11. Visit to Sweden 1973 - Livleen's first visit abroad starting with Europe where I was looking at exporting fireworks from India, which included visiting Goteborg. My potential customer invited us home for a drink post which he was taking us out for lunch to a beautifully located restaurant on riverfront. While driving, he would stop on roadside to make a telephone call (no cell phones then) whereafter he would continue the drive and show us around. This happened about three times before we stopped at the restaurant. After some time, he pointed to the Indian flag along with the Swedish flag on the table, which I had not noticed. He had been checking with the restaurant if they had obtained the Indian flag which evidently took some time for them to get. How thoughtful.

12. Visit to St. Petersburg, Russia. I was visiting Finland to meet with one of our suppliers and wanted to visit St. Petersburg in Russia, a major tourist destination. In my earlier visit to USSR, I had visited only Moscow. I spoke with the Russian Consulate in Bombay, and they suggested since my visit was for less than 72 hrs, I might as well get a 'Transit visa', which is easier to get and much cheaper in cost. I don't recollect the details but filled in the form as suggested by the Consulate and got my visa. I took the morning train from Helsinki, spent 2 nights, and took the train back. In my compartment were two other ladies. As is my nature, I struck up conversation with them and we became sort of friendly companions. At the Russia border, The Border Police came for passport and visa check and there was trouble for me. They pointed out that 'Transit visa' means you are not going to the same place back but that you are in transit for another destination. The girls, thereupon, told me to let them handle the Police and they did. I was allowed to continue to travel to Helsinki.
While in St. Petersburg, I was walking on the main street, Nevsky Prospekt and there were people who drew sketches of visitors on payment, of course. An artist insisted for me to be a model for him, and I agreed. He gave me a stool and started drawing my portrait. Before I knew 3 other artists also came over to sketch me which resulted in several onlookers - a minor crowd built up. Some of the onlookers would signal to me as to who was doing the best job. I did buy one sketch which is still with us.

13. Taiwanese Efficiency
On one of my visits to Taipei, on arrival at the airport they asked me about purpose of my visit and as soon as I checked into my hotel room, the local Chamber of Commerce was calling me to check if they could help me fix any appointments to meet Taiwanese businessmen. On the interesting side as, I was waiting for the elevator after checking in, a lady was also standing there. As a courtesy, I asked her to go in first as the door opened. Soon, thereafter, she asks me if I needed a massage - efficient customer service, Taiwanese style!

14. Travelling First class by British Airways, Dhirubhai Ambani was also going to London. After some time, the airhostess came to me to say that a gentleman (Ambani) was asking as to who I was. These were early days of Ambanis, and I had not acknowledged his presence - how arrogant of me!