I am fast developing an aversion to international travel. There are many beautiful and interesting places in the world, but if they are across several time zones then I wish them well and am willing to be an admirer from a distance. This seminal realisation came to me after a quick visit to the United States. By the time I somewhat adjusted to being catapulted for no fault of mine to six hours behind my time, I was winging my way back to London which was-again for no fault of mine-six hours ahead of my time.
I am sure there are some people who can do this kind of time management easily. There are as many who proffer free advice on how to do this easily. But I have been travelling now for a great number of years, and I must confess that I find those who don't suffer insufferable, and those who give advice unconvincing. In the US of A I felt unbearably sleepy by late afternoon, and in London I have been trying not to wake up at three in the morning.
I had gone to America to be at my daughter's graduation at the University of Indianapolis. The same University had also decided to confer on me an Honorary Doctorate of Arts. Not going was, therefore, not an option. My wife and younger daughter had gone with me, so my suffering on account of the time difference was greatly compensated by the joy of all of us being together on such a happy occasion.
The great mid west of America is a country unto itself. In the late 80s I was posted in New York in our Mission to the United Nations. I had gone convinced that I would not like New York. I am a New Delhi person, which is a horizontal city. New York is vertical like Bombay. But New York grows on you. It is seething with energy and is truly cosmopolitan in spirit. It has an arrogance of spirit and a delightful irreverence. Above all, it is a culinary paradise. You can eat good quality food from almost any part of the world and at rates that are affordable, unless you choose to go to really upmarket restaurants. I can never forget the Ethiopian meal I once had in downtown New York where we all ate from one platter and loved it, although we were never really got to know what we were being served.
{{/usCountry}}The great mid west of America is a country unto itself. In the late 80s I was posted in New York in our Mission to the United Nations. I had gone convinced that I would not like New York. I am a New Delhi person, which is a horizontal city. New York is vertical like Bombay. But New York grows on you. It is seething with energy and is truly cosmopolitan in spirit. It has an arrogance of spirit and a delightful irreverence. Above all, it is a culinary paradise. You can eat good quality food from almost any part of the world and at rates that are affordable, unless you choose to go to really upmarket restaurants. I can never forget the Ethiopian meal I once had in downtown New York where we all ate from one platter and loved it, although we were never really got to know what we were being served.
{{/usCountry}}The mid-west is more one-dimensional. It is quintessentially American, and has all the icons that contribute to the American way of life: burger, baseball, basketball, huge malls, extra large clothes, outsized portions at restaurants, country music, and the Christian faith. It is far more laidback and in many ways more welcoming. Everyone greets you with a smile; everyone has time to wish you. Those who serve you in stores are more polite; and those who give you the huge servings in restaurants are genuinely welcoming. Of course, it is a bit insular, with limited exposure to the rest of the world. But in my short visit I did not meet a single person who was not willing to learn a little more about India.
On my return, while I was about to leave the plane, my mobile rang. It was the BBC radio wanting to interview me. 'Could I come to their studio in White City by 1:20 pm?' I was now on Indianapolis time. Although past 11 am in London, it was five in the morning for me, and I wanted nothing more that to reach home and have a cup of tea. I politely declined. Five minutes later my phone rang again. 'If White City is inconvenient, could I please come to the BBC studios in West End near where I live?' I expressed appreciation for this gesture, but said it would not be possible. Five minutes later it was the same charming lady from the BBC. 'We are trying to arrange a studio for you at Heathrow airport. Would that be convenient?' I almost said yes but the prospect of keeping my wife and daughter waiting with the luggage made me say no. Soon enough the phone rang again. 'We can send a radio car to your residence, or interview you live on the land line at your home'. I said yes.
Do you still have any doubts why the BBC is one of the world's most successful organisations? I don't.
(A Stephanian, Pavan Kumar Varma is a senior Indian diplomat and presently Minister of Culture and Director of the Nehru Centre in London. Author of several widely acclaimed books likeGhalib: the Man, the Times and the recently released Being Indian, he will be writing the column Hyde Park Corner, exclusively for HindustanTimes.com)