GLOBE TROTTING - TRAVELS GALORE

I had the opportunity to travel extensively starting with travel for studies and work experience in USA from 1958-61, followed by tourism in Europe and work experience in Austria. I am on my 24th passport and have visited about 80 countries so far. Working with ICI India provided an opportunity to travel within India - more importantly the remote parts because 'dynamite' usage was needed to develop these way-out areas. My transfer to exports dept beginning early 1970s provided opportunity to travel broad extensively on business, which continued post-retirement from ICI as Imkemex's business was international trade. Post semi-retirement and the new intertest in researching Sikh Diaspora in non-English speaking countries extended my travels even further. Attending Seniors Courses - OLLI, at University of Texas, Austin, has been an interesting experience. We do hope our travels would continue - even though these would have to be curtailed substantially due Covid 19. What a pity!
The song 'Travelin' Man' by Ricky Nelson describes aptly charm of travels, in his case as a romantic venture but in my case as an executive in international trade and later as a Researcher of Global Sikh Diaspora.

"I'm a travelin' man and I've made a lot of stops, All over the world.
And in every part, I own the heart of at least one lovely girl.
I've a pretty Senorita waiting for me, down in old Mexico.
If you're ever in Alaska stop and see my cute little Eskimo.
Oh, my sweet Fraulein down in Berlin town, makes my heart start to yearn.
And my China doll down in old Hong Kong, waits for my return.
Pretty Polynesian baby over the sea, I remember the night
When we walked in the sands of the Waikiki. And I held you, oh so tight".

INTERESTING ANECDOTES

Before outlining my travels, I thought, I would write about some interesting anecdotes while globe-trotting. Some of these are mentioned herein.
1. My lost luggage on arrival in Stockholm in 1958, on my very first travel by air and the generous help extended by SAS Airlines to get me brand new wardrobe. SAS Manager was very apologetic that he could not get turbans for me in Stockholm but promised to fly them out for me if my family in India handed these over to their Delhi office. I had routed my USA ticket via Stockholm to meet my Pen Pal, a beautiful blonde! There was no Facebook those days.
2. State College to Ft. Lauderdale by road in 1959 over the Spring vacation. What a riot the town is for a few days with students from all over USA. For the first time, I had taste of liquor - to start with beer which tasted bitter to me. I am told that it has since become more notorious and has been nick-named 'Liquordale'. The revelries of the Spring Break are well captured in the movie - 'Where the Boys are'.