Winter is over… well for me at least.

Yeah I know it’s been too long since the last post, maybe over two weeks but who’s counting?

Anyway, the great news is that Delhi’s winter is over (sorry for my sister in Pittsburgh, the Chicago crowd and everyone else in the Midwest/Mid-Atlantic/Northeast regions but at least you’ve got fresh air going for you, which is nice). Multiple sources had told me that Delhi’s temperatures would increase after Republic Day on Jan. 26th. Although I was incredulous, sure enough, day time temperatures went from averaging low 50′s to the mid 70′s in a one-day span. Goodbye fleece, goodbye 3 blankets and goodbye space heater. For those seeking a better understanding of the Delhi Winter, check out this NYTimes article – http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/world/asia/15delhi.html

For those sick of hearing complaints about Delhi winter because you’re trudging through snow, here’s some updates on food, work and life in Episode 2.

Food – It is unfortunate that I haven’t been cooking as much recently but instead I’ve firmly established two staples in my diet here: Masala Dosas and Kebabs. They are not related and in fact you would probably never want to eat them in the same meal but Dosas and Kebabs are highly satisfying in their own way. Masala Dosas are typical South Indian fare. They are essentially crepes stuffed with spiced potatoes (and if you want lots of coconut, onions, etc.) and served with a sambar (orange) which is like a spicy vegetable stew and coconut chutney (white). They are cooked with coconut oil and are a simple, healthy dish. Traditionally they are served on banana leafs which can then be disposed of easily. The picture on the right is of a Paper Masala Dosa which can be almost two feet in length but seems like more than what is actually contained inside.

I eat dosas at least once per week because the restaurant outside of my gym, called Banana Leaf, prepares a delicious one in what is basically fast-food service. Ironically, I’ve noticed that in the Subway two doors down, you can usually find 20-25 Indians diving into a footlong sub while I’m the only one savoring the light fare offered by Banana Leaf. Indian’s eating a footlong. American eating the dosa. Fantastic picture of mingling cultures.

Kebabs are also AMAZING. Chicken Malai Tikka. Mutton Seekh Kebab, etc. Indian kebabs are spicy, tasty and overall the perfect combination with cold beer. Often the best kebabs are sold at hole-in-the-wall places with a few Muslim guys grilling up a storm. Picture to come. I promise.

Gym - I mentioned back in November that I joined a gym called Fitness First in Delhi. It’s pretty expensive by Indian standards but I decided that I needed a way to better release frustrations and stress as well as satisfy my desire to stay in shape over here (running outside is not really an option in the winter because of the air quality). I always despised treadmills but when it becomes a matter of necessity, I was forced to acquiesce. Three interesting things about Fitness First:

1. The Lockers use electric key cards
2. I’m still top 10 sweatiest people there and that’s with 95% Indians. I know. Shocking. In fact somebody came up to me as I was getting water and said, “Wow you’re sweaty.” Thanks.
3. Drink Machines – The gym has two machines. One is for Lime Soda, Orange Soda, and Pepsi. The other dispenses hot tea, coffee, and tomato soup. Is it possible to strike out six times? Which is the least worst to drink during a workout?

Movies - So it’s official. I’ve now seen more Bollywood than Hollywood Movies in the past year. Thanks to my friend Ashima, I’ve seen the Hindi movie of the year “Three Idiots” as well as the classic “Sholay” and the popular “Jab We Met.” Three Idiots (playing in the US by the way – http://r.zapak.com/mc/3idiots/data/cinemalist.html),  was all about the pressure on Indians to focus their education without much deviation and the results of youths who can’t live up to the expectations (prevalence of suicides). It was like a Dead Poet’s Society with a very different Bollywood Twist. Highly enjoyable even though I struggled at times with the language barrier and no subtitles. Sholay is a movie people have insisted that I see for a while. It’s known as the quintessential Bollywood film that has spanned generations in popularity and mass appeal. It’s long, nearly 3.5 hours but definitely worth a watch. Jab We Met was basically a romantic comedy which I could never admit to seeing in the US but because it was in Hindi, I think I’ve maintained my virility.

Also, I should note that I FINALLY saw Gandhi this past week, a movie that everyone must see. I’m somewhat embarrassed that I hadn’t seen it until this past week but as I embark on my India history reading in the next few months, it was certainly the inspirational start I needed.

Work – In order to further blur my technical job description and position within Satin, I’m now the… wait for it…. temporary Head of Internal Audit. Based on my years of experience, I was the natural choice for the position. Yeah, right. It was somewhat shocking especially since our most recent head of Audit, Mr. Viswanathan is a friend of mine but I obviously embraced the opportunity. I’ve been spending the past two weeks redeveloping audit plans, formats, & reports, and figuring out how to effective manage a team of 16 auditors throughout the microfinance field operation. Will definitely have more stories on my new role in my next post.

Oh yeah and I worked to launch a new website for my Microfinance Institution so definitely check it out. http://satincreditcare.com/

Travel Plans - My next post will feature travels from an upcoming weekend trip with my friend Nina to Bangalore. Stay tuned for updates next week. Also, it’s confirmed. I’m leaving India on May 1st to trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal with my old LIM friends Geoff and Michelle. If anyone else is interested, it’s May 1-18 so holler at me soon. The three of us are already gearing up for the adventure.

Finally, India Runs on Dunkin – I brought back two bags of Dunkin Donuts Coffee and have introduced it’s amazingness to Nanda and soon to my Landlord and others. Nothing says Sunday morning like Dunkin baby.

The next post will come soon. I promise.

80′s Music Video Section: DOUBLE FEATURE

Well actually this is from the 90′s but deal with it.

Check out the double high-five about 50 seconds in

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~ by sethigreenberg on February 2, 2010.