So, despite a false start, those may have been the easiest taxes ever? We shall see. I filled out the efiling form on https://incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in/ which was at first, mind-boggling, but then, step by step, with the help of Google, a co-worker, and deduction, I figured out where to put in my numbers (from Form 16, the equivalent of a W2) and what “Ward” I lived in and all the math matched up. Down to the rupee. So I didn’t owe, nor was owed, anything by the Indian government.
That’s never happened on my taxes at home before.
The worst part was that, despite the efiling, I *still had to mail the form in* that I printed out and, worse, *it had to be sent by standard post* and not by courier. For a country whose pride and joy is NOT the postal system, I was a little surprised.
But, prepared this time with a book and experience, I braved the sweaty post office full of sweaty men (I rarely see women in here for some reason), who sort of stand in a line sometimes. I hung out vaguely around the counter number I needed with my book and a semblance of organization did eventually happen, I was surprised. I think it still took me a half hour to get served, but only two minutes to have them process my ITR (Income Tax Returns) envelope. (All four ceiling fans were working this time. But I was still dripping.)
I’m getting braver with my culinary exploration. There’s a little food court market up the street that I have never been able to work myself up to eating at. It is definitely a step up from street food, just not a significantly large enough step for me to try it on my own.
But my neighbor had given me their menu with a recommendation, and said they deliver. So I called them one evening to give them try.
But… There was no communication.
I tried to say my order, but they kept just saying “hello” when I paused to see if they understood anything I said. Whoo boy. I finally gave up. I hung up and was going to call my old standby, Cinnamon Kitchen, when they acutally called me back! I was very impressed because, after all, this was a Friday night during busy time. Not sure if I can imagine a pizza place calling you back if you got disconnected on a Friday night. So I said my order and my address and it sort of seemed like they understood. Then I waited.
Rasoi: Pure Vegetarian Foods
Yeah, I ate it.
Sure enough. Food! The cheapest food I’ve ever had delivered ever, I think. Two full meals – including the naan – for about $3, though I gave them almost $4 partially because they had no change, but partially because I was going to round up anyway for their tip.
The food itself wasn’t bad, though was not quite as awesome as Cinnamon Kitchen (which, granted, is triple the price for one meal). Most of my hesitation was just skepticism.
Incidentally… someone told me to go veg during rainy season. So I have, for the most part. And, yeah, I’m starting to crave meat.
So, I have totally caught myself doing the head bobble. Folks at home may be amused. But the head bobble is awesome! Why? It is the best way to end a meeting ever! For example, back home when we have a meeting at work, there’s sometimes kind of a quasi-awkward, “So we’re good?” “Anything else?” “All right then.” when we’re trying to wrap up a meeting. One manager even used to say “Break!” when we were done. At the end of my Monday meeting, I end it with, “Have a good week!”
But nothing beats the Indian way to end a meeting. Head-bobble, head-bobble, everyone gets up and leaves! Done! It is like telepathy. It works for lunch, too. Everyone just magically stands up at the same time to go. Head bobble for the win!
Hinglish Phrase of the Day: Mausam is awesome.
We’ve been saying that right after it rains. (The humidity before it rains suffocates you, but the cool breeze after it rains is soothing.) Mausam, which rhymes with awesome, means “weather” so now I have a new way to say “It’s nice out.”
Mausam is awesome!