Hello 2017
Every year has its events and outcomes that are good, bad, noteworthy, or predictable. 2016 was a year of events that most people would not have expected! Think of this: The Cubs won the World Series for the first time in over 100 years! Donald Trump, without any significant support from either major political party, won the election to be the next President of the United States. I could list out notable events of the year, but let me just make my point in a more direct way.
If there is anything you want to do in 2017, but believe is not possible because you do not have the resources, or the connections, or the background to do it, you need to cultivate a belief in yourself that it is possible. Your dream can be achieved if you take up the work, execute a good plan, and are passionate and consistent in your follow through. The underdogs are winning, and you can too!
Maybe next year, the Superbowl will feature the Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions! Anything is possible!
Thanksgiving
What a wonderful day! The entire concept is extraordinary. Take a day to feel grateful and appreciate all that you have. The people in your life, the place you live, the opportunities soon to arrive.
For those of us in middle America, even our bad days are fantastic compared to how much of the world lives. It is great to strive for a better life each day, but we should never take for granted the fantastic blessings we have with so many food choices near by, hot running water, fast Internet, and good services close by when you need them.
Good night to all.
Last morning in Mumbai
Without any real plan, I decided to see as much of the city as I could on foot. I do not like to wander aimlessly, so I picked a shopping area as my target, and began the hike to Alfa at Irla Market.
For me, the only way I get to know a place is by walking it, or maybe bicycling, but I would not advise bicycling in Mumbai if you are new to the area! The traffic is very dense, and foot traffic, bicycles, cars and motorized rickshaw taxis all blend together in whatever space becomes available.
I spent a good 45 minutes to an hour walking away from my hotel, first going towards the metro station, which I will admit I climbed to the platform for exactly two reasons: First, I wanted to see from higher above street level; and second, if I went up the stairs on one side, and down the stairs on the other side of the metro platform I could avoid crossing the busy intersection with its blended mess of pedestrians and vehicles. Here is a view from the platform:
As I continued walking, I went over a bridge area that let me take a pic of a few angles. The city really sprawls out, and things get built up quickly without much time for planning.
Off the left side, you see the buildings and streets…
On the right side, you see the roadway…
Kept on walking…it started to feel like I was in a Lord of the Rings saga with all the walking, but at least there were no fights to report (like in the Tolkien books).
As I continued, I came across another bridge, where I got to see the trains I heard about. People use these to commute. From where I was standing, the trains were in front of me and to the right…
To the left, this was the view…
Continuing my trek, I kept an eye out for interesting shops, and things my kids might enjoy.
My daughter asked me every day if I saw any cows yet, because she read that cows can be found anywhere in India. As I spent most of my my time in the ultra crowded downtown areas, I did not see any cows at all…Until my long hike this morning!
As far as the market, I think I never found it, or it was not clearly marked and I did not know I was there, as silly as that sounds! I was exhausted and took a cab back to the hotel!
Last day in Mumbai
Between the work schedule and some general travel weariness, I did not have much to post about the past few days.
It was a productive week, and enjoyable, but was too tired to get out and see much this week. I hope the team got as much benefit from the meetings as I did, and that we all work together even better than before.
Since I have the rest of today until my flight home, I will try to find one last something I can do easily before leaving Mumbai.