SFO

Coming back from two inspiring days in Grand Rapids, I'm welcomed by this beautiful view from the plane (facing east across the Bay).

Grand Rapids weather

YES

Nas

Most badass video I've seen in a while:

U-S-A!

After 10 days in India, I'm back home in San Francisco.  Riding back from the airport in beautiful sunny weather, looking out at the scenery, and listening to Jay-Z on the cabbie's radio, I couldn't help but think that we live in a great country.  I don't often make such statements about the U.S. being "great," but the life that most of us live in this country is irrefutably more comfortable than that of other countries.   

The traveling doesn't stop... next week I'll be in Grand Rapids, Michigan for work (and will return another 3-4 times over the next 6 months).  To go from India to a super-American town like Grand Rapids (as proof, the city made this viral video to Don McLean's American Pie) is kind of a trip.  All I can say is that I'm lucky to see so many places.  Even more so, I'm glad to be back home and that my travel schedule is going to be much calmer over the next few months. 

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.

My view

Taxi in Hyderabad rushing to an interview. Dad, you would be freaking out if you had to do this. Hot. Noisy. Chaotic. I love it.

More everything!

There's a Seinfeld episode when Jerry flies first class while Elaine sits back in coach. "more desert, more hot towels, more everything!" he says.

I'm flying from SFO to Newark, and then the big flight to New Delhi (another business class flight, of course). I'll be in Delhi for a few days, then Hyderabad for 4 days (staying at the Taj hotel chain - best in India, I think), back to Delhi, then hopefully a couple days of vacation with my coworker Sam if we get everything done. I'm going to India for work, and will be there for a full two weeks. I really lucked out being staffed on this project - it's a rare thing to be on a case this cool.

While in India, we'll be conducting interviews with experts on diabetes, having a number if focus groups with patients, and working with the client (a large pharma company) to come up with strategies. I played a very minor role in the lead up to our travel (I only recently joined the case), but I'm pretty damn excited to be a part of this.

(as I write this, the first round of hot towels is being passed out. I didn't know I needed a hot towel to ease my weary eyes, but guess I do. When the steward asked if I wanted one, I gave a nod, smile, and facial expression of "but if course; thank you my fine sir." I think it's Ritz Carlton that has the slogan "ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen." kinda feel the same way right now. And am i just supposed to wipe this towel all over my face? Thats it? But I digress...)

This is the second time I've flown business class. The first time was from Paris to JFK - I got upgraded because I was on a buddy pass. Kevin Bacon and his family were sitting behind me on that flight (his 12-year old son had a ridiculous rat tail haircut). No celebs on this flight... That I can see. Maybe Ryan Gossling is in disguise.

How the hell did I end up in this situation?

Photo below is my table... With a white cloth on it. I've always been a first class hater. Worth the extra 3-5k per ticket? I wouldn't do it if I were paying. But you know what? I totally get the appeal.

Time for my fruit plate.