by in Expats talk

New theme on the blog, we’re interviewing some expats, those happy (or not) away from home people we can meet all around the world and more particularly in Bangalore (supposed to be the main city for expats in India…). Natural family for us, we finally don’t meet them on every corner of the city at all.
The first we interview is Antoine of course, Nicolas’ French colleague who played a big role in our move in Bangalore.

Antoine, Bangalore

Arrived since?
The 27th of August 2007. 

First feeling at this time?
Some dust, incredible smells, noise, real life at last!

Why did you leave France?
Sent 6 months by the advertising agency I was working for. Those 6 months became 5 years…

What are you doing here?
I work for an international advertising agency. I’m in charge of the office organization which is growing exponentially and which among other things is facing structure challenges.

What you love and hate in the way of working here?
One day you like everything, the vitality, the speed, the fast rhythm of all we do, the creativity, everyone’s energy.
Next day, you’re not on the same pace and everything seems more difficult.
But hating is too definitive I think. You adapt yourself or not, but nothing is carved for ever.

What you prefer and can’t stand in your Bangalorean way of life?
I like the pleasant weather, the freedom we get there, the Indian cuisines we discover everyday…
What’s more complicated is the pollution, the chaotic system, the traffic jams… but you can’t get everything good without negative sides.

So India, Eldorado or mirage?
Neither one nor the other. But an equivalent of the US Far West at the nineteen century. Fascinating. Irritating. Creative. Destructive. But always the feeling to be right at the center of the new world.

Royal Enfiel or Toyota Innova ?
Enfield – 1978. What else ?

Kingfisher or Whisky ?
KF but from time to time a little of Whisky :-)

AC or fan ?
God bless the AC inventor…

Brunch or Dosa ?
Both of them of course. Dosa & Iddly, but always the need to escape a bit from India to be able to survive… And the brunch allows this decompression.

What you miss the most about France? What you don’t?
France?

What you’ll miss the most if you leave India?
Honestly, I don’t know. The masala dosa and the brunch next to the swimming pool I guess… and my Enfield.

Serial expat?
Once you’re expat, you don’t come back.

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