Old Port Half Marathon (Portland, ME)

Portland Maine is a city that oozes New England charm. It started as a fishing village and the Old Port district still remains a hub of activity for both tourists and locals.  I was excited to see that a half marathon was happening during the last weekend of my vacation.  I was even more excited when I found out that Erin, one of my oldest friends, had also signed up for the race. 

I drove up with my mom on Saturday morning so we could spend the day on the beach with Erin and her family. It had been years since I spent time at their summer cottage, but the childhood memories flooded back as soon as I stepped through the door. It was as if the entire house had been frozen in time while all of us grew up.

We spent a few hours on the beach, soaking up the sun before Erin, Megan, and I went to the city for our race packets. 

I was happy to see that this was not a typical expo. Instead of winding through rows of event promotions, athletic gear, and health food samples, this felt more like an outdoor music festival. A stage was set up at the end of the pier with live bands playing throughout the afternoon. There was also a huge beer tent serving various flavors of Shipyard beer. The blueberry wheat was great.  Clearly, we understand that carb loading is essential before a race and beer can fall into that category, too. 

Stage at Old Port Half Marathon Expo

Erin and I enjoying the expo

On this perfect summer day, the race organizers succeeded in making us almost forget that we would have to run 13.1 miles the next morning. 

That evening, my mom and I stayed with one of her friends in Kennebunk, which is another charming Maine town.  Similar to Portland, the history of this town is closely connected to shipbuilding and fishing industries. Driving through downtown, we passed so many stately mansions that we were told belonged to ship captains.  The seafront was so picturesque and we arrived at the perfect time to watch the sun set. 

Casual beachfront living at its finest

Sun begins to set over Kennebunkport

 

Fantastic Maine evening

New England is filled with so many charming towns to visit throughout the year, but Kennebunkport is such an ideal summer tourist destination. For anyone who wants to soak up the true New England atmosphere, one evening is simply not enough. 

The next morning, we woke up at the crack of dawn (literally) and I'm glad we left extra time because the parking situation in Portland was a little chaotic. It's amazing how just a few thousand people can really clog up the city.  

The starting line could have used at least double the number of portable toilets. I knew I wouldn't have time to wait in line, so I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. The line-up process was also a bit unusual because everyone was corralled on a pier. I was late to get in line, so I just ducked under a fence to get a spot at the front of the pack. 

The course took us along Commercial Street, up through some pretty noticeable hills, then back along Commercial Street in the opposite direction.  Around the 5th mile, I knew I would find my mom and her friend cheering me on, so I pushed extra hard to impress them with a good placement. Not only that, I also needed to look good for the inevitable candid photos. The funny thing is that my mom would be proud of me even if I was in last place. I suppose all this effort is to impress myself more than anyone else. 

Running along Commercial Street

The next part of the course took us up another hill, along the parks of Eastern Promenade, and around a lake-type area called Back Cove.  There were some pretty aggressive hairpin turns and I could imagine had huge potential for bottlenecks (fortunately, I made it through before the bulk of the runners). Aside from some strange turns, it really was a beautiful course. 

One thing happened during this race that almost never happens in a half marathon: I was passed (multiple times). It actually rattled my confidence because I was wondering just how slowly I may be running. I realized that my problem was probably going out too fast in the first half. Typical amateur runner mistake. I should have known better. 

The final mile of the race took runners along the famous "graffiti wall", past the old rail tracks (complete with a historic rail car), and back along the water towards the finish line.  By this point, I was just tired of being passed so I pushed myself once again to at least finish with a respectable placement. 

Not realizing I was about to be passed (again)

By this point, I was ready to be finished!

The crowds along the last half-mile of the course were really uplifting.  As I approached the finish line, I was shocked to see the clock reading only 1 hour 22 minutes - a very good time for me. After feeling like I was struggling for much of the last five miles, this was a huge surprise. My mental struggle may have been a symptom of the heat, or maybe just the psychological effects of being passed by at least 4-5 people. 

I picked up my medal and searched for everyone I knew who was there to cheer me on.  There's no better feeling than to finish a race and actually have people around to celebrate the accomplishment.  Of course, it's also nice when they bring things like water, energy bars, and a cold towel to put around my neck!  Talk about celebrity treatment.

Finish line gifts

We all waited for Erin to finish and I had debated whether I should run the last half mile with her.  In the end, I decided to just remain a part of the cheering section. Oddly enough, we were talking afterwards and she also wondered whether I would run the final part of the course with her.  I guess I should have jumped in!

Erin and I after the race

Overall, it was a beautiful weekend in Maine. The race was a lot of fun, the weather was perfect, and I had the honor of a cheering section at the finish line. To be honest, the joy of racing has eluded me over the past year. My finish times (and placements) have suffered with my ankle trouble. But, more than that, running alone just makes everything feel like a business trip than a social event. I am so glad that the two races I decided to run on vacation were enjoyed with friends and family. This has given me renewed enthusiasm for the sport. 

My #1 fan!

As I prepare for my next work trip - this time in Chicago for an undefined amount of time - I am grateful for my time at home and for this short weekend trip to Maine. I loved being able to see good friends and family, while enjoying a sport that I am so passionate about.  Thanks to the Old Port Half Marathon team for a wonderful event!

Old Port Half Marathon - 2014 Medal

Summer Vacation

“Welcome back to America”, I thought to myself, as I reached the new automated kiosks at passport control. Along with our customs declarations, a receipt now prints out with the most unflattering photo I have ever seen of myself.  Whose idea was it to take pictures of passengers just as they are disembarking from long, international flights?

The agent didn’t even ask a question when he looked at my list of countries that I had visited since leaving the United States in January. Despite lengthy periods in India, I still managed to log seven countries on this trip (India, Nepal, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Philippines).

As I stepped into the back seat of my parents’ car, it finally hit me: My American summer vacation has arrived!

The first day at home was filled with my favorite of all the American summertime activities: drum corps! I picked up Kristen and we drove up to the Boston Crusaders rehearsal site to get a first-hand look at the 2014 show. I am constantly in awe at the musical and physical demands that are required of each member and this year’s show takes the athleticism to another level. Several times during rehearsal, we looked at each other and agreed that we could never survive a drum corps tour at our age (and this is coming from two marathoners in great physical shape).

2014 Boston Crusaders in warm-up

After rehearsal ended, we went back to my parents’ house for a BBQ by the pool. We then piled back into the car to watch the show. It was great to see so many people from my drum corps days and to enjoy what may be my only live show of the season. I couldn’t have asked for a better first day back.

2014 Boston Crusaders - In Performance

As the week proceeded, I was mostly just excited to be completely out of the work environment. I can wear anything I want while I eat breakfast. I don’t have to say good morning to ten people and remind them that I still don’t drink coffee. Whenever I sit by the pool, there are no hotel staff members approaching me to ask questions about work while they are in uniform and I am in a swimsuit. And, best of all, I am not forced to choose every meal from a menu and ending up with way more food than I need.

One night, my family got together for a belated birthday celebration and I actually chose to skip all the fancy restaurants in favor of grilling seafood at home. After eating every meal in a restaurant for the past six months, things that make me happiest are basics like fat free salad dressing, meats that are prepared with cooking spray instead of oil, and appetizers that are not all deep-fried.

The evening before 4^th of July, Kristen and I did a 10k race that finished on the center of the field at Patriot Stadium. I hardly ever run at night, so my legs felt heavy and tired before the race even started. I knew that this would not be a personal best for me. The entire race, I was stuck behind the female champion who all spectators all cheered on with great enthusiasm (meanwhile ignoring that I existed).  She was running alongside an older guy with the nastiest, hairiest back I have ever seen. I wanted so badly to pass them, but my legs just wouldn’t cooperate.

pre-race

Race medal

After the race, we stuck around the adjacent outdoor mall and enjoyed some sushi and hibachi in suburban paradise. On the way back home, we drove past the fireworks in Boston. I felt so patriotic.

Fourth of July is always a fun time at my parents’ annual BBQ. It was raining this year, but we still made the most of the day inside. My contribution to the meal was a Pinterest-inspired dessert that would get people talking. “Bears on the beach” was definitely a hit.

Pinterest dessert - bears on the beach

Spending some time with my cousin on 4th of July

The next day was my Dad’s birthday and we celebrated at my brother’s lake house in New Hampshire. We basically just parked his boat at the sand bar and spent the entire afternoon drinking while we were waist-deep in water. If you are ever without a beer can in your hand, someone will inevitably ask: “why aren’t you drinkin’?” The environment is fun, but one visit each summer is enough for me. 

Afternoon at the sand bar

Afternoon on the lake

My all-American summer vacation continued with a baseball game to cheer on the Boston Red Sox with a friend of mine who scored a pair of great tickets. I haven’t been to Fenway Park in well over a decade and I can probably count the number of baseball games I have seen since college on one hand. It was fun to be in such a historic stadium, but damn - those seats are the most uncomfortable things I have ever sat in. If my knee wasn’t banging into the row in front of me, my spine was drilling against the wooden slab of the seatback. Also, the width of each seat can barely accommodate an 8-year-old, let alone a normal-sized adult.

If you ask me, every Red Sox ticket should come with a free yoga session afterwards.

One of the best parts about being at home is seeing all my good friends from the past. I was lucky enough to be around to celebrate the birthday of one of my best friends from high school (a birthday I haven’t celebrated with much more than a Facebook message in the past eight years).  A bunch of us got together for trivia at a nearby seafood restaurant / bar.  We split into groups for the trivia part and, of course, my group won the entire event. (This was little to do with my knowledge and entirely to do with a classmate from college, who can recite facts like an encyclopedia).

Another night, I went out to dinner with an ex from college, who still looks great (and is very much in a committed relationship). I was slightly jealous that I am not the other half of this relationship, but it’s nice to know that my good taste stands the test of time.

Speaking of college (and good taste), I spent one afternoon visiting my alma mater with my mom. The plan was to update my collegiate wardrobe, but the gift shop was not open so we just walked around campus. I have such a deep sense of pride when I think about all of the amazing schools I attended. That said, there is something truly special about Boston College. The architecture is undeniably gorgeous, but beyond that, the overall atmosphere reflects a collaborative learning environment that is both competitive and fun. In my completely biased opinion, BC is the epitome of an all-around aspirational American university.

Boston College, "The Dustbowl"

Burns Library at Boston College

By the end of my second week in Boston, I felt like I had fully reintegrated myself back into American society. And, that’s a good thing because I have been told that my entire summer will be spent in North America this year. The next stop for work will be Chicago, but before that, I get to close my New England vacation with a weekend trip to Maine.  

Flying in India

I'm generally quite tolerant when I travel, but airports in India always test my patience. Here's a typical series of events that travelers can expect before they manage to get up in the air:

1)  Arrive at the airport and decline multiple offers from people who wish to put your luggage on a cart and wheel it into the terminal. (Thanks, but I'm capable of wheeling my own suitcase). 

2) Push through the families that are bidding farewell to their loved ones. (In the smaller cities, this can be quite a crowd...)

3) Show your flight itinerary to the security guards so that you can pass through the doors.  (Showing the itinerary on a phone/computer screen may or may not be acceptable. I learned the hard way in Pune.)

4) Walk though the waiting area and show your itinerary to (yet another) security guard. 

5) Pass your luggage through a large scanner and ensure that they seal the zippers with a plastic strap. (Don't forget this step or the check-in counter will turn you away...another thing I learned the hard way).

6) Wait in line for the agent to start the check-in process (no self check-in). Since the luggage allowance is only 15 kilograms, you will probably need to pay an excess baggage fee. The check-in agent will weigh your luggage, write the fee on a piece of paper, and send you to the oversize luggage office.  (Don't try going to the oversize luggage office first...that process would be too efficient).

7)  Pay the excess luggage fee and refrain from laughing when they print the receipt on a dot-matrix printer.

8) Return to the check-in desk (try to find the same person who started the check-in process, which may be difficult since they are always moving around). Wait awkwardly while he/she finishes with the person they are currently helping, then file in afterwards to finally pick up your boarding pass and a carry-on luggage tag.

9)  If flying internationally, fill in a departure card and pass through customs.

10) Next step: Security. Get into your gender-specific line for security screening, put your bag on the belt, and walk through the metal detector (don't forget to keep your boarding pass in your hand). The metal detector setting will be so sensitive that even a button will cause it to beep. Not to worry because there's always someone stationed ahead with a handheld metal detector wand. Once you are "wanded", he will stamp your boarding pass as evidence that you are clear.

11) Attempt to pick up your bag from the belt. Chances are, they will need to scan it again (especially if they notice you are a non-Indian). Once, I was asked to remove all electronic devices and place them in a separate bin. Kindle, electric razor, ipod, phone, camera, etc etc. That was fun.

12) Once your bag is finally cleared, someone will stamp the luggage tag that you picked up at the check-in desk. (If you forgot to get a luggage tag at the check-in desk, go back to step 8 and repeat).

13) When it's time to board the flight, push (and be pushed) in the line. People will most definitely try to board before their assigned group and blatantly cut into the line. An agent will scan your boarding pass and check your passport. A separate person will check the tags on your bags to make sure they were stamped (they will probably check your boarding pass again, too). If you're lucky, you will be selected for additional luggage screening.

14) At the end of the jet bridge, you will have your boarding pass and passport checked yet again before stepping onto the plane. (Just in case the previous 3 checkpoints missed anything!) 

15) Sit down and read the airline magazine so you don't have to talk to anyone. You may find some interesting renditions of the United States map on this side of the world:

Since when is Boston south of Philadelphia and Hartford?

Emergency cards on IndiGo airlines are also amusing:
 

IndiGo has some impressive emergency exit cards

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If you are connecting in Mumbai or Delhi, the fun is just beginning...

Earlier this year, I flew from Amritsar to Ahmedabad, with a connection in Delhi. My first flight was delayed, but I arrived with 50 minutes to make the connection. Plenty of time in a normal airport. However, when we arrived in Delhi, a gate agent was commissioned to run us through the airport terminal. We first stopped at a ticket desk to pick up our connecting flight boarding passes (for whatever reason, I couldn't get both boarding passes when I initially checked in). The escort then proceeded to take us outside the secure area. We had to re-tag our carry-on bags, pass through security again, and literally sprint to the gate with only about 2 minutes to spare before the doors closed. I still don't understand why we couldn't just remain in the secure area and walk calmly to our connecting gate like everywhere else in the world?

Mumbai domestic-to-international connections are even worse because they involve two completely separate airports. When I traveled from Pune to Manila via Mumbai, I had to collect my luggage in the domestic airport, wait for a bus that comes every 30 minutes, and run my bag through another scanner just to get on the bus. Once I arrived at the international airport, I had to wait in the lobby for an hour because they don't allow check-in until 3 hours prior to the flight time (it was a long connection). I never thought I would be so eager to get inside an airport in India. 

There was also one occasion when I thought I would never leave the airport. When I flew to Amritsar via Delhi, my already-too-long 5 hour connection became a TWELVE hour nightmare.  The security guards told me that if I left the airport, they would have to cancel my ticket. So, I laid on the ground like a homeless person and closed my eyes while the non-stop announcements kept me awake.

Worst flight delay in history...2nd flight on the screen was mine.

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When I arrived in Mumbai from Perth, I was amazed to see that a completely new airport had just opened. Never in India have I seen a building in such pristine condition. The architecture was stunning, and I was almost completely alone (another rarity in India).

Departure hall at the new Mumbai airport

Even the shops are still under construction

Departure lounge in the new airport

I was so busy marveling at my surroundings that I barely noticed not having to fill out a departure card...or only having to show my itinerary once when I entered the building. It may not be much, but the gradual improvements in efficiency reflect a country that is constantly changing. Now, travelers flying in and out of Mumbai can experience a world-class facility. 

The airport experience in India may be frustrating and inefficient, but these cultural differences are just some of the many elements that make India such a unique place to visit. A seamless travel experience simply wouldn't fit with the rest of the country. 

Once you finally manage to get up in the air, the views will be just as spectacular as anywhere else in the world...Perhaps even more spectacular, considering all the steps that it took to reach that point. 
   

Watching the sun rise as I approach Mumbai

Monsoon Season in India

Back to India. This time during monsoon season.  

(As if I don't already have enough reasons to stay in my hotel...)

I was surprised to actually see the sun when my plane landed in Mumbai. The humidity hit me like a brick wall as soon as I stepped outside the airport, but it was nice that I did not have to battle pouring rains. 

The blue skies continued over the next few days and I noticed more conversations about the weather, although the tone included a sense of concern rather than a sense of relief. Apparently, the monsoon generally arrives on the same day each year, so the delay was causing a lot of uncertainty. 

There were articles in the newspaper which stated that the prices of food staples (potato, onion) were already increasing, based purely on the speculation of a lower-than-average monsoon. It's amazing how quickly people start to react to a few days of dry weather - especially since most meteorologists in the United States can barely forecast rain for the next day, let alone an entire season.  

And then, suddenly, the monsoon arrived.

Monsoon view from my window

Rain poured down in buckets and the view from my window became downright spooky. It's times like this that I really appreciate being inside. Driving in Mumbai is an adventure, even in perfect weather. Flooded roads add yet another dimension to the mayhem. 

The next day, I talked to some of my local colleagues about whether they get annoyed with the rain. Without exception, they all said that it is a beautiful and much-anticipated time of year. There was a sense of nostalgia, as they recalled the many times that they waded through the knee-high puddles, enjoyed an "earthy" scent in the air, and returned home completely soaked. 

As someone who despises rain, I could not associate with the things they were saying. There have been a few select occasions when I was forced to run in the rain and actually started to appreciate it (only after I was already soaking wet). However, aside from a handful of fun memories, I don't understand the beauty or the appeal of non-stop, heavy rains. 

My (American) colleague arrived at the hotel during another three-day period without rain and exclaimed how nice it was that the skies were clear. I shook my head in agreement. Then, our local consultant said something that I will never forget. His response was: "I'm glad you enjoy the nice views from your window. Meanwhile, we will have no food." 

At that moment, I started understanding why Indians genuinely appreciate the beauty of the rain. To them, it is a necessary part of the year that brings the most basic of all necessities to many people around the country. It is also a break from the oppressive heat that makes living conditions more difficult during the summer months that precede the monsoon. With so many people working outside or living in non air-conditioned homes, the heat impacts life in a negative way. 

Sometimes, I fail to realize that my perspectives of the world come from my upbringing in a first-world country. I dislike the rain because it prevents me from running outdoors or seeing blue skies in my pictures, but I never think about any potential impact on my food supply or living conditions. If the price of produce increases in my local grocery store, I usually don't even notice. My favorite foods are always available - even if they have to be imported from another country.

India is an exotic place in every sense of the word. I have always recognized the vast differences in food, clothing, cultural traditions, family dynamics, and so many other elements of life. However, it was not until this monsoon season that I realized just how much a person's upbringing can impact his or her perspective on something as simple as rain. 

The World of Television

Before I started living out of a suitcase, my daily activities always included some TV. Weekday mornings, I watched the pre-market stock ticker run across the bottom of the Bloomberg screen as I worked out at Equinox. A few evenings each week, I tuned in to my favorite prime-time shows after work. Some nights, I fell asleep with "Friends" re-runs playing in the background. For Americans, TV is just part of life. 

Everything changed when I started finding myself in a new country every other week. The channels are never the same, comedies are lost in a sea of boring global news, and the majority of offerings are in a foreign language. For a while, I used Hulu as my lifeline to American culture, but even that dried up a few months ago when Hulu blocked content to anyone using a VPN to log in internationally. In a world where "2 Broke Girls" and "Mike & Molly" are considered prime-time television, I have no option but to entertain myself in other ways.

For a couple months, I pretended to be scholarly and read a lot more e-books on my Kindle. I spent some time practicing my Spanish (which is getting very rusty these days). I also discovered plenty of creative content on Youtube. Without exaggeration, I can spend hours watching a series of clips on Youtube. It's proof that you don't need million-dollar budgets or professional scripts to entertain people. 

After a long hiatus from TV, I was happy to discover that Australians have mastered the American formula of at-home entertainment. Every morning at the gym, I enjoyed shows that were essentially copies of “Good Morning America”. Anchors would make light of the day’s news, correspondents would report with fun community stories, and a “cash cow” character would call random viewers to give away prizes each morning.  It’s such a better way to start the day than International CNN or Al Jazeera.

Even the ads reminded me of America, with only a few small variations. Progressive Insurance basically copied the American format for Australia and replaced “Flo” with an Australian counterpart called "Kitty" who even looks similar. 

Kitty, the Progressive insurance girl in Australia

American TV shows have all been exported around the world but Australia actually manages to get the current season with only a short delay. I felt truly American again, as I watched episodes of “Ellen” at lunch with my local colleagues and laughed out loud during the "Modern Family" wedding while I ate a bacon cheeseburger from room service (the first burger I have eaten in years)!

One night, I saw an advertisement for a show called "I Wanna Meet Harry", which follows a group of American girls that were sent to England to compete for dates with a Prince Harry look-alike. At first, I thought this was just a brilliant Australian series that was created to mock gullible Americans (does anyone actually think that Prince Harry would try to find love on a low-budget TV show?) As it turns out, the show was actually produced by Ryan Seacrest and was also being broadcast in the United States. Thank you, Ryan Seacrest, for further diminishing the way Americans are viewed overseas!

On the positive side, I did find one TV series that manages to distract the attention away from crazy Americans. The popular "Real Housewives" franchise on Bravo has made its way down under, with "The Real Housewives of Melbourne"!  I have always enjoyed Bravo TV for mindless laughter and this show did not disappoint.  The women are basically the same as any of the US housewives installments, only with hilarious accents. If I ever move to Australia, there is no way I will get bored by the TV. 

Real Housewives of Melbourne prove even more that Australia = America

Although my job has made TV less relevant to my daily routine, I have never truly lost the love for mindless entertainment. Whenever I turned on the TV in Australia, I knew that I could be guaranteed at least one show that I recognized from home (often far more than just one). Part of me enjoyed the constant entertainment options, but a larger part realized that I am actually more productive without the distractions.  

Would other Americans also be better off without the hundreds of channels to choose from whenever they decide to sit in front of the TV?  Based purely on my personal experiences abroad... Absolutely.