HYDERABAD: Paulo Coelho says in ‘The Alchemist’ – “When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person realise his dream.” Her only desire was to visit India. The universe conspired and a MNC offered her a job in Sydney, which she refused, but she did ask if there was a vacancy in India. Two days later, she was offered a post in Mumbai. Zeynep Kanra from Istanbul with her bags packed was headed towards her dream destination. For almost four years now, India has been her home and she doesn’t want to leave the country anytime soon.
“This incident proved to me that if you really want something from your heart, it will come true. India was always in my heart and here I am, living on its soil, breathing its air,” Zeynep gushes who spent her initial three years in Mumbai before making a move to the City of Nawabs.
“Mumbai meri jaan!”
Taking about Mumbai, Zeynep says the city will always be special for her. “Landing in Mumbai alone, taking a cab all by myself, finding an apartment, making friends, adapting to everything – Mumbai was like a mother hugging me and telling that everything will be all right,” she says solemnly adding that beneath the excitement of settling India there were also some apprehensions since she didn’t know anyone here.
A different love
Eight months ago, when Zeynep moved to Hyderabad, it was a beginning of a new journey – which she didn’t like much– at first. “Hyderabad is different from Mumbai, and in the beginning, I didn’t like Hyderabad. I was travelling back to Mumbai almost every weekend,” she reminiscences. She believes that cities have souls. And, it was only when she understood not to compare both cities, did she begin liking her new home. “I realised the one thing that sets Hyderabad apart from other cities of the country is its people, many of who are my buddies now. I love its weather, food, sunsets and peacocks. Although it was not love at first sight!”
Zeynep’s love for Hyderabad now, is evident when you ask what she will miss when she leaves the city. “I am not planning to leave Hyderabad,” is her curt reply. As an afterthought, she adds, “Thinking about leaving this country and this city makes me sad, that’s why I don’t want to answer this question.”
Being an avid traveller, Zeynep has travelled throughout the country and she says she hasn’t faced any troubles barring the fact that travelling in Hyderabad without a car is not easy. “People stare so much at me because I am a foreigner. Then, language can also become an issue with people who don’t know English,” she explains.
All is well
Unlike other expats who speak of cultural shock when they land in India, Zeynep says nothing about the city or the country strikes her as odd. “I won’t call it strange, it’s cultural difference. I don’t understand why people complain about the customs or habits of Indians. As an expat, you have to adapt and stop complaining, but if you can’t then you better leave,” she says.
Advice for expats
Zeynep also has some advice for those visiting Hyderabad, “Be patient. Slow down. Enjoy the light in the eyes of people and open your heart. The other material details can be solved and settled by the time, but once you open your heart to this city, you will be welcomed. From my experience, I can tell you that if you love India, it will love you back more.”
Home away from home
Zeynep, however, adds that she misses Turkish food here in Hyderabad. “Why aren’t there any good Turkish restaurants here?” the avid traveller and blogger rues. But she isn’t complaining. “Comparing Istanbul and Hyderabad will not help me. I am living in Hyderabad now and I am happy here– despite the differences. Whenever I go to Turkey to visit my family and friends, I miss India. And, coming back here always feels like coming back home,” she signs off.