human beings (their "livestock") breaking out of prison (cf. Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Gerard Depardieu). They may be even worse than prison in that they do not want people to break into the prison, as well, and impose a lot of requirements to enter.
To live in India with greater ease requires a Student Visa (which may not be applicable to most people wanting to live in India), a Work Visa (which I have read is extremely difficult and cumbersome to get), a PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin--which applies to those who are married to an Indian citizen, which seems to apply to many members of Expat-Blog.com) or an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India).
Having said that, I would suggest that those who do want to live--and can live--in Kolkata learn Hindi or Bengali. Other than the tourist district, and the more expensive neighbourhoods, English is not well known. Other than the taxi drivers who park their taxis along Sudder Street, I have not found any taxi driver who speaks more than a few words of English.
On the subject of taxis, you ought to become aware that the metered rate is not the metered rate in India. About two months ago, two passengers got out of a taxi in front of where I was eating, got their luggage and then paid the driver the metered amount (my impression was that it was 40 rupees). The driver tried to explain the correct amount, but he spoke little, if any, English (see previous paragraph). I then told them that , in Kolkata, they had to pay 2.4 times the metered amount, and then add 1. So, if the metered amount were 40 rupees then they would be obligated to pay 97 rupees. In Mumbai, there is a different formula, and in the other cities, the auto-rickshaws use another formula but they almost always go by a stated price and then you have to haggle.
Also, be aware that people do the same things as you do, but differently. People drink, but it is usually chai/tea, coffee (especially in the South), or fruit juices--either fresh (sugar cane juice, sweet lime juice, or coconut water) or packaged/bottled. Drinks like Pepsi, Coke and 7-Up are available here, but their market share is extremely small. People take medicines, but it is usually ayurvedic, homeopathic or medicines intended for a few days. I have yet to find large bottles of Vitamin C. People buy and use things but, more importantly, they keep them, as well. Mobile/cell phone repair-stands, cobblers and even umbrella repairmen are numerous here.
To find a place to stay (for rent, as only PIOs, OCIs and Indians can own property) I highly recommend Sulekha and MagicBricks. Expat-Blog also has a forum in which accommodation is offered. Of course (most likely) while you are looking for a place to stay long-term, you will need to find a hotel for the short-term. Unless you are staying at the Fairlawn Hotel or most other hotels on or around Sudder Street, then you will need to call/email to see if they allow foreigners. (I still do not understand why a large number of hotels in India do not allow foreigners; knowing this, though, you can contact the hotel so that there will not be an unpleasant surprise when you come here.) To find such hotels, you can go to Google+ (local tab).
I do not want to dissuade anyone from living in Kolkata or in India. After all, a country that is the seventh-largest in the world, based on land area, and that is the second-largest (soon to be the largest), based on population obviously has many resources. The railway system is enormous. According to Wikipedia, India's is the fourth-largest in the world, but that seems to be based on the total length of the railway tracks, so a geographically-smaller country like India would of course lose to the United States, Russia and China. In terms of passenger traffic, I am certain that no country approaches that of India.
Having said that, if you do want to move to another country then you may want to consider moving to the Philippines. The Retiree Visa seems to be extremely easy to obtain, and extremely advantageous.
Visit anyplace before moving there. You do this in your home country. You make sure that the neighbourhood has good schools (if you have, or will have, children). You make sure that there are doctors and/or a hospital nearby. You make sure that there are stores nearby from which you can purchase your day-to-day items.
Although I never thought that I would end up living in Kolkata, I did visit Calcutta/Kolkata and even Mumbai several times before arriving here to reside. I know that it made my transition easier.
Visiting Kolkata (or anywhere in India) is somewhat easy; living in India is difficult. Countries (or "tax farms", in the words of Stefan Molyneux) are like prisons, in that they do not want human beings (their "livestock") breaking out of prison (cf. Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Gerard Depardieu). They may be even worse than prison in that they do not want people to break into the prison, as well, and impose a lot of requirements to enter.
To live in India with greater ease requires a Student Visa (which may not be applicable to most people wanting to live in India), a Work Visa (which I have read is extremely difficult and cumbersome to get), a PIO Card (Person of Indian Origin--which applies to those who are married to an Indian citizen, which seems to apply to many members of Expat-Blog.com) or an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India).
Having said that, I would suggest that those who do want to live--and can live--in Kolkata learn Hindi or Bengali. Other than the tourist district, and the more expensive neighbourhoods, English is not well known. Other than the taxi drivers who park their taxis along Sudder Street, I have not found any taxi driver who speaks more than a few words of English.
On the subject of taxis, you ought to become aware that the metered rate is not the metered rate in India. About two months ago, two passengers got out of a taxi in front of where I was eating, got their luggage and then paid the driver the metered amount (my impression was that it was 40 rupees). The driver tried to explain the correct amount, but he spoke little, if any, English (see previous paragraph). I then told them that , in Kolkata, they had to pay 2.4 times the metered amount, and then add 1. So, if the metered amount were 40 rupees then they would be obligated to pay 97 rupees. In Mumbai, there is a different formula, and in the other cities, the auto-rickshaws use another formula but they almost always go by a stated price and then you have to haggle.
Also, be aware that people do the same things as you do, but differently. People drink, but it is usually chai/tea, coffee (especially in the South), or fruit juices--either fresh (sugar cane juice, sweet lime juice, or coconut water) or packaged/bottled. Drinks like Pepsi, Coke and 7-Up are available here, but their market share is extremely small. People take medicines, but it is usually ayurvedic, homeopathic or medicines intended for a few days. I have yet to find large bottles of Vitamin C. People buy and use things but, more importantly, they keep them, as well. Mobile/cell phone repair-stands, cobblers and even umbrella repairmen are numerous here.
To find a place to stay (for rent, as only PIOs, OCIs and Indians can own property) I highly recommend Sulekha and MagicBricks. Expat-Blog also has a forum in which accommodation is offered. Of course (most likely) while you are looking for a place to stay long-term, you will need to find a hotel for the short-term. Unless you are staying at the Fairlawn Hotel or most other hotels on or around Sudder Street, then you will need to call/email to see if they allow foreigners. (I still do not understand why a large number of hotels in India do not allow foreigners; knowing this, though, you can contact the hotel so that there will not be an unpleasant surprise when you come here.) To find such hotels, you can go to Google+ (local tab).
I do not want to dissuade anyone from living in Kolkata or in India. After all, a country that is the seventh-largest in the world, based on land area, and that is the second-largest (soon to be the largest), based on population obviously has many resources. The railway system is enormous. According to Wikipedia, India's is the fourth-largest in the world, but that seems to be based on the total length of the railway tracks, so a geographically-smaller country like India would of course lose to the United States, Russia and China. In terms of passenger traffic, I am certain that no country approaches that of India.
Having said that, if you do want to move to another country then you may want to consider moving to the Philippines. The Retiree Visa seems to be extremely easy to obtain, and extremely advantageous.
Visit anyplace before moving there. You do this in your home country. You make sure that the neighbourhood has good schools (if you have, or will have, children). You make sure that there are doctors and/or a hospital nearby. You make sure that there are stores nearby from which you can purchase your day-to-day items.
Although I never thought that I would end up living in Kolkata, I did visit Calcutta/Kolkata and even Mumbai several times before arriving here to reside. I know that it made my transition easier.
Could you please also send me a few pictures to illustrate the interview (pictures of yourself, of typical landscapes...).
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| The world-famous Mother House |
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| A typical old brick building, crumbling under its own weight, and having trees growing out of its walls |
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| A foggy morning at the Maidan |
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| Foreign cars (except for Maruti Suzuki, which was a joint venture between Suzuki and the Indian government) are somewhat rare. American cars are even more rare (although there do seem to be more Chryslers than Fords. Here, a Ford AND a Chevrolet were alongside each other. |