Home Sweet Home

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick, final post, as I happily hunker down on the comfy couch in our den with Bobby and the kitties to keep me company. The long trip home went well -- uneventful, productive (I got quite a lot of work done), pleasant (I had several very nice seatmates), on time, and I even got all my luggage! Best of all, it was wonderful to have Bobby meet me at the airport (he was even so thoughtful as to bring a parka for me!).

Admittedly, the jet lag was a bit rough yesterday (Saturday), but after taking an Ambien to make myself sleep a full night last night, I've been much better today... so hopefully the return to regular office hours won't be too bad -- and thankfully it's a short week, due to the President's Holiday. Yay!

My many thanks to all of you who have checked in on my blog and sent me your notes of encouragement -- it was a wonderful adventure, but a long one and a long way from home, so it really helped to know my home team had me in their thoughts and prayers -- they worked wonders!

Thank you for letting me share my stories with you -- and I"ll gladly bring you all along for the vicarious ride next time too (next trip -- India, with Governor Kaine, April 2007).

Until then, my warmest regards -- and one last photo of "India - the country that lives in many centuries" this shot was taken from our car on the way home from Agra.

Much love,

Kim

Last Stop - Magnificent Melbourne

Hi All,
In some ways it’s hard to believe I’ve reached the end of the journey…but in others it seems I’ve been on the road forever! Each day has, literally, had its own storyline with highs, lows, comedy, and happily, very little drama (knock on wood for the long trip home).

I’m here in Melbourne today, and this is truly a terrific place to conclude the trip – I really love it here, it’s such a charming city, so easy to navigate, lots of interesting architecture (both old world and very new), pretty streets with lots of trees, and a real sense of unique identity and charm – largely conveyed by the very friendly people of Victoria. (Photo on the left if of the downtown skyline with the Yarra river in the foreground).

My visit to Sydney was very good – on the work front it wasn’t an A+ (more of a B), but I truly savored the city as much as I could around my meetings. It is just so incredibly beautiful (photo on right is just a teaser) – and this is the perfect time of year to be here, smack dab in the middle of summer with crystal blue skies, puffy whisps of clouds, sparkly harbour water and beautiful people all about. I was so very, very happy in my hotel, the Blue Hotel, which is located in Woolloomooloo in the renovated wharf that juts out into the ocean. Apparently it is knows as the destination for all the celebrities – and most of the wharf, beyond the hotel, are privately owned apartments for the whos who of Sydney (I heard various rumors about Nicole Kidman, Russell Crow and Hugh Jackman owning places there), plus there was a gorgeous marina alongside the wharf with huge glamorous yachts (reminded me a bit of Hurricane Hole in the Bahamas) and a whole long row of lovely outdoor eateries. I walked as much as I could – around the marina, over to the botanical gardens, around to the Opera House to Circular Quay (pronounced “key”) where all the ferries come & go. In my one free afternoon (Monday), I trotted over through the garden to the ferries and took the “commuter” ferry to Taronga Zoo which crosses the harbour to the north side and then came back. Next trip I’d really love to go to the zoo – it’s knows as the “Zoo with a View” because it’s right on the harbour and one of the ways to get about it is to take the aerial tram, so you can see the animals and the amazing Harbour View too! I discovered that right across from the Woolloomooloo wharf, there is a yoga studio that looks right out on the water – if I’d only known I would’ve dropped in on a class, it is such a great spot – so that also goes on the list for next time! On Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, I had my only truly “off” night… in that I was supposed to meet a gentleman who is actively evaluating Virginia as a location for his new factory (a true blue Aussie prospect), and somehow we miscommunicated so I spent 45 minutes waiting in the bar (looking much like I was being stood up by a blind date on Valentine’s day) while he apparently waited at the reception desk without walking around to find me. Despite the kind reception desk person’s best efforts – he urged him several times to “go check the bar” (I even heard this in the background on one of the messages my prospect left in my room), he never did and I went with the wrong instincts to “just stay put – to be easier to find”, only to finally give in and go to reception just after he’d gone on his way. Suffice it to say I was really, really upset with myself – this was perhaps the most important meeting of my trip, and somehow, I blew it…. I’m still having a hard time shaking it, although I’ve been in touch with him and he seems to not hold me responsible for the mixup…. Grrr. Meanwhile, the other downside of this mini fiasco is that it left me without a plan for dinner – and I was apparently in the most popular spot for Sydney couples to plan their romantic outings – as I took a twilight walk around the harbour and the park, I felt like a beacon of pathetic-ness as a lone waif amidst all the happy, valentines…. I almost felt like I was making them uncomfortable, so I opted not to have dinner outside, but rather packed it in for a quiet night of room service and I got some work done… but, really, this is not the way to enjoy Sydney – it’s made for being out and about!!! On Thursday, I had a few meetings and then walked back from down town (Martin Place) to the hotel – such gorgeous, warm, sunny weather – and I enjoyed more views of the parks and places of interest (despite being all dressed up for business). I had one last meeting at the hotel, which gave me a chance to grab a quick bite at one of the lovely restaurants on the wharf because I had company, and then off to the airport. I caught a 5:30 flight (instead of my planned 7pm), and made it to my hotel here in Melbourne by about 8:30.

Today was a great day to wrap up the trip – I had 3 excellent meetings – including one with a company that is actively considering VA right now for a manufacturing operation, and another that made a big announcement of a new facility in VA last November. Plus a great meeting with my counterparts at the Victoria government, and a lovely lunch with a new found friend, Crystal Johnson – a transplant to Melbourne from Zimbabwe – and we are both blond, only children who speak Spanish… with a penchant for the international. What a treat! After my last meeting, over a couple of local “coldies” (it was a 5pm Friday afternoon meeting after all), I headed out into the warm summer evening for a “walkabout” along the Yarra river – fabulous evening, and I even got to partake of a Chinese New Year festival!!

I may jot one more note before I hop on the plane tomorrow – but for now I need to sign off and try to get a few more work-related loose ends tied up before I finish my first “circumnavigation” of the globe – I’m continuing the journey EAST via Sydney and then on to San Fran, and then home sweet home – it’ll be a long day, but I can’t wait!

G’day & Much love,

Kim

Gidday from Woolloomooloo!!

Hi All,
I'm happily settled into my super cool digs here in Sydney -- this is such a beautiful place! It's fun to think that both Padre and I have been here within the past year. Admittedly, it would be a lot more fun with Bobby here to enjoy this with me... maybe next November when we try to make it here for Melbourne Cup? Anyhow, I arrived about 7ish after my puddle jumper flight from Canberra, and after a quick unpacking, I stepped out for a bit of a walk around the wharf and then a bit of dinner -- pizza, salad & beer -- what a treat!!! My theory is that tomorrow I won't want to be the only single person out for dinner by myself, so tonight I sat outside and did some reading... all the while enjoying the San Diego-like weather. As much as I'm counting down the days to be home after so long, I confess I'll miss the balmy weather -- the cold in VA is going to be such a shock!

It's almost Valentines' Day here in OZ... so I'm wishing everyone back at home a happy Heart & Candy filled day... with big hugs from me. I miss you!
Me

Greetings from OZ!

Hi All,

I'm here in Canberra, happy & healthy and on the homestretch toward home! The trip from Mumbai was good, uneventful (no crazy finger mishaps - yay!) but a bit long. I confess I was a bit put off by my arrival in Sydney -- first of all I'd gotten used to standing out like a sore thumb (and now I'm back to blending in) and I was clearly getting spoiled by all the people standing by to help me in India (porters, drivers, etc). None of that nonsense in Sydney -- just me, my many bags, several buses, an assortment of obnoxious travelers, some very inquisitive customs agents, and several flights of stairs stood between me and my temporary home here in Canberra. Anyhow, I made it just fine -- had some lunch, took a shower and then a truly transformational nap -- which put me in a much better mood to dive in to work here down under. I had a nice dinner last night at the restaurant on Telstra Tower which is on Black Mtn above Canberra, and it spins around so I had a fantastic tour of the whole area while enjoying a nice dinner with the consultants we've engaged to help our efforts here. Today was just like a normal work day -- all very well and good, but decidedly less exciting and exotic than India. I'm looking forward to a few days in Sydney -- and then just one short day in Melbourne before the long trip home sweet home! I've attached a photo from my room at the Taj Palace in Mumbai -- pretty amazing place. The momument is called Gateway to India. Hope everyone is well -- I miss you!!!! Me

Signing off from India -- on my way "down under"

Hi All,

Just one last note to conclude my two week trek through Incredible India -- and I'm happy to say I seem to be heading out with my health on the upswing. With any luck, I will be positively SWEARING by Zithromax as single most valuable key to success in India -- with thanks to my friend Steve Jast from ROI for the good drugs -- I seem to be really on the mend, at last! So, on this happy note I had a good, final day here in Mumbai. The weather has been absolutely perfect -- which I've particularly appreciated in light of all the notes I've had from home telling me about the super frosty temps. I got a few hours of work done in the middle of the day after my morning meeting, then two really productive meetings focused on specific plans for Governor Kaine's visit in April. Ultimately, I opted not to go to the big Nasscomm dinner as it was very far away from my hotel and I found the time better spent doing a bit of work, jotting a few postcards and having dinner -- such a great concept (the eating of food, that is). Just now I've finished the major repack and I'm ready to call it a night.

This has truly been a wonderful trip -- I've met SO MANY great, friendly, enthusiastic, kind and hospitable people; I've seen so much; and I've taken a gazillion photos which I'll put into a picasa web album to share through the blog when I get home -- for those of you with alot of time on your hands! While my first trip was entirely too short, it may be that 2 weeks is just a bit long -- or perhaps that's only true because I know I still have another week of hotel hopping to do.... but the challenge is there is so much to see & do here. The demand for the information I am here to provide is voracious -- there is SO MUCH interest in growth, particularly closer to the US market, that I can only hope that some of my efforts will turn into results (sooner rather than later).

OK -- enough boring stuff. I'm signing off and really looking forward to my nice long flight on Singapore Air tomorrow -- my flight path is Mumbai - Singapore, Singapore - Sydney, Sydney - Canberra. Arriving at my hotel about 10:30am Sunday, after leaving this hotel at 8:30am Saturday. Wish me luck -- I'll give y'all a holler once I'm settled in.

Today's photo is from Chennai -- I took a walk on the beach on Sunday afternoon (with about 2000 of my closest friends), the one day that everyone has off, and it was as much of a full, direct experience with the regular working people of India that I have had -- it was a multisensory experience: sights, sounds, feelings (sand), and oh the smells (I skipped the tastes, don't worry). I thought this shot pretty much captured the whole semi-overwhelming mixture of chaos, color, contradiction, culture and community that contributes to India's magic.

Happy Friday everyone.

Love,

K.

Back in Bombay -- The Final Stop in Incredible India

Hi All,

I'm happily back in the gorgeous Taj Palace & Tower, and once again totally lucked out with an upgrade to the historic palace portion of the hotel... it's just amazing, and this time I have a sea view room which means I look out on the ocean, full of fishing boats and the magnificent Gateway to India monument. Too bad I'm so rarely in the room to enjoy it! Despite a rather really rough night on Monday following the big excitement of the Chennai event, I pulled off my biggest rally to date and made the flight to Ahmedabad (sans shower) and somehow kept up my game face through a series of meetings with the Gujarat govt folks arranged by our local host. The best part of the day was the punchy laughter with the VPA guys and Steve Jast from ROI at the airport -- it was much easier to face the chaos of the domestic airport scene with company! After a wonderful night of sleep (I love that Ambien!), I felt MUCH better and on Wednesday AM I had the chance to go see one of Gandhi's Ashrams in Ahmedabad, where he lived before leaving to lead the Salt March -- it was a very peaceful place, and I found this scene of his "office" quite amazing -- you can almost envision him sitting there in this simple spot meeting with people from all around the world. His spinning wheel is very famous. After another company visit, arranged by Partap (my Chandigarh host)'s sister, I then went off to Baroda to see the Sterling Gelating offices and then spend the afternoon meeting with my Gujarat host at his very lovely estate in BAroda -- it was truly gorgeous and without a doubt the most peaceful afternoon I've had. Then, we flew to Mumbai where I arrived late last night. I have 2 chock full days here, then head out on Saturday to Canberra. I am feeling better, but it seems like ages since I was 100%.... so I'm taking my vitamins and airborne and a new antibiotic in hopes of staying ahead of this bug for the final week of the trip. I miss everyone -- and I'm thinking of you all all the time. Love, Me

Success in Chennai -- and in Miami: YAY Colts!

Hi All,

I'm here in Ahmedabad, my penultimate stop in India ... and things are going well. Admittedly, I'm making the most of my rallying talents as my tummy isn't much approved and I'm on day 6 of very little food, but the good thing is that I generally feel much, much better during the day so I can function just fine for all my work stuff. I'm hitting the hay soon in hopes of getting a good night of sleep -- to make up for last night, which was pretty rough.

Yesterday was a success on several fronts -- first, I was so thrilled that Madre's colts did her proud and that Peyton got his superbowl ring. The game ended here about 8:30am -- a couple of the guys who were with me in Chennai got up at 4am to watch it! Also, my event was received very well -- by a large (140+) crowd that seemed to literally gobble up all the info we had to share. I'll try to attached the article from the local paper, including a goofy but not entirely horrible photo of me, plus I've attached a shot of the seminar room & audience.

Sunday, I arrived from Calcutta after a nice sleep on the plane and met up with Steve Jast, the president of the consulting company, ROI, that I engaged to help us identify prospects in Chennai to attend the seminar. He and I spent a few hours doing a quick tour around town, including a trip to the beach and a bit of shopping -- it was nice to be out of doors, in the sun, and in casual clothes -- and not with a local host just for a bit of relaxing.

OK, off to bed now -- I confess I miss home a bit -- especially Bobby & the kitties.

Lots of camels, donkies, cows, buffalos and monkeys on the streets here! I"ll try to get some snaps.

Hugs,

Me

Looking on the bright side... I may lose some weight!

Hi All,
It’s almost super bowl Sunday here in Calcutta and I’m getting ready to hit the hay before my early AM departure for Chennai. My visit here has been good, with many good meetings, very friendly people and beautiful-interesting-historic sights. Unfortunately, it’s all been a bit less fun for me because after dodging the infamous “Delhi Belly” I’ve been struck by the lesser known “Calcutta Crummies”… and it’s putting my rallying talents to the test. Ah well, at least there’s hope of coming home a few pounds lighter!

A few highlights of this trip were: lunch with the Consul General from the US Consulate, visit to the Victoria Memorial, Birla Temple and the Royal Calcutta Turf Club Racecourse – as well as a bit of long overdue handicraft shopping. The photo is of the Supreme Court building – one of many very lovely british-era buildings, and one of the best maintained. While I soaked in a bit more culture here, I can’t say I’ve partaken of much of the cuisine – maybe next time!

I’m both excited and somewhat apprehensive about the next stop in Chennai – I’m looking forward to seeing a few friendly faces from home as I’ll meet up with Russ Held from Virginia Port Authority, and his colleague Sunny How from the VPA office in Singapore, as well as my colleague & friend Steven Jast, President of Research on Investment, the Montreal firm we’ve engaged to lead identification for us in Chennai. The good news is that the program has come together quite well – the speakers I approached from the US Consulate and Sterling Gelatin (one of our success stories) have been great about preparing their remarks, and our partners at ROI and CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) have done a tremendous job promoting the event – such a tremendous job that now, rather than an event of 35-50, it appears we’ll have a ballroom full of 150-200 people! Yikes! I can’t wait to see what horrifying photos the press snaps of me this time! But, all for the good of raising the visibility of Virginia as the #1 Best State for Business.

GO COLTS – Madre, I’ll be thinking of you and hoping for the best for Peyton.