All of 24, Charles Luckock came to India early November last year to explore “some exciting things and to make documentaries” and instantly fell in love with the country.
He is working with a production house and is learning the finer nuances of filmmaking as a “team member”.
Says the London-born geologist, “London is already developed and has reached the saturation point. So I decided to leave it to explore newer things. I happened to hit the Yuninet on Yahoo! that connects expats living in different countries and cities, especially those in Delhi. I was also lucky to see the address of a journalist working in Delhi who had advertised for a room for expats in C.R. Park. I came here, met him and got the room too. That way, so far, my journey to India has been very smooth.”
The fragrance and taste of chicken and egg rolls at C.R. Park's famous market further goaded Charles to stay on and explore more. He has found Khan Market to satisfy his palate. Unlike most foreigners, Charles loves spices. “I love spicy kathi rolls in Khan Market and garlic chicken in New Friends Colony,” he says fondly.
Ethnic stuff
Apart from food, Charles loves to visit places selling ethnic items. “This Christmas,” he shares, “I went to Dilli Haat and bought lamp for my girlfriend and a pashmina shawl for my mom. It is a fantastic place to be in.” But as he visits places like the malls in Saket, he feels a little jittery.
“Though for a person like me, the malls should come as the most relaxing joints where I can eat my favourite pasta and sip coffee but sitting there I realised that it could be anywhere – Singapore, London or America. Malls look all the same everywhere. Any developing nation making malls seems to be losing on its unique local flavour and individuality which is, a sort of, scary,” he says on a pensive note. Charles also finds the pace of life slow in Delhi. “People are laid back and pace of work is certainly leisurely here,” he says.
Yet, India, especially New Delhi he says has lot of things to make him happy. “People are amiable, friendly and non-interfering at the same time. I have made a lot of friends here apart from a few expats from my own country who live in C.R. Park.”
Charles loves to drive around the city and completely relies on his driver for the roads. At times he has been chased by beggars on the intersection but he laughs it off, “They do. But beggars on the road don't surprise me. Before coming to India I have been to Africa where I have seen them. I feel sad for them but it doesn't bother me as such,” he says.
To make his stay permanent, Charles is now looking for business opportunities here. “Given a chance I wouldn't like to leave Delhi,” he concludes, full of hope!
