As soon as we landed at SF International airport, we rushed for visitor/immigration counter. I was impressed by the smartness , keen observation and knowledge level of the officers.

It didn't take much time and the process was quite smooth. Maybe it was because of the Google brand name.

We were led outside into a comfortable volvo bus by a charming old lady (I was again impressed by the wittiness and energy level of the old lady).

We were half drowsy and may be dozed off in the bus until we saw the city lights of SF. It was a heavenly sight, and it seemed that we are immersing gradually into the glitter of SF. Suddenly things became exciting...proof...we are in the heart of the city.


Hilton was right on the road! Unlike our hotels Hilton SF (Union Square) doesn't have a compound, the gates open right on the main road, just like most of the other hotels in SF.

There were 3000 of us from across the world, visiting SF for our global conference,
and as if destiny wanted to have some fun, my name did not figure in the guest list of the hote. Which means I wasn't allocated a room.

So , here we go, another tryst began, and after an hour I and my room mate got ourselves aroom allocated.

I had a quick bath , we were curious to get out of the hotel and do some night sight seeing.

So SF is not a "corporate", "big city". It's a laid down city with very modern infrastructure: trams, metros, buses and all measn of transportation available.

The city reminds me of goa, essentially because of the laid back lifestyle. It's however indeed a very beautiful and green city.

So the first day we just grabbed some junk food and slept.

Next day was SUNDAY.


Time to go to "fisherman's wharf". A very beautiful place about the bay, good to hang out. Have food by the fireplace, munch snacks and cofee while looking at the yatches and just having fun.


The day passed in a jiffy. And we are back in the hotel. Tomorrow is monday, time for business, conference starts and I know we will have a tight schedule for the next 5 days.


But before that...one more intersting observation, I used to wake up at about 530 in the morning and go for a morning walk, about 4 kms. And ditto in the night.

I must share that there was not an iota of tiredness, the air was so fresh and invigorating, one would be keen to just continue walking.

I continued this schedule throughout the stay, and I can vouch now, morning walk works.

So, here we conclude, but what happened during the next 6 days, stay switched on to know.

Trip to USA

So, this was like a never ending journey. While you are going to the US from Delhi, it takes about 4 hours to reach Hong Kong and then about 11 more to reach US.

On our way, we halted for a couple of hours at the Hong Kong Airport and tried to make the maximum of our time there. The Airport certainly is world class and equipped with all modern facilities including the wireless internet access (which was like a lifeline for us, especially the ones with slightly more tech bias)

So we did some shopping, had cofee and surfed on our laptops while waiting for the connecting flight.

Now Cathay it seems has 3 different types of Indian Meals: Chole Chawal, Chole Chawal and Chole Chawal (at least they tasted and looked like chole chawal)

Now the most interesting part of the journey was ...."my wife's murder"!!!

Yup they were showing the movie and today I am glad I didn't waste my money viewing it in a cinema hall. But it was great to kill time.


One more observation: inadequate washrooms. Throughout the flight duration one could see ques of passangers waiting for their turn...meri baari kab aayegi :-)

(But was it inadequacy of washrooms, or more than adequate food and drinks that a few people stuffed and hence the need for frequent visits...seems like intersting matter for some research)

So essentially the time was well spent:

watching my wife's murder

curiously anticipating the innovative food servings (remember chole chawal)

and waiting for my turn...


and by the time we realised that one could surf internet on board...it was too late...we landed in San Fransico, our destinaton. One of the most beautiful places in USA, where we were to spend about 10 days.

It's going to be fun...watch out for my next posting...