USA Trip Apr-May 2016

After a month in the USA across 9 states, 5 major cities and travel through various media except the space; below are some learnings/observations.

1.       Nothing much changes if your phone is not reachable for a whole month without international roaming

This realization is a big liberating factor for me, who always thought I must always be reachable to family, customers, colleagues and friends. But, if you inform them that you won’t be reachable on phone for instant talk while being reachable on other channels like email and Whatsapp, most didn’t bother us and some contacted on data channels after failed attempts to call. This encourages me to take a 10 day Vipassana course with no contact with external world!

     2.       If you can avoid media, distractions and clutter, there is enough time for everything we want to do

It was surprising to see how much time one has if there are no distractions. Another motivating factor to pursue what one wants to do, by avoiding futile distractions.

     3.       Technology gap between India and the US has shrunk enough to almost disappear

I was expecting to see some advanced technologies like drones and 3-D printers that are yet to commonplace in India, but besides Tesla and a cleaning robot at a Palo Alto mall, I was pleasantly surprised, not to be surprised by any new technology that was missing in India. It seems to be a truly flat world now!

     4.       Trump has polarised the country to the extent of dividing it almost vertically

Donald Trump was the only common factor across various discussions and groups of people. He has almost polarised America between people who love him and who don’t. someone said, It's scary! :-)

     5.       Indians and Asians in general seem to be the largest tourist group at most tourist places, thereby contributing to the growth of US tourism industry. You can get Asian vegetarian food at most tourist places baring a few.

     6.     We visited monuments like the Statue of Liberty, the Golden gate bridge, Niagara falls, a few science centers, aquariums, museums etc. Most tourist destinations have a similar template with following things.

a.       The main tourist attraction (~ $15 - 35 depending on the attraction)

b.      A museum (included)

c.       A theater for related movies or a live show (~ $ 10 - $20)

d.      A restaurant (~ $10 - $ 20 per person)

e.      A souvenir or gift shop (~ $20 - $100)

f.        A website where you can book and buy things online (Optional)

So, one conservatively spends about $50 or more per person at a location. One must learn marketing from America!

     7.       Uber just works from Nagpur to New York, and from Saint Petersburg to San Francisco!

We used Uber extensively wherever we went. Almost always, it arrived within 10 minutes and on time! It employs people of all age groups, castes, creeds, colors and races; some part time, and some full time. Look forward to buying Uber stock soon!

     8.       Last but not the least, I am so fortunate to have so many friends who hosted us, drove us around, guided us on what to see and what to avoid, gifted us stuff (I still wonder why? J), and ensured that we had a great vacation. Life is worth living because of all the friends! Thank you so much guys!

      Thank you for reading. Shall appreciate your feedback!