The year that was...

2020 started off beautifully. The first month was spent out of country. I love traveling, especially solo. This time was no different. Although it was a work travel, I managed to connect with family and friends that I hadn't seen in decades. 

Some beautiful moments were shared, which I wouldn't trade for anything in this world. I got to absorb the culture and vibes of a country I have come to know only through TV shows and movies and books. I met people that were friendly, smart, intelligent and helpful. Strangers were kind. 

Uber drivers were amazing conversationalists. From Carol in Durham to Ahmed in Boston - I learnt something new about the culture, food, habits and attitude of people. It was an eye opener. 

I also met this lady, at the counter in a duty free store in LHR, who was downright rude. Au contraire, the TSA personnel in Raleigh were mindblowingly sweet. I also met a very young college kid at JFK who tried to hit on me later. He wanted to have tea and cuddle with me (whatever that meant). 

As I wound up my trip at the Big Apple, a part of me stayed there. We always leave a part of us wherever we travel. It is no doubt a beautiful place, albeit a glorified Commercial Street. But the vibe is what gets people to come back.

I returned to India around the time the pandemic started making its entry into the global scene. I had to leave for Pune on work in a few days. I was working 14-15 hours days mostly. But food, family and best friends made it almost palatable. I headed back to Bangalore after a gruelling 2 weeks + visit, amid fears of the pandemic spreading it's dirty claws. The usually bustling Pune airport was dreary. The aircraft was only half full. Things have been crazy ever since.

As we close on March, what we need right now is hope and faith to get through this. 

Like Dr Mallard says - When you are going through hell, keep going.