Thank you all...

I am proud to say that my blog has hit 500 views! :)

Thank you all for taking the time to read, and the few who were keen to comment; it is really appreciated.

Hope to post more soon...!

So Keep looking! :)

A Brazilian Friendship

It is a strange relationship.
Is it a friendship? Is it compassion? Or just plain kind genuine courtesy and help?
It all begins on the day of joining the vessel. An Indian joining a Brazilian vessel. A non-Portuguese speaking Indian joining a non-English speaking Brazilian vessel.
All except one.
A pretty and inquisitive girl who seemed enthralled at the idea of having a chance to interact with an Indian. A blessing in disguise, she speaks good English as well!
This is how began ‘The Brazilian Friendship’.
For she was the only one I could speak to, she would be my translator when it came to communication with the Captain, when I would stare blankly at peoples faces, she would initiate a conversation in English just to keep me involved. Chipping in with information as to who was saying what, translating my chats for the others and vice-versa, I think trying to know as much as her wisdom allowed. For a while I felt as if she was the only friend I had around here; Solving my problems, registering my phone connection, and most of the times simply giving a patient ear to most of what I had to say!
This is where the interactions get complicated. Usually friendships grow in both ways… Both persons have a desire to interact with each other, share ideas, thoughts and activities… In the true meaning of the word, I wonder if we can call our relationship as a friendship! And yet she is the person closest to me on board the ship.
On introspection I feel like a parasite. For I have an imminent need of her companionship for matters as small as translating an SMS to getting word across to a co-worker trying to figure out just what is happening around me! Of course she is kind hearted and good natured enough to never complain. In fact she is gracious enough to acknowledge that if I would not talk to her, then there would be no one I could talk to! Sounds pathetic I know, But that’s the point of writing blogs and diaries… right? At times when you cannot speak your mind, you write it down! ‘Get it out of the system’ as some people call it.
I usually prefer to keep relationships in a balance. If someone does me a favour, I strive to return the same and keep a status quo at most times. It makes me feel more comfortable and free of gratitude in interactions, perhaps makes me friendlier (If I could ever be friendly!!!) [and if friendlier is ever even a word!]. The fact that I practically have no clue as to how to reciprocate to her in words and deeds makes me feel like a dim wit moron. And I am sure that it would be showing at least in part what I feel (Read: I appear to be a moron when interacting with her).
I guess this is the whole point of writing this post! ‘It’s a different culture from where you come from’ this I have heard people say! So in the culture of the place where I am, how do I respond to appear friendly, and less of a slow moving parasitic moron? Suggestions and opinions are welcome.

Before you say it; here is a footnote: I react in a way I believe to be proper, and a manner which is natural for me. However the air of discomfort at times troubles me enough to pen in my thoughts and get an outsiders opinion of it.