2 weeks in Korea

Life here has been a bit difficult to adapt to than I thought it would be. I could no longer retain my ‘vegetarian’ status here and that took sometime getting used to. Now, I have tried around 20 different species in 10 days J, including jellyfish, octopus, and some other weird sea creatures whose nomenclature is eluding me right now.

The people here are really friendly and well, helpful to foreigners to an extent that is really surprising. They take such good care of us that we feel completely at home but the only barrier is that of the language. Very few people here can actually speak English and those who manage to do so, take a lot of time to understand the way we speak and most of the times we have to repeat everything twice. It gets a little irritating sometimes but then, that’s why they say, “Patience is a Virtue”

I am actually working on some really interesting things here and it’s a lot of fun. I am designing the electric part of Volvo’s Hybrid Excavator. They don’t have many Electrical Engineers and I have come at the right time for them. I didn’t think they would entrust me with such a responsibility as an Intern, but they have high hopes from this Masters student. They provided me with all the data that they have in their possession so that I could make use of it and obtain the desired results. I was indeed surprised that they were sharing so much of important data and trusting me to such an extent, and entrusting such a responsible task.

My progress has been steady till now and I hope to do some good quality work for them in the coming weeks. The other Interns from Korea (5 of them) have a job at stake here. They will be absorbed in the company depending on how they manage to perform in the internship program. Lets see if we get lucky too. J

I have been doing a lot of hiking and well, I was lucky to get to do nothing this weekend as I have been doing something or the other since the day I landed here. I got some well deserved rest this weekend and got some time to keep with Puzo ( Reading “the family” now)

People are the same, wherever you go in this world. Emotions run high everywhere. The pride of the nation rests in the minds of every individual and it shows in one way or the other. You realize your identity when you are out of the country in a foreign land where there is absolutely no one you know. The US was not much different to me. There are many Indians and well, we are a generation who grew up watching “Friends” and “Full house” et al. Getting accustomed to the culture of US is no big deal. Any Ram, Dip or Hari would easily get used to it in a week. Let the same 3 come here to Korea and then, we can discuss the topic of cultural “shock”.

Travel has been the numero uno in my life and I am thankful to Volvo for actually giving this opportunity to come till here and doing something worthwhile in my life and contributing to the company too. Loads of travel plans in the coming weeks and so the updates will follow as and when they are due. Hope you are having fun in your life. IF not, come to Korea !!!Keep Rocking!!