Life in America – Part 1

(May 2000)

As I am on my stay in US I would be sharing a few of my thoughts and experience in my articles. This is the first article of the series. This is written with my limited experience of being in US after spending so many years in India. Some of things may be there in many other countries also. So the words should not be interpreted only specific to America. All views are very personal and no generality is intended. I am referring to USA as America in my articles.

America: The Land of Convenience

 This is how I felt after the initial few days of stay in America. For an average Indian life is filled with struggles every day compared to Life in America.  Life looks so easy with all the facilities being available.

 Every aspect of life looks very simple. Once we realize that such simple things can bring more convenience why such things do not exist back in India. May be it will take time.

 One thing I immediately felt is the abundance of resources. One is not worried about wastage of some resources in America and to get used to such an attitude is difficult. Most important resources like Water, Electricity does make a lot of difference to the life style. One does not have to worry about power cuts or water shortage.

 Convenience of Phone:

 One cannot imagine life in America without the ubiquitous Phone.

-          Everyone can be reached by phone

-          Everyone has a voice mail facility and you can leave a message when the other person is not available

-          In some cases when the other person is busy using phone also you can leave a message. Which basically eliminates ‘engaged’ tone we get frustrated with

-          With Cell phones becoming so predominant it becomes an extension to individuals.

-          You reach your voice mail from anywhere and check out who has been trying to reach you

 The day we landed in US the cab driver who was to take us to a hotel could not locate the address. Guess what he did, he used his cell phone to call the hotel and take online instructions to reach the place. God, what an innovative way of using technology. No worry of being lost etc.

 In my next articles I will try to write on Convenience of Shopping, Easy access to Information.