Yelläks /ˈyæl•eks/

Recently someone asked me: “What will you take home from India? What experiences did you learn?” My simple reply was: “Patience!” So far many people especially in government offices taught me to be patient, since it takes sometimes days to get a few papers done. One example: Last week I needed a set of papers (maybe 3 to 4 sheets), so Friday afternoon I went to the office to ask for a print out and I wanted to pick them up immediately. Unfortunatley the responsible clerk was not present and he already left for the weekend. So I was asked to come back on Monday morning.

Monday morning: The clerk was present and he asked me to wait, while he gets the papers ready. After 1 hour of waiting, I approached him again and he told me that he could not find my file. He asked me to come back at 4PM.

4PM: I was back in office and asked for that guy. He was not there, so somebody from the office phoned him to come. After 1.5h he was back and told me that he did not find the file until now. He was delighted to hear that I have already a copy of a first set of the same papers. Basically I needed a second set in original. So he wanted to see the first set, so he can copy the content and just sign it. Unfortunately it was already 5.30PM and therefore it was too late for that. I told him that I will bring the papers in the morning on Tuesday and even if he is not there, I will put them on his desk. He agreed to it.

Tuesday morning: I put a copy of the papers on his desk.

Tuesday 4PM: I wanted to pick up the copy. Before that I check his desk, if the papers are still there or if something moved on his desk. I was asked to wait. After round about 45 minutes, I was the proud owner of a second set of 3 sheets of papers in original and certainly I did not get the papers from him.