3) My trip to Uk 2-Contd

Contd from 'my trip to Uk 1'....

f. Quite strict and proper security systems.U cant get away!!!

g. Direction plates on all junctions, roads. One doesnt need to ask anyone for location.Can just follow them.

i. One has direction maps on the web be it a place,shop,office anything!!

j. Shops close at 6pm..some of them at 7/8pm..sundays mostly close or maybe half a day...however super markets r open till late night!!!This is not so good isnt it??Cant shop on weekdays..can't go anywhere ..since after office time..shops r close! Logic...They have a family too!!!

k. How can i forget!!! TIME!!People invariably 99.9% maintain punctuality not only for office!Anywhere! (0.1% benefit of doubt:))In fact they would reach atleast 5 min in advance! Exceptions maybe where they r caught up on unexpected traffic junctions!! which of course if real time communicated to the concerned people! Now how many of us do this!!! Its a matter of frustration for people in India like ME, in respect of people who dont maintain time. They neither think of following it nor do they make any continued effort! Arey koun karega re!..Sab chaltha Hai!!!is what is the attitude!! When such attitude changes only, many things will change maybe!

The list above is not exhaustive but definitely gives one a peek into the life here and what to expect at a minimum!!! There are much more aspects specifically office cultures,disciplines etc worth mentioning..maybe later!!! After seeing all this one thing for sure is what i believe! Its all in one's ATTITUDE of course supported by the governments LAW AND ORDER!If we have a straight ,positive, development oriented, calm, people friendly attitude we as well can achieve all that!!!

So, maybe some of the above mentioned aspects are reasons why Indians, NRI's epecially consider a foreign country better to live in..more time for oneself..time and oppurtunities to pursue other activities etc. However the two aspect that will probably pull people back to India, One..their home town is family,friends!!!which would make them put the above said benefits behind and pack their bags home!!!Extremely family oriented people only would do this!!!!
Secondly,,...the flexible kind of lifestle in India...no rules and regulations...shops open till 10pm...life after 6pm...democratic lifestyle...home language...cosmopolitan cities...hang out with friends ..pani puri in chat bandi..festivals...weddings....all that music,dance,,band baja....mmm..so many reasons to be in India....
So which is a better bet guys!!!I prefer India...though organised and systemised aspects are a welcome!!!the above aspect in India...cant be compared...all the colour,mix of people,family,friends,shops etc r a better bargain!!Maybe sometimes...I m confused...want all of them..but cant!!!!Human mind is never satisfied!!!

People in other parts of the globe can share your observations of your city/country's lifestyle!!!It would be interesting to know the diverity!!

2) My trip to UK 1

United Kingdom!!!..London....Europe....One of the most preferred destinations after THE U S of A..:)))

All that I had heard and seen (Of course from our great bollywood movies , always a window for exotic foreign locations..) of the above countries were..neatness,systemised and organised life style!!! and of course certain other aspects...which does not require specific mention ;)

I used to wonder why people who went abroad, never really thought of returning back to India and most often considered settling there. The only aspect I could think of then was 'MONEY', but today I realise maybe thats the main reason but there are other aspects for consideration too! I used to detest (mm..do I now?) those categories of people who cribbed about every aspect in India and was finicky about various aspect of Indian life.

Here are a few feel good attractions:

1. Work - Life balance: The HOT topic across all organisations, trainings,peer conversations , the MOST sought after aspect for non-workholics, one among the scarce necessities in India, of course created by Mankind!(more on work life balance in a separate post!!!look for it guys!)..abundant in UK and maybe in all parts of Europe!..mmm...heard a few exceptions where there are Indian bosses..Workaholism is in the Indian blood for sure! People invariably work 5 days in a week 8-10 hrs/day maximum. Exception: Auditors who work from home anyways!!By product of taking a profession in Finance/Audit!

Atleast no one is made to work later than the above said time..and weekends are yours for sure!!!!Lovely isn't it!!! Personal life is priority here!!! As a result people enjoy work and life!!!!(efficiency,productivity,quality part of separate post under work-life balance!) Chilled out people!!!

2. Technology: Don't know where to start.Everything everywhere is automatic,systemised.Thats why maybe this is a developed country. They have a good inbuilt system of controls, user friendly systems, least thinking required.Just follow the system..saves time and energy!!

a. Properly followed lane system on roads.U have speed cameras,speed instructions,traffic congestion information on motorways.If people follow that..u can smoothly reach ur destinations...No pollution, no honking!!!Mmmmm... a blessing isnt it?Neat traffic...no helter skelter driving, at all junctions and traffic, people will invariably stop to let traffic from other directions to flow!! Its not 'Me First' rule!!:)

People follow all this strictly since u have CCTV's, cameras at all places to monitor the traffic. If anyone breaks it ,, even speeding..he will have a fine letter, 2 points license cut at his postbox!Amazing is the point that, it indicates the time,the place, the junction, the rule broken,the car number every aspect!

b. Not as neat as expected.People do litter but not so much!

c. No pulling and pushing at crowded places, while boarding or alighting from trains!!queues..if not..people do give ways!!

d. Multiple counters (atleast 10) in all malls, markets.

e. Drinks,sandwitches,choclates vending machines!!!at all strategic locations..bus stations, train

stations,airports,offices etc