Tryst in the Middle of the East

Perceptions are plenty in our mind, about some things that we know and some that we don’t.  My sojourn to the Arab world is one such thing. My priority was to change my job.  Seldom did I realize that I am going to a different part of the world and the world, that’s unknown to my thoughts.  “Han ji boliye, apko kahan jaana hai”, was the voice that greeted me when I stepped out of the terminal.  That was the least I had expected in Abu Dhabi. The handsome Pakistani drove me to my destination.  I did not fail to tell him that he was the first person from across the border that I have ever spoken to.  

It was time to do perform my duty for which I was paid to come here. I “walked” to my office that was two streets across the hotel where I stayed. Expecting some Europeans and local people, I was apprehensive about my communication abilities.  But that was not the case. Just when I entered, I saw a familiar face coming towards me. He was from my first company in Chennai. Then I met my manager and then his manager. No one stopped me from speaking in my own Tamil. Then of course, our “national” language started flowing fluently across the floor.

Indians ever where. Not once did it occur to me that I was away from home. Street after street there are hotels strewn all over that served south Indian food. But with a difference, I was paying only for the food, not for the government tax. I never felt the need of currency exchanges in my country. Every foreign national here makes sure that their family back home is happy and receives the regular deposits in the bank account.

One thing that I am most curious is about the people from one particular south Asian country who are competing with the Indians, at least in the head count. Filipinos. With their unique slang of English they are contributing a lot here. Mostly shorter than us but have the skin of Europeans. My first encounter was not so fascinating. “Go to your Indian shop and get what you want”. These were the words from the receptionist of my hotel. I was taken aback completely.  It was first time someone was challenging on the grounds of my nationality. But I liked the challenge. 

There are other things that altered my perceptions. But the most distinct was the one from the same Pakistani driver whom I met again. I was spellbound when he stopped his car on seeing me and went to a nearby hotel to order a tea for me. Never imagined something like this would happen.  He was very happy to meet me and promised me a lunch at his home in Lahore!

There are certain things that bring drastic changes to our lives. I have felt that in the Middle East. Just wish the change is for good