My early morning flight from Bangalore to Surat was a refreshing change, especially since it was meticulously arranged for this official business trip. Unlike my previous experiences with unplanned trips that often came with a whirlwind of stress, this journey felt remarkably smooth. I arrived at the airport feeling composed and prepared, knowing that everything was in place.
The trip promises to be an action-packed three days, as I embark on a compact schedule alongside my manager, who has traveled from Charlotte, North Carolina for a four-day visit. I can only imagine the toll that jet lag and numerous travel hours have taken on her, but there’s a sense of excitement in the air as we navigate our packed agenda. With each meeting lined up back-to-back, we’ll have to make the most of our time together, balancing important discussions with short bursts of energy. Despite the challenges that come with such tight schedules, there’s something invigorating about being in a new city, collaborating on shared goals, and forging stronger connections in the process.
The Indigo flight landed right on schedule in Surat, setting the tone for a productive day. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was relieved to see the company car ready to whisk me away. With a quick three-hour journey ahead to Dahej, where our plant is located, I felt a sense of efficiency take over. I headed to the hotel first to freshen up, a much-appreciated pause after the travels. Refreshed and recharged, I made my way to the plant in no time, eager to dive into the work awaiting me. Each moment was well planned, making for a smooth transition from travel to business mode.
I was filled with excitement as I prepared to meet my boss for the first time in a year and a half. Our greetings were warm, and it felt like catching up with an old friend as we discussed a mix of business and casual topics, just like our chats on Teams. The lunchtime call at the plant brought back nostalgic memories of my MBA days, reminiscent of the lively atmosphere of hostel life. After completing a couple of productive meetings throughout the day, we wrapped things up and headed back to the hotel in the evening, feeling accomplished and connected. It was a fulfilling day that reminded me of the importance of face-to-face interactions.
Tonight’s dinner was a delightful affair with two of my colleagues, our purchasing managers. We had a fantastic time chatting about Indian culture, savoring delicious Indian foods, and reminiscing about the excitement of the IPL. The lively conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared stories. After dinner, we enjoyed a leisurely post-dinner walk, soaking in the evening air and continuing our discussions. It was the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. As the night wound down, I headed to bed, looking forward to an early morning breakfast and the promise of another productive day ahead.
I found myself feeling super active this morning, waking up early and getting ready by 8:45 AM to join my manager at the breakfast table. We discussed the stakeholders’ meetings lined up for the day. By 9:30, we headed to the plant and kicked off our meeting with suppliers. After that, we had two more meetings and took a tour of the plant to review some processes, which went really well. Following a productive day of work, we returned to the hotel. In the evening, we went for a post-dinner walk, reminiscent of the previous night, enjoying the fresh air and camaraderie. I finally settled into bed, knowing we needed to meet for breakfast at 8:45 AM the next morning.
This morning was a bit busier than usual, as we discussed freight matters over breakfast. We had an important meeting with the India supply chain team later in the day, so my schedule was tight. The meeting went well, and right after lunch, we had some fun photo sessions. Afterward, I headed to Surat airport and, on the way, picked up some sweets to bring home. Thankfully, my flight was on time. However, I faced some frustration with the flight attendants, who seemed reluctant to serve me snacks while I was sleeping. After waking up and knocking for assistance, they kept making excuses and delaying service. Feeling let down, I reached out to one attendant to express my concerns, but by then, I had already landed, so I moved on. I decided to file a formal complaint with Indigo regarding the service. It was a long day, and I finally made it home in Bangalore around midnight.