charankanya on May 26th, 2009

This is the store  that we bought transformers as well as 220 volt garbage disposers etc. Its a good store - prompt shipping etc.
Regarding transformers, you need step-down transformers (to step down the voltage from 220 volts to 110 volts for your US appliances). The ones we have got are on this page  (scroll down to see the [...]

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What are the pros and cons of moving to India, versus staying in the U.S. (or some other country)? This question was debated so many times by my friends and I (when I was deciding to move). It still continues to be debated now by my friends who are themselves thinking about moving.  “What is the best [...]

Continue reading about Advantages Of Raising Children in India v/s Advantages Of Raising Children In Other Countries

charankanya on April 9th, 2009

I drop my kids off at school each morning.  I drop them to the gate and walk back to my car.  I see the same parents every morning who come to drop off their children.  When I make eye-contact, I smile at them….and no one smiles back.  In fact, most hastily avert their gaze, or [...]

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charankanya on April 6th, 2009

Soccernova runs an excellent program for teaching soccer to children.  Soccernova follows the international curriculum of Brazilian Soccer Schools. Their coaches are very well trained.  I have found it very rare to find such an excellent, dedicated, well organized sports curriculum in Pune.  The coaches really know their stuff, and know how to impart it to kids.  [...]

Continue reading about Summer Camps: Soccer/Football

charankanya on March 18th, 2009

A friend’s maid is beaten up by her drunk husband…yet again.   How can we help stop this?  Most people say don’t get directly involved, or her family can be targeted.  So, what next? We helplessly watch a woman being battered?  Does anyone know how she can be helped?  Are there any shelters for battered women in [...]

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charankanya on March 18th, 2009

Restaurant: Ccasanova
Cuisine: Italian
Cost: Expensive
Location: Kalyaninagar, Pune.
Contact Info: +91 20 2660 8888
Pros: Very nice decor.  Great ambience.  Good food.  I would recommend the Tomato soup.  The Minestrone Soup is good, but it would be more apt to call it “French Beans and Vegetable Soup”.  The Pizzas are quite good, and so are most of the pastas [...]

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“If Your’e Coming Home Again” is a well written, interesting article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal recently.   Mr. Sheth writes that: 
But is India really the land of opportunity for its returnees? Undoubtedly, there’s opportunity. But here are a few thoughts and suggestions that potential returnees should be aware of before they book their tickets. 
While [...]

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charankanya on January 22nd, 2009

For most it is just difficult to find good, accurate information on the various schools in India.  There is a good website, that tries to fill this gap.
Zeeksha is a place to find and share experiences about various schools and pre-schools in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune

It was started by a group of parents who [...]

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charankanya on January 19th, 2009

If your child is in an IB school or you are considering putting your child in an IB school, you MUST read this. In my opinion, IB Schools in Pune are probably one of the biggest scams around.  The IB affiliation by the International Baccalaureate Organization is offered for three different programmes:

 PYP (Primary Years Program): [...]

Continue reading about Is your IB school really IB? Will it ever be?

charankanya on November 21st, 2008

Should you bring your kitchen appliances with you? Or should you buy them once you reach India? Would the 110V appliances work in India? Or does one need to buy 220V appliances? The following should help you decide what to bring with you when you move to India.

Continue reading about Small (Kitchen) Appliances - Bring or Buy?