India - Dec 2008

I recently returned from a trip to India. Some random musings:

- The new airport at Hyderabad was impressive.

- I would trade all the 'Starbucks' and 'Dunkin Donuts' in the world to have a 'Coffee Day' in Seattle.

- I'm driving slower with each passing year. (Much to the relief of my passengers)

- I walked into a bank and watched helplessly while 10 people pushed past me to get ahead in the line. I seem to have lost my ability to push back.

- Each time I walked out of an Indo-Chinese restaurant, I contemplated quitting my job and settling down in India.

- Trains now have power outlets for Laptops. suddenly I prefer a train to long flights. :-)

- Kerala has more water than land.

- I'm convinced that Kanyakumari is the windiest city in the World. (Yes, even windier than Chicago)

- The highlight of the vacation was a day on board a Houseboat. It was thoroughly relaxing and refreshing.

- Beggars make me more uncomfortable with each passing year. I even cited this as a reason for taking a flight instead of the train. My point being: Why feel bad when you can't do anything about it. My Dad's response: The more you are in touch with reality, the more likely it is that you will do something about it someday when and if you can. Can't say I disagree with that.

- It was great to spend Christmas at Home after three years!

- Nothing beats meeting up with very close friends you haven't seen in a while.

- Discovered that all the 'Ready to eat' foods I brought back with me should actually be called 'Ready to throw'.

Happy New Year!