#724
Hello, dear readers from around the world! As I sit here in the mild January sun of the Bay Area, reflecting on the past couple of weeks, I wanted to share some personal notes from my recent travels and family milestones. Life has a way of blending the mundane with the magical, and this trip has been no exception. From quirky time-zone tricks to heartfelt family moments and even a dash of global politics, there's plenty to unpack. I'll elaborate on my jotted thoughts, weaving in some additional insights and facts to give you a fuller picture. Let's dive in.
First off, my wife Lalitha and I touched down in San Francisco on Friday, January 16, 2026, after a flight from Singapore. What made this arrival particularly amusing was the time warp effect— I departed Singapore at 9:15 AM on Friday and landed in SFO at 7:45 AM the same day. It's like gaining a few hours back, a rare treat courtesy of crossing the International Date Line westward. This isn't my first rodeo; it's our fourth visit to the U.S. in recent years, but the novelty never fades. For those unfamiliar, flying eastbound often means "losing" a day, but going the other way can feel like time travel.
Speaking of airlines, we've sampled a few on these trans-Pacific hauls, and Singapore Airlines tops my list for sheer convenience. Their seamless check-in, efficient boarding, smooth transfers, quick security, and tasty in-flight meals (think satay skewers and laksa) make the 18+ hour journey bearable. I'd rank Emirates second for its luxurious touches like onboard showers in business class and a vast entertainment library. Qatar Airways comes in third—solid service, including Starlink for live stream, but their Doha hub can feel a bit chaotic during peak times. Air India lags behind in my experience, with less polished amenities, though I must give credit where due: their non-stop SFO to Bengaluru route is a game-changer at just 14-15 hours. Unfortunately, ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Pakistan's airspace restrictions for Indian flights (stemming from 2019 incidents and still in flux as of 2026), force detours that add time and nullify that edge. Fact check: According to aviation reports, these restrictions have cost airlines millions in fuel and delays over the years. If you're planning long-haul travel, always weigh direct flights against layover perks—sometimes the stopover city can turn into a mini-vacation!
Our entry through SFO immigration was a reminder that border experiences can vary wildly. Last time, Global Entry whisked us through in seconds—it's a trusted traveler program by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that uses kiosks for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, cutting wait times dramatically. This round, I sailed through the machine, but Lalitha was flagged for a secondary interview. The officer's antennas went up when we mentioned our six-month stay (a big jump from our previous short visits of 15-18 days). She grilled us on our U.S.-based children's statuses, our ties back home, and even demanded to see our return tickets for July 11. It's standard procedure to prevent overstays or potential immigration violations, especially with B-1/B-2 visas allowing up to six months. We explained we were here to support our daughter's high-risk pregnancy, and her demeanor softened instantly. Officers are indeed human; empathy can bridge the gap. A fun fact: SFO processes over 50 million passengers annually, and programs like Global Entry have reduced average wait times to under 5 minutes for enrollees. If you're a frequent international traveler, it's worth the $100 fee and background check—available to citizens of many countries, including India.
The highlight of our trip? Our daughter Radha welcomed a beautiful baby girl on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 11:20 AM at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. It was a natural delivery led by the wonderful Dr. Libby Szeto, lasting about 12 hours in labor with a swift 40-minute push phase. I was braced for a C-section given the high-risk label, but nature surprised us all. As I've said about Radha for the past 25 years, she's like the old Monsanto company motto: under-promise and over-deliver. (Though, side note: Monsanto's rebranding to Bayer in 2018 shifted that narrative amid controversies over GMOs and herbicides—fascinating how corporate legacies evolve.) We've named the little one Lakshmi as our family Hindu name, symbolizing prosperity and grace, and Maithri Eshwar for her passport, blending "friendship" (Maithri) with her father's name. The naming ceremony is set for Wednesday, February 4, 2026—exactly five years after Radha's engagement to Eshwar on February 4, 2021. What a poetic full circle! Childbirth stats for context: In the U.S., about 60% of deliveries are vaginal, per CDC data, and hospitals like Sequoia emphasize patient-centered care with low intervention rates. We're over the moon, and this global audience might appreciate that in Hindu traditions, naming ceremonies (Namakarana) often involve blessings for health and wisdom. Can't wait to share photos (with privacy in mind, of course).
On a personal note, my health is thriving. A follow-up with Dr. Karthik Vasudevan on January 11 cleared me for travel after some medication tweaks—grateful for modern cardiology keeping my ticker in check. I've built a solid routine here, clocking 25,000 steps daily at nearby gems like Catamaran Park (with its serene lagoon views) and Leo Ryan Park (named after the congressman tragically killed in the Jonestown incident— a sobering historical tie). January weather in the Bay Area has been unseasonably warm, hovering around 15-20°C (59-68°F) with minimal chill, though rains can disrupt the flow. Pro tip: Walking apps like Strava or local park trackers make it fun. Fact: The WHO recommends 10,000 steps daily for adults, but hitting 25,000 boosts cardiovascular health exponentially, reducing risks by up to 30% per studies. Rain or shine, it's rejuvenating—nature's free therapy.
Finally, shifting to broader horizons, U.S. politics under President Trump in his second term is as fiery as ever. He's charging ahead on his Minnesota promises—perhaps referring to economic pledges or infrastructure, though details evolve daily. The press can criticize all they want, but Trump's unyielding style means he won't back down, courts, Senate, or House notwithstanding. I'm optimistic about his pick for Federal Reserve Chair, Kevin Warsh—a sharp economist with Fed experience who could aggressively pursue deregulation and growth agendas. Jerome Powell's tenure? A mixed bag, criticized for inflation handling post-COVID, but let's acknowledge his steady navigation through 2020s turbulence. In 2026, with global economies rebounding, Warsh's "hands-on" approach might prioritize cutting rates to fuel Trump's vision. A neutral fact: The Fed's independence is key, but chairs often align with administrations—think Greenspan under multiple presidents. Whatever your views, it's a reminder that leadership shapes destinies, from personal families to nations.
Wrapping up, this trip underscores life's unpredictability and joys. From airline adventures to newborn cuddles, it's all about connection. Thanks for reading—drop your thoughts in the comments. Until next time, stay well, global friends!
Take care, Stay Safe.
Karthik.
30th January 2026 1145am PST.
Phil Collins is 75 today. What a talent. Drummer, Singer, Lyrics...!!!
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