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Colin is the author of Chasing Rainbows in Chennai
JK Rowling I Hate You! (India)
ColinT2005-04-24 10:15:13
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often elusive; you know it is out there (somewhere), but, somehow, can never grasp it.
This is the kind of logic that infuriates a lot of westerners in India. We spoilt westerners are used to being informed that if something cannot be done, why it cannot be done, and are then given some provisional timescale as to when it may be done. Variable factors and various dependables are thrown into an equation, resulting in some form of explanation. We may or may not be happy with the outcome, but at least we then have an understanding of what is happening and why it is happening.
It all started in Delhi when I went to get a book printed. "It will take six days to complete," I was informed with extreme confidence by the printing press owner. Fifteen days later it was finished. What my simple little brain didn't understand was that along the way was a two day festival; then the owner had to go to Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple; and then he had to attend a doctor's appointment, which had been arranged weeks ago.
When the printing actually began (an achievement in itself), there were the inevitable mistakes. So they had to start again; and of course there were the numerous long power cuts that caused further delay. So, when Vijay, the owner, told me six days, he really meant at the very, very least, ten - taking into account the festival, the doctor's appointment and his trip. He knew this beforehand, but why bother to muddy the waters with such trifling matters.
Things were already progressing at a snail's pace prior to delays. Vijay told me on day five that the printing had begun after having processed the master proofs. On day seven he told me it had not begun because there was trouble getting the paper. He spoke like it was all my fault that the paper was unavailable at the market. "Why did you tell me that the printing had started two days ago, when it had not?" I asked.
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