Sprites of Sydney
It was mid of May'13, one of the managers am working with, called me to discuss on a short term PT assignment at Sydney. While I was not so keen to see myself at Sydney, as I had the memories of Melbourne still alive, hesitantly inquired the details; and most of the responsibilities and expectations were heard. The client name is IAG...; me happened to work with many banks across the experience, felt like some unusual name, asked my manager - are they big name in Australia; of course he politely replied saying "Yes, they are Insurance Australia Group". Me doubtful on various aspects and unsure about planning the family life and various other factors, accepted the assignment and started planning the trip.
As usual the uncertainty (as always) existed with the onsite assignments till the time I boarded the flight. Initially planned to arrive on May 18, and with little hitch around few approvals, etc.. had my journey on 21 May.
Life at Hillsdale
Me always blessed to have friends around the world, this time it was my college mate O Kiran (nicked as OK), to host me. Forced to be bachelor like me for reasons that his wife was in India on a holiday, I decided to share the place with him for first few weeks. By Lord Shiva's blessings, I had a great time at every new location I landed and the time I spent with him during that period was a memorable. I have to take this moment to appreciate his hospitality and the way he embraced me ..... this is the best thing to happen for me. Kiran is a very organized, disciplined person now, leading a wonderful life here at Sydney. The Eastern suburbs of Sydney are their best with the sea breeze and Green parks all around. I could very well continue my daily rituals of Sandhyavandan and Abhishekam as I do back home; that is the extent he has organized his small sweet home. He used to be early to office & home and cooked food,,, me enjoyed hot served food by the time I come home. With all this support, I could very easily settle at work place and made things happen.
A good start on First gear of drive always lead to smooth ride.
Trip to Canberra
I will take this episode of Canberra in separate post as it is significant and to be more detailed. Me, Amith and OK wanted to spend the long weekend of Queens Birthday and made it a memorable one for all 3 of us. One line to tease is "3 Forced Bachelors in an i20 @ 90 Kmph Speed" to Australian Capital Territory.
Wok Life
While work life to be always a confidential thing not to be discussed on a personal blog like this, I would like to take the moment to share the best things that happened to me in this trip.
I am clear on my way right from day one, without any confusions on my role / responsibility. I started my day one on May 22. Took a bus (392) from Hillsdale to City. Got off at one George Street, and searched for IAG office. Byt the time I reached 388 George Street, to my surprise it was a huge tall building standing in the center of city, having NRMA, CGU, SGIC, etc.. logos. I am speechless to know that I am coming to work for such a big client of Infosys, who is undoubtedly the market leader of Insurance in Australia / NZ. The day when I joined Symphony Services Bangalore - next to Food ball stadium and near to MG road is back in my memories.
With such a positive feel, entered and there on .....!@# %^& **
My colleagues, Amith, Rishabh, were very nice and pleasing on their introduction..Of course the same emotions and bonding continued between our three folks. I am always lucky to have such folks to work with and the sweetness to express the relation will be sweeter than Sugar. Never conflicted and we 3 walked the same path, so together that the 3 months passed just like that. Rubbishing the issues over a Friday night dinner at 1000 spices - Homebush, has become a routine ... Event cinemas on Tuesday night & Hyots on weekends, helped us to forget the nonsense and move forward. Raanjhana was most enjoyed while Bhaag Milka Bhaag made me and Bharath run for the movie. Chennai Express journey was enjoyable and Singham roared in Tamil.
Asymptomatic Ashfield !
By the time I had to move from OK's place, looked for a shared accommodation and left to destiny. One way am confident of making things easy, whom ever I live with, pushed off to Western suburbs, joining Amith. Same day saw the advertisement posted by Bharath (fellow Infoscion) and decided to join him, with out a second thought as he preferred Veggie partner. What else makes me think again?? Nothing.... !!! No details inquired and banged him late night, to see that it is unprepared call by me and surely I bullet-ed inside his place; as his partner is yet to vacate:) .... I had to leave my luggage at the place and moved back to Amith for couple of days (during that weekend).
The days I spent here at Ashfield, are again a blessing in disguise as Bharath being from same culture as I am, helped me settle quickly. Continued my daily rituals as usual and enjoyed every moment.
Me and Bharath exchanged many views / discussed all Politics , Economics, and Philosophy (with neighbor Alexie).. in the kitchen, after a stressed day at work.
Adding to these, the Ashfield Aquatic Center happened to be a nice place to relax, refresh on weekends.....
I am gonna miss them for sure.
Always, Boys have all the fun, never worried of each other , just happily discuss anything anytime..
With this, I pause this post and sure to come up again very soon.
