The flight to Singapore left close to midnight, and I had to go through only 6 security checks, one person checking after another that the previous one had done their job. It’s always surprising to me to see how in India things are not necessarily always done in the most efficient ways. But then again, it is in fact and optimal utility point, since given the low cost of labour there is no incentive for being efficient in manual processes.

The flights with Singapore Airlines were fine, although the plane between Bangalore and Singapore was much older and rather run down than the one between Singapore and Seoul.…

While talking this morning to the cab driver taking me to our EGL office in Bangalore, when for some unknown reason, the driver told me that his boss was paying him 3,400 rupees per month, and that after 22 years of service. That actually got me thinking..

The taxi company appointed by the hotel is paying a monthly contract fee of 60,000 rupees to the hotel. There are 30 drivers on contract. Each driver makes 3 to 4 trips a day, each bringing in 400 to 800 in sales.…

I was reading today during breakfast the Economic Times of India when I came across a really interesting interview with the CEO of Airtel India, Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal. He was making the point that given the development cycle in which India is in mobile is as important as broadband. According to the CEO of Airtel, consumers expect in India expect a seamless experience from broadband to mobile, and from mobile to TV.

When we funded Meridea back in 2001, we commissioned a research survey among CEO/CIOs to understand their likelihood of mobile booming as the channel of choice for financial services.…

After a peaceful flight, and a short sleep, we landed at 4.30AM in Bangalore. Getting through immigration in Indian airports is always a unique experience, but this I time I really flew throw passport control and customs, especially since I only had carry on luggage. Note to self: never check-in luggage.

The problem was outside. My driver from Le Méridean was not there. There was another driver from the hotel waiting, but for another guest. I had to wait. And after more than 10 hours on a plane, with little sleep, I was wondering why I had to wait for my driver.…

Yes, you are right, not Malkovich, but Phileas Fogg. At exactly 10.30am sharp today, I popped into a taxi that took me to Heathrow Terminal 4. I am currently writing from the BA Business Lounge waiting for my plane and ahead of my tour “Around the World in 15 days”. And yes, I am beating Mr. Fogg by an impressive 65 days (although a good 137 years later to tell the truth)!

I am flying east, same direction as Phileas Fogg, with stops in Bangalore, Singapore, Seoul, Sunyvale, Toronto and back to London Heathrow.…