From The Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore- Paul Martin, an Expat from France

From The Silicon Valley of India,  Bangalore- Paul Martin

  Paul Martin, 23 years, from France has arrived in Bangalore almost 2-months ago. Armed with an engineering degree in mechanics and for the search of some international opportunities in Automotive industry, Paul happened to visit India. Coming from the South West region of France, Paul finds Bangalore a very lively city to live in.   "Bangalore compared to my previous experience is a really big city, I was scared about the pollution rate but even if there is some it’s not really embarrassing me. Something that embarrasses me more is all the detritus on street. But if you get used to those two drawbacks, Bangalore is a city where there are many places you can enjoy (restaurants, shops, pubs,) and make you remember that India is now a developed country". Paul Martin   As of now, he is not missing his home in France but occasionally he does miss his French food. Paul feels difficult communicating with people and to understand different Indian accents and the speed of speaking. "My English is quite good but not sufficient sometimes. To cope with it I’m not scared to ask people to repeat or speak slowly, and even if it’s not enough I ask for a third person, for example, my colleague, to help me understand and communicate accordingly".    Paul is no different when he was mentioning about the public transport in India. The negotiation in the price is a real challenge for him too. Knowing him from outside India, the autorickshaw drivers and small shop vendors doubled their prices than the original value. "This often makes me angry after I get to know that I got scammed. Now I become careful when I have to buy anything". He loves the transportation options, phone and internet subscriptions. However, he feels imported products like wine and cheese are expensive in India. Market in Bangalore   He was surprised to know that Indian people are allowed to burp and eat using their hands, however, gradually Paul is getting used to these minor differences. He has already learned how to eat using his hands so as to live as a real Indian.   "I'm sharing a flat (3 BHK) with an Indian and an American in Koramangala which is a living area. Here one can find many nice places to enjoy your leisure time. Living with people from different nationalities is a good way to meet people outside your work". Paul spends his time with his roommates who already know that area, nice places and he also plans his weekends with them.   You will definitely live an amazing experience if you're ready to jump the cultural gap- from European culture to Indian culture. "Experience in India could be the best or the worst experience of your life but there is no moderate feeling about India, Paul signed off".   For more interesting information about India and its people, follow our digital magazine, BananiVista. Do "Like" and "Follow" on Facebook.