7. Montreal - Chicago - Hong Kong
I was travelling from Montreal to Chicago in Tourist class and a Chinese looking young lady was occupying seat next to me. At Chicago airport while we were collecting our bags, she asked me as to where I was headed. When I told her Hong Kong, she told me to look up her sister there who worked for ICI. It was Ms York who was earlier with ICI, Calcutta but migrated to HK post 1962 China war. When I met her in HK, she said, she remembered me when I joined ICI. What a coincidence.

8. Anchorage, Alaska.
Mini had booked my trip to Alaska starting with a stay in a B&B set up in Anchorage. My flight was to arrive around midnight. The landlady specified in a message asking that I ring the bell only once and wait so that she can change and open the door. I replied to her stating: "there is no need to be formal with me". She was intrigued by my response and further on my arrival with a turban. Next morning, she told me that she was very curious to meet the person who had sent such an unusual response. Of course, she looked after me very well and invited me to a bicycle trip where I could not keep pace with her - she was a Dutch immigrant.

9. Bolivia
La Paz airport is located at a height of 13,225 ft and is an interesting city, almost like a bowl. The rich people live in lower parts and poor on top - reverse of normal hill stations. Not taking cognisance of the high altitude, I made the mistake to go on arrival for a city tour. As I lay down to sleep, I felt great discomfort and breathlessness. Coca tea which was available 24X7 in the Business Lounge did not help. Coca which grows in Bolivia at high altitudes is the raw material for Cocaine - such are the ways of nature as it acts as an antidote at high altitudes. Despite the Coca tea, I could not breathe. So, I called the hotel reception who sent me an oxygen cylinder. Enjoyed it - the best drink I ever had! The drive from La Paz to Lake Titicaca on a high plateau was another unique experience.

10. Rourkela - Howrah: Train Journey (Not part of International Travel).
I was returning from Rourkela to Howrah by evening train - I did not have reservation for AC 1st class. A foreign lady was travelling alone in a 2-berth coupe. As per rules, she was entitled to the entire compartment to herself at night. The attendant allowed me to sit there with the condition that I had to vacate the compartment at 9 pm unless of course the lady passenger agreed to my sharing. Knowing that Rourkela Steel plant had German collaboration, I approached the lady with a few words of German that I could muster. She agreed. I occupied the upper berth. In the morning before arrival at Howrah, she asked me to go out so that she could change. I replied - "Can I close my eyes instead". As requested, I went out of the compartment, but she did comment "I have not met a guy like you before". The story ended there because she was a 'frau' and not a 'fraulein'.