Greetings from Mumbai

This week I’m in Mumbai, India, doing some demos for my friends at Assimilate (makers of Assimilate Scratch, a digital intermediate system – among other things – that I’ve used for a few years now, both in Miami and back home in Los Angeles). This is my first visit to this part of the world, and that being the case, I’m still a bit overwhelmed, even after 4 days here. What I do know is that I’ve met a lot of interesting, talented, and for lack of a better term, wonderful people that I’m very happy to call new friends. I’ve seen a lot and learned a lot, as is usually the case when one travels to places with cultures and living circumstances very different from their own.

Which brings me to the main point of this post. Whenever I travel internationally, I’m constantly reminded of at least two things. First, people are people, far more alike than different all over the world. And second, if everyone would have the opportunity to travel to foreign locales, the world would likely be a much better place. Provincialism is the enemy of knowledge and tolerance. A wider world view opens one up to possibilities they never imagined were there. Humans, left on their own, without the debilitating influence of governments, politicians, and some religious leaders, have far more similarities than differences. Finding common ground is all about respecting each others’ cultures and beliefs, not enforcing one’s own. I’ve spent quite a bit of time abroad over the last 15 years or so, and more than anything else, I think it’s made me a much more aware, much more informed, and perhaps most important, much better person. This week I’ve gotten the opportunity to experience that once again, and for that, I thank my friends at Assimilate, and my hosts here in Mumbai. Thank you for allowing me to experience your country and your culture. I hope some time in the future I can return the favor.

Now, about that 16 1/2 plane flight from Dubai to L.A……..