Captain's Log #270109

The last time I tried a three-day transcontinental trip I ended up with facial palsy. Was an interesting experience, to say the least, and I remember promising myself to not be that stupid again. With the subsequent return of my face to its normal elastic condition, the lessons and the promises were soon forgotten. This past weekend, I attempted stupidity again. Thankfully, there were no disastrous consequences this time around and I remained in full control of my face throughout the weekend. As always, had some interesting travel experiences.

On the flight from Frankfurt to Chennai, had my seat changed at the last minute. A few hours into the flight, ended up striking a conversation with Ms D, seated next to me. I’ve always had a little bit of the philosopher in me, or so I’d like to think. What started off as the “do good and go to heaven” philosophy as a kid evolved into an objectivist “I” oriented one with “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged”. Didn’t find all the answers to the questions there and the quest hit another tipping point with “Conversations with God”. More tangents from there eventually led me to my current pursuit of the Zenist philosophy of mindful living. On my current reading shelf are the following books, “The Power of Now” and “A 10 week course on Mindfulness”. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear, so goes the saying. Ms D ended up being a ”Mindful Living” teacher. What followed was a very interesting conversation on spirituality and coincidences. I could feel the universe winking at me. I winked back.

The flight from Chennai to Coimbatore saw me sitting next to a random person. And no, it’s never that interesting twenty something year old girl that I know is long due. The random person had the book “Debt of Honor” by Clancy. Being quite the Jack Ryan fan, I remarked to him that it was a good book. I was sleepy and we spoke no more. The universe would have none of it. No surprises then, when I found myself seated next to the same guy on the flight back from Coimbatore. I told Mr. A that the occasion called for an introduction. Mr. A happened to be the CEO of the Indian arm of a well known MNC and what followed was an interesting conversation on the world and it’s various economies. I didn’t even battle an eyelid when he told me that he was going to be in Chicago next month – his office is right across the one I will be based out of the next four months. More winks.

On a non-travel related note, met KK during the break and we ran a couple of laps at the uber prestigious “Race Course” in Coimbatore. Long ways from the time I used to gape at people running there on my way to school. There are few things that would motivate me to miss the Republic day parade on TV, and a chance to catch up with KK rates as one of them. The guy is phenomenal – a bundle of energy with a superb attitude to life. Walked off feeling super energized and extremely bullish on life. So much so, decided to shamelessly copy KK’s resolution for the year – “Fighting Fit” albeit with my own tweaks to it. For anyone in Chennai, look him up for getting involved in a wide spectrum of activities – running, cricket, frisbee, volunteering and entrepreneurship.

And finally, I have traveled a ton the last couple of years across multiple airlines. I’ve had a wide range of experiences – from the fabulous to the notorious. However, nothing prepared me for the question from the “premiere” class Jet Airways cabin crewmember “Sir – can I make the bed for you?“. And she then proceeded to actually convert my seat into a full stretch bed. I’ll admit, it did feel a little weird, but I’ve never slept that comfortably at 37000ft before. All those lessons on “Wowing the Customer”, and I finally saw a superb demonstration of the concept.

It feels good to be back, in more ways than one. Safe travels, everyone! Over & Out.