Reflection: Living and working abroad

For a long time now, I have been thinking alot about the time that I have spent living and working in India.

It hasn't been easy. Not at all.

The depth and scope of my experience here has been so varied that I honestly do not know how to start. But for today I think I would like to pay attention to the challenges to living abroad for such a long period of time.

I remember that when I first came to India, I frequently got very frustrated with the lack of proper infrastructure available. My frustration was in part due to the high expectations I had before I arrived.

Considering that Mumbai is the financial center of India, it probably isn't too much for me to expect proper internet connectivity and telephone access right? However, getting these two services set up took longer then I would have expected.

Of course, there was always the common problem of food, hygene, and language. But I consider them minor nuisances rather then major problems

As the months wore on, I naturally felt more and more like a native Mubaikar. The 5 of us chaps from the GIP program were recently even commenting on how we could possibly adapt to the life here and stay on permernantly.

But some things in life one can never get used to.

I know of no other way to say this other then that I really miss my gal in Sinagpore. Having spent so much time apart has only served to strengthen my feelings for her. I must say I am very fortunate and thankful for the fact that she is very hands on when it comes to our relationship because she makes a constant effort to call every single day.

Talking on the phone with her is a regular highlight of my life in Mumbai. I do honestly believe that we talked more over the past 5 months than any 5 month stretch in our relationship. All credit goes to her for that. When it comes to maintaining our relationship, she's like the PAP (People's Action Party) whereas I am more passive (At least it seems.)

Hahaha.... I was just thinking to myself. When I grow old one day, I would be telling my grandchildren of how I have to sing lullabys for their granny because she's such a big baby.

Even when both parties in a relationship are commited to their communication, problems would always arise. Sometimes, the point of conflict can come from anywhere, when you least expect it. Because when people live apart for a long period of time and have to rely on phone calls as the only form of communications, it is hardly the most ideal of situation.

One of the things that affects me the most is when arguements happen, usually because 1 person was not sensitive to the feelings of the other. The wrong things said at the wrong time is enough to spoil an otherwise perfectly enjoyable conversation.

I feel particularly strongly about this because my roomate is in the same shoes as I am and I see the same things happening to him and his GF. Also, it can happen to anybody. Sometimes the guy says something wrong, sometimes the gal does. Haha.. To be honest, no one knows what is the wrong thing to say until you said it, by then it would be too late! Truely, a die-die situation.

Then, minor problems also arise when conflicting schedule comes into the picture. It gets worse when the time zone difference means it's difficult to accomodate the corresponding bed time!

I could go on forever, but I am getting sleepy... Guess I'll continue some other day! Good night!

I really look forward to going home in June. And I'll catch movies with my BB just like we used to. Honestly, I am a little apprehensive because I wonder if the nature of our relationship may change. Having spent 6 months apart, will she become independant to the extent when she doesn't need me anymore?

Can't worry that much or I'll have nightmares later!

I love you dear.