First day at Kathmandu…

And I was at office. Yes, “office” again. It was 18 months back when I made a decision and left my corporate halfway through to be at business school.

This was different though. I didn’t have to sit in a room with staring eyes at me and my laptop and thoughts running in people’s mind –“ Why are these IT guys paid up so much, they don’t do anything”.

Tables were turned this time. I was representing the business and the IT guys were to be on their toes. Well, this is what I thought initially atleast.

After a long wait at my Mumbai office, I finally got to go to the market country I was given project for, Nepal.

My first day at Kathmandu was a rushed one. To my surprise, a rather unpleasant one, It was not a holiday on Sunday. All my hopes of seeing around in the evening dashed as I landed on Sunday afternoon. I was to report at office post-lunch. Agony just grew when the 5-day a week hangover from IT industry got a rude shock only to be debriefed about 6-days a week Saturday off schedule.

Anyways, I was excited enough about my new role that I kept the spirits up and hopes high when starting this new assignment.

Life never ceases to surprise you.

My project scope changed again. It was not more which it was last week or 2 weeks back or when I was first briefed about my project. Yes, I had a different project expectation addressed to me 4 times!!

However, the first pleasant surprise that came to me when I landed in Nepal was the language. Hindi was poster-ed all around the walls, with some blend of local dialects but it still was encouraging.

Like a researcher on work I started seeing the vehicles plying on road, or atleast tried fooling myself by doing that. I know I have no inherent interest in automobiles industry or even cars, to say the least.

Bad roads had normalized my expectations about the hotel, but it was a pleasant surprise. After unpacking and freshing up I left for office in a taxi.

Reached office by 1:30 in noon and met my project guide. Had some discussion and he introduced me to a couple of guys at office. Was nostalgic. How we use to meet team-mates at every new project.

Well, the days passed with a couple of more meetings and it was time I head for home. I had already caught throat infection and cold. On my way bought some medicines and reached hotel at around 8. I thought I would stroll around the market for some time before going to sleep. But surprises never cease to surprise you either.

The Market at Kathmandu closes by 8 pm. This is one thing which was really disappointing to me. This meant that the only time you see the cheerfulness around the market place, aesthetically made showrooms and options to eat and buy, was on a holiday.

 It was just a Sunday and I still had 6 more days before a Saturday. Things kept on piling. I was not happy . I was not happy being here. But it was very difficult for me to find out the reason for this sadness. Was it my return to corporate life? Or it had to do with the place ? Or just my illness is spoiling the game? I will have to wait to have answers to these questions.