In May 2023, I went on a business trip to India. India has three main seasons: a dry season (November to March), a hot season (April to June), and the monsoon season (June to October). We visited India during the hot season, and it was indeed sweltering hot.
Once the work began, I communicated with the local employees and explained materials solely in English. Even though I had diligently studied English in Korea, I struggled a bit to get used to their Indian accent when they spoke English.
I was fascinated by the way people in India ate with their hands. There were several sinks conveniently placed at the entrance of the cafeteria. For lunch, we could enjoy exotic dishes like curry, biryani, and tandoori chicken.
During the business trip, I was able to build camaraderie with my Indian colleagues and learn about their culture.
sweltering - extremely and uncomfortably hot
fascinated - extremely interested
exotic - unusual and specially interesting because of coming from a country that is far away
camaraderie - a friendly feeling toward people with whom you share an experience or with whom you work
2023년 5월, 나는 인도 출장을 다녀왔다. 인도는 건기(11월~3월), 혹서기(4월~6월), 우기(6월~10월)로 크게 세 계절이 있다. 우리는 아주 더운 혹서기에 인도를 방문했는데 정말 무더운 날씨였다.
업무가 시작되면 현지 직원들과 영어로만 소통하며 자료를 설명했다. 한국에서 열심히 영어 공부를 했음에도 불구하고 그들의 인도식 영어 발음에 익숙해지는데 애를 많이 먹었다.
나는 인도 사람들이 손으로 음식을 먹는 방식에 신기했다. 식당 입구에 세면대가 여러 개 있어서 편리하게 이용할 수 있었다. 점심에는 카레, 비리 아니, 탄두리 치킨과 같은 이국적인 요리를 맛볼 수 있었다.
출장 기간 동안 인도 동료들과 동료애를 쌓고 그들의 문화에 대해 배울 수 있었다.
- It’s normal to struggle a bit at first. / I knew she was struggling a bit, but I didn’t help her.
- It’s okay to eat with your hands if you wash them first. / I’m not used to eating with my hands.
- There are many places to enjoy exotic dishes in this neighborhood. / It was much harder to enjoy exotic dishes when I was younger.
A: Did you say you went on a business trip to India?
B: Yes, I returned home last week.
A: Then you must be over the jet lag. How long were you there?
B: I was there for about two weeks.
A: How was the local cuisine? Did it agree with you?
B: Yes, it suited me more than I expected. I especially remember the Indian milk tea, “Chai.”
