* Don't take everything that is offered. Just because food is plentiful is no reason to overeat.

* The purpose of law is to protect the weak. Absence of traffic law will give the road to trucks and give fear to pedestrians and bicycles. The man on the road last night would have testified to this if he had lived long enough.

* I am rich. At least by international standards. The number of people in this world with a car and a heated place to live are relatively few.

* I am free. In the U.S., we are given wide latitude to do as we choose. My American passport gives me license to travel where I want, while most of the people I visit in this world will never be able to visit the U.S.

* I am selfish. My daily thoughts center around one thing -- me. Meanwhile a complex world full of larger issues continues to develop with little regard to my small presence.

* Jet lag is too strong to be ignored.

* The people of India are incredibly generous. Be careful what you compliment or you will be carrying it home.

* American people are less giving. We generally take what we want, and are quite proud of that fact.

* Love your family. When you are old and frail, they may be all you have.

* Worldwide, women are not valued. To discourage female feticide, for example, Indian law prohibits the determination of gender during pregnancy. Good law. But the fact that it's necessary is heartbreaking and nauseating.

* Your word means something. Otherwise all business and personal interaction is a waste of time.

* Mercedeses with GPS navigation and carts pulled by oxen can occupy the same road at the same time.

* Vegetarian meals can be very delicious. That said, I still believe cattle were meant to be eaten. I can think of no other reason that God would have made them out of beef.