The moral of the story is: Don't ever run out of business cards, and pop culture is critical to your success as a diplomat so read People.
Now, there are two reactions you might have to the subject line:
1. Who is Belinda Carlisle? If this is your question, please look at these websites before continuing:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Carlisle
http://www.belindacarlisle.tv/
2. Cool-did you meet her and where is Goa? If so, read below
Goa is a state in western India that has lots of beaches. According to Indians, Heaven is a place in earth and it is called Goa. I wouldn't go that far, but it is nice. There are two beaches, north (party central) and south (peaceful). It is a perfect vacation for many in India. And we went there one weekend in January because our friend JC, who was born in 1984 (becomes relevant as I go) rented a house.
So we are in the airport waiting to board, and I see a really put together white woman who is pretty stunning. We ride the bus to the airplane and we are next to her, and I am thinking-she is so familiar. So it comes to me and I immediately tell Sandip this woman looks like Belinda Carlisle. He agrees and we immediately try to read her boarding card (which is hilarious for those of you who have ever seen me try to read a board or drive at night). So her first name is Belinda, last name not Carlisle. I think this is too much of a coincidence but don't say anything.
So we board, Google Belinda Carlisle, and it is totally her. So in baggage claim I march up and tell her she looks like the lead singer of the Go-Gos, and she is totally charming, engages in this great conversation with us. I tell her me and Sandip work at the Embassy, and she asks us a visa question! Hilarious! So we give an answer.
We had a great chat about India, its people, policies, and the US involvement here. We talk about her trips here and the wonder of Rishikesh (remember I went there!) Then I ask for a picture. She happily obliges, and here it is below:
Then, she asks for a card, and I DON'T HAVE MY CARDS! AAAAHHHH! So we gave her Sandip's.
Who would have thought that 20 years ago, when singing along to her song, I would as an adult meet her in India, have her ask a visa question, take a picture, and not have my business cards.
Anyway, here are the rest of the photos:
Now, there are two reactions you might have to the subject line:
1. Who is Belinda Carlisle? If this is your question, please look at these websites before continuing:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Carlisle
http://www.belindacarlisle.tv/
2. Cool-did you meet her and where is Goa? If so, read below
Goa is a state in western India that has lots of beaches. According to Indians, Heaven is a place in earth and it is called Goa. I wouldn't go that far, but it is nice. There are two beaches, north (party central) and south (peaceful). It is a perfect vacation for many in India. And we went there one weekend in January because our friend JC, who was born in 1984 (becomes relevant as I go) rented a house.
So we are in the airport waiting to board, and I see a really put together white woman who is pretty stunning. We ride the bus to the airplane and we are next to her, and I am thinking-she is so familiar. So it comes to me and I immediately tell Sandip this woman looks like Belinda Carlisle. He agrees and we immediately try to read her boarding card (which is hilarious for those of you who have ever seen me try to read a board or drive at night). So her first name is Belinda, last name not Carlisle. I think this is too much of a coincidence but don't say anything.
So we board, Google Belinda Carlisle, and it is totally her. So in baggage claim I march up and tell her she looks like the lead singer of the Go-Gos, and she is totally charming, engages in this great conversation with us. I tell her me and Sandip work at the Embassy, and she asks us a visa question! Hilarious! So we give an answer.
We had a great chat about India, its people, policies, and the US involvement here. We talk about her trips here and the wonder of Rishikesh (remember I went there!) Then I ask for a picture. She happily obliges, and here it is below:
Then, she asks for a card, and I DON'T HAVE MY CARDS! AAAAHHHH! So we gave her Sandip's.
Who would have thought that 20 years ago, when singing along to her song, I would as an adult meet her in India, have her ask a visa question, take a picture, and not have my business cards.
Anyway, here are the rest of the photos:
Seriously-a dude in his tighty-whities and the woman in jeans and a t-shirt. This was a common site.
We 80s children know this reference...
