Toastmaster Speech # 1

A journey around the World

Madam Toastmaster, fellow members and guests

I was born in Mumbai, India in a family of carpenters. My grandfather was quite famous. His hand-made furniture traveled across borders to Pakistan, Afghanistan and even as far as Dubai. But he never got to visit any of those wonderful countries himself. My father, however, has worked and lived in many different countries across continents!

Every year he would come back home for his vacation. He would tell us vivid and exciting stories about his experiences. I loved to hear about the scenery, the people, and the culture of all the different countries. I was so fascinated that I decided to travel all around the world myself!

I started my journey with my Mother and Brother going to Nigeria in Africa. I still remember the day when all my relatives came to see us off at the Mumbai International Airport. I even remember my Uncle teasing me about my polka dot shirt and pants and telling me that they were girl’s clothes. So, I stripped naked and boarded my first international flight! (Don’t worry I was barely 5 year old!)

I learned my ABC’s along with my African friends with the help of Sesame Street. During recess, I used to run around the playground. Once, I even crashed into my friend and got my first black eye! After few more injuries and four years later my family moved back to Mumbai. Soon, I was busy with school and my journey around the world took a backseat to my education for 17 long years!

But life is full of surprises! One fine day I was applying for a US visitor visa to support the Y2K problem. My journey started again in Sunny California where I celebrated the Millennium New Year in an office cubicle in Cupertino. In one short month I fell in love with everything in California from the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge to the little water fountain in my apartment complex. I still enjoy driving on the scenic 280 Freeway from San Jose to San Francisco!

The next destination in my journey was London, UK where I enjoyed the yummy Fish and Chips and traveled everywhere on the London tube. The announcement in the subway trains “Mind the Gap” was music to my ears! I saw the great Kohinoor Diamond, stood on the London tower bridge, and crossed the famous Abbey road.

The next destination in my journey was Seoul, South Korea. Everyday our Korean manager took us out for dinner. Since I love food I enjoyed all of my dinners from hot BBQ to cold noodles! I even had multi-colored flowers for lunch! “It’s supposed to be good for your skin”. I will never forget Korean hospitality and their spicy Kimchi!

Two years ago I went back to India to get married. During my stay, I visited the pink city of Jaipur and saw the Royal Palace called “Hawa Mahal” in Rajasthan. I even took a ride on an elephant just like a royal King! For our honeymoon, my wife and I went to Cochin, Kerela. Over there we saw the famous Chinese fishing nets, took a boat ride on the beautiful Kerela Backwaters, and even enjoyed a traditional meal on a banana leaf!

My journey is far from complete. There are still many more wonderful places to visit. One day I hope to tell stories and inspire my children to start their own journey around the world just like my dad inspired me!