Hiisssssssssss....goes the SNAKE

Yes I know what you must be thinking...'why is she talking about snakes of all things??' Well simply because I was thinking of a few 'snake' related moments recently and thought of writing on it.

Snakes are one of the most feared and unfortunately one of the commonly encountered species.My land Kerala has its own generous supply of it.They are even worshipped and thus the numerous sarpakavu in the state.Also don't forget the image of the snake charmer from India which is depicted in every foreign movie on India.

There are many who have had their own experiences with the hissing monster.My own grandmother is so scared to even take its name that she calls it mettavan (the other one).My first experiences with the slithering reptile was in medical college during my undergrad days.The number of snakes sighted in our hostel were not too few.I remember the day of our Forensic practical exam.The examiner asked us various questions on snakes and how to identify the various poisonous types etc.After returning back to hostel in the evening we heard someone scream snake and instead of fleeing from the scene we went ahead to identify the type of snake.Sounds crazy?Definitely!

Then during my internship I had several experiences with snake,well their victims to be exact.The people brought following a snake bite were umpteen and all had a different story to tell.Not all of them were serious bites.And even more interesting were the times when the responsible snakes were brought to the casualty to be identified.Once they brought a snake in a plastic bag and yours truly happened to be on duty.When they asked me to look at the snake in the bag,I agreed reluctantly.Gathering courage, I asked them to open the flimsy plastic bag in their hands.When they opened it there was a rustle of the plastic and some movement within and I leapt and went back a few feet.The man burst out laughing seeing the duty doctor terrified and explained that it was his hand beneath the bag that caused the movement.Oh boy!How embarassing.Hehe.

This one I heard from a fellow intern.Along came a snake in a tin this time and the people who brought it were not sure it was dead.Everyone crowded around the tin and were bending over to see the controversial attacker.As soon as the lid came off,BOOM! Off went the lights too.Yes Kerala is also known for its power cuts.Scuttling feet and little screams of terror were heard.However when the generator came on,everyone was relieved to find the snake curled around in the tin with its evil head smashed and motionless.

One late night during my duty,3 young chaps came and one of them had a cloth tied around his leg.Snake bite again.On explaining to them that since the snake was unidentified we had to keep the patient under observation for a day as a precaution in case things went wrong,the 2 bystanders burst out laughing and the victim grinned sheepishly.Never before had I noticed such a behaviour after a possible dangerous snake bite. On enquiring the reason for their peculiar reaction they told me that it was the victims wedding the next morning.Poor fella.I couldn't help grinning too.Well in case you're wondering,they left early next morning against medical advice.Since he did not reappear, I assume the bride did not lose her groom to a snake.

Enough of snakes for a day?I sure had enough.So till the next time,ciao and hissssssssssssssss.................

HOME(s) SWEET HOME(s)!!!

There's nothing like coming home isn't it??Since there are many places I call home I'm lucky enough too feel it many times.However coming to my parent's apartment in the UAE where I grew up is always special.

From the time my flight touches the Arabian soil I feel rejuvenated.This is where I spent my childhood,my growing up years.This place gives me so many memories of times spent here with family and friends.The days of school and waiting for the bus with friends.Trying to be cool among friends and in turn getting my parent's raised eyebrows pointed at me.Hanging out with pals in shopping malls and friends' homes.Weekend trips with parents.Fighting with my brother over the silliest of things.Ordering home delivery whenever we feel like.Waiting for the Dubai Shopping Festival even though its almost the same year after year.The way the city does not sleep even in the late hours of night.Trying out the various cuisines so easily available here.The vast variety of items in the stores.The various opportunities and facilities you receive at every step.Every little thing comes out as a memory bubble that makes me want to be back in this place again.

The previous day my driving instructor asked me whether I like India or UAE more.Somehow I could not answer that question immediately.I enjoy my life in India very much and I love the place and the new memories it has created for me over the past 7 years.It has helped shape me as a better human being I believe.

Having lived in both countries I have an advantage of knowing two so very different lifestyles.So I guess I'll just cherish this feeling of fondness I have for both the countries till I have a definite picture in my mind and till then enjoy the two countries to the fullest.

Where do i Belong??

Born in India.Lived in UAE in my growing years.Came back to India to pursue higher studies.This is a very common situation in our part of the world.And yes it definitely has its advantages and of course with it the disadvantages.Let me explain.

When I was doing my schooling in UAE I have come across many situations which made me feel like an outsider.Being only a permanent resident and not the citizen of the country one grew up in  is kind of awkward because no matter how long you have lived there and done the same things as the natives you are not the country's own.The Arabs there will definitely look at you as lower beings.So when I came to India I thought that even though I'll miss the highlights of my life in UAE, atleast I will actually belong to the place.However things were not as simple as it seemed.

Once I reached Indian soil I was not simply an Indian or a Keralite as I hoped I would be.No, I was labeled as an NRI,the girl who never lived in India and does not know what it is like to live in India.And let me inform you that it is not always a good thing to be put into that category.The percentage of people who believe that NRIs are not to be considered as one among themselves are plenty.In their eyes we talk different,sometimes we dress different,may have different interests etc.The attitude disturbed me for a long time.It didn't matter so much when I just used to visit India during the holiday season.Believe me living here is much different from simple visiting.

The dilemma-I didn't belong to UAE where I spent 18 yrs of my short life and I was not accepted in my own country.So where did I belong?Was I caught between two worlds?Where do I fit in??Was I always to be an outsider wherever I go??The thought was initimidating.

However  over the years things have worked out much better than I thought.Though it took considerable effort and time to make my own kinsmen forget that I am an NRI and just consider me as a Keralite alone,atleast I was accepted.Or so I feel most of the time.The feeling is inexpressible.I belonged!So I guess all's well that ends well.Isn't it?