I just realized that it's been almost three months since my last post and I don't really have a good excuse. I can't really blame it on Bravo, our wonderful puppy. I was also away for a few weeks in late June/early July for my trip to DC/Chicago/Turkey, but I've been back for well over a month.
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Four days at home was not enough, but it was certainly better than nothing. The best part was that I flew home for free (and business class!) thanks to my training session in Chicago (well, outside Chicago) the following week. All of this was capped off with a week in Turkey with Kelly and Brooke. We met in beautiful and "central" Istanbul from our respective homes in the 3 Ds - DC, Doha and Delhi. I won't be able to do justice to the amazing trip here, so I will refer to you Brooke's blog where she's done a wonderful job of capturing the sights, sounds and culinary delights of Istanbul and Bodrum.
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Now back to India, where I've been since early July. Things are hot-hot-hot, as Indian summers usually are. And this summer has also been quite dry. Many parts of the country are experiencing drought conditions, crops are failing and prices are rising. Despite the serious impact this will have on the economy, it is not the main news story of the week.
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Instead, all of India is up in arms about the treatment of their biggest Bollywood star, Shah Rukh Khan, during a recent trip to the United States. US Immigration officials allegedly gave him a hard time when he was entering the country at Newark Airport. They did this by asking him questions like, "Why are you entering the US?," "Where are you going?" and "Can anyone vouch for your identity?" Sure, he's made nearly 100 films and is one of the most recognizable faces in India, but how many people in the US really know Bollywood film stars?
Oh, and there was a similar uproar a few weeks ago when a former president was subjected to additional screening by Continental Airlines on a flight from Delhi to Newark. I think there's more merit in this uproar, but to keep it in perspective, this is all coming from a country where stars and politician always get VIP, or even VVIP treatment. (Do you think those with only VIP status feel inferior)?
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VIPs and VVIPs don't get screened at airports, they don't pay tolls, they are given around-the-clock security guards and motorcades that block traffic for hours. In case you can't remember just who qualifies for this status, you can check the lengthy list of "special" designations on display at airport security or the entrance to a toll plaza. Yes, these lists really exist.
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So, that's my update for now, but there's more to come. I swear.
