WE HAVE just moved to Lucknow from Delhi after almost fifty years in uniform life. A life in which someone did for you or told you what needed to be done. Suddenly, everything had to be done afresh – a gigantic task converting house to home. It was initially scary to think of converting the brickwork to a place of emotional and intellectual comfort and growth. With expertise from experiences generally tending to scare the assignment that lay ahead, we took the plunge.
It's been more than a month since the assignment commenced and about the same time it's probably it’s over, and it is been a mixed bag. But there are some issues worth sharing with all those who may be planning a similar exercise.
Time over runs. This is the most frustrating concern when you wish to work with precision. There are numerous excuses from sickness to truck accidents to strike in Chinese manufacturing companies—somehow, it appears the universe is conniving to prevent this move to the cherished home.
Timely labour arrival is another perpetual headache. So many problems crop up that it’s amazing as to how the great nation is not only prospering but doing great and in style.
Mobiles with everyone seem to be the biggest distraction to efficient and speedy work. The contractors’ exchanges with the shopkeepers and everyone else, price negotiations can be interesting and frustrating simultaneously.
Expert opinions - everyone has an expert opinion on every issue right from local issues to governance and God. Surprisingly, there is a strong logic for the opinion.
Wishing the would-be home makers all the luck for the once-in-a-lifetime venture!