Ladies and Gentlemen,
For all those unfamiliar with India, here's what is quintessential Indian... The classic Indian head Nod.. Its not an ordinary head nod.. its a cross between yes and no. its the side head nod. Every time a sales person is asked a trick question about his "world best" product , he resorts to the classic head nod. Every time a mother a asks her son (in anger) "Beta , do you smoke ?" The son dodges the question with (ta -da), the classic head nod. This was pointed to me umpteen times, however last month i experienced the intensity of it.
I accompanied 20 Turkish tour operators as India's leading travel agents association had invited them to experience Indian Hospitality and promote tourism to our great country. What was i doing here again ?
Well, my dear dear father represents this association as the president, hence enters the daughter, who volunteered to travel along with these guests, thinking how difficult would it be to act as a Tour leader. Answer: VERY DIFFICULT. Every day i had to deal with bus driver, cleaner, tour escorts, guide and local ground handling agents. And every time i asked them about say further arrangements, flight times.. i would get a classic Indian head nod.
Anything you ask.. "Hojayega madam... don't worry hojayega "
Me "Mahavir, flight delay hogayi kya ? check karo please"
Mahavir , " haan.. nahi... shayad.. (head nod) don't worry madam.. time pe aajayega.. i know the airline manager.. i'll make sure its on time"
Me : "hmm.. okay.."
2 hours wait at the airport... Kingfisher airline lady, announces that the flight has further been delayed by phorty five minutes.. When my Turkish friends asked me do they have a reason to worry ? I couldn't help but do the head nod..
For all those unfamiliar with India, here's what is quintessential Indian... The classic Indian head Nod.. Its not an ordinary head nod.. its a cross between yes and no. its the side head nod. Every time a sales person is asked a trick question about his "world best" product , he resorts to the classic head nod. Every time a mother a asks her son (in anger) "Beta , do you smoke ?" The son dodges the question with (ta -da), the classic head nod. This was pointed to me umpteen times, however last month i experienced the intensity of it.
I accompanied 20 Turkish tour operators as India's leading travel agents association had invited them to experience Indian Hospitality and promote tourism to our great country. What was i doing here again ?
Well, my dear dear father represents this association as the president, hence enters the daughter, who volunteered to travel along with these guests, thinking how difficult would it be to act as a Tour leader. Answer: VERY DIFFICULT. Every day i had to deal with bus driver, cleaner, tour escorts, guide and local ground handling agents. And every time i asked them about say further arrangements, flight times.. i would get a classic Indian head nod.
Anything you ask.. "Hojayega madam... don't worry hojayega "
Me "Mahavir, flight delay hogayi kya ? check karo please"
Mahavir , " haan.. nahi... shayad.. (head nod) don't worry madam.. time pe aajayega.. i know the airline manager.. i'll make sure its on time"
Me : "hmm.. okay.."
2 hours wait at the airport... Kingfisher airline lady, announces that the flight has further been delayed by phorty five minutes.. When my Turkish friends asked me do they have a reason to worry ? I couldn't help but do the head nod..
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