r2i forum

For the past one month I have been pondering about writing an R2I diary. Would people be really be intrested in reading what I write? Would I want to air out my personal thoughts and feelings online, I pondered. But I think it is time. If my diary can help motivate or help people, especially the ones sitting on the fence to make a decision about r2i, then it is worth it. Also, I think it will help me to chronicle the whole process. Its been a week since I arrived in Bluru. Let's start at the begining.
BACKGROUND: DH has been in the US for 12+yrs and I for 3.5yrs. We have a cute, energetic little toddler who is the apple of our eye. Thankfully we were on the same page regarding r2i and we both wanted to move to Bengaluru. I ws born and raised in B'luru and have family, some wonderful friends and tons of aquaintances here. Hubby wanted to move for work reasons. My inlaws live in another city and they will visit us often. I am amazed at how easy it was for us to decide to move. There were the usual reasons, aging parents and in-laws, wanting kid to grow up in India, retiring in the US did not seem like a great idea. Mostly I did it for me, Never felt quite at home in the US. I was a SAHM and got tired of the usual round of potlucks, grocery trips, playdates and generally felt like life was stagnant. I did meet some nice people in the US and took some great trips. But there was a general feeling of dissatisfaction. Though I had friends in the US, It was not like my friendships in Bluru. Here I could visit my friends unannounced (Although I always call before I visit) barge into friends kitchens, ask for coffee and am assured that I will be fed coffee aand samosas. I could call my girlfriends anytime day or night, they will make time to talk to me. I missed that kind of unconditional support in the US. I am an extrovert and love meeting people, Dh is quieter and needs to have only 1 or 2 friends. Since we decided to move we thought, sooner the better. Thankfully, DH found a job right away and here we are in Bluru right now. Will write more about the moving process in my next post.

OP,
Nice post! Lot of things that you have pointed out resonate with me -regarding friendships being a little fragile in US (old friends back in India are stronger friendships, in my experience), sometimes feeling of stagnation..I too love meeting people..Good for you that you actually have moved already. Keep the posts coming..:)
Which part of b'lore will you be settling in? Have you zeroed down on a school?

Welcome Romi,

It is nice to read a post about R2I without any gripes. There is no gainsaying that problems are there living in India. One just has to weigh the ads and disads. In your case the scales have tilted very clearly. I am sure you will have an enjoyable and fulfilling time in India.

Romi.... you too R2I'ed without a hint or may be I missed some posts:)
Anyways.. home sweet home. Good to know that you are posting form BLR.

Any suggestion on what to carry upon R2I?(kitchen stuff, branded cloths, apparel etc) Plan2010 was looking for some tips. May be you could help her if time permits.
___________
Posted as member

Interesting! Quick and Brief Summary of your India Return and to the point! I am sure you will not miss your US Stay and going to enjoy more of Bangalore.... We are also heading back in June 2010.

Romi;282042For the past one month I have been pondering about writing an R2I diary. Would people be really be intrested in reading what I write? Would I want to air out my personal thoughts and feelings online, I pondered. But I think it is time. If my diary can help motivate or help people, especially the ones sitting on the fence to make a decision about r2i, then it is worth it. Also, I think it will help me to chronicle the whole process. Its been a week since I arrived in Bluru. Let's start at the begining.
BACKGROUND: DH has been in the US for 12+yrs and I for 3.5yrs. We have a cute, energetic little toddler who is the apple of our eye. Thankfully we were on the same page regarding r2i and we both wanted to move to Bengaluru. I ws born and raised in B'luru and have family, some wonderful friends and tons of aquaintances here. Hubby wanted to move for work reasons. My inlaws live in another city and they will visit us often. I am amazed at how easy it was for us to decide to move. There were the usual reasons, aging parents and in-laws, wanting kid to grow up in India, retiring in the US did not seem like a great idea. Mostly I did it for me, Never felt quite at home in the US. I was a SAHM and got tired of the usual round of potlucks, grocery trips, playdates and generally felt like life was stagnant. I did meet some nice people in the US and took some great trips. But there was a general feeling of dissatisfaction. Though I had friends in the US, It was not like my friendships in Bluru. Here I could visit my friends unannounced (Although I always call before I visit) barge into friends kitchens, ask for coffee and am assured that I will be fed coffee aand samosas. I could call my girlfriends anytime day or night, they will make time to talk to me. I missed that kind of unconditional support in the US. I am an extrovert and love meeting people, Dh is quieter and needs to have only 1 or 2 friends. Since we decided to move we thought, sooner the better. Thankfully, DH found a job right away and here we are in Bluru right now. Will write more about the moving process in my next post.

Thanks to everybody for their support. We are currently living in South Bangalore, crashing with parents until our stuff arrives in June. My toddler still has a couple of years to start school, so no worries about that. In one week's time I see a lot of change in my son. He has become much more outgoing and is not shy of strangers. While in the US, he used to shudder and cry while the pressure cooker or blender was turned on. But here he does not even flinch whenthe blender or cooker is being used. My parents are having so much fun with him. Dad takes him to the park nearby everyday. Mom plays with him and proudly shows him off to all the neighbours. My parents have a new spring in their step and seem to be happier. Am sure in time I will complain about the traffic, crowds and pollution. But I did complain about these things even before I lived in the US. So nothing new about that. Will post more when I have time. Got to go now.

Just returned from a heavy lunch at Nagarjuna. Dh wanted to go for old times sake. Got to eat the andhra meal served on a banana leaf, some biryani, mutton pepper fry and chilli chicken. It was not as good as hubby remembers it, but it was still fun to go there.
R2I is not for the fainthearted. The sooner one sheds the "US returned" Tag, the easier it will be to blend in. Seriously, nobody here cares that Iam from the US. Every Tom Dick and Harry has returned from the US or has relatives living there. Nobody forced us to come here, It was a concious decision we made, so complaining about the roads and infrastructure will not endear us to the community. It is easier for me to live here, dh is going to take some time. Am feeling quite optimistic, cautiously optimistic, I must say. Only time will tell if we made the right decision. While writing this Iam humming a song from my childhood which goes like this
Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be.

I just read your diary Romi. Very interesting and to the point.

Please keep them coming as you find time.

Its been a while since I updated my dairy. My Little one was sick with a bad bout of gastroentritis, was dehydrated and had to be admitted in the hospital for a couple of days. Thankfully he is fine now and back to being his naughty self. We are being extra careful with food and water nowadays. Meanwhile Inlaws are visiting and it has been a roller coaster ride. I get to deal with 2 sets of grandparents all under one roof. DH and I have been quite firm while dealing with our respective parents. I like the fact that my son gets pampered a lot, but do not want him to be a spoilt brat. We found an apartment to rent close to my parents place and hope to move in there as soon as our stuff arrives, sometime around mid june. Been busy with visiting friends and relatives. The first month has flown by so quickly. Will write more whn I find time.