Happy Birthday, Sir John Samuel!

25 June 2010

21:09

Today was just a really great day.

Upon arriving at work, the atmosphere in the office was almost giddy with excitement and anticipation. The women were exchanging eager looks and sweeping energetically, and the men were busy organizing and discussing.

It was John’s Birthday.

Before he arrived, a cake was snuck in along with an assortment of presents wrapped in metallic royal blue paper. Eventually, we were all shooed out of the office and made to do our work outside. We waited.

John arrived an hour and one half later. Everyone rose and stood in line to shake his hand, wish him a very happy day, and give many congratulations. Then he was ushered inside where the beautiful lemon cake awaited. We all sang a Birthday tune very similar to the American classic while flowers were strung around his neck and placed in his hair. Throughout the singing, John cut the cake and hand fed a bite to everyone within arms reach. It was a joyous occasion.

Presents from the ladies were then given. Most were fruits and flowers. The men’s present to John was hard-wiring and installing 3 new plug outlet panels in the office. It proved to be a full day of zero power, but now there are plenty of plug spaces to go around.

I’m not sure if it was customary (this was my first birthday celebration in India), but John proceeded to take everyone in the office out to lunch. This was my first restaurant experience in Bangalore, so I had someone else order for me. My only request was for it to be vegetarian. When I was served a large silver platter full of smaller dishes of savory sauces, rice and flatbread, I was surprised. I had to watch the others to figure out how to proceed with the eating of such a meal. It was busy and fun.

After the celebration came to an end, I spent an hour or so socializing with the girls in the office that I didn’t yet know very well. It was time full of broken English, smiles, and laughter. Smiling is the universal language, and the energy was contagious. It was great to see everyone is such high spirits. :o)