An Octanite abroad

Written by Martin Liwosz | May 9, 2018

Let me preface this blog by saying that my trip to India was so insightful, culturally rich and filled with great people that it was hands down the work trip of a life time.

Amendra may have had other plans but for me this trip was about creating new connections and deepening my understanding of our cross border colleagues from all our offices.

Upon reflection I can easily say that we weren't colleagues for very long and are now people I consider friends. Well some of them, in-particular those who didn't want to Shoot me?! I still don't know where the finger guns came from but I suspect thats Amendra's doing vaguely remember something... but some things are better left unsaid.

What I loved most about the team is not only are they the best of the best but are secret foodies, photographers, musicians, fashionistas, groovers, enforcers. My aim is to showcase some of their extra curricular activities in our blog or socials. So be sure to keep coming back and checking in on us.

Each city and new face that I met broadened my understanding of the cultural richness of India.

For those of you who don't know India place where air travel between the cities is a must and can appropriately be likened to travel in Europe. To some that may seem as stretch I know.

I'll say it as it was explained to me 'an hour or 2 away it's like a different country. The people are different with different beliefs, ways of living and I cannot bloody understand them' referencing their dialect of course.

At first I thought no way... tell him he's dreaming... but by the end of the trip it clicked and was totally true.

You may not experience it if your not a local but let me share with you a little experience of mine. While travelling we pulled over to a traditional eatery where the food was served on a banana leaf, you ate with your hands, and well only some of the team knew the local dialect.... and just like that... for the first time on the trip I wasn't the only one.

The food in India itself is amazing, I found myself having to go for runs or the gym to combat my love of what I was eating. I also never had spicier food than I did in India, the Biriyani was to die for but I've walked away with a fond love of butter milk and masala tea.

Fortunately I was introduced (thanks Gautam) to a masala tea place in here in Sydney, but that butter milk is still illusive... Not sure how I'll go when our friends or family want to have Indian for dinner... for me it just won't taste the same. :'(

So I've covered our people, the places (in short) and the food... It's time I think for terrible photos not only of me but the staff because as much as this trip was for me I hope you too walked away with a memory or two.

Some of my favourite and not so flattering photos include:

The artistry was on point

This one of B and I as she drove me on a scooter to our office in Bangalore. I think those eyes say... what have I gotten myself into... there were some moments when I was holding her as she weaved in and out of that Bangalore traffic thinking ohh sh!t.. and her thinking... what a chicken Sorry again B.

This one fortunately doesn't have me... but a shout out to the Mumbai boys... There were plenty of other photos but Tushar you just can't keep those eyes open! Must be all that unix scripting! Hope you boys enjoyed your travel arrangements!

Some of the travel methods were a little unorthodox but I just went with it.

A little group shot... Not everyone could be there and I'll confess it's a bad photo... Everyone looks great but I took it.

The cultural experiences like the temple visit was nothing short... of amazing!

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did the trip.

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