No, I am not writing about how stuff works. I am writing about how my life works. No, I am not going to write about how grad school works. I am going to write about how Atlanta works. Or rather how it doesn’t work.
The public transport here sucks. There are only 3 ways to get from 1 place to another.
- Walk
- MARTA – (short form for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transport Authority, like Delhi’s DTC)
- Bug a friend to give you a ride
The first one is usually not viable because Atlanta is a big city, and like every other big city things here are pretty far apart. There is only a certain so much distance that you can cover on foot, and that certain so such is usually just an ε-net around you.
MARTA is like the Delhi Metro, only it is significantly smaller, reaches significantly lesser number of places, and costs significantly more. The MARTA buses too have to same problem, in addition there are usully at most 3-4 touching a bus stop, and the frequence is close to 1 in 30 mins.
In contrast you can get from any place in Delhi to any other place in less than half hour* for less than Rs. 10 (approx 20 cents).
Conclusion : Save some money and buy a car asap.
American food is so bland, I feel like my taste buds have died (I hope they are only sleeping 
). I have tried chinese food, american food, thai food, cuban food, carrabean food, mexican food … its all the same. To all my American readers, I would like to invite you to India, which offers a mind blowing gastronomical experience. Indian food is different from rest of the world not only in taste but also in cooking methods. It reflects a perfect blend of various cultures and ages. Foods of India are better known for its spiciness. Throughout India, be it North India or South India, spices are used generously in food. But one must not forget that every single spice used in Indian dishes carries some or the other nutritional as well as medicinal properties. In my opinion American (fast) food is neither healthy nor tasty.
The social life, or rather the lack of it, is very dissapointing as well. Unlike India, people here mind their own business, intercation with neighbours doesnt happen unless absolutely necessary. ‘Hum hai tho kya hum hai, Tum ho tho kya tum ho‘ from Border rings so true.
… To be continued
* Terms and conditions apply
November 13, 2009 at 6:51 am |
I can’t help laughing. I know bad food can kill. Anand you had started cooking, what happened?
November 13, 2009 at 2:29 pm |
Now you got a lesson !! Earlier your ass used to get troubled by the very idea of walking or travelling by the DTC. I guess Atlanta would teach you to respect the dilapidated bus service of India.
No wonder food is posing a big problem for you. But I always imagined that you would like the American food and culture more than Indian sue to an element of rock attached to the former. So how about listening to a song by an Indian singer —Shreya Ghoshal ….LOL
November 13, 2009 at 2:45 pm |
American food is not that bad, you just have to go to the right places, for example burgers, if you want fast food go to McDonald if you want good food go to Panera Bread. Pizza is also the same. You have to try the right Chinese food as well, try everything on their menu, chicken Lo Mein would be my favorite. Also try to mix things up, eat the same thing everyday and i’ll guarantee you u will get sick of it. Like for me i really have gotten sick of Indian food cause i eat it every day. Healthiness is completely how you eat, i admit most Indian food is good for you but american food is not that bad. So just try stuff man, i’m sure ur just not trying the right stuff. You have just gotten the appetizer of american foods, wait for the entre and the dessert i promise u’ll find them
November 13, 2009 at 10:04 pm |
@shalini
cooking is good, i am wont take pride in my cooking skills, but i am not too bad either
@rahul
for 4 yrs u were zipping around with me in my car, now u too have to make use of Delhi’s public transport! Hope u r liking it
@Food
I spent two months trying out different food, I am not done yet though … there is is still lots more to try, I hope it turns out better ….
Could u tell us something about urself? Where are u from ? Where are u now ?