When opportunity knocked at Halogen to forge a new team in India, I was thrilled. This was in no small part due to the carrot dangled in front of my face - the opportunity to travel to their offices in Pune for a visit. Those who know me know of my passion for travel, only exceeded by my passion for travel on someone else's dime!
So I waited eagerly until the time was right for me to make my trip. Visions of curries danced in my head. Cricket matches and the Taj Majal. Seeing all my great team members again, and a few new ones I'd yet to meet. And finally the day came and my boss told me to get my shots and book my flights. And suddenly it was real, and not a little bit scary.
From all accounts, India is in a state of chaos. A billion people packed in there, with dozens of cultures competing for space. The language, the food, the customs, the traffic, the heat are all so different from what I know. Even seasoned travellers claim that India is a special challenge. What am I doing going head first into all of this?
But I've never let reason stop me before, so it was with my breath held I booked my flights there. London, Frankfurt, Delhi, Bombay, Montreal are all places I'll briefly stop to collect my wits before trekking on. I'm not sure when I'll sleep! I'm not at all looking forward to that part. Leaving on the 20th (right after hosting a party at my place!) and getting in on the morning of the 22nd, 10.5 hours time-shifted from everyone I know at home.
Next came the hotel. I chose Le Meridian on advice from my boss who had been there before. The 5-star comfort in the heart of Pune will help dull the edge of culture shock. And it has a pool to deal with all the 30C+ weather! I hear it has a couple of bars, too...
And let's not forget that I'm not travelling alone! My co-worker Mike, who has been invaluable in getting the Pune team up and working, will be along for the ride. Together, we'll take over the sub-continent. Or at least try not to kill each other. It'll definitely be nice to have someone I know within 10,000km.
So, I'm now cautiously optimistic! Regardless of what happens, this will be an adventure that will stick with me forever. Twenty more days to get my life in order here, then off I go!
