Thursday, October 27, 2011

Sina Michael Marriage


Recently I had a chance to attend my best German friend, Michael’s wedding in Petersdorf in the north of Hamburg. It happens to be very important wedding invitation to me simply because he was my first German friend when I came to Germany and remains still to be my best German buddy. It was a time when I was completely new to Germany, hardly spoke any German language and very difficult to understand the culture as well. The role he played to help me to integrate in to the society is something I would never forget it especially during my difficult times.

It was a good feeling to drive with my car to a place around 100 kms from my place with my honey with well dressed suit. Around 100 people came for the function and for an Indian 100 is a very small number in marriage function :D. The dinner was perfect with typical German dishes and Michael’s dad gave a presentation about Michael and Sina’s childhood days. After that came party where lot of songs from Köln and Football club Köln were played. It was a day to remember.

Thanks a lot Herr. Kitzelmann. We were delighted to be part of your important day and I wish you guys happy and prosperous married life. I still remember the sentence which Michi told, "In whichever part of the globe you are, whenever you want to visit me, my door is opened for you". Friendship with Micha is something which I really cherished during my good old days in Germany.

Cheers,
Sathish & Anita.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Serengeti National Park, Wildlife Safari in Germany

I never even imagined that one could do a safari ride in Germany by sitting in car as it was pretty common in Africa. The Serengeti National Park in Hogenhagen, Niedersachsen gives a great possibility to explore the wild life by sitting in car. It was indeed a great experience to sit in the car and see lions, tigers and other carnivore’s animals wandering in the forest as opposed to animals enslaved to the cage in Zoos.

Besides exploring the animals in the forest, the park offers various rides like in theme park. Most interesting part is, the driver of the car gets a free ticket to explore the park. It’s a lovely feeling when Giraffe, Camels, Zebras just peek in to the car windows. Hats off to the park which created a virtual set up of a forest like in Africa. Certainly a great place to visit in Germany. A day to remember!

Cheers,

Sathish Kumar S

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Sächsische Schweiz with Nötzold family

One more entry in my blogspot, yet another Sachsiches experience and one more lovely outing with Nötzold family. I never visited any family in India this quite often, twice in a year, never imagined that I would visit a German family twice in a year which is around 400 kms away from my place. This time had a chance to see Sächsische Schweiz (Sachsen Swiss). Even though can not be compared to Swiss, it’s a scenic mountainous area where one gets a panoramic view of the river elbe originating from Czech Republic from the mountain top.

We had a chance to go to near by zoo in Chemnitz. It’s been almost before 20 years that I visited a zoo. Nice to recollect the childhood days and meet all my friends ;). Normally traveled to Chemnitz along with Torsten in his car. This time had a chance to be in the driver seat and travel 400 Kms in German autobahns with pleasant weather. The drive from Magdeburg to Chemnitz was fascinating with no speed limits in the autobahn. I drew motivation from different personalities whom I came through with my experiences in life, but Torsten is a class act of how he manages both professional and personal life. Thanks Angela for nearly showing almost all the places in the Sachsen region in this span of five visits.

Ich liebe Nötzold familien!
Sathish & Anita.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Crazy dream came true....210 Km/h in German autobahns... :)

Every body has small crazy dream in their life to be fulfilled. I had one such long dream of driving in German autobahns (National Highways) with out any speed limits when I came to this country before six years. During my stay in India, three things which always striked about Germany was their beer, their national highway with no speed limits with Mercedes, BMWs, Audis and their football team. Germany is the only country in the world which has no speed limits.

It’s indeed a marvelous experience for me to satiate this dream with Audi A3 in German autobahn to drive at 210 Km/h. The weather was pleasant and thanks to Anita who handled the stress by sitting next to me ;) I had to wait for long time and surpass many hard struggles for this dream to come true because of the various constraints involved in getting German driving license. There goes a saying its never late than never. Always chase your dreams!

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S


Thursday, August 25, 2011

Mryna Andreas Marriage - Perfect International Wedding

Recently my American friend Andreas got married to Myrna from Mexico in Hamburg. Both Andreas and Myrna studied together with me in my Master studies. It was a perfect example of an international marriage where people from all around the globe from USA, Mexico, Columbia, Peru, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Lithuania were present. It was indeed great moments with Andreas during our MBA studies with crazy night out parties in the common room, cranky trips to Berlin, Barcelona, Switzerland and last bench commenting about German professor’s English ;) Thanks to my MBA studies which gave a great chance to rub shoulders with different countrymen and know their way of life.

The wedding ceremony took place in church then followed by an evening party in a hotel which was beautifully located in Blankenese across the shores of river elbe. The occasion was very emotional and sentimental with both the parents and siblings of Andreas and Myrna exchanging their love and affection in both English and Spanish. Thanks to Juan, our Mexican friend who did the translation for the whole evening. The evening was enlightened with Mexican dance of Salsa and it was a perfect get together to meet our MBA classmates after our graduation in three years. Thanks a lot Myrna and Andreas for the invitation. We were so privileged to be part of this wonderful occasion with your family members. I wish both Myrna and Andreas a great start to their married life and best years ahead. Love has no barriers despite coming from two different cultures thats what Myrna and Andreas have shown us. Good luck guys!


Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

Vattenfall Cyclassics 2011

Cycling is one hobby which I got in to it after coming to Germany and especially cycling for long distances in the midst of nature is a special experience indeed. Like last year got a chance to take part in Vattenfal Cyclassics 2011 for 55 kms. Thanks to Werum who motivates the employees to take part in this wonderful event by sponsoring it. Last time I completed 55 kms in 2 hours 22 minutes. So the target was to complete this time with in 2 hours but finally managed in 2 hours 13 minutes at a rate of 25Km/h.

It was a lovely experience when the whole roads are blocked for you and the motivation you get from all the local lads residing near the path of this cyclassics. Nearly more than 10,000 people participated in this cyclassics. When I drove for the first time for 55 kms it looked like a massive target but once you did, it becomes a routine in the coming years. Thanks to Henrik Stellmann who offered his cycle to me and it made a difference of around 10 minutes this year. Most importantly the weather was fascinating and it was shining for the whole day. Hoping to complete it with in 2 hours next time.

Hamburg is a city which has offered me so many things and I always wanted to take part in an event which is attached to Hamburg and this cyclassics is one of the biggest cycling race in Europe. I am so glad that I ended up in this most environmental friendly city. Hamburg meine perle!

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Finally German Driving License - Great Drama!!

If at all one experience which haunted and tormented me a lot for considerable amount of time is definitely my driving license in Germany. Honestly, the society which gave me lots of fun, joy, exposure showed me the worst side of it as well. I was always amazed with German education system, their infrastructure, health insurance system and the way society functions in different areas but certainly one of the things where lots of discrepancies going on is definitely the driving license in Germany. I was always documenting my great experiences in this wonderful country during my stay here but thought this hard experience which I faced should be narrated and documented as well.

I always heard from my friends and colleagues, driving license is expensive in Germany and it takes more time, money and stress to get it but realized when I was on the receiving end. Having tasted German culture and German beer, it would have been an unsatiated dream if I don’t experience German autobahns. With all those dreams and aspirations, registered myself in a driving school. It all started with a theory exam where one has to learn around 1500 questions by just mere memorizing. Thank god this exam can be taken in English. Was wondering how many of them will have driving license in India if one has to learn 1500 questions and go to the exam. Most of the questions were not meaningful and understandable because of the straight translation from German text. For.e.g. what will you do when a game animal passes by. God only knows who that great game animal is. The sentence which one can never forget after you finish the theory exams “What you reckon with”. So cleared my theory exams with out much fuss.

Now comes the real test. Practical lessons. The actual rule says the mandatory lessons to be taken are 12 classes (4 in autobahn, 4 outside the city, 4 during the night) but the thumb rule which most of the driving school adopts is on an average 30 classes before you take the exams. Each class is not even for one hour and its 45 minutes where the teacher gives instructions to drive. Not even once, the teacher gave confidence about the driving and always skeptical about the mistakes and handling of the vehicle. The sad part is you pay a huge amount for just 45 minutes and at the end of the day you have to come out of despair after the driving.

Having experienced this torture, got ready for the drama. Practical Exam day. Thought it should be quite easy to clear the practical exam after driving for 30 classes. It all started with some German technical questions about the car. I was strangled with those questions because I took the theory exam in English and I was never exposed to those technical words which examiner asked me and neither my teacher never told me that the examiner will ask certain technical questions in German. I was requesting him for the English word for “Nebelscheinwerfer” but he was so adamant that he will only talk German. I was panic right from the word go. After few minutes of panic and stress, he gave me a clue nebel = fog. Had to show him the fog lamp and start the car. I was then asked to park the car which I did and after the parking was over, handbreak was applied, I left the clutch and the motor stopped. That’s the end of the story. I was allowed to drive only five minutes and maked as failed. I was even told by many people, the motor can be off for one or two times. I felt so miserable and depressed after the first exam and after shelling out hell lot of money.

There should be a minimum of two weeks for the next exam and unfortunately my India trip came during this period. Had a great chance to drive in India during my holidays with my car there and practiced a lot. Also drove in T.Nagar the busiest roads in India with my parents. But definitely driving in India can never be compared driving in Germany. Fixed the dates for second attempt and the most frustrating part is one has to take 3 to 5 practical lessons before the next exam. Once again has to undergo this agony with my favorite teacher. I was so concerned that I should end this tormented phase soon.

Now comes my second attempt. Thank god this time, the examiner didn’t pose any technical German questions and I was allowed to drive straightaway. Everything went fine for 30 minutes and I was asked to drive in autobahn. I was confident that this time I made it. But the examiner came with the shocking news that I failed once again. His reason was that the distance between the vehicle in front and my car was too short in autobahn. Damn, I was so frustrated and pizzed to the core and can never argue with him. The relationship with the teacher got worsened and I had to shell out my emotions. It was a time when I totally hit my low ebb of my life. I knew the whole set up of this driving license is to extract money but never realized it would be so painful.

I went to an extent that I have to give this driving license and never drive car in my life. Thanks to Anita and my good friends who constantly motivated me stating it doesn’t make sense to give up after spending hell lot of money. Thought of even changing the driving school and the teacher, but again starting from the scratch would cost me hell lot of money. So decided to persist with the existing moron and continue on. Once again took some lessons to gain some confidence for the next attempt. Getting an appointment with the teacher for driving is yet another herculean task.

Now comes my third attempt. This time I was given a sheet of paper by my teacher to learn a set of questions which examiner might ask on the third attempt. Was wondering why he didn’t do this for my first exam? How will he make money if I clear it on the first attempt. The teacher gave me confidence that this time the examiner is quite relaxed and you will surely get the license. I had to pacify myself this time I will finish this long standing story and also heard from many people here failing one or two times is quite common. The third attempt was the most anti-climax of all. I just came out of the examining centre and there was a stop sign board where I halted before the board and proceeded further. Failed once again in the third attempt. Reason I didn’t stop exactly before the line which is after the stop sign board and more importantly I didn’t stop for 3 seconds. Honestly that was one the moments when I felt why did I come to Germany. L

To give a simple example, the costs involved for just registering exam (85 Euros for Tüv which conducts the exam, 80 Euros for the driving school and 32 Euros for the test drive before the exam) which simply amounts to 200 Euros for just registering and taking the exam. It’s gone in a span of one minute for nothing. Realized this value of 200 Euros when the same 200 Euros showed me one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, Norway. How life could be so cruel sometimes.

It was certainly one of the most depressive moments I had to face. Again the same mood of giving up and not driving anymore in my life. Everyday is different and life goes on. So decided to go for the fourth attempt. This time I convinced myself I need to throw the dice and have to wait when the number turns up for me. It can be either in fifth or sixth or even tenth. My confidence was shattered to the core and I questioned my credibility and confidence all the time. It had a great impact on my professional and social life.

Now comes my fourth attempt. Certainly I was shell shocked how the examination was conducted. No worries. It was my teacher who was giving instructions where to drive in the exam and even guided me at various places and the examiner was gossiping with the teacher about their nude holidays in Mallorca. I even heard from my examiner that he has a girl friend and his girl friend has three children which was not born to him. So was the conversation when I took my fourth attempt. I was just wondering which reason I will get for failing in the fourth attempt. Finally finally I got the news that I will get my GERMAN DRIVING LICENSE. Why was my previous attempts not conducted this way. How does the teacher knows exactly what questions the examiner will ask and how do my teacher knows exactly the path which my examiner wants to go.

It was one of the perfect drama which I witnessed myself during my driving license in this part of the country. I felt embarrassed and dejected how this can happen in a society which is so structured and organized and has offered so many lovely experiences. There is a clear connection between the examiners and the teachers in giving the driving license. The driving school sets a benchmark of extracting certain amount of money from the candidates before the license is given. This is not the experience only for me and I hear similar kind of stories from many of my friends who took driving license in Germany. Anyway its hard reality to accept it but nothing can de done. I was asking myself when I failed in the exam last time barring driving license. My heart just reflected, I never failed in any of the exams which I took in school, college, and my master studies in Germany. I always made it a point irrespective of the grades I get, I need to clear the exams for the first time and no repetition of the exams should be there. Thank god this attitude paid me rich dividence in my whole career and my social life but not definitely in driving license.

No more philosophies, its time to hit the AutoBahns with no speed limits :)

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Southern Pearl - Kanyakumari, Thiruchendur, Kutralam

Recently I had a great chance to explore southern districts of Tamil Nadu with my school friends to attend Mani’s marriage in Tuticorin. First landed in Tuticorin from Chennai by Pearl City express and straight away proceeded to Kanyakumari. We took the boat ride to Vivekananda rock and Thiruvalluvar statue which is situated at the southern most tip of India in the conglomeration of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The view of Vivekananda rock from Thiruvalluvar statue is a treat to watch. Then we made a sudden plan to visit Kutralam which is around two hours drive from Kanyakumari.

We were so lucky that season started in Kutralam with south-west monsoon triggered in the western ghats. It was quite a different experience to take bath in the different waterfalls of Kutralam (Main Falls, Old Falls, Five Falls) with flood lights on in the night. Then enjoyed Mani’s marriage which was conducted in typical south Indian traditional way. After the marriage had a chance to visit Thiruchendur murugan temple situated on the sea shore. Thanks to Mani’s marriage which reunited our school friends once again and it was awesome time recollecting our old memories and pulling each other.


Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

Monday, May 30, 2011

Gala day at M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

No other team has been so successful in Indian Premier League in the last four seasons. It’s none other than our Chennai Super Kings (CSK), two times Champions, one time finalist, and one time semi-finalist. Adding to the flavor, they are Champions League winners in the year 2010 as well. We had a great chance to witness the finals of the IPL 2011 in M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai along with my brother-in-laws. The atmosphere was electrying with a capacity of more than 50,000 people in the stadium. The stadium was full of yellow T-Shirts and yellow flags reminding me of a Holland football match with Orange dominating the stadium.

Chennai has always known for its craziness for Cricket, its knowledgeable crowd; record prone historic Chepauk and good decent Cricketers emerging from the state. Honestly expected the final to be a cliff hanger because of Gayli strom but the match got over after the great opening stand between local boy Vijay and Mr. Cricket Hussey. Adding salt to the wounds for Royal Challengers Bangalore is the removal of Gayle for a duck by yet another local boy Ashwin who has been denied chances humpty number of times in the playing X1 in the world cup team has proved yet again that he can deliver in the pressure situations.

It was a great atmosphere to watch this final in the stadium with crowd having utmost fun when home team lifted the coveted trophy. The awesome fireworks after CSK finished the formalities and crushing the RCB was a treat to watch. Many people argue about the twenty formats and its nature of killing one day international and test Cricket, but honestly 20-20, IPL and Champions League has added new dimensions to Cricket especially in non-cricketing nations because of its short format. I always believe IPL is the showcase of rising India. There were times when western Cricketers refused to tour India because of the lack of facilities and hot and humid nature of the country. Now any tom, dick and Harry from western world want to play in IPL and savor the moments and also increase their financial stability.


From economical point of view and to be precise from macro economics point of view, IPL has contributed a lot to Indian economy. The vendors, the sponsors, the local players, the T-Shirts etc etc has added value to numerous people in this society. Well English guys, you introduced 20-20 game to savor your beer after work, you would have never thought India would become power house of world Cricket once you introduced this format. Every nation has its day, let’s savor what India is now in world Cricket and also in the economy.

Thanks a lot Sridhar to get the tickets. You made it happen and one of the most memorable moments to cherish.

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Amsterdam, Tulip Gardens, The Netherlands

Traveling alone is a great experience, but traveling with your sweet heart is another wonderful experience which one shouldn’t miss at anytime. Amsterdam looked quite different when I visited as a bachelor and as a family man ;) Thanks to Gayathri and Ratheesh who invited us to spend Easter holidays in Amsterdam and Tulip Gardens, Netherlands. Had a wonderful six to seven hours drive from Hamburg to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam with its architectural buildings, beautiful canals nearby, bicycles parked across the lovely banks is a pleasant sight to watch. It was a hard search to find a hotel during easter holidays and ultimately landed up in a hotel which was great play to stay for the price paid. Travelled to Keukenkof on the next day to one of the beautiful spring park in the world, the tulip gardens. Certainly one of the most picturesque parks which I have witnessed in Europe with color tulip flowers spread across the park.

Thanks a lot Gayathri and Ratheesh for all your efforts to accommodate us. It was more fun with your son Raghav and Aunt. It was a perfect familienausflug on a sunny long weekend.

Cheers,
Sathish Kumar S

First Anniversary @Heide Park, Solltau

Time flies away like anything. It has already been one year since I got married. As experienced people said, first few years of marriage are always honeymoon period and it turned out be cherishing period as well for me and Anita. Both of us took a day off from our regular work schedule and went to a famous theme park in Northern Germany- Heide Park in Solltau with our good friends Aishwarya and Prabu. It was a perfect day to celebrate our first anniversary on a sunny day with lovely wonderful and exotic rides. It was a good period of time where we had a great chance to know and understand each other to the maximum. Thanks for all the wonderful moments Ani.

I love you Ani!

Sathish Kumar S

Sunday, April 03, 2011

The night the World Cup came home - World Champions 2011 India :)

It’s been a long time since I posted an article in my blog. Time has come now to express my happiest moment in my life when I witnessed my Indian team lifting the ICC world cup 2011 trophy with great passion, aggression and enthusiasm. Right from the time ever since I started watching Cricket from 92 world cup to this date, it’s been a long wait to see the men in blue lifting the prestigious, coveted world cup trophy. Thank god it happened in a time before my idol Sachin Tendulkar could retire from international Cricket. All the prayers of one billion people got fulfilled that he should be part of world cup winning team and as he mentioned “it’s never too late”.

Every nation has its own sport where it unites people from all quarters as it’s football for European nations, Rugby for Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, its definitely Cricket for India. As one witnessed, poojas in Temples, prayers in Mosques, holy rituals in Gurudwaras, extra special prayers in Churches before the first ball is bowled in the world cup finals in Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. We could definitely boast as true world champions as it was not an easy ride in winning this trophy. An exhaustive quarter finals against the former world champions Australia, then the epic semi final match against the arch rivals Pakistan where even Prime Ministers of both the countries couldn’t shy away from this historic match in Mohali and the most much awaited final against the Lankans in Mumbai.


Million dollar thanks to all the members in the team who handled the pressure right from the word go when the tournament started and anything less than winning the final couldn’t satiate the 1 billion fans across the country and not to forget the coach Gary Kirsten who played a pivotal role to this success after the Greg Chappell drama in 2007 world cup in Caribbean. A word of praise for Mahendra Singh Dhoni who silenced all the critics for his strange tactics and did the talking with his bat with a knock out punch of 91 and lead the team from the front in all quarters. He could cherish this victory through out his life after what has happened to him and his house after the 2007 debacle.

One could always argue it’s a game of Cricket at the end of the day. Winning and Losing is a part of game but this cup is something special for the game of Cricket in India. Power house of world cricket, financial hub of Cricket, iconic players in the team, one of the most powerful leagues in the world, modern India definitely needs this crown at her helm. Thanks to Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble who played a big role in building this team and nurturing all the youngsters in the present team to cherish this most memorable victory.

Definitely sports offer motivation to various individuals in different aspects of life. Winning the world cup is a symbol of modern India and I am sure one billion people right from Jammu and Kashmir till Kanyakumari, Rann of Kutch till Arunachal Pradesh should have inspired and savored this memorable moment in one of the greatest sporting victory in the history of the game of Cricket.

Thanks men in Blue!
Sathish Kumar S