In the streets of Chicago...

28 Mar 2009
I was in downtown chicago this time last week. It was the best day for me after reaching US. I felt literally nothing interesting after a couple of days in Hoffman Estates. I thought the excitement about US is over. But no, i was wrong, am in the wrong part of US. The real american life lives in Downtown!
The amazement starts with the tallest of buildings in the world all over...and it continues to excite you in the cleanliness, the people, the beggars, the street performers, the penetrated artificial beauty everywhere u look at, the cars, self discipline....I just couldnt believe that its all possible by just another human like me...i mean ofcourse the americans...You sure would yearn for such things in India.
In my day to day life, the most important and lovely thing i cherish is the drive, the drive to anywhere in US. If you know driving, you can go anywhere in US from North to South or East to West, thanks to the google map and GPS. With sign boards all over and with enough gas in your car, if you drive consciously you can literally drive any part of US. Was surprised to see that no one Honks unless something wierd happens...The toll booths at many places are unmanned, if u miss them , either u pay them online or you will get your fine back home in days, you are watched all over. You should not violate any sign if you dont want to pay that large sum in fine. Dont even think of hitting anyone not even an animal. You will kill yourself to relieve from paying the fine for that. though its a bit harsh, it had actually helped the humans here a peaceful transport (includes walking and cycling as well) atleast 95% of the time. People really are polite , watchful and respect the space and turn for others while driving. Its all so beautiful to see. I do not see just the traffic rules in these things. its about the tolerance level and patience on taking things.
It really is another index of their mind!
You will pity yourself if you do not have a car for you as i do it for me now....i wish i learn driving and buy my Subaru or Audi...

If you smell what am i cooking...

Mar 13:
Its more than a month now...a lot have changed along with time....am now in a new apartment (1 bhk with Den) with a colleague and i now own a new canon 8 MP digicam, i got my SSN and etc.... Three weeks back if you remember, i was so much worried on what my food would be after taking a new apt. things have changed on this front as well.....no more worries....i have started to cook....yep u read it right...i did cook a couple times by now.
And more than all, my roomie, Mr Tarang Pratap is a great cook by himself and cooks atleast once in a week which helps me for a couple of days atleast :D
Now i can make rasam and sambhar and ofcourse rice as well. though it is with the help of ready mix items, the best part is, had overcome my worries.....am doing a great job in making a refreshing Tea as well....join me for a Tea one day and you would praise me, I Bet my Tea here...
And an observation about myself in these 3 weeks is, there is a change in my response to the taste of items... I remember myself of being easily irritated with the slightest of imbalance in the salt level. But now, i see myself comfortable on those things...
Cooking is indeed an art...and when you see your companion satisfied with the Food or even a Tea you made, wow thats a great feeling....
Its all the collated thoughts of a novice cook till now....hope to write more on this very soon as a great chef...

1, 2, 3...in US - continued

Start of Mar 13, 09:
So this is just to add a few more points....
After the 6 items,

7. AR 11 form: This is a form to be filled and posted to US immigration whenever u change ur address in US. Post it with a copy of your visa and I-94. This has to be done within 10 days of your address change. And have to be done for your dependents as well if you have them here. i did it for me after 2o days....:(. you get this form and more info in USCIS website
One more interesting news: After posting the form thru USPS (united states postal service), i came to know that we can submit the AR 11 form online. and this is available in the same USCIS website. Enjoy...

8. This one is of a lesser importance but still good to know. It is about the claims you can do with your company. My company gives an ISA (initial settlement allowance) for the first week of stay. so i can claim for transport and food for the first week. U need bills as proof for transport expense claim and not for food. the max u can claim is around $100 and depends on the state you stay. so why am i telling this? Bcoz i did the claim for my taxi for $65 but i dint know i can add up food expense without bills for claim...hope u understand....
Final line: Be aware of the facilities and claims provided by your company

9. Health: !!!Very Important!!!. Dehydration - You get dehydrated easily here, especially more in winter without your knowledge. Fruits, More juices or Milk will help you.
Mosituriser : If you would want to prevent your skin from drying. Vaseline, to be applied daily. Atleast for face and limbs. If you are alone, you have to take care of yourself very cautiously or be ready to pay falling sick...More than the cost for medicine, its about the real care you would be missing when sick.
Though most of these would come in the advices list from friends when u reach, am putting them here for you to be serious when these inputs come to you. Health is Wealth!