The answer is yes, provided, the pay is good.
Probably there are thousands of them, spread all over the Arabian Gulf, now called the GCC.
GCC stands for Gulf Cooperative Council.
An American worker costs more internationally, and even here, he is expensive. So Americans are not found here in the Middle East, the way you find Indians, Pakistanis, Bangaladeshis, and Filipinos.
Beware, as, America is known as pro-Israeli, Arabs, generally hate Americans. So, if you are working in Arab countries, never mind how friendly your employer, or the Government is, well, laddie, you are walking on quick sand, don't venture out alone.
I remember , Mohammed al Toki, British educated Arab, employed in an Oil Company, reading a book called, how to survive in Nigeria. That was a thick book, probably, 500 pages.
Wonder, if any one has written a book called How to survive in the middle East.
Well, you did not opt for a job, but there is a window opening, your employer has a branch in the Middle East, and voluntleers are offered a premium to work there. You are tempted. This hard ship allowance, is tempting, besides, the salary is tax free. That would mean you are getting real 30 percent extra on that count.
One oil service company offers 10 percent hard ship, 35days leave, for 35 days work, are you surely tempted? You are. You are surely tempted.
First things first.
Learn the language. Learn culture, and moods of people.
If you speak the language, you will be respected, admired and very often you can get out of trouble. If you speak the language, you are one of them.
Start with Assalam alaikum, That is what you say when you meet an Arab. Means, Peace on you.
Shalom for hebrews may be. The Arab will respond with aliakum assalam. Means, the same.
A typical Arab will not jump into business talk, even while speaking on long distance phone. He would ask about your family and welfare. Learn this as part of your language and culture induction.
Shell has a joint venture in Oman, in which the Oman Government has 60 percent stake, and shell and friends 40 percent. The Managing Director is always a Shell nominee, and there are few other senior officers as well. They , who come as Shell nonimees, mostly from Britain, and Holland, are given lessons, on how to deal with Omani Arabs. How to dress modestly, how not to drink and eat in public, during the month of Ramadhan etc.
In Saudi Arabia, there is a dress code, as soon as they are out of the immigration check, women cover themselves in Abaya, or the black cloak to cover them selves, bascially, if you are going to any country, find some one who had been there, talk to them, and get full instruction.
Learning Arabic not be difficult. Just 28 letters, Why not spend one month to read the alphabets and 150 words. Load something in your ipod, listen while you are not doing any thing special.
Ahlan wa sahalan, means welcome, even hello. Ah ha, that is good for starters.
Kaifa halauk, or how are you?
il hum dulil lah. (Thanks be to allah, ) is equal to I am fine.
When you are speaking English or for that matter American, watch your words, or mind your language. Carelessly, if you happen to use the F*** word, you might be reported to police, and you might spend few hours in the cooler.
Rene G ( an American ) was employed in a Arab country by an American Oil Service firm in one of the GCC countries. One day, he was discussing something with his Arab colleagues, guess there was something annoying. He used the F word, not intentionally, but, police was called, he spent several hours in the police station.
That hurt him so so much, he never recovered from that shock. He asked for a transfer, end of his assignment.
Back to communication skills, speaking the language, is like an extra degree. So, like Herman Gundert, start learning the language of your desitnation.
Who is Herman Gundert, you might ask, he was a German missionery, learnt Tamil language, while sailing in a ship to India, Landed in another part of India, where the language was Malayalam.
God knows when and where this padre Gundert learnt English, be it known, he, Herman (Hermann ?) Gundert wrote the first ever Malayalam - English dictionery.
Which place is better,?? Difficult to say. However, general opinion is Oman is better than Dubai for bringing in families. In Oman there is a British American school where British as well as Syllubus are follows.
What do you get, and what do you wont. Shops are full of things, in these countires, and they are much cheaper than elsewhere in Europe. May be even cheaper than, they are in America. That is because of the lower tax rates, and cheap labour from Asian countries.
So cost of living is much less than Europe / US, tax is almost nil, and that is why many Americans and Europeans come to work in the Arab countries.
If you have Indian and Filipino friends, and do not know any Americans, these Asians might be able to answer questions on Arab countires, ..
Oman has 1.5 million expats, and 600,000 are Indians. Of which 200,000 are from the state of Kerala. Every one from Kerala has a friend or relation employed in Oman, ( same applies to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar)
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Coconut water, good for your daughter
It is full of iyona, she will be like a layona !!!
This is some body else's song. Date is 29th September 2013 and subject matter is coconut.
If you are in a village, and want to sell your coconut, a dealer would offer you 5 rupees. Well what can 5 rupees buy.
Look prices today. ( conversion rate 67 rupees to US Dollar this morning)
Nendran type of banana 60 rupees a kilo.
Sardines 80 to 100 rupees
Beef 200 rupees
Palakadan matta rice 45 rupees
Most vegetables 50 rupees.
If you want to drink, coconut water while in Koch city, you would have to pay Rupees 25.
If you want to buy a coconut for cooking from a vegetable shop, you need to pay something between 12 to 16 Rupees.
In Kochi, Kerala, India, advertised rates for plucking coconuts is Rs. 15 to Rs25 per tree. Actually, if you ask one climber, he might ask you Rs. 50 to 75. So you need to sell fifteen coconuts to recover the cost of plucking it. Well, coconut farming is no longer a lively hood for many.
Years ago, those who had some land, never spent any money to take care of the trees, but just went around and got them plucked. They were known as land lords, and lived off coconut.
Then there was land reforms. Tenants who lived in these land became owners, land lords became coolies.
Slowly, palm oil form Indonesia and Malasia, invaded indian market. Price of rice moved up from one rupee to 40 or 50. Coconut price stagnated. Traditional coconut climbers were given scholerships and they all became Government Officials, there was no one to climb the palms. The rate for climbing , climbed the heights. Today, a climber can make Rs 500 to Rs 1500.
But where are the coconut palms. A farmer commented, only the stupid will ever plant a coconut tree. Who will climb? One with the land and time could plant cucumbers and capsicums in sheltered enviorments, for , Government gives away 75 percent subsidy for green houses.
Back to coconut tree / palm
There are varieties that, bear fruit, in 3 years, before they become tall to climb. Why not try them. When these coconut palms become unpluckable, even from a step ladder, why not chop them off.
There is lot of talk about Neera. That is the name from toddy when is not fermented. Toddy is delicious and nutritious.Only one cannot buy it anywhere in Kerala. There are plenty of toddy shops all over in Kerala, and they sell synthetic todday. God knowns what happens to the systems of chaps who drink in these places.
In Kerala, the coconut palm was considered, kalpa wriksha, or tree from heaven. It gives water, edible kernal, timber for house building, rope for various applications, fronds, or leaves for making a tatching, and finally, sugar from toddy, and intoxicants, from fermented toddy. Uses are many, but farmers get rs. 5 still, and trader sells it for Rs. 10 or 15.
Lesson number one. If you want to make moneny, don't be farmer. just be trader.
This is some body else's song. Date is 29th September 2013 and subject matter is coconut.
If you are in a village, and want to sell your coconut, a dealer would offer you 5 rupees. Well what can 5 rupees buy.
Look prices today. ( conversion rate 67 rupees to US Dollar this morning)
Nendran type of banana 60 rupees a kilo.
Sardines 80 to 100 rupees
Beef 200 rupees
Palakadan matta rice 45 rupees
Most vegetables 50 rupees.
If you want to drink, coconut water while in Koch city, you would have to pay Rupees 25.
If you want to buy a coconut for cooking from a vegetable shop, you need to pay something between 12 to 16 Rupees.
In Kochi, Kerala, India, advertised rates for plucking coconuts is Rs. 15 to Rs25 per tree. Actually, if you ask one climber, he might ask you Rs. 50 to 75. So you need to sell fifteen coconuts to recover the cost of plucking it. Well, coconut farming is no longer a lively hood for many.
Years ago, those who had some land, never spent any money to take care of the trees, but just went around and got them plucked. They were known as land lords, and lived off coconut.
Then there was land reforms. Tenants who lived in these land became owners, land lords became coolies.
Slowly, palm oil form Indonesia and Malasia, invaded indian market. Price of rice moved up from one rupee to 40 or 50. Coconut price stagnated. Traditional coconut climbers were given scholerships and they all became Government Officials, there was no one to climb the palms. The rate for climbing , climbed the heights. Today, a climber can make Rs 500 to Rs 1500.
But where are the coconut palms. A farmer commented, only the stupid will ever plant a coconut tree. Who will climb? One with the land and time could plant cucumbers and capsicums in sheltered enviorments, for , Government gives away 75 percent subsidy for green houses.
Back to coconut tree / palm
There are varieties that, bear fruit, in 3 years, before they become tall to climb. Why not try them. When these coconut palms become unpluckable, even from a step ladder, why not chop them off.
There is lot of talk about Neera. That is the name from toddy when is not fermented. Toddy is delicious and nutritious.Only one cannot buy it anywhere in Kerala. There are plenty of toddy shops all over in Kerala, and they sell synthetic todday. God knowns what happens to the systems of chaps who drink in these places.
In Kerala, the coconut palm was considered, kalpa wriksha, or tree from heaven. It gives water, edible kernal, timber for house building, rope for various applications, fronds, or leaves for making a tatching, and finally, sugar from toddy, and intoxicants, from fermented toddy. Uses are many, but farmers get rs. 5 still, and trader sells it for Rs. 10 or 15.
Lesson number one. If you want to make moneny, don't be farmer. just be trader.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
old age, lonelyness, sickness and children
Recently (July 2013) an advertisement in the Malayala Manorama classified ran an ad, that reads something like this.
" if you are above 55 and looking for old age shelter and care, we have plans for a retirement home.
We are located in Irinjalakuda.
Signed AB , lawyer
Signed CD, doctor
Signed EF, doctor "
In Kerala, this year 500,000 students will appear for matriculation examination.
This year admission in the first grade (first standard) is 250,000 only.
Signs of times. Many couple do not get children, many opt for just one child, and many couples are postponing. Many couples have migrated.
End result, the state is aging, very, very fast.
Today there was report in every Malayalam newspaper, that a woman died and her son and daughter never checked on her over one month.
The woman lived alone, and had no contact with neighbours, apparently died of a heart attack.
If you have a need to live alone, why not have a colony for old people, where, some one will check on you, every day, there will be a doctor on call, drivers to rush you to hospital, clean and cook for you. Cooking need be only in a community kitchen. Only you need to tell in advance, whether you need dosa, uppu mavu, or eggs, or cereals, what so ever. A community of 200 people will have reduced costs on food, laundry, house keeping, laundry etc.
house maintenance, like electrical works, plumping etc would be easy because, one could have dedicated workers for this. No worry on paying utilities either.
Why then, old people want to live alone, in big houses, even when there is threat to their lives.
Women, old women too, love to wear gold ornaments, all the time. There are instances, where, old couples are attacked, and robbed. In the process, death is a factor.
For your security, women, should avoid, wearing anything that looks like gold. Any takers?
Now need of the time is, good retirement homes, where one need not shop for provisions, go to various offices to pay utility bills, ... Some one should come to your accommodation, clean up the place, make beds, tend your garden, (if you are on the ground floor) cook for you in the common kitchen, the food that you like and told them one week in advance.
As a retiree,you should be able to read, join aerobic exercises, do yoga, plant garden, make flowers / vegetables grow, swim, play cards, or physical games like tennis , volleyball, even do social work.
Doing social work is something, every body should do to give back something to the society. You have lived so long, acquired many skills, that took many years. You could teach the community, what you have learned. You could be a consultant, on subject you have dealt with. A community of 200 could be gold mine of skills, and knowledge treasure. Ask a question, and someone among you will have an answer.
Don't give away all your money to your children, or don't spend your income on your children 100 percent.
If you are young, and or, if you family is young, you have long time to retire. You hope your children will take care of you when you are old. Well, you need a plan B. A secret reserve, that your family does not know. (some friend, or lawyer should know, just in case , some day you drop dead, or if a truck runs over you). The plan B is for comfortable retirement, without begging your children to look after you.
Whether you are young or old, start now. When you are old, and generate income, your children might not be able or willing to take care of you. Steady income from your secret investments would help.
" if you are above 55 and looking for old age shelter and care, we have plans for a retirement home.
We are located in Irinjalakuda.
Signed AB , lawyer
Signed CD, doctor
Signed EF, doctor "
In Kerala, this year 500,000 students will appear for matriculation examination.
This year admission in the first grade (first standard) is 250,000 only.
Signs of times. Many couple do not get children, many opt for just one child, and many couples are postponing. Many couples have migrated.
End result, the state is aging, very, very fast.
Today there was report in every Malayalam newspaper, that a woman died and her son and daughter never checked on her over one month.
The woman lived alone, and had no contact with neighbours, apparently died of a heart attack.
If you have a need to live alone, why not have a colony for old people, where, some one will check on you, every day, there will be a doctor on call, drivers to rush you to hospital, clean and cook for you. Cooking need be only in a community kitchen. Only you need to tell in advance, whether you need dosa, uppu mavu, or eggs, or cereals, what so ever. A community of 200 people will have reduced costs on food, laundry, house keeping, laundry etc.
house maintenance, like electrical works, plumping etc would be easy because, one could have dedicated workers for this. No worry on paying utilities either.
Why then, old people want to live alone, in big houses, even when there is threat to their lives.
Women, old women too, love to wear gold ornaments, all the time. There are instances, where, old couples are attacked, and robbed. In the process, death is a factor.
For your security, women, should avoid, wearing anything that looks like gold. Any takers?
Now need of the time is, good retirement homes, where one need not shop for provisions, go to various offices to pay utility bills, ... Some one should come to your accommodation, clean up the place, make beds, tend your garden, (if you are on the ground floor) cook for you in the common kitchen, the food that you like and told them one week in advance.
As a retiree,you should be able to read, join aerobic exercises, do yoga, plant garden, make flowers / vegetables grow, swim, play cards, or physical games like tennis , volleyball, even do social work.
Doing social work is something, every body should do to give back something to the society. You have lived so long, acquired many skills, that took many years. You could teach the community, what you have learned. You could be a consultant, on subject you have dealt with. A community of 200 could be gold mine of skills, and knowledge treasure. Ask a question, and someone among you will have an answer.
Don't give away all your money to your children, or don't spend your income on your children 100 percent.
If you are young, and or, if you family is young, you have long time to retire. You hope your children will take care of you when you are old. Well, you need a plan B. A secret reserve, that your family does not know. (some friend, or lawyer should know, just in case , some day you drop dead, or if a truck runs over you). The plan B is for comfortable retirement, without begging your children to look after you.
Whether you are young or old, start now. When you are old, and generate income, your children might not be able or willing to take care of you. Steady income from your secret investments would help.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
how much does it cost to die or rather bury one christian
First death in Cochin
This person died some three months ago. Sudden. One of my relatives mentioned about it, like "sad about death of XXXX. Well, I must not mention name. The person was young, so I assumed it was a road accident. Sent a text message to another guy, and came a reply. Heart attack.
Later received a detailed email, which also, said, cost 17K. 17 K is the cost of burial, including may be pashnikanji, sort of rice and lentle served to the visiting mourners after the burial.
Second death.
Another person died, and was buried, this time, old age. There is church fee for the mass, the grave, the silver cross, chaps who come with the cross, everything is detailed in the receipt from church. The coffin seller would sell a suit, gloves, shoes and so on. The pack will cost 5500. ( the currency is Indian rupees).
The third
This time the coffin alone cost 30,000 Rupees. Made of rose wood.
Some old case. I remember , two years ago, in a village, coffin cost some 2000 bucks or less.
Why do I write this. I happened to hear that, it could be less than 5000 or more than 25,000 for a coffin.That is why. Those in the middle class go for one that costs less than 5000 and the affluent would go for one one that costs 30,000 Rupees.
The family, and relations plus mourners who come from far away, might not have had a meal for a long time, they would be hungry, so some some boiled rice, spoon full of lentle sauce, a papad would keep their fire down. This food is served after the burial, the tradition is kept.
There are prayers, prayers, hymns are recited, that never ends. Constant rosary, the hail mary thing.
7th day mass after death, is to remember the dead, now, full vegetarian meal is served.
How much is does it cost. as on Sept 2012 it can cost some Rs 130 (or USD 2.5). Meal is served Kerala style, on banana leaf, ends with a liquid dessert called payasam, this payasam, is mixed with papad, and plantain, the small variety of banana.
After the 7th day mass, all the relatives who come from far away, like Vietnam, Singapore, Dubai, -- all fly away. Remember, in Kerala, all educated youngsters, or working class citizens, find jobs, outside, India, and they are to get to go to their workstations, battle stations.
30th day of death ( well, i am talking about Christians, do not know how Hindus and Muslims in Kerala go through this drill)
Those who are left in Kerala will organise another mass in the Church, visit to the grave, and a meal to the visiting friends and relations. This time there will be a meal, but non veg is the custom.
Completion of one year.
Those relations, including children, who could not make it to the funeral, now would gather in the home base, do a mass, decorate the grave and another gathering of lunch.
End story.
This person died some three months ago. Sudden. One of my relatives mentioned about it, like "sad about death of XXXX. Well, I must not mention name. The person was young, so I assumed it was a road accident. Sent a text message to another guy, and came a reply. Heart attack.
Later received a detailed email, which also, said, cost 17K. 17 K is the cost of burial, including may be pashnikanji, sort of rice and lentle served to the visiting mourners after the burial.
Second death.
Another person died, and was buried, this time, old age. There is church fee for the mass, the grave, the silver cross, chaps who come with the cross, everything is detailed in the receipt from church. The coffin seller would sell a suit, gloves, shoes and so on. The pack will cost 5500. ( the currency is Indian rupees).
The third
This time the coffin alone cost 30,000 Rupees. Made of rose wood.
Some old case. I remember , two years ago, in a village, coffin cost some 2000 bucks or less.
Why do I write this. I happened to hear that, it could be less than 5000 or more than 25,000 for a coffin.That is why. Those in the middle class go for one that costs less than 5000 and the affluent would go for one one that costs 30,000 Rupees.
The family, and relations plus mourners who come from far away, might not have had a meal for a long time, they would be hungry, so some some boiled rice, spoon full of lentle sauce, a papad would keep their fire down. This food is served after the burial, the tradition is kept.
There are prayers, prayers, hymns are recited, that never ends. Constant rosary, the hail mary thing.
7th day mass after death, is to remember the dead, now, full vegetarian meal is served.
How much is does it cost. as on Sept 2012 it can cost some Rs 130 (or USD 2.5). Meal is served Kerala style, on banana leaf, ends with a liquid dessert called payasam, this payasam, is mixed with papad, and plantain, the small variety of banana.
After the 7th day mass, all the relatives who come from far away, like Vietnam, Singapore, Dubai, -- all fly away. Remember, in Kerala, all educated youngsters, or working class citizens, find jobs, outside, India, and they are to get to go to their workstations, battle stations.
30th day of death ( well, i am talking about Christians, do not know how Hindus and Muslims in Kerala go through this drill)
Those who are left in Kerala will organise another mass in the Church, visit to the grave, and a meal to the visiting friends and relations. This time there will be a meal, but non veg is the custom.
Completion of one year.
Those relations, including children, who could not make it to the funeral, now would gather in the home base, do a mass, decorate the grave and another gathering of lunch.
End story.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Travel by boat, cheap and see back waters
If you are Cochin and pay pea nuts to see waterscape, use the Ernakulam Varapuzha ferry serv ice, for a trip that lasts 100 minutes, pay just Rs. 8 (46 rupees makes a us dollar today)
for more details, contact lonathoppil@gmail.com
This is free service, there no money in it for me
for more details, contact lonathoppil@gmail.com
This is free service, there no money in it for me
Friday, March 20, 2009
Roads in Cochin - rain water drains
Roads in Cochin are resurfaced in March, that is before the rains called monsoons. The official word is rebuilt. They LOOK, nice, and smooth. If, it is a matter of build, then how long would they last? Would pot holes reappear? Will some body dig the roads to lay cables, pipes and so on?
Most roads have rain water drains, or open sewers on the side, or sides, and sometimes some have none. None or some, there is huge budget to clean them. Clean them because, people throw all manner of rubbish into them. Some dispose of garbage into the drains, and burn them. This is dry season, not much dirty water in drains now (March 2009).
In some places , on Deshabhimani Road, while cleaing roads for so called "rebuilding" much and sand on the road, plus garbage were dumped in the drains, this drains will not drain rain water, - so the roads will be flooded soon!
Most roads have rain water drains, or open sewers on the side, or sides, and sometimes some have none. None or some, there is huge budget to clean them. Clean them because, people throw all manner of rubbish into them. Some dispose of garbage into the drains, and burn them. This is dry season, not much dirty water in drains now (March 2009).
In some places , on Deshabhimani Road, while cleaing roads for so called "rebuilding" much and sand on the road, plus garbage were dumped in the drains, this drains will not drain rain water, - so the roads will be flooded soon!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Is Malayalam a dying language
No never.
Just the same, one must realise, influence of other languages make malayalam much different from what it used to be.
Go the market place, one would never hear the word roti, for bread. Now malayalees use the word bread as if it is a malayalam word. Roti had it origins or rather came via Hindi, but is not fashionable in Malayalam.
Then there is the word keema , Malayalam had no single word for minced meat, and some how the Hindi word has been adopted. Malayalees never used to eat spinach, well the Hindi word palak is used for it, it is resident North Indians who brought spinach into Kerala markets and the word is part of Malayalam language. Spinach or palak is available in the city shops now. It is Tamil Nadu farmer who feeds kerala people and yet another north indian leafy vegetable has arrived in the kerala market. It is fenugreek leaves, no, not just leaves the whole plant has that has arrived here. The world uluvaa, used in Malayalam and Tamil is still used here, but in Ernakulam Market, Methi is understood. Popularised by North Indian customers.
Rice flour was just ari podi, there is yet another word for flour, it is mavu. Dosha mavu for example. Wheat flour was known as gothambu mavu and looks like now the hindi word atta is acceptable. Wheat flour milled and sold by Oman Flour Mills in Muscat Oman is sold as ATTA, so the word has moved to Arab countries as well. Fine wheat flour, bleached and used for biscuites, cakes and parathas, was once known as American mavu, initially this was imported from America. Now no one would know it means, maida has become acceptable name for so called refined flour.
Just the same, one must realise, influence of other languages make malayalam much different from what it used to be.
Go the market place, one would never hear the word roti, for bread. Now malayalees use the word bread as if it is a malayalam word. Roti had it origins or rather came via Hindi, but is not fashionable in Malayalam.
Then there is the word keema , Malayalam had no single word for minced meat, and some how the Hindi word has been adopted. Malayalees never used to eat spinach, well the Hindi word palak is used for it, it is resident North Indians who brought spinach into Kerala markets and the word is part of Malayalam language. Spinach or palak is available in the city shops now. It is Tamil Nadu farmer who feeds kerala people and yet another north indian leafy vegetable has arrived in the kerala market. It is fenugreek leaves, no, not just leaves the whole plant has that has arrived here. The world uluvaa, used in Malayalam and Tamil is still used here, but in Ernakulam Market, Methi is understood. Popularised by North Indian customers.
Rice flour was just ari podi, there is yet another word for flour, it is mavu. Dosha mavu for example. Wheat flour was known as gothambu mavu and looks like now the hindi word atta is acceptable. Wheat flour milled and sold by Oman Flour Mills in Muscat Oman is sold as ATTA, so the word has moved to Arab countries as well. Fine wheat flour, bleached and used for biscuites, cakes and parathas, was once known as American mavu, initially this was imported from America. Now no one would know it means, maida has become acceptable name for so called refined flour.
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