I went to the Hyderabad regional passport office today as my passport booklet was finished and i wanted to apply for new / extra booklet. I filled in the form and everything very nicely and went to the office exactly at 8 am only to see a biiig line for tokens. Anyways i tried to go to that line, basically joining that line. All of a sudden i got a call from a police guy over there (yes a police guy). So obv i went to him and he asked me why i am here. I told him the things and he asked me to show the form which i did. i have no idea what he saw in 2 seconds but he asked me to go to the left side and ask those people to fill online form for u. I was a little confused and i asked him that online form is only an option and i dont wanna do that. He forced me to go to those people.
Well being forced by a police guy i went there. There were 3-4 uneducated guys waiting for me, they took the form from my hand and asked me to follow them which i did. They did not fill any online form but wrote some comment on the same form and asked 200 RS. from me. I asked why so, they said if you want token today , you pay this much. I got the idea by now and was trying to negotiate. On that he said "kya sir , 50% to police wale ko jayega na". I got the whole idea by now and paid him the money. He took me to the line and asked me to join the line. I was amazed and asked him why have u taken 200 RS. He said "sab ap age to jaoon, dikhata hoon 200 RS. kyon liya". I went ahead towards the same Police guy, he gazed at me and then that guy. That guy (agent) said something with signs and the police guy let me in.
We talk about corruption in India. This was being done in open govt. place by Police itself!
Just something about the Hyderabad City...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Few of the Biggest Misconceptions about Gulf
Please note: I am not taking Saudi into picture at all. Anything is possible there. Lets talk about Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar for the time being:
1) All women have to wear the Burkha
Wrong. This rule is not even for the locals over there. It all depends on individuals or family culture. For an expatriate, you can wear whatever you feel like. In fact you feel more free than even in India! So you tend to be more revealing actually :)
2) No Alcohol
Wrong again. Its available as easily as in India. And you get Kingfisher as well:)
3) No Entertainment Factor
Completely wrong. I enjoyed Bahrain and Doha more than I ever freaked out in India. There are Movieplexes, Malls, Clubs, etc etc etc. And all these places have got very good crowd indeed.
4) You have to eat only chicken and mutton
Wrong again. There 100s of veg. rest. all over gulf. Its a diff thing that chicken is really yummy and you tend to eat more of that and gain fats and calories like me!!
5) There is no Law and Order
Really?? how about India? I guess the only more crime prone country after India is Kenya!! In gulf you can be out at 2 am and i can assure you, you are safe. As far as Gulf laws goes; well i dont even wanna listen about law and order in India:)..neverthless I do agree here that you need to be a little careful here and stay away from troubles. Cause favor will be given to an Arab 99.99% of times in case of dispute.
6) Very Costly
Qatar - Yes, but then you get salary also accordingly. Bahrain and Dubai - NO. They are very economical really. As there are 0 taxes, you will tend to save more than in India and Standard of Living is really good. You need to make sure you get a job in a good company. In Qatar, ask your organization to arrange for house.
7) Capital Punishment
Yes - in Saudi i have heard, but we are not even considering Saudi here. Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai? not at all. They are very developed countries and very much in the world map because of many factors including F1 and even Asian games, so there is no question of this at all. You have no idea how many Whites are working in these countries.
8) No temples
I have myself visited 4-5 temples in Bahrain and there are plenty in Dubai. When you go to these temples there, you will find 100s and 1000s of Indians. Awesome. And these temples are very well organized. Doha does not have that thing though. Thats where the point comes when people prefers Bahrain and Dubai over Doha. I mean if you really that serious about this.
9) Companies keep your passport
Some companies do. Dont allow it. As law does not permit it. My company never did. So as i said it all boils down to choosing the right company.
10) Racial Society
Yes they are, but are not we? I am sure Indians are more racist than any other race. What do we do to whites in our country, what do we do Nepalese btw. Yes some arabs are racist. But not all, I guess it depends on how educated he (arab) is. And dont tell me you dont feel racism in Australia and England. Law and Right are surely not as good as west and thats the pain point.
1) All women have to wear the Burkha
Wrong. This rule is not even for the locals over there. It all depends on individuals or family culture. For an expatriate, you can wear whatever you feel like. In fact you feel more free than even in India! So you tend to be more revealing actually :)
2) No Alcohol
Wrong again. Its available as easily as in India. And you get Kingfisher as well:)
3) No Entertainment Factor
Completely wrong. I enjoyed Bahrain and Doha more than I ever freaked out in India. There are Movieplexes, Malls, Clubs, etc etc etc. And all these places have got very good crowd indeed.
4) You have to eat only chicken and mutton
Wrong again. There 100s of veg. rest. all over gulf. Its a diff thing that chicken is really yummy and you tend to eat more of that and gain fats and calories like me!!
5) There is no Law and Order
Really?? how about India? I guess the only more crime prone country after India is Kenya!! In gulf you can be out at 2 am and i can assure you, you are safe. As far as Gulf laws goes; well i dont even wanna listen about law and order in India:)..neverthless I do agree here that you need to be a little careful here and stay away from troubles. Cause favor will be given to an Arab 99.99% of times in case of dispute.
6) Very Costly
Qatar - Yes, but then you get salary also accordingly. Bahrain and Dubai - NO. They are very economical really. As there are 0 taxes, you will tend to save more than in India and Standard of Living is really good. You need to make sure you get a job in a good company. In Qatar, ask your organization to arrange for house.
7) Capital Punishment
Yes - in Saudi i have heard, but we are not even considering Saudi here. Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai? not at all. They are very developed countries and very much in the world map because of many factors including F1 and even Asian games, so there is no question of this at all. You have no idea how many Whites are working in these countries.
8) No temples
I have myself visited 4-5 temples in Bahrain and there are plenty in Dubai. When you go to these temples there, you will find 100s and 1000s of Indians. Awesome. And these temples are very well organized. Doha does not have that thing though. Thats where the point comes when people prefers Bahrain and Dubai over Doha. I mean if you really that serious about this.
9) Companies keep your passport
Some companies do. Dont allow it. As law does not permit it. My company never did. So as i said it all boils down to choosing the right company.
10) Racial Society
Yes they are, but are not we? I am sure Indians are more racist than any other race. What do we do to whites in our country, what do we do Nepalese btw. Yes some arabs are racist. But not all, I guess it depends on how educated he (arab) is. And dont tell me you dont feel racism in Australia and England. Law and Right are surely not as good as west and thats the pain point.
Things I Hate in my country!!
1) Public Pissing
Anywhere in my country, after every 30 seconds, move left or right, somebody is pissing on some wall. Sometimes not even wall is needed! This is the "most disgusting" thing that can ever happen to any place. I could not imagine the explanation for it.
2) No Consideration for Pedestrians
If they have a choice to crush you, they wont thing twice. Basically there is no value for life here. Try this, go to any market road, stand in the corner (where traffic is not supposed to come) , close your eyes for 30 seconds. I can guarantee to you, somebody will hit and run.
3) Religion Based Inclination
Malu Malu Bhai Bhai, Telegu Telegu, Panju Panju Bhai Bhai --- Baki sab ki %$#@ hai hai..If you end up working in a company where majority belong to one culture and you belong to other. Thats it you are screwed big time - professionally and personally!
4) Crime
11 year old killed his grand mother, father raped his 2 year old daughter, a women raped in running train. Mind you if 5 guys are raping a women in a running train, there are 20 other guys there as well. But its none of their business. That is exactly India. I feel more safe at 2 am in Gulf, but no safe at 10 pm in Delhi.
5) Disgusting Corruption:
After 11 days of trip, travelling 3 countries when i landed in Hyderabad airport and i am in immigration. The guy checking my colleague's passport says - "sir apka to passport expire hai last year se , you cannot travel sir",,he forgot to see his additional booklet. The question here is if acc to him the passport is expired for so long, how did he travelled for last 11 days internationally??? Was he so stupid or he was saying "sir ji i need some money"...
6) My Poor Travelers:
Are u white? are you thinking of a trip to India cause its cheap. Yes its cheap, but cheap in every sense. So cheap that people here will not go to a red light area and spend 100 rs. Rather they would prefer to rape you , even if they have to go to jail after that!!!
7) Mannerism:
The places i have been to outside India, no matter which country it is. If i am standing waiting for the lift. The moment the lift arrives, you will be asked to go first. When the lift arrives in our building here in Hyderabad, the first you notice is that somebody has pushed you so that he can go first. When you look at that guy with surprise, he will look back at you as if he is asking you - "what happened?"
Basically if you are having a bad day here, you will ask yourself as to why have you come back in this disgusting place. In some good day, will write something good.
Anywhere in my country, after every 30 seconds, move left or right, somebody is pissing on some wall. Sometimes not even wall is needed! This is the "most disgusting" thing that can ever happen to any place. I could not imagine the explanation for it.
2) No Consideration for Pedestrians
If they have a choice to crush you, they wont thing twice. Basically there is no value for life here. Try this, go to any market road, stand in the corner (where traffic is not supposed to come) , close your eyes for 30 seconds. I can guarantee to you, somebody will hit and run.
3) Religion Based Inclination
Malu Malu Bhai Bhai, Telegu Telegu, Panju Panju Bhai Bhai --- Baki sab ki %$#@ hai hai..If you end up working in a company where majority belong to one culture and you belong to other. Thats it you are screwed big time - professionally and personally!
4) Crime
11 year old killed his grand mother, father raped his 2 year old daughter, a women raped in running train. Mind you if 5 guys are raping a women in a running train, there are 20 other guys there as well. But its none of their business. That is exactly India. I feel more safe at 2 am in Gulf, but no safe at 10 pm in Delhi.
5) Disgusting Corruption:
After 11 days of trip, travelling 3 countries when i landed in Hyderabad airport and i am in immigration. The guy checking my colleague's passport says - "sir apka to passport expire hai last year se , you cannot travel sir",,he forgot to see his additional booklet. The question here is if acc to him the passport is expired for so long, how did he travelled for last 11 days internationally??? Was he so stupid or he was saying "sir ji i need some money"...
6) My Poor Travelers:
Are u white? are you thinking of a trip to India cause its cheap. Yes its cheap, but cheap in every sense. So cheap that people here will not go to a red light area and spend 100 rs. Rather they would prefer to rape you , even if they have to go to jail after that!!!
7) Mannerism:
The places i have been to outside India, no matter which country it is. If i am standing waiting for the lift. The moment the lift arrives, you will be asked to go first. When the lift arrives in our building here in Hyderabad, the first you notice is that somebody has pushed you so that he can go first. When you look at that guy with surprise, he will look back at you as if he is asking you - "what happened?"
Basically if you are having a bad day here, you will ask yourself as to why have you come back in this disgusting place. In some good day, will write something good.
MERA BHARAT MAHAN -- GO AHEAD AND ADD MORE!!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Night life in Doha, Qatar
Hey guys, with my 1 year experience in Doha, you can trust me for this:) . At least to some extent. Night life in Doha is nowhere near Bahrain or Dubai. But there are places which will make you feel relaxed and you can spend time with your buddies. Before I start rating anything, I wanna make one thing clear - Doha is a very costly place. Double to Bahrain at least. You wanna drink a beer in Bahrain in a public place; you can go to a very normal family restaurant and have it there. But not so in Doha. You need to go to a hotel to drink. In a nutshell, you have to shed your pocket if you wanna have a good time in Doha. You will or you will not, I am rating a few places below:
Orian in Ramada Hotel: I am not too sure whether I have spelled it right or not, but I have been there 20 times:). I don't know much it has changed since last month or so. But they had a very good live band who sings 80's and 90's. They have a list of songs and that list does not change too often but do sing those very very well indeed. Very professional band. You cannot miss this place once in Doha. You would not have seen many better bands in the city than them. Band has mostly srilankans with couple of Philippine girls for obvious reasons. You get all kinds of alcohols there and the staff is excellent indeed. Lastly you will be interested to know about the crowd; the crowd is mostly good and mostly its whites and srilankans. Especially in a weekend there are hell lot of white crowd there. If you are working in Doha or there for sometime. You should visit this place a couple of times for sure. Another great thing about the place is that there is no entry fee and stags are allowed in n numbers.
QUBE in Ramada Hotel: Well this was the first place i visited when i was new to Doha. This place is a huuge one. With a couple of DJs and biig dance floor and unlimited alcohol. The Place is crowded most of the times. You will like this place once or twice but not beyong that. Because 3rd time you go there, you will notice same crowd, same songs, nothing different. And the crowd is mostly Philippines, nepalies and a few Indians, Lankans and Whites. But mostly Philippines. You can try it once, but i bet you won’t feel like going that often. Plus to that there is an entry fee of approx. 40 QAR as well. Stags are allowed though. This place runs till 3 am.
Sports Bar in Ramada Hotel: You must be thinking why i am stuck to places in Ramada. I thought lemme finish this place before we go out:) this is an entirely diff place from rest. There is no dance floor, no DJ. Its a simple Sports bar where you can watch all the cricket matches and English football and stuff. Its a nice place when you wanna relax with friends and see sports on gig screen and all. But you wont get the seats easily if there is a big match. And a "caution": if Man U is playing against Arsenal or Chelsea, as an asian be neutral or be ready to get wacked by a drunken white! I am not kidding here. There is no entry fee and all are allowed.
11th Floor, Hotel Rydges: What i have written is not the actuall name of the place, i forgot that. But its in the 11th floor of Rydges Hotel:) This place is one of the most known and happening place in Doha. Small but good. Stags are not allowed until unless you know the manager or reach before 9 pm and try your luck. Stay there even if security says no, after some time, you will be in! Once even, its kinda small, but nice. Its an australian bar. DJ sucks here. If they changed, i can't say. But otherwise its happening. You will find all the rich Lebanese and Egyptians here along with lots of chinese and whites and a few indian groups specially from qatar airways. You wanna see some happening crowd in Doha, this is the place. Especially on weekends.
Cloudnyn: I forgot where is this place, check it out , but this is my fav. Once again stags are not allowed and you need to know the manager or try your luck by going one by one here. Another trick is to be there on the head of sec guy and then tell him that you will buy alcohol inside. Then they will call the sec. manager and he will force you to buy the ticket so that he can be assured that you will buy the alcohol. So its a costly affair but you wont regret once inside. Its small but happening. This place acc to me hosts the Best DJ in the town. I am very serious. It will become very crowded by 10 or 11 and then till 3 pm , it rocks. You cannot afford to miss it. It’s worth spending money over here.
Please leave you comments here. As many as you can. Guys who are in Doha and have been to these places and other, please contribute. Thanks!
Orian in Ramada Hotel: I am not too sure whether I have spelled it right or not, but I have been there 20 times:). I don't know much it has changed since last month or so. But they had a very good live band who sings 80's and 90's. They have a list of songs and that list does not change too often but do sing those very very well indeed. Very professional band. You cannot miss this place once in Doha. You would not have seen many better bands in the city than them. Band has mostly srilankans with couple of Philippine girls for obvious reasons. You get all kinds of alcohols there and the staff is excellent indeed. Lastly you will be interested to know about the crowd; the crowd is mostly good and mostly its whites and srilankans. Especially in a weekend there are hell lot of white crowd there. If you are working in Doha or there for sometime. You should visit this place a couple of times for sure. Another great thing about the place is that there is no entry fee and stags are allowed in n numbers.
QUBE in Ramada Hotel: Well this was the first place i visited when i was new to Doha. This place is a huuge one. With a couple of DJs and biig dance floor and unlimited alcohol. The Place is crowded most of the times. You will like this place once or twice but not beyong that. Because 3rd time you go there, you will notice same crowd, same songs, nothing different. And the crowd is mostly Philippines, nepalies and a few Indians, Lankans and Whites. But mostly Philippines. You can try it once, but i bet you won’t feel like going that often. Plus to that there is an entry fee of approx. 40 QAR as well. Stags are allowed though. This place runs till 3 am.
Sports Bar in Ramada Hotel: You must be thinking why i am stuck to places in Ramada. I thought lemme finish this place before we go out:) this is an entirely diff place from rest. There is no dance floor, no DJ. Its a simple Sports bar where you can watch all the cricket matches and English football and stuff. Its a nice place when you wanna relax with friends and see sports on gig screen and all. But you wont get the seats easily if there is a big match. And a "caution": if Man U is playing against Arsenal or Chelsea, as an asian be neutral or be ready to get wacked by a drunken white! I am not kidding here. There is no entry fee and all are allowed.
11th Floor, Hotel Rydges: What i have written is not the actuall name of the place, i forgot that. But its in the 11th floor of Rydges Hotel:) This place is one of the most known and happening place in Doha. Small but good. Stags are not allowed until unless you know the manager or reach before 9 pm and try your luck. Stay there even if security says no, after some time, you will be in! Once even, its kinda small, but nice. Its an australian bar. DJ sucks here. If they changed, i can't say. But otherwise its happening. You will find all the rich Lebanese and Egyptians here along with lots of chinese and whites and a few indian groups specially from qatar airways. You wanna see some happening crowd in Doha, this is the place. Especially on weekends.
Cloudnyn: I forgot where is this place, check it out , but this is my fav. Once again stags are not allowed and you need to know the manager or try your luck by going one by one here. Another trick is to be there on the head of sec guy and then tell him that you will buy alcohol inside. Then they will call the sec. manager and he will force you to buy the ticket so that he can be assured that you will buy the alcohol. So its a costly affair but you wont regret once inside. Its small but happening. This place acc to me hosts the Best DJ in the town. I am very serious. It will become very crowded by 10 or 11 and then till 3 pm , it rocks. You cannot afford to miss it. It’s worth spending money over here.
Please leave you comments here. As many as you can. Guys who are in Doha and have been to these places and other, please contribute. Thanks!
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