Survivor: India

International travel can be a joy or it can be a pain. As I pack my bags to return to Hyderabad, India this afternoon, I’ve tried to pack my carry-ons smartly but lightly. My carry-on items include:

  • Spare pair of short pants (it’s hot in Hyderabad, even this time of year) and a T-shirt in case my luggage is delayed for days as it was the last time I traveled to Hyderabad, or in case I get orange juice dumped on me again during the flight.
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant—handy for refreshing yourself near the end of a long flight, and even handier if your luggage doesn’t make it.
  • Plenty of reading material: three novels, the last three issues of Jet Power magazine (which I have judiciously avoided reading to save them for the trip), and the latest issues of Model Airplane News, Fly RC, Flight Journal, and Aviation History.
  • Sandwich-size bag of gorp: my own concoction of M&Ms, raisins, and cashew nuts.
  • Enough rupees to get me to my hotel even if I don’t have the opportunity to change money. And some extra US dollars in case I need cash and can’t find a cash machine.
  • Laptop computer, charger, spare charger, and travel mouse. Nothing makes time on an airplane fly by like immersing yourself in work—especially if that work involves writing code.
  • Passport, visa, and a copy of my passport in case it gets lost.

My route tonight takes me through Memphis and Amsterdam on my way to Hyderabad. If all goes well, I’ll drag into my hotel room in Hyderabad around 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning, Hyderabad time. I’ll have until Monday morning to rest up from the trip and put my game face on for a week at Microsoft. I’ll bet the Microsoft developers in India get tired of taking classes from jet-lagged instructors. But they should feel better knowing they’re not the ones having to make the trip.

Jeff Prosise

View Comments

  • I doubt anyone would pass up attending your class even if you showed up like a drunker sailor. Its Jeff Prosise after all. Be thankful you aren't going to Chennai though -- it'd give Hyderabad a run for its money on how warm it can get in December.

  • Oh and btw, I haven't been to Hyderabad (or even India) in a while, but do let us know what you think about the new international airport that was built a few months ago (March 2008 I think). Would be interesting to know what an American thinks.

  • The new airport is awesome. This is my second time through it. Check-in and security takes no time at all now. At the old airport, you had to get there several hours early to make sure you had adequate time!
    How long are the flights? With layovers, 22 to 28 hours.

  • Jeff..
    I'm so excited that you would be here in hyd. I dont work in MS but in a company bang opposite the MS campus in Hyd. I'm a huge fan of the Wintellect team. It would be an honor to even meet you for a couple of minutes. I know it might not be possible but it would be great if you could spare a few minutes. I'm not sure if you would be interested or even allowed but if I could get you to say hello to my team (last option, the first option would be to say hello to me!!!).
    Do you think it would be possible. Please do drop me a line at soni.somarajan@wipro.com or even call me at 9966408478.
    10 mins please...... pretty please ... :)
    Regards
    Soni

  • Tell you what: if I get better before the end of the week, I'll e-mail you and arrange a meet at lunch one day. I'm just across the street in the new Building 3. Right now I'm sick as a dog and can barely walk. Hopefully I can fight it off by Friday.

  • that sounds awesome Jeff.. I'll keep my fingers crossed on that one.. I would luv to show you around the town too!! if you get better that is... really hope to see you... and hope you get better soon..

  • damn .. why do ppl from hydb have all the luck ... imagine meeting jeff in flesh and blood ...
    jeff i simply love reading books and articles from wintellectuals .. your book on MFC is truly a classic .. it would simply make my day if you just reply to this post ... a simple hello would suffice :-)

  • Here's your hello. :-) Wish all requests were that easy.
    Soni and I got to spend a few minutes together at lunch on Friday. I'm back home now and still trying to get rid of this crud that I have. At least I get to convalesce at home.

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