Blessed 08/27/10

I got on my plane to Amsterdam this morning where I was seated next to Inder-Pal, a middle-aged mechanical engineer whose first language was Swahili (he was born in Tanzania), was raised in India. He was on his way to Istanbul for a vacation with some friends. He became very interested when I told him about my trip and my aspirations, saying many times, "your desire is unique," and commenting that "you look twelve, but you speak 30." He encouraged me to follow my desires rather than being sucked into corporate success as he was.
His perspective is unique. At 30 or 40-something, he owns two homes, has designed countless machines for Boss and GE, and takes bi-yearly vacations to exotic locations of his choosing. He "preaches" the need to find life outside of these things. Now, after 15 years of straight work and degrees, he says he's found joy to be 2-hour, twice weekly runs with dogs from a local animal shelter. His dream has always been to teach children in an inpoversished country, a dream he says he'll pursue in a few years when he retires early from "crap,"--the term he consistently uses to describe what was once his creative outlet, engineering.
Inder's eyes sparkle as he recalls stories from travel, childhood, and even movies he's seen. He remembers a time when his stories only revolved around his new work creations, constantly spouting the catchphrase, "if I wasn't doing it, someone else would be."
Despite the creativity his work entails, it seems he can only recognize it as a means to travel and learn, now.
Throughout the 8-hour plane ride we chat (hours 1, 2, 6, 7), watch movies (Date Night, Alice in Wonderland..I don't know what he was watching), and sleep. Afterward he makes sure I'm headed where I need to be, and invites me to meet his travel mates. I leave them and begin the trek to my gate and another 8-hour flight. I am presently on a double-decker plane(!!!), seated, now, next to the window with two silent businessmen at my left. I hate having to tap shoulders so I can get up to pee!