Since hearing about the terror attacks at the Oberoi and Taj Hotels in Mumbai earlier this evening it reminded me of a note I sent friends and family on my last night at the Oberoi Hotel in Bangalore. Over a twenty month period In 2004-06 I travelled to India four times for extended business trips developing a deeper understanding of the fascinating and smart people, rich culture, and its economic transformation and decided to share some of my experiences and thoughts with friends and family — the full note is below with some minor edits to provide context on certain references.
While this evening some sought to destroy the personal friendship and economic relationship that Americans and Indians have formed over the past two decades I am looking forward to my next visit to India to recommit myself to strengthening this relationship and will hopefully be staying at the Oberoi Hotel (it is a magnificent hotel)