Many a times brilliance strikes a human being from nowhere. He gets an idea that can change the world. He thinks a bit about it and finds it feasible.  Then he gets occupied with his day to day responsibilities and forgets about the brilliant idea. The idea never goes from thought to execution.

Many great people roam around with books/diaries. This is to ensure that no idea is lost and each idea is taken to its full potential. Some take it one step further and document their effort. Leonardo Da Vinchi is a striking example. He would document all his ideas, experiments and projects. He was a genius.

Keeping this in mind, I’ll be carrying a pen and book everywhere I go to ensure I am able to note down the ideas that come to me. I’ll make sure I dedicate enough time to see the ideas through and materialize. The power of one’s brain is limitless when used in the right manner.

Today was a very unproductive day. I literally did no work. I spent the time contemplating about my life and where I am heading. The picture that emerged out was kind of hazy. The whole objective of my life is to be ‘financially secure’ by the age of 35 and be happy/content in the process of getting there.

By financially secure, I mean not have to necessarily work to live the lifestyle I am currently living. To not think twice before buying something I really like. I am a man of simple tastes, so it shouldn’t be that difficult to reach there. But the financial goals I have set for my self are daunting and not so easily attainable.

But somehow the whole equations and matrices don’t add up. There is something here I don’t see. There is more to happiness than money and having a good time. There is something much more. Something that makes the effort worth it.

I am not exactly sure how I am going to reach my goal but I am sure it will fall together eventually. I will make it fall together ;). I will make it happen.

I was taught how to add numbers. I was taught what reacts with what to get what. I was taught why things fall to ground when I throw them. I was taught that Romeo loved Juliet. I was taught how planes fly. I was taught all that BS, so I can get a degree and earn money. I was never taught how to manage it.

I like money. The flow of money amazes me. Hence, I am always eager to learn anything that can make/save me money. In the process, I learned about key banking and financial norms. A bit about portfolio management. Basics on how money should be invested. I still feel I know nothing.

Getting your money to work for you is a art. Ensuring your money is protected against inflation and doesn’t lose its buying power is common sense. I see people stacking money in their bank accounts at feeble interest rate and then complaining everything is got expensive.

The thing is, everything is going to get more and more expensive with time. Inflation is going to eat your money up. Your money needs to be managed well to beat inflation at the least. Where to invest is upto you. It could be fixed deposits, stock market or real estate. It depends on your income profile and risk apetite.

What am I going to do to educate myself? I am going to ensure I read books related to money often. Currently, I am reading ‘The Intelligent Investor By Graham Bell’. Its sorta dry but informative. I have promised my self I am going to read a chapter a night from tonight onwards.

Lets hope it works out. It takes knowledge to make it happen.

If you’ve been in the country for long enough, you’ve probably come across the word Vaasta. It basically means you have a connection with the inside and your work will be done above the system. You will be allowed to jump ques and formalities.

I have seen people pass driving test in the first try and without the first try also. I have seen people get away with really serious crimes because they have ‘Vaasta’ with the sheik family. If you are close with the right people, trust me things can be done in a jiffy.

Usually Vaasta works well on tier 1. When you try to use your Vaasta for your friends, it usually doesn’t turn out well. It might also fuck up your impression with the person. So be wise on where to use what and for whom.

How to make Vaasta? Now this is a tricky question. As an expat it is not easy. The usual source of Vaasta is the Local Sponsor for your business. More affluent your sponsor is, more favors he can pull in for you. So don’t be surprised when you see big firms having sheik family connections. Its pretty normal.

So the point here is. Vaasta is important and don’t mess with people having Vaasta. Can get you into shit !

I am not very sure what the purpose for fining cars parked in reversely is. Apparently, It is an abuse of parking space. I do understand its a  pain in the bottom when someone wants to reverse park in heavy traffic. But still how is reverse parking an abuse of parking space?

Rules are getting stranger by the day. I am not sure if having laws like this would be appropriate in any first world country. I am of the strong opinion that somewhere in the law making process the expats should be involved. As more expats will be impacted by a law than the locals.

I am not saying, expats make laws. But atleast take their opinion.