TELAKAPALLE ANANDA VARDHANA SHARMA

MY EXPERIMENTS WITH FOOD

2007-11-29T03:55:00.000+05:30

Mr Joe Kaplo received me from Manchester Airport on August 23 evening and dropped me at Patrick’s home. I was just sitting in the couch and looking at the house. I was completely in dilemma to start with. I was not in a mood to start any thing. I was getting bored of the loneliness. (I like loneliness, but not this kinda (kind of)). I love to be alone but in the group (interesting character!!??!!). I had boxed food from my brother’s home, sufficient for two days. I slept without thinking any thing more for that night, after speaking with my wife and children, online.

The next day morning, (Friday, Aug 24) Mr Joe Kaplo came again to pick me up to go to Liberty Mutual, the car insurance office. Since my brother already made the base and the documents were readymade by Patrick, it was a cake-walk for me. I was happy that I can drive a car all by myself, in USA. Saturday, I dared to take out my car on to the roads of Manchester. Initially I was finding it bit difficult, but got quickly used to the slow traffic, sign boards, flow of traffic, white and yellow lines on the roads, traffic symbols, etc. I was patting my back that I was driving perfectly. It was a great day.

I was not feeling hungry since my heart was filled with joy. I thanked once again everyone, who made it possible for me. But body can’t wait for more time without food, I got to go ‘Shop & Stop’, get some vegetables, etc., to start my cooking!! Through some guided directions, from my wife and my brother’s wife, I could able to make all sorts of Indian dishes (Rava Upma, Atukula Upma, Borugula Upma, Mirchi Bajji, Aloo Bajji, Arati Bajji, Dosa, Utappam, Smoodles, Pav-Bhaaji, Chapati, Poori, Bisibella Bath, Pulav, Vangi Bath, Sambar, Pappu, Cabbage/Cauliflower/Tomato/Aloo Curry, etc., etc., etc.) during my stay, to my satisfaction. Some of them I tried FIRST time. I could make puffy POORIs but even after several trials I couldn't make circular CHAPATIs. I enjoyed cooking and eating too.
One day I did a funky job in cooking. I purchased ‘Golden layer Honey Butter flaky Biscuits’. The pack was cylindrical and I thought there will be circular flaky honey biscuits inside. After coming back to home and opened the pack as per directions, BOOOP, it opened with big sound and layers of soft dough came out. For a moment I shocked and I realized that I made a mistake. I understood why the people stop every where in the stores and spend lot of time in reading the instructions on the packets. Carefully I took out all of them separated them on a plate and started reading the instructions on the pack. I found it was a big lengthy process to get Golden layer honey butter flaky biscuits. Then I started learning how to operate baking oven, baked the biscuits and enjoyed the brown, solid, no butter, no honey, no shape, tough biscuits. It was FUN at the end.

HAPPY MARRIED LIFE – My Dear Brother

2007-11-15T08:01:00.000+05:30

As I landed in Newark International Airport, I got a phone call from my brother to come out towards Baggage Collection. I had gone out and standing on the stands for his reception. Another SURPRISE, people can go till the Security Check-In area, in all USA airports. He was up there and I was down. After skipping some phone calls, because both of us were trying to contact each other, finally I made it. I was excited on seeing him, feel like some one close to me, felt very happy. The happiness was doubled when we reach HOME. The kids were waiting out, for my arrival, with flowers, to surprise me. I was hiding behind the car to surprise them. After Hide & Seek, it was all FUN. I can’t forget those fifteen days, running very quickly, spent with my brother, his family and my nephew, who came from Penn State College to add more FUN.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SLIDE SHOW

I can’t forget the enjoyment, in going to nearest Railway station in LUNGI to receive my nephew, driving on New Jersey roads under the controlled directions from my brother, getting certificate of appreciation from the kids “Peddappa (Older brother of Father) knows driving and drives well”, playing cricket and shuttle badminton in the back yard, teasing the kids with Indian accent, watering the plants, visiting Lord Venkateshwara Temple, meeting another nephew (his wife & their small baby) who settled in nearby place, etc.

CLICK HERE TO SEE NIAGARA

We had celebrated the Wedding Anniversary of my brother Mr T V K Murthy with Mrs Radhika Murthy on wonderful twilight of August 10, 2007. We all had lots of entertainment while going to NIAGARA FALLS. The view of falls was multi-hued in the nights and stunning in day time. Walking through ‘Cave of Winds’ and getting under the falls, jump aboard the ‘Maid of Mist’ to see how both American and Canadian Falls look like from the bottom up, were incredible.

We all had lots of amusement by visiting Wild Safari (drive-thru Animal Park), Hurricane Harbor (Water Park) and Rides (variety of Roller-Coasters) at Six-Flags Great Adventure Theme Park in Jackson Township, New Jersey.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SIX-FLAGS

The First-time experience of Roller-Coasters is the real fun in my life. We had seen the world’s tallest and fastest Roller-Coaster ‘KINGDA KA’.

CLICK HERE TO SEE NEWYORK CITY

It was amazing to feel like ‘superman’ on Roller-Coasters. Visiting ‘Statue of Liberty’ in New York City and moving on the roads by ‘Circular Line’ Open-Top-Buses is incredible.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO OF STATUE OF LIBERTY

CLICK HERE TO SEE WORLD'S TALLEST & FASTEST ROLLER-COASTER

CLICK HERE TO SEE NIAGARA FALLS VIDEO CLIP

After a reverberated start of my adventure in USA with Patrick and my relatives, I came back to Manchester to settle in, before I can have some more adventure with the staff and students of CHS (Campbell High School).

AUF WEIDERSEIN, ADIEU, GOOD BYE

2007-11-15T03:06:00.000+05:30

It was August 07, 2007. I was fuming over the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program. I was not able to understand whether the program is to make the people get together to be acquainted with or to break up them before they know each other. I met a person just six days ago. We didn’t move around to match our steps. We didn’t sit together to match our vision. Together, we didn’t met people to mix our body language. And all of a sudden it (the program) says to bid adieu, make auf weidersein and say good bye. We didn’t know whether we meet again in future. We were consoling ourselves that the world is small and we meet again (of course later both of us found that the world is too BIG and still confident to meet again).

The person is none other than Mr Patrick J Kaplo. First time when I got an email from Patrick, I was flying with joy that the exchange is taking place and I had been given a chance, by Fulbright, to experience the America. We spoke over phone several times and discussed issues related to our exchange, our education systems, our living standards, etc. We exchanged oodles of information through e-mails. We were in touch, though remote.

We cemented our friendship and promised to continue this for life. Patrick was generous enough to offer his home for my stay in America during this program. He planned everything for smooth running of my exchange with him. (His parents, Staff of Campbell High School, people around and students are more openhanded than he was expecting.) It is magnificent to have exchange with him. I wished them good luck and happy times with India (they have to board flight on the same day from Boston to go to India). I bid adieu with a big hug, good bye to Jessie and kids. We were going to miss each other. I tried to keep the tears from my eyes, waving hands from the car window, while going to airport, to my brother’s place, New Jersey.

AUF WEIDERSEIN!!!

CAMPBELL HIGH SCHOOL

2007-11-11T05:12:00.000+05:30

That was Monday, Aug 06, 2007. I was feeling some excitement in me, as I got up in the morning. It wasn't due to excited trip to Boston, last day It wasn't due to seeing the Baseball game between Patrick and Evan in his living room with some commentary added to their play. Soon I found it is due to first time visit to MY school, Campbell High School, where I am going to work for FOUR months. Patrick and me took some oat meal with milk for our breakfast and got ourselves ready to GO.

First we went to DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Office in Manchester and got MY CAR's Licence Plates. Patrick bought a Volks Wagon Jetta for me to commute to School daily. There is no Public Transportation in that route. The papers were made very much ready by Patrick before I arrive in US, so we didn't spend much time in DMV office. The License plates are for me, not for my car. No permanent number for a car. For the same vehicle, different owners have different number plates (Its different from Indian system - Surprising??!! - me too).

Then we went to 2, Wall Street, Manchester, NH. Patrick told me how to park a car and display the parking ticket in the car, so that we won't get parking ticket (in the form of PENALTY) from Police Officer. We had seen BOOTING the CAR (If you don't pay the Parking Penalty then your car will be BOOTed by Police, whenever they find it on the parking lot. You can't move your car until the heavy penalty is paid). On 2, Wall Street we were waiting till the Social Security Office gets OPEN. We applied for my SSN (Social Security Number - Very important in USA) in no time. We were very happy that the scheduled works were getting completed very quickly and on time. We were not knowing that we made a mistake, by applying for my SSN (During our Orientation Program in DC it had been informed to us not to apply before Aug 16, but we did. What happened? - wait for that info).

Our Toyota Corolla (Patrick's Car) had moved towards Litchfield. Within 30 minutes we were in Campbell High School. On the way, Patrick was reminding me not to drive like the way he drove on the roads. He stamped himself as Fast Driver (I was happy that he was not a RASH driver!!). He had shown me how to use electronic key to open the doors of the school (Surprising!! - Lots of security - you might be remembering the incidences happened in the past in American Schools).

Patrick was greeting people on the way to Physics Department, introducing me to them. They were asking SOME thing , which I couldn't follow. I was looking at Patrick's face and he was looking at my face (with his hands on his chin) for the answer. Then I understood that I was not concentrating on their conversation, and they were asking ME!. With a blurry smile I could ask Patrick "What is that?". Then he asked me again, which I could answer. Immediately I decided to concentrate on the things happening around me (But how is it possible when the things are happening so quickly? It was an embarrassing time for me). Even though you are very good at English, it is difficult to follow the American Accent (they have different dialects at different locations of USA).

We met The Human resource Officer - Deb Mahony, School District Superintendent - Cathy Hamblett, New Principal - Robert C Manseau and Assistant Principal - Laura Rothhaus of the School, some of the Office staff, Maintenance staff, few teachers, on the way to Physics Lab/Class room. Bob the Principal, handed over a welcome gift, on behalf of the Office, CHS. It was a big surprise. The welcome gift consists of a bamboo basket with 'McLure's pure Maple Syrup and some Direction Maps, along with a BIG Fruit Basket.

Patrick explained me the strategy he adopts while teaching physics, the way he explains some of the Physics concepts and the precautions I have to take care of while teaching. To be sincere, I was not listening him with concentration, I was just amazed of the technology they use in the classroom and bring the physics closer to children. I was amazed with the practicality of Patrick, bringing everything in to the classroom to make it more interesting. I felt my self proud of Patrick and Fulbright Commission for giving me this opportunity. My mind was just flying high to make most possible from this classroom (I was not knowing that how difficult it is, unless start making use of them in real-time classroom situation).

After spending about two hours we were feeling hungry. We went to nearby food stall, bought some food and took our lunch in Staff Room along with few staff members (Of course the same embarrassing situation, in following them). Later, some more time we spent in Lab/Classroom and started moving towards Home. I was happy to relax, after hectic day.

But without stopping at home, Patrick took me directly to Bank of America, to open Regular Checking Bank Account on my Name. The Bank Person is Mr Ravinder, an Indian from Chandigarh. We got no problem in opening an account. He was generous enough to provide a temporary ATM/DEBIT card with few check leaves. Both of us were very happy that all the works were completed in ONE day and we can relax tomorrow and pack-up for the LONG TOUR.

IT WAS A LONG DAY (of course it is the long post).

FREEDOM TRAIL

2007-11-11T03:26:00.000+05:30

Boston is the most accessible city in New England, due to its size and its reputation as a walking city.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT BOSTON

It is one of America's first historic walking tours-The Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail Foundation continues to work to preserve this perfect introduction to Colonial Revolutionary Boston. The Trail takes visitors to 16 historical sites in the course of two or three hours and covers two and a half centuries of America's most significant past. A red brick or painted line connects the sites on the Trail and serves as a guide. Since the past and the present live alongside the Trail, visitor gets the opportunity to see the City as it truly is.

New England is the part of USA comprises SIX states, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Maine is the biggest state in New England region and Boston is the capital city of Massachusetts, located 42.336N, 71.017W. Not only the Freedom Trail, but also Museum of Science, Duck tour, Museum of Fine Arts, Faneuil Hall, Public Garden, New England Aquarium Whale Watch, Beacon Hill, New England Holocaust Memorial, Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, City Hall, Boston College (University) and last but not the least THE FEN WAY PARK are some of the places out of 131 to visit in Boston.

Early morning of Aug 05, 2007, we (Patrick & his family and me) had started our journey to the great historic city, BOSTON.

It was exciting and breathe taking trip. We enjoyed the walking through Freedom Trail, eating FELAFEL and had a wonderful-spellbound experience of movie “The Grand Canyon” in I-MAX Cinema Hall. I found a lot of difference between the Indian I-Max theater and this one. The screen is parabolic and gets you into the scene directly. One has to experience that, no words to explain.

We could not make the ‘DUCK-TOURS’. I can never forget walking half of the TRAILS with the part of bottom layer of shoe-soul came out, making some typical sound and I removed it completely and kept in my pocket!!

On the way we had gone through Sant' Agrippina's procession. The large part of Boston is of Italians, Chinese and Indians.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SLIDE SHOW OF OUR VISIT 2 BOSTON

LIVING TOWN

2007-11-01T04:17:00.000+05:30

After FUN-FILLED experience in Orientation Program at Washington DC, I had started my journey further to my living place, Manchester, New Hampshire (state), USA by United Airlines on August 03, 2007. Mr Joe Kaplo, Father of Mr Patrick J Kaplo, received me at the Manchester Airport. We had spent some time in moving around the airport, picked up the luggage and waiting for arrival of Patrick. (The last day of the Orientation Program at Washington DC, Patrick went for his VISA stamping in Indian Embassy)

As we were moving out of airport area, surprises galore me through technically advanced people around. Calm and quiet atmosphere, well built houses with beautiful lawn around them, maintained roads, less traffic on roads were some of the spellbound scenaries on the way to Patrick's home. A warm welcome by Mrs Jessica Kaplo (Jessie), best-half of Patrick, Mrs Rita kaplo, best-half of Mr Joe Kaplo, delighted me and make me to feel like home. In short time we all landed in INDIA PALACE - restaurant, and had tasty Indian Food, for which I was waiting for FOUR days.

Next day Patrick and me gone through the Manchester roads and shops, brought few necessary things required for evening 'get-together', to mark my presence among the staff and neighbourhood. No words to express their affection to welcome me and take care of me during my stay in Manchester. It was my first adventurous evening in my life.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW

WORLD OF TEACHERS

2007-10-31T19:19:00.000+05:30

The lobby of Hotel Crowne Plaza was filled with WORLD of Teachers on morning July 31, 2007. It was a memorable incident to meet hundreds of teachers from all over the world, speaking different languages, with variety body languages, trying to make friends, knowing each other, etc., etc.

Some of them were staying in Crowne Plaza and some of them are in Holiday Inn (nearby Hotel). The breakfast, Lunch and Dinner were in Holiday Inn.

The Reception and other discussions were in Crowne Plaza. So we have to move from one hotel to another frequently. There were Hotel shuttles, but most of us prefer to walk across. It was fun to TRESPASS across the streets and crossing the roads every where without waiting or looking for traffic signals. After Lunch we had the Washington DC city tour. The Memorials, White House and some of the streets were seen by the Teachers and came back to Hotel to get ready for Reception Banquet at night.

It was 6:00 pm. All the Fulbright Teachers were gathering in Banquet Hall. It was a feast to eyes to see colourful dresses of various countries. My chin goes up by seeing the GLITTERING Indian Flag with USA Flag at the center of row of 'all country flags'. It was 'only to experience' moments. I took my photograph with Patrick, the flags being on our background. After the speaches and dinner we had a cultural show from the world of teachers. It was wonderful to see different dance forms or songs of their native culture. Our show was the BEST.

The Fulbright Commission (administered by International Institute, Graduate School, US Department of Agriculture and sponsored by Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, US Department of State) had well organized the Orientation Program.

It was informative and experts from various fields, oriented the participants (about one hundred International Teachers and same number of American Teachers) with lots of examples. They explained the Administrative matters, Art of cross cultures, Health Care, School system in USA, Behaviour of students in American Schools, Measures to take in handling the worst situation, etc. It was FUN-FILLED experience to everyone.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW SLIDE SHOW

SURPRISES

2007-10-31T08:03:00.000+05:30

I was expecting surprises during the program, but I was not expecting the surprises surprise me from day one (July 30, 2007).

As I was taking rest in Crowne Plaza, door bell rings. A good looking person standing at the door said " HALO". I was thinking 'who is this?', then he once again said "NAMASTE". My memory started working very fast but got the recognition of Mr Patrick J Kaplo, very slowly. All this happened in fractions of a second. With a BIG surprise, I invited him into the room. I know that he was going to stay with me during the three day Orientation Program, since I preferred his name to share my Hotel Room.

After exchanging some light moments, we got ready for dinner at 6:00 pm. Another surprise, in USA the dinner will be at 6:00 pm. I surprised the Indian Teachers by introducing Patrick to all. Immediately questions pounced on him from all the directions and he had shown great patience in answering all of them in detail. And the dinner was another surprise, there were only LEAVES, BREAD, BUTTER, etc. He told us how to eat those LEAVES and we practised (because that is going to be our food all the time).

ON SKY STREETS

2007-10-31T06:22:00.000+05:30

"Hellooww -- welcome" greeted the Lufthansa air-hostess and shown me the way to go in. Another hostess looked into my seat number and told me (in German accent) where can I find it. I kept my hand luggage in the cabin and checked my passport, VISA, immigration check, DS-2019 form, tickets, etc. in my BIG leather purse (which can fit in my blazer pocket) and settled in my seat. Even though I fly through domestic planes, there was an excitement in International airplane. Without any jerks, twists and turns the plane took-off and my journey had started smoothly. Looking out through the window, saying bye-bye, in mind, to the sleeping Hyderabad city , slowly leaned back on my seat.

After more than nine hours of flight at a maximum speed of 1000 km/h, on maximum height of 12,000 meters, the plane comes to rest in Frankfurt International Airport. The minimum outside temperature, while flight, was negative 72 degree Fahrenheit. Since there was a gap of more than four hours for my next journey and lost my colleague Mrs Fatima in transit from plane to airport, I moved around the big and beautiful airport and gone through the variety of shops. There were some light moments when I found Mrs Fatima along with other Fulbright Teachers, Mr Sasi Raj, Mrs Ranjini, Mrs Anubha and Mrs Sheela, from India.

It was wonderful to observe Jews offering prayers in airport lobby while giving some rest to my tired legs and giving some food to my hungry tummy. One hour before the scheduled time we had started our second phase of journey from Frankfurt to Washington DC. After eight hours of tiresome flight we landed on to the Great Land of USA in Dulles International Airport, Washington DC. The laziness had flown out by passing through long line and the Homeland Security - Customs Check. The tired body got rejuvenated by seeing Fulbright volunteers outside the airport. The Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program - 2007 had started officially, when I checked-in to the room number 426, Crowne Plaza, Old town, Alexandria, on Monday July 30, 2007.

DAY ZERO

2007-10-30T08:32:00.000+05:30

After - the rigorous review of the list of items, the wonderful farewell by the Principal and staff of Kendriya Vidyalaya Tirumalagiri and students of XII Sci and IX class, the packing of items and checking their weight, calling on the parents, relatives, friends and neighbours - I was completely BLANK on the DAY ZERO - the day I have to start my adventure. I was upset - emotionally, physically and psychologically. Everything appears to be messy. A sort of uneasiness in heart. So many questions in mind. Excitement for new experience on one side and thought of leaving my family for long on the other side. It was DAY ZERO.

I was touched emotionally when I loaded my luggage in AUTO to go to AIRPORT, I was having no words to members of my family, I could not look into their eyes, being a man I can't show my emotions, I have to control me all by myself, AUTO runs on tears! - It was DAY ZERO.

My heart solidified when my eyes were searching for some one known at the airport and found none. I cursed myself for telling all not to come to airport, but it was good, which stops me from breaking. Mechanically Checked-in, tried to talk with members of my family but the phones were not working - It was DAY ZERO.

Waiting at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, Meeting the other Exchange Teacher - Mrs Fatima, Getting into Lufthansa plane, drinking and eating the things served by air-hostess at 02:00 am on 38,000 feet high, moving with the speed of 1000 km/h, trying to sleep for some time but in vain - It was DAY ZERO.

PREFACE

2007-09-24T03:09:00.000+05:30

Hello everyone.

I am Telakapalle Ananda Vardhana Sharma. I am working as PGT Physics in Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan since Jan 31, 1994. Presently working in Kendriya Vidyalaya Tirumalagiri, Secunderabad, A.P., INDIA.

My voyage to USA had started with the thrust provided by my wife SUDHA, daughters VIRAJITA and VIPANCHIKA, My Research Supervisor PROF. K SOMAIAH, Mr D SHRIDHAR bhayya and friends. The encouragement from Mrs. V Gowri, Principal; Mr C P NEELAP, Assistant Commissioner, KVS(HR) and Mrs L Daniel and Mr T A Babu, Principal; propelled me to land in USA. The interest and confidence kept in me by Fulbright-India, made me an unofficial ambassador to USA. The blessings from my parents Sri Telakapalle Viswanatha Sarma and Smt. T V Suryakantam and all elders, good wishes from young boosted me to go ahead on my adventure.

My teaching position has been exchanged by Mr Patrick J Kaplo, Science Teacher (physics), Campbell High School, Litchfield, New Hampshire - 03103 USA. He is a teacher 'by choice'. He is a great man with Character, Courage, Respect and Responsibility. He is an 'ODD-MAN-OUT' in USA. He is so organized that I feel lucky to have this exchange with him.

I wish this BLOG throw some light on Indian perspective of USA and provides information to the people in general and Fulbright Teachers in particular. The viewers are encouraged to post their comments as an additional information to the subject.

Enjoy the show and make it more interesting.