2012-2020: Sayonara – the final blog

After moving to India in 2012, then Japan in 2015, the Asian odyssey has come to a close.  Please enjoy these reflections spanning the past 8 years.

My first Holi  – celebration of colors – in March 2012.

Delhi appears chaotic, but it works.

There’s always room for one more on the bus…

... or the motorcycle.

This is how our bottled water was delivered.

It takes great skill and balance to safely deliver eggs.

I have no doubt this fridge delivery was successful.

This is the definition of Jugaad – if there’s a will, there’s a way.

Monkeys roam the neighborhoods in search of goodies.

 This languor is on his way to work — his job is to chase the monkeys.

Before moving into our home, we invited this Hindu priest to perform a puja ceremony to chase away evil spirits.  He sprinkled every room with Ganges river water.

Started in 1632, Taj Mahal construction took 15 years to complete.  It’s the most famous mausoleum in the world.

Never wake a sleeping guru.

   This bra salesman in Old Delhi told me, “Business is good.”

The efficiency of trimming chicken and goat meat is impressive.  If your toes are holding the knife, then both hands are free.

This shoe repairman has a great location with high visibility.

The Thar desert transportation in Rajasthan is sure-footed and reliable.

We blended in with the locals in Amritsar (sort of).

Kayla’s event to focus attention on female empowerment was a success.  The girls called her Didi (big sister).

Kayla graduated from high school in 2014.  She’s wearing blue in this “Roy G. Biv” ensemble of classmates at their ‘sari not sorry’ event.

Visiting India Gate the day after graduation is tradition.

A big highlight was creating a viral video featuring Sachin Tendulkar, the “God of cricket.”  He’s a life-long BMW fan who graciously gave us an hour of his time on a Sunday afternoon in Mumbai.

Please click on the photo above to watch this 90 second video (we surprised customers with a unique test drive — which was captured on hidden camera).

India was an incredible experience.  The country is full of color, flavor and wonderful people who have an unstoppable spirit.  Next up — Japan.

The first meal in Tokyo had to be a steak (cows are sacred in India, thus beef is illegal).

An early triumph was climbing Mt. Fuji (3776 meters / 12,388 ft.).  I’m glad I did it, but I’ll never do it again.

Japan is also full of color and tradition.

Cosplay (costume play) is prevalent.

Even dogs get in on the action.

These dogs prefer Ralph Lauren.

Sumo is popular.

Rice patty art can be found in Aomori.

Trains are common for commuting (and napping).

Tokyo is filled with stunning and unique architecture (this is the Cocoon building).

Cherry blossom season in Japan is like Oktoberfest in Munich — everyone partakes.

Mt. Fuji is especially stunning during blossom season.

Food sometimes comes with eyeballs.

Halloween is huge in Japan.  Perhaps this is Johnny Depp, I’m not really sure.

Cooking my lunch in Japan’s geothermal steam was a big highlight…

… as was staying at capsule hotels.

In 1989, my friend Jeff and I visited all the major league baseball stadiums.  30 years later, it brought me great joy to have Jeff attend baseball games with me in Japan.

Kayla started her junior year of high school in 2012 while Greg entered 6th grade.  Seven years later, Greg graduated high school in Tokyo.

Covid-19 forced postponement of the summer Olympics. Here at Tokyo Station, the countdown clock has been reset for July 2021.

Saying goodbye is never easy, however, I had a wonderful farewell party – via Skype.  I will miss everyone.

I learned many years ago from the master (Dick Clark), never to thank individual people because someone will be left out — it’s best to thank everyone as a whole.  I understand this rule, however, I need to break it.

First, to Alan.  You brought me into the region in 2012 and later engineered the transition to Tokyo.  I am eternally grateful.  I face Melbourne and salute you.

Next to Dan and Ellen for taking the leap into India.  Sadly, we lost Dan in 2014, but this gentle giant will live forever in our hearts.  He made such a lasting impact on so many people.

And finally to my family.  It’s not often you pull a child from the midpoint of high school and move to India, but there was instant and total support.

The 8 years in Asia (a third of my BMW career) have been life-enriching for all of us.  Thank you Lynda, Kayla and Greg for accepting this adventure.

This blog which began in 2012 on the premise of “Lots of photos – minimal text” is now coming to a close.  My return trip to the U.S. was flawless, and I have already rejoined the BMW Financial Services NJ team (via Skype).  I thank everyone for following this journey.  Stay safe and be healthy.  ts