I wish, I could spend a few minutes following my favourite writers in MS and drop comments. But, for a while I got many things to share. Well, apologies for this never ending monologue but again, this space is a window through which I could purge out my feelings. I feel like being surrounded by people.
Plans to transfer me to an Atlanta based project started before one and a half months before. But it was informed to me that, I have to join from the second phase of the project. Hence, I made plans to be here for a while, renewed rent contract with house owner (after heated debates – seems, he sniffed our increment figures). All of a sudden, I was told to travel to Atlanta for a pretty long period (anything up to one year, but no guarantee). I got only four days to manage the transit. Experience taught me that, you should take it easy. My last assignment to San Diego was postponed for one and half months. I was asked to fly on last Saturday. But on Friday morning I got call from my manager “Can you fly today evening?” – Goodness, he said it with such an ease as if I am traveling from Byculla to Chinchpokli! After lots of tears and pleading, finally my plans were made. Sunday early morning, Mumbai to Atlanta (Stop Over at Paris), Air France.
At times of contingency, I desperately need one person with me – “Ma”. I made express plan for her travel from Kolkata to Mumbai and she was with me for two and half days. Managing packers and movers (as I decided to leave the home breaking the contract), packing my luggage – it is a story by itself. Finally thought of providing some entertainment to Ma, took her for “Milenge Milenge” and we left the hall during interval. Never tortured Ma like this before.
Where to stay in Atlanta was another big question. One colleague from Bangalore was also deputed for same project and she assured me that she is reaching a day in advance and her friends are making arrangements of stay. She passed her friend’s details but again, I was feeling nervous.
Air France
I have been sufficiently spooked by all existentialist friends of MS regarding Paris. I was expecting an amphibian looking Sartre with age old existential dilemma next to me. To my surprise, none of the flight crew were attractive (I mean look wise – air hostess with specs and all). Above all, I wished to taste French Foods (which was mentioned in the flight menu card) but was surprised to note that they serve only Indian food for Indians, if we choose vegetarian. I switched my mind to non veg food and was served French Omlette. Well, what was that? Also, I fondly remember the Indian boy who sat next beside me who slept during the entire flight (even forgetting to attend to “natures call”). I should be the most uninteresting girl in the flight!!
Charles De gaulle Airport France & Off to Atlanta
I was humming the song from “U2” (beautiful day) that was shot here. I was singing the lines from the song “See China right in front of you” and suddenly an oriental girl came for assistance. Wow – U2 rocks! I have to go to a specific terminal and she misguided me in every possible manner. Finally, I managed to catch the shuttle and reach the terminal. 2.5 hours I have to spend without any activity. I tried to see glimpses of the “Cultural capital of world” (at the same time was vigilant to avoid any existentialists). Time for snacks but again, you have to churn the grey cells for Dollar to Euro conversion. Finally, I managed to board the next flight and it was having two decks. I got the company of a French couple (boring). I slept for two hours and while woke up realized that the flight was still in Paris Airport. Finally, I landed in Hartsfield – Jackson Airport, Atlanta (supposedly the busiest airport in the world).
Atlanta
Thank God, I could reach the place where my colleague got an apartment after some effort. I have to carry close to 46 KG luggage on my shoulder to the second floor that took a toll on me. But, it is a fantastic apartment shared between three girls with all facilities right from LCD TV, washing machine, dish washer, micro wave cooker, internet connection, subscription to watch online movies etc. You have to catch “Marta” (that is what they call the local train) in the morning which is well near our apartment. 30 minutes, you are near to your Office. They benevolently provide free bus pick up from station. In a way, much comfortable than previous onsite experience.
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