My Transition Phase

It has already been over 2 years I have completed my highest level of qualification and it is a bitter truth that I am hugely grimed by ‘future uncertainty syndrome’. Though I am working in one of the biggest schools in Birmingham, I am not content at all and this job does not meet the criteria to extend my visa into another tier by straight means. I admit that have been unsuccessful in getting a high-grade job that suits my qualification and aligns with my job prospect. However it is an indelible truth that this role has been proved a corner stone for me in terms of exposure to British people, language and its culture. It has been a wonderful experience. 

I love this country and its people. Perhaps the most civilized people in the whole world. The respect you get, the smile you see on faces, the appreciation you get, the down to earth nature you come across is more than enough for provoking some civilization in any rustic. Moreover the facilities, strongest currency, and diverse friend circle curb everyone and tempt people to stay perpetually. Hence it has been heart breaking for me that I have to leave this place in 3 months time. I am going to Nepal in March.

Nepal, though naturally blessed and one of the three best destinations for visit in the world, the spectacular scenery and stunning natural landscape has not been able to sustain or comfort the life of Nepalese people. The political turmoil, increasing unemployment and plummeting GDP is highly deterrent for anyone to live in. The frustration in people regardless of their job or social status is prevailing and has engulfed the whole country. Everyone is desperate to forsake the country, even a high skilled person running a reputable company prefers to stay abroad as a layperson.

It is unambiguous that the cons prevalent in Nepal outweigh its stunning natural beauty. Future uncertainty, anxiety and frustration have enveloped the country. In this scenario, going to Nepal is a mere challenge. Being a biotech graduate is another challenge, as the country offers no place to work or compete. The only profession left is to teach which also comes with various challenges. Anyway, the meaning of life is to overcome these challenges and get sanded with all the roughness of life you went through. Life is not easy and nothing comes at no cost.

Life on Metro

Metro or Tram, one of the public transport options provided by Midland transportation service operated from Wolverhampton to Birmingham. I have been travelling on trams and buses since I started working in schools. Its over two years that I have been commuting to work every working day. However its just lately I have realised that I am one of them, one who hurriedly goes to work in the morning and lethargically returns home in the evening, good feeling though !!

However, unlike me, many have their forehead wrinkled perhaps with some kind of responsibility, some call their kin to assure they are on the way to home. I am also not among the youths who are glued to their mobile phones, constantly texting or FBing and always have their earpods dangling from their ear, sometimes you can even hear the beats from a far distance. On the other hand, "Adults" have their eyes fixed on their books, no time to look around, just flicking over the pages. I am the odd one out. There is nothing in particular I do while travelling. Most of the time I just close my eyes and take a nap. Sometimes, I just read news or scientific articles. I have also developed a habit of reading novels. though it is still in the infancy stage and so far I have read only 3 books.

Travelling on bus is a different experience than on tram or train. On bus, you come across diverse people from different ethnic background and community. Most of the people travelling on bus are local and look scruffy. I adore reading the phycology of people whilst travelling on public mode. Speculation of people gestures or facial expression reflect their well being and their living standard.

Mom and Dad, Visit to England

25^th August, 2012 was an epic and the most memorable day of my life. It was the day my parents arrived in the UK for a month visit. I had never envisioned this glorious day when I came over here in September, 2009.

On 24^th I set out for London, all full of excitement imagining how it would be to see my parent on this land. I stayed at Milan’s place that day where we had BBQ. Next morning we shoot off to Heathrow. Outside the terminal 4, I was feeling like being in an interview, pounding heart and bit shaking, after all I was seeing them after nearly three years. The flight was 30 minutes before the expected time. And finally that magic moment arrived, mom and dad appeared out of the gate, I waived my hands in excitement and showed them the way to come through. I said Hi to dad and gave a hug to mom. I felt they are as before, still young and healthy. I was accompanied by Milan and later on Ujwola joined in who helped us to take the luggage to Euston. After a long sleepless flight, they were exhausted. Mom rested her head on my biceps and slept while dad dozed off while sitting on the metro.

Balaji Temple The first visit we made was to the Balaji Temple which is located in Dudley, east from Wolverhampton. The temple was very artistic, beautifully decorated and above all the temple was much organised. In contrast with temple in Nepal, Balaji temple was tidy all over, no offerings on the floor and no smoke from incense. Afterwards, we went to the Merryhill Shopping centre which is one of the biggest shopping centres.

Stratford-upon-Avon, lies towards south-east of Birmingham. It is known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the great English poet and playwright. It has a typical example of proper English town with a very elegant park on the side of river Avon. The Royal Shakespeare theatre is another major attraction which lies on the bank of river opposite to the park.

Liverpool On 6^th of August we visited Liverpool, the birthplace of Beatles. I took a picture with John Lennon's statue at the Cavern pub. Liverpool is one of the historic places with a cathedral, museums and old massive buildings including the Liver building. The amusing and “embarrassing” part was the coins glued on the main street which I temptingly tried to pick up. Everywhere around the Albert dock was stunning and was flocked with loads of tourists. We also came across the "Basnett street" which was just off the high street. Basnett had conquest England in 10th century, which made me lil bit British, LOL.

Isle of Wight is one of the amazing places in England. I should be thankful to Debbie and other colleagues for helping me to plan out for this visit. We went to Southampton on 8^th of August along with Sashi and Rashmi. We roamed around the city and dock for a while before heading to the Island on the Red funnel ship. It was our first time on the ship which was pretty massive carrying loads of cars, big Lorries and passengers on the very top. The sight from the ship was spectacular and we couldn’t stop ourselves from taking photos. The Funnel dropped us off at East Cowes, from where we took a taxi to reach to Shanklin at Breamer Hotel. It was already 7ish when we reached there. So we got fresh, dumped our bags and went for a short town tour. Most of the shops were already closed by that time and we ended up in an Indian restaurant, Purple Mango for the evening meal. Next morning, after a delicious English breakfast we headed to the Shanklin beach. The sky was clearing out and we were anticipating a very sunny day, which indeed happened. That day was one of the best days of my life. I did kayaking and deep sea swimming, utmost fun I have ever had. Mom played with the sea water as well while dad was just resting on a reclining chair by the beach. He rather watched the girls on bikini, lol. I was tanned and was looking like a negro, poor me.

London was our last place to visit. I had planned for four days visit in London. On our first day we went to Anup’s place who welcomed us with warm hospitality, while Bhauju fed us so much that my belly was about to burst. We went to Milan’s place and in the evening we went for a walk around the park and town. Next day we went to the Olympic village in stratford which was unfortunately closed due to the para-olympic preparation. We looked around the shopping centre for a while and went to the Greenwich where the O2 arena is located. We had a view of cable cars which was new to the city. Then we headed to the mighty Tower Bridge where we were accompanied by Rachana. We just walked by the riverside for a bit and went to Nandos for meal. Thanks to Milan dai for the bill, I owe you this. Then we roamed around the oxford street and Piccadily circus and came back home. The other day after a late morning meal, we started our journey to the BBC centre from where we went to the London centre. We rode the London eye and watched a short 4D movie. I was over the moon to see the happiness and excitement in my parents’ eyes. We returned to Wolverhampton on that day which was a day before I had planned. Surendra dai was upset for not visiting to his place on Saturday. Everyone was knackered and we were happy to be home by the end of the day. I am very grateful to Milan dai for the hospitality and intimacy. Bless you !!