Common denominators

I'm on an early morning flight from Hyderabad back to Delhi, and two rows ahead of me are six Muslim men, probably between 25-50 in age, and all wearing very traditional Muslim garb. In many instances, these guys would be viewed by other passengers with suspicion. And I have to admit - when the seatbelt sign was turned off and two of them got up simultaneously, I took note. But they were just rotating seats so one guy could look out the window. Three of them craned their necks to look out the window - smiling - and it was clear that this is their first plane ride.

It was a moment when you remember - if only temporarily - that almost all of us humans across the world have string common denominators.

I've spent almost every hour of the past three days with an Indian named Joseph. He's a sales manager for our client, and we got to know each other pretty well after many meals, many interviews with doctors (including more than a few true characters), chemists, a tuk tuk ride. I know a bit about his family and what he thinks about the US, religion. He remembered all details about my family. He was a great host, and was adamant at times that I try different local cuisine and really "see" his town. We found a number of common denominators, and I have to say that it was the best part of this work trip.

The work was grueling, the client's problem is a difficult one to solve, but I go back to Delhi with a feeling of accomplishment if only for developing relationships with people from a far off place, and finding common denominators. That's what I'll remember.