Where was I?

It happened! This is what I was afraid of. Before I could apply for the leave, I got the automated message saying I was “almost absconding”. It did not matter that I had taken permission from my boss, it did not matter that I had informed all my colleagues, it did not matter that I was checking most of my mail every day, it did not matter that I was on calls almost every day of my leave. Damn computers! They aren’t smart enough yet. Not yet in the self learning mode. They just executed the policy!
(Btw, it’s all about how you put together and analyze all the available data to draw conclusions. For example, two of the 9/11 suicide “bombers” had their names in the terrorist watch list, were staying in the US under their own names, had their phone numbers listed and had bought the 9/11 tickets on their own names. All the data was available… just that no-one including NSA could put it all together… not in time at least. The future lies in collecting and making sense of data from varied sources. Not only in case of terrorism but also in case of retail (sounds familiar?) and jobs. It’s all about maths. The future lies in maths. A recommended read on this topic is “The Numerati” by Stephen Baker. The first 2 chapters are a must read. A copy is available in my library.)

Coming back to the main topic, it was very uncharacteristic of me to go on an unplanned/unscheduled leave of a week. Not that I never take unplanned leave but never for a week. In my case, any leave more than a day or two is planned at least 3 months in advance due to real life constraints. So this sudden leave took everyone by surprise. I conveniently ducked the question of “where I was” by saying somewhere in India – which was very true. This got the tongues wagging.
A colleague of mine told me that I or rather my leave had become a topic of discussion at lunch table – how flattering! Another one guessed that I was enjoying the nice weather of Nagpur (I had originally gone to Nagpur for the long weekend – Apr 30, May 1-3 – and had extended the leave) – how lame is that? Nagpur is the hottest city in the country with temperatures going up to 48-degrees. That’s HOT - trust me.
Another guy guessed that I was in Bangalore and a good friend of mine said I was in Pune. How stupid is that! Why would I stay in one of these 2 cities and take leave? Why sleep at home when I can do so in an AC office :)
The best one was – I was in some Ashram in Haridwar. Well, I am not as old as I look and I am not there yet – to be going to an Ashram for 5 days.

Btw, by now, I wonder why people have been so curious about my whereabouts. Why can't i go missing for 5 days?

Now, the Sherlock Holmes of worlds, here are some clues for you to figure out where I was –
1. I was somewhere in India – already mentioned
2. Already mentioned some of the places where I wasn’t
3. On my trip I visited one of the ancient universities (The clue!)
4. On my way back to the Pune, the last flight took 50 minutes
5. I was back on a Friday (i.e. in Pune ver the weekend)

Those who already know where I was, please, please, don’t spill the beans and spoil the fun. Others, all the best! Let’s see if you have it in you!!