Latte with Phoenix

  Even in the same language, simple ordinary things are called by different names in different countries. As a result if one does not know the correct nomenclature when abroad, we may get something which we do not like, did not want or end up having to pay more. Indians travelling abroad or newly gone to reside there, unless they have done their homework, or are well read, face this problem. Afraid of being labeled as ignorant, most think it’s below dignity to have a new word explained. Social Media being a great informer, here are some of the brighter comments on the topic of drinking water, suffered by fellow Indians abroad. The names of the commentator have been left out to ensure privacy, but all of them are factual and un-edited.   * The first time I went abroad as a young engineer, at a restaurant, I was asked “Sir Mineral water or Sparkling water” Mineral water me to extra paisa lagta hai, so I ordered Sparkling water !   * Ordered a 30$ Sparkling w...

The Twin Towers of Noida were very much in the news just a few days ago, and their demolition on 28 th August 2022 was a whole day affair on all TV news channels. Twin Towers, Noida Before and after demolition there were hundreds of citizens, whether at Paan shops, Tea stalls, your acquaintances or netizens on social media from all over India and even abroad who raised questions on the decision of demolition. Their comments and questioning of demolition were mostly on these lines … 1.      Open a school or Hospital in the building instead of demolishing it. 2.      Allot the rooms of the building to settle slum dwellers, thereby clearing a slum. 3.      Move some government offices into it 4.      What a colossal waste of money if demolished, so use it for something. 5.      So much money has gone into it, so save it. And so on.   It would be suffice to say that al...