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| The Humayuns Thomb in Delhi. |
What preparations you had to make to come to Asia?
Anne:
We lived in Singapore from 2004 to 2006 before we moved to Saudi-Arabia.
Singapore was new and interesting but it was easy to adapt. In Germany, it is called “Asia for beginners”.
Ecki:
We didn’t make any preparations to come to India. However, India is much more diverse and we had to get use to it. There were positive and negative aspects of living here.
Anne:
It wasn’t always easy, but I feel once you move to a country you should be open and not complain what you miss about your home country.
What are your views about the culture of India?
Anne:
In India there exists a huge range of cultures. Also, I think, there are big differences between North and South India. I met people from the north who found it difficult to adapt to life in South India. Also, there are different celebrations and holidays. Nevertheless, there is a feeling of being one nation and people respect each other.
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| The Golden Temple of the Sikhs in Amritsar. |
Ecki:
I work for Siemens and my company is one of the contractors to build the Chennai Metro.
Anne: Actually, I am proud of having a husband who is part of building up the Metro in Chennai.
How long have you been staying in India and which places have you visit?
Ecki:
I’ve been staying in India for about 16 months from March 2011. During this time, there was not much opportunity to travel. However, we visited Kerala and Mumbai. Next week, we go for holiday to Delhi, Amritsa and Ladakh. We are really looking forward to this experience.
Anne:
I came only one year ago. I would love to see more places in India. The country has so much to offer – beautiful nature, uncountable cultural and heritage places and – last but not least – kind people.
What was your first impression when you landed in India?
Anne:
Chennai is a big and lively city, which rarely sleeps. It is very noisy. The traffic was really something I had got used to it.
Ecki:
Honestly, my first thought at the airport was: ‘Okay, this is the city you will live in for the next couple of years… Its airport needs renovation.’ Now, I know, of course, that the new terminals will be open very soon.
What do you miss the most about Germany and what do you like in India?
Anne:
Once I’ve arrived in India I don’t really miss anything but try to enjoy my time here. I like the colors, the smells, the people. I can sit in the car and just watch the life on the streets. On the other side, I think, daily life is not that different around the world… What I really like is the weather. It doesn’t change much and I don’t have to think what to wear today. It is always summer. Also, the climate is similar to Singapore. In Germany, you have to listen to the weather forecast: It might be hot in the morning and very freezing in the evening. You never know..
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| Anne and a Tibetan monk. |
Ecki:
We both love Indian food and spices.
Anne:
Back in Singapore, I’ve learned to cook Indian food. Our favorite dishes are butter chicken, biriyani and curries.
How has being in India influenced your life and what are your views on India?
Anne:
I can drive the same street in India a hundred times and always I see new things there. My son came to India and took a video in an auto for 3 minutes and it was so amazing: Women in Saris with helmets on scooters, bicycle-rickshaws, the yellow-black autos, fruit stalls, flower sellers, beggars, cows on the road, dogs… In comparison to India Germany is a little bit boring and India is full of life.
Ecki:
India is changing my life, especially at work. Students here have a lot of potential. They are well-trained and ready to work hard. As Project Director you have to deal with many different people. Sometimes, I miss a little bit initiative from my Indian staff. They need more guidance as German employees.
Did you face any language difficulties in India?
Anne:
I’ve tried to learn Tamil but since I travelled a lot I gave up. Maybe, I can pick it up later. However, you don’t need Tamil. Most of the people speak English and if not – a gesture is always understood easily.
What is the one thing, which you will want to take back to Germany from India?
Anne:
Many unforgettable memories, of course. If you want to know what souvenir I would like to take back, than it is a small statue from Mahabalipuram, or, maybe, a Ganesh because I like him and the symbolic behind the elephant god.
Ecki:
I like to take photographs. So it’s my pictures what I will take back home.
