Sipping on some light Coorg beer, munching on crackers along with pepper jack cheese and watching aircrafts landing and taking off from the Newark Liberty International Airport lounge where I have a six hour hold for the connecting flight to Delhi, I reflect back on how eventful the last few days have been.
Sometime ago, I heard a beautiful voice on the other side of the phone asking me if it is possible to meet up for a California Walnut Commission visit to California to check out the harvest season. I would have taken it as a prank call if the voice had not mentioned the name of her superior with whom I had briefly connected sometime ago. Not too sure what is expected of me, I said yes and met her, only to be to be told that I am the only blogger who is being shortlisted from India to visit the US along with three other people of which two are from mainline media and the third is a leading dietician. Without much thinking, I happily accepted to be a part of the visiting team. I have done many media trips within India, but this is my first media trip abroad.
Soon, I saw myself in a queue at the US passport office seeking a visa. The queue move quickly and I reached a tad earlier to meet the passport officer who, after briefly interviewing me, kept the passport on her side indicating that the visa has been accepted and it can be collected later. Till sometime ago, getting a multiple entry ten year VISA was rare, and I am certainly one of the lucky few who got it at first go itself.
I pre-poned the trip by a week to use the upcoming Dusshera holidays to spend more time in the US. I reached Indira Gandhi International Terminal and after security checks and buying booze for my relatives in New York, I used my signature card to get access to the Delhi Daredevils Sports Bar & Lounge which gives a dining and drinks privilege at only Rs. 2/- – a steal and no Indian would miss such deals. The food was decent but by the time roti came, I had finished the servings that I helped myself to from buffet. Service was generally lackadaisical not only for customers like us who came on special offer but even for full paying customers, some of whom I saw shouting and leaving the restaurant after waiting a long time. I was told by one server that one can order up to four drinks of any alcohol only to be contradicted by another of his colleagues who said it is only two. Anyhow, when I asked for the second drink, I was told they had already served a large (60ml). Someone who is not a novice can immediately make out that the earlier drink was not a drop more than 30ml but not wanting to spoil my mood, I moved out. Visit Delhi Daredevils lounge only if you are using the offer on VISA signature card else there are many better places.
After a 15 hour long but direct United Airlines flight, we landed in New York where we were kept on hold in the aircraft for almost an hour since the flight reached slightly early at 4am in the morning whereas the customs officer assumes duty only post 5.15 am. Wow! The immigration formalities went smoothly except for one disappointment. Unlike Shahrukh Khan, I wasn’t body searched. Wondering if this privilege is only given to the stars and well known personalities from India.
My first observation in USA is that they have their own norms of doing things. India or many other countries may use 220volts, they will use 110, you may have a right hand drive, they will have left; you may use kilogram as measurement, they will use pound, you may be more comfortable with degree Celsius, they will use degree Fahrenheit and not to forget the American size food portions. These and many more differences but one still likes this country. Everything is so neat and clean, world class infrastructure and ‘makkhan’ road, a dream for most Indians.
After spending a few good days in New York and trying many wonderful dishes (perhaps 2kg over weight on cheese), I am off to San Francisco where instead of making any prior reservation for the next two days, I prefer back packing and exploring the city before I join my other colleagues. The city has lots to be explored but a few must visit places as per me are Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf, a cruise for Alcatraz and shopping at the China Market. However, the best place for anyone looking for deals are ROSS stores located at various places. One may even want to explore to adult night spots at Broadway Street. 
I traveled from airport to city by BART (SFO’s metro) which is not only quicker but much cheaper too. An interesting learning I had while traveling by their local bus is that one does not need to take multiple tickets in each bus while changing routes. A ticket is valid for a certain duration and in that time, any number of buses can be taken. I learn this the hard way – hopefully, you will save money and thank me.
Post spending my two days at San Francisco, I am off with my other colleagues who joined me for the next three days at Sacramento the Capital of California which is just two hours driving distance. More details of my visit to the orchards coming up soon. Keep watching!
