Expatriates love Bangalore for its cosmopolitan lifestyle, salubrious environment, food and people. Wimut Witoonchart, an expat from Thailand, shares his experiences here.
As the City opens its arms to people from different corners of the world, its multicultural population keeps expanding, with new inhabitants making their base in Bangalore. Having spent six years in India, Wimut Witoonchart from Thailand has made the City his current home.
Wimut arrived in Bangalore a year ago and was relieved by the pleasant weather here, so different from the sweltering humidity of Chennai, where he studied for five years. "My aunt had friends in India who suggested that I come here for my education," explains Wimut, who is currently pursuing a degree in Arts.
"Mainstream English-medium education isn't as widespread in Thailand as it is in India," says the 19-year-old. About the Indian system of education, Wimut confesses that he does find it slightly 'bookish', however; the gruelling way of studying, is extremely useful.
"It helps you learn the basics, so you get a good grasp of the concepts," he nods, adding, "We go really in-depth into each subject, which I find really helpful in laying down a good foundation for higher studies."
Now fluent in Tamil and on his way to picking up a few common words in Kannada, Wimut even understands the Hindi dialogues of Bollywood movies. "I've recently watched 'Don 2' and 'London, Paris, New York'," he recalls. "I understand most parts of the movie but sometimes my friends have to translate certain bits," he acknowledges.
After college, Wimut spends his time practising with the college football team and chatting with his friends. Unlike most other foreign students, he has no problems with the early curfew in the City.
"How much time can you spend in one place anyway? You have to go home sometime," he shrugs.
Rather than enjoying the City's nightlife, Wimut prefers to travel in and around Bangalore with his college friends. "We went to Nandi Hills and even spent a few nights in Hampi," he reminisces.
Is Indian food a problem for the Thai national? "I lived as a vegetarian for five years!" he laughs, wondering how he managed such a feat. Wimut explains that since he's lived in a hostel which served only vegetarian food, he is well-accustomed to Indian food.
When the topic of festivals comes up, Wimut divulges that Deepavali is a great excuse for him to burst firecrackers. Laughing, he adds, "It would be fun to play Holi but I'd have problems washing the colour off!"
Wimut would also like to further explore the Thai culture in the City. He is looking forward to celebrating the Thai festival of 'National Mother's Day,' on August 12.
"The Thai Embassy invites all the Thai students in Bangalore, and though I've never taken part in it earlier, I plan to attend it this year," says Wimut.
The only problem Wimut faces in Bangalore is the metropolis' traffic scene. "The City is rather over-populated so there's too much traffic; the roads are filled, the buses are filled and the auto drivers always find reasons to take advantage of passengers!" complains the student.
Besides the traffic, Wimut has warmed up to the City in every other way. Though he currently has no plans to settle down in Bangalore, he definitely wants to return. "After my under graduation, I will probably try to do my Masters in the US," says the aspiring psychologist.
Expressing his fondness for the people of Bangalore, Wimut says wishfully, "I hope to return to the City for a reunion with my friends a few years down the line."
As the City opens its arms to people from different corners of the world, its multicultural population keeps expanding, with new inhabitants making their base in Bangalore. Having spent six years in India, Wimut Witoonchart from Thailand has made the City his current home.
Wimut arrived in Bangalore a year ago and was relieved by the pleasant weather here, so different from the sweltering humidity of Chennai, where he studied for five years. "My aunt had friends in India who suggested that I come here for my education," explains Wimut, who is currently pursuing a degree in Arts.
"Mainstream English-medium education isn't as widespread in Thailand as it is in India," says the 19-year-old. About the Indian system of education, Wimut confesses that he does find it slightly 'bookish', however; the gruelling way of studying, is extremely useful.
"It helps you learn the basics, so you get a good grasp of the concepts," he nods, adding, "We go really in-depth into each subject, which I find really helpful in laying down a good foundation for higher studies."
Now fluent in Tamil and on his way to picking up a few common words in Kannada, Wimut even understands the Hindi dialogues of Bollywood movies. "I've recently watched 'Don 2' and 'London, Paris, New York'," he recalls. "I understand most parts of the movie but sometimes my friends have to translate certain bits," he acknowledges.
After college, Wimut spends his time practising with the college football team and chatting with his friends. Unlike most other foreign students, he has no problems with the early curfew in the City.
"How much time can you spend in one place anyway? You have to go home sometime," he shrugs.
Rather than enjoying the City's nightlife, Wimut prefers to travel in and around Bangalore with his college friends. "We went to Nandi Hills and even spent a few nights in Hampi," he reminisces.
Is Indian food a problem for the Thai national? "I lived as a vegetarian for five years!" he laughs, wondering how he managed such a feat. Wimut explains that since he's lived in a hostel which served only vegetarian food, he is well-accustomed to Indian food.
When the topic of festivals comes up, Wimut divulges that Deepavali is a great excuse for him to burst firecrackers. Laughing, he adds, "It would be fun to play Holi but I'd have problems washing the colour off!"
Wimut would also like to further explore the Thai culture in the City. He is looking forward to celebrating the Thai festival of 'National Mother's Day,' on August 12.
"The Thai Embassy invites all the Thai students in Bangalore, and though I've never taken part in it earlier, I plan to attend it this year," says Wimut.
The only problem Wimut faces in Bangalore is the metropolis' traffic scene. "The City is rather over-populated so there's too much traffic; the roads are filled, the buses are filled and the auto drivers always find reasons to take advantage of passengers!" complains the student.
Besides the traffic, Wimut has warmed up to the City in every other way. Though he currently has no plans to settle down in Bangalore, he definitely wants to return. "After my under graduation, I will probably try to do my Masters in the US," says the aspiring psychologist.
Expressing his fondness for the people of Bangalore, Wimut says wishfully, "I hope to return to the City for a reunion with my friends a few years down the line."