Every time I get together with Steve Anson, my Perfect Patients business partner, it’s nonstop work. It’s not actually work, but it’s what we do to add value to the business. This unique collaboration has attracted 27 employees located on three continents who all contribute virtually.
From Perth, in Western Australia, Steve has recently moved his family to Bangalore, India. Since I was so close (relatively speaking), we decided it would make sense to spend some “face time” together. As usual, it was very productive.
India is different. In fact, it is so different it’s virtually impossible to communicate the many distinctions with words. Or pictures. Or even video. Guess that’s why I don’t take many pictures—much to the dismay of friends and family who want to see pictures. “Go on the Internet and you can see plenty of pictures.” Apparently, that’s not the same. “We want to see pictures with you in it,” they clamor.
Is it because they don’t think I was really there?
When you travel to India, here are some of the things you can expect.
For starters, there are people everywhere. I mean, lots of people. Everywhere. Whatever you’re imagining, double it.
Cows standing in the middle of the road. Or blocking the occasional sidewalk. Oblivious. Chewing. And letting out a loud bellow from time to time.
Dogs are everywhere. At night, expect a raucous dogfight or two to wake you up. The sounds are almost demonic. It makes the stray coyote or two that roam our property in Colorado, howling at their unbridled freedom, sound almost inviting.
Don’t forget the constant horn honking! Almost like another language, streets clogged with every motorized vehicle imaginable, talk to each other with a single short burst (“Hey, I’m about to overtake you on your right!”) to a longer burst (“Go stupid, the light changed .023 seconds ago!”) This cacophony takes some getting used to. I didn’t. But I’m told that after a month or two it fades into the background.
Speaking of traffic, you’ll frequently see a family of four, dressed up on a Friday night straddling a 125 cc motorbike. It’s not uncommon to see a 3-year old on the gas tank, followed by helmeted driver dad and little daughter sandwiched between dad and mum who occupies the remaining rear seat space.
And be ready for the regular power outages. At irregular times during the day, be prepared for the power to ou even if yo ‘ n iddle of ing