My previous post was a great example of what a difference two countries make. Having made it to America (Citibank transferred me and my wife to the USA back in 1993), we have been able to settle there and create a platform of financial security not only for our own family but also for our extended family in India. We have a great sense of gratitude for what USA, my previous company and sheer luck has done for us.

Today was another powerful example of what a different two countries can make.

My sister has a house help at her place. That help recently had a granddaughter. That grand daughter has Downs Syndrome and is a constant feature at my sister’s place. My sister pretty much bathes her, feeds her and takes care of the kid all the time. It is like she has adopted her full time. (BTW, my niece – sister’s daughter – is actually adopted). And yet, for all the love the kid gets, it is a little jarring what little access to medical services she has. I cannot say with authority how much of it is sheer money versus advancement of medical technology here. But I can certainly say that another kid back in my neighborhood in Atlanta – born to none other than to a close friend of Sharmila and me from Durgapur is being brought up just like any other kid. Of course, at certain times special services are required – but then again, which kid does not?. They are no different than any other kid – deserving of all the love and attention from all adults.

Had a great time with Shristi – the constant feature at my sister’s place this afternoon…

In the foreground is the Persian Gulf

Apologize for the quality of the picture. I am still on iPhone7 and we are 35,000 feet up in the air. Check out how vertical the mountain faces are. You can see the range on the right bottom part of the picture. That almost looks like a wall from the top.
If you zoom in on the mountains to the left, you will notice that it has very distinct – almost stairstep like – build up to the top….

We are just north of Shiraz in Iran right now.

Beautiful mountains – about 35,000 feet below us. Could not find the name of the mountains on Google maps but we are north west of Esfahan city in Iran

Starting from dreary skies, snow-covered Chicago. In 8 days, I need to cover 4 countries and be back in Atlanta.

Somewhere in between I will be with my parents for two days, take a 8 hour round trip by car to see my mother in law for an hour, possibly – only if his flights are on time – have a glass of wine with my brother, get dressed up to be on the stage in a country that I cannot pinpoint in the world map (and I just realized I did not pack any ties… so much so the better… I hate ties), try to put in runs in two different countries and try to do a sight seeing trip for half a day.

Right now though, I am getting mentally ready for a 13 hour flight!!!