Back to the BayHad a long fight from Bangalore-Singapore-Seoul-San Francisco. Met some really really interesting people.
The Professor From Tibet and Little Tara
There are three seats, just three for some strange reason before the only TV at the departure terminal in Bangalore which telecasts India's cricket match against Scotland. I am happy that the next two hours shall be less opressive than otherwise. Two seats are occupied. One by an elderly person who looks so much like a Tibetan and the other by a small girl, no older than 6 or 8. I ask if the seat is taken and he invites me to sit down. I make a few calls and hear him try and explain the rules of cricket with great energy to the little girl.
I finally look at the girl and ask. "So are you going to play cricket when you get to Singapore?" He responds smilingly and we get talking. He has an interesting story, the kind that is enriched by deep change. I ask where he is from, and my suspicion is confirmed. He comes from the Tibetan settlement in Mercera (Coorg district). He studied medicine in Bellary, then went to work in the UK and then to pursue his studies in the US. He now lectures in Michigan. He asks if I have children. I tell him I am unmarried and despite the opportunity and excellent timing, steer clear of stupid follow up jokes about my children. He advises me not to delay my marriage too much, since he married late and wishes he could have spent his earlier years with his little Tara (a great kid).
I mention that he is unmistakably Tibetan in appearance and that I suspected as much when I saw him. I mention my trip to Ladakh, and talk about the Tibetan books I'd read. He comments that he is seriously considering learning Tibetan philosophy and culture .... he is pleasantly surprised to see the 'Bardo Thodol' or the 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead' in my bag. We talk more about my trip and the book, and little Tara shifts her attention between the conversation and the tv on which India is dismantling the Scotland bowling attack in Glasgow. Tara, was born in Michigan and is on her first trip to India talks of this and that, and finally asks - "Do these Indian toilets, have a name?". I remark that they may be called 'squat' toilets. She says ..."I just call them go-in-the woods toilets", with the elan of a child who is unmistakably encouraged to speak her mind. She is amazed to see her father and this stranger laugh loudly.
I spend time on the flight reading the other book, "Strange Pilgrims". This is a collection of short stories by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The first story is excellent, and I'm glad I brought this book along. After I'm done, I watch some of "Paris, Je T'aime", a collage of short french films directed by Gus Van Sant, and other famous European directors. Excellent stuff.
The Couple From Singapore
I sat all alone on the bank of three seats between Bangalore and Singapore. On the next segments, I have an aisle seat and the two next to me are still empty. I'm hoping they will remain so. It seems highly unlikely that they would, given that the flight is otherwise full. A couple on the elderly side walk to my row. In a way, I'm happy to be sitting next to smaller folks. I've sat next to people as broad as I am and it is not a comfortable journey when you are flying 15 hours or more. The couple is exceedingly nice, and are going to San Francisco.
After an hour or so, the couple wants me to stand so they can walk out to the toilets. When they return, the gentleman wishes to break the silence. I'm happy to talk as always, just as I'm happy these days to watch the in-flight entertainment.
To my surprise the gentleman converses with great energy. He begins by telling me he visited India when he was 21, over 4o years ago, to answer a spiritual calling. He asks questions about Hindu spirituality and is extremely keen to talk after he perceives that I have some knowledge in the matter. We talk about Yogananda Paramahansa, Ramana Maharishi, Advaita, Transcendental Meditation, karma and reincarnation for quite a while. I am wondering where all this is going.
I am keen to stress that I am not a yogi or someone who can help him with anything further that he may require, so I stress that my knowledge is mostly intellectual and not experiential. He says that it does not matter and that he is simply curious that someone like me, should know what I do given my age. He asks why I am interested in this subject. I say that I am just curious, etc etc without labouring upon the details of my motivation. He tries to over and over again to understand my motivation, but finally understands that I'm not too keen to talk about it.
He then reveals that among other things, he practiced Kundalini Yoga for 21 years, gave it up, had a vision, and is now ordained as a priest but that (thankfully) he does not ascribe to the strictures of the Catholic Church. Also he mentions the small matter of the fact that he once turned down a significant career in Singapore politics, is a Chairman of a Biotech company that is researching a natural herb based remedy for cancer. Given my interests, and his own, he asks me if I should like to be his biographer someday!
Arrival Pains and Surprises
Upon arrival in the US. I had to wait for a full hour in line at a Hertz rental, and despite my booking and special instructions, found a car which smelled like the smoking room at a cheap San Francisco restaurant. I was able to exchange it the next day. Apparently, some things in the super-efficient country don't work as they should.
Checked in a Summerfield Suites as always and the pleasant man behind the desk said that I had room 1231.
"That's remarkable. It's the same room I stayed in last year in September", I said.
"Sir, its remarkable that you should remember" came the reply.
I didn't mention to him that I remembered the handyman and that I knew exactly which employees in the front office were around an year ago. In general, I think that this ability to remember visuals and details does not really work in my favour. At some level, memories hold us back and bad memories are the strongest sort, just as sad paintings tend to be more expensive.
Checked into my room, and had dinner with a colleague who was to leave the following day. Had a good nights sleep.
My First Day (so far)
Woke up the next day and went to Half Moon Bay (surprise). Took some pictures ... below. The strong light and the crowd at the beach, affected my ability to enjoy my view and to take in the water, but the beach was as spectacular as always. Returned to my room and hit the mattress as the jet lag kicked in. I'm wondering what to do with the rest of my evening. Venkat, Archana and I have plans for tomorrow. We will hike Muir Woods in all likelihood.
Till then, enjoy the pictures.
Day 1 and another daytime drive to Half Moon Bay
