Meet Etta, Indonesian housewife in New Delhi

Why did you decide to move to India?

I moved to New Delhi because my husband lives here. He is an Indian. Since I got here, until now, I'm a housewife. Only after I get my PIO next year, I would be allowed to work legally.

How was the moving process?

The moving process wasn't so difficult on my side. The lady at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta told my husband and me that we can apply for multiple entry 6-month visa. She said that after one year of marriage, based on our marriage registration document, we can apply for a PIO. But my husband says, living in India for one year, supported by the marriage document, can also enable me to receive PIO.

Did you face some difficulties to adapt to your host country?

There are, of course, difficulties in dealing with this new place. The language is definitely different. My mother in law doesn't actually speak English. So we've been communicating to each other with a bit of English and my bit of Hindi. There are of course more smiles and touches that words. However, I told myself that I would start from zero. I would embrace the new culture and condition, without keeping my hometown compared to this place. Because of course India will never win from Indonesia for me. Indonesia is my hometown. She has almost everything I find the best; my family, my mother tongue, favorite dishes, facilities I need, more this and more that. In terms of cultures, there are differences. I was raised seeing my Dad staying with my Mom in gatherings and parties. While my husband "has" to leave me with the ladies while he mingles with the men, in respect to the elderly. One thing I still can't conquer: the food. Big time. Oh and of course the dogs on the street, since I'm afraid of them.

What surprised you the most in New Delhi?

What surprises me the most in Delhi? One is to find that this place gives full freedom to animals. I call it: the USA for animals, where they would fight to get a green card to enter and stay here. They are free to roam, people feed them, give them blanket, and all. They don't take care of the homeless so much, as far as I see. One more thing is on how HOT the summer actually is. There are more things that surprise me. But those two were one of the biggest.

Is it easy to meet new people in New Delhi? Any advice?

Meeting new people in Delhi is a bit difficult for me so far. I stay at home, unless my husband or his family goes with me. I've been trying to get Indonesian friends or other expats. But then again, it's not that easy. I'm still trying. Perhaps once I can speak better Hindi, I can join some classes or society, participate in Church activity, and other stuffs.

You are married to an Indian citizen: what were the formalities?

We were married in Indonesia. But my husband is working on registering our marriage here. He mentioned FRRO and other formalities. We are still on the process though. I would be able to share for more things once we're done with it. Perhaps within this month.

Something you like about New Delhi and something you don't like:

What I like about New Delhi is... One and foremost... The gardens. They are lovely and beautiful. You can simply have morning or evening walk with your loved ones or alone, enjoying the flowers and greenery. But really, the only thing that holds me here is my marriage. My husband is here, and that makes India better than any other part of the world, even Indonesia. We had long distant relationship for 3 years. We met from the Internet, so it kinda explain how rarely we get to be together.

What do you miss the most from Indonesia?

My family and food are the ones I miss the most from Indonesia. Unlike there are Indian restaurants in Indonesia, they don't have Indonesian restaurants in India. And yes, every time I see my husband's family, I miss mine too. My in-laws, especially my mother and father-in-law have been very understanding and respected the place and environment I was raised in. But still... I can't snuggle cuddle them like I do with my parents, can I? Hehehehe....

What does a typical day as an expat in New Delhi look like?

A typical day as an expat in Delhi... Would be staying at home and watching TV, talking to my family in Whatsapp, or read. Other days, I would be using the washing machine, or cook. In the afternoon, after my husband is home, we would go to his parents' house or go out with his friends.

Which advice would you give to people wishing to live in New Delhi?

I saw some people wished to stay in Delhi. Well, saw it from the net. They need to prepare themselves with the kicking food, drastic weather, and the high level of unorganized life here. They better be prepared to hear endless honking too. But one important thing they should have is a friend, a local reliable friend that would be there for them when the going gets rough. Because so far, safety seems to be an issue here.