On an Eastbound trip that began in Zurich, my female-to-male passenger ratio was 8-to-1. Since I’ve mentioned it, I am sure you can guess which gender was predominant. But what you may not suppose, unless I provide you with a hint, is that not one of the eight females was unattractive. Well, would you believe that not one was less than half attractive? In fact, none were exactly ugly, and at least a few were quite appealing.

It was, without a doubt, the most trouble-free, peaceful, and easy-going trip I undertook, my Swiss passengers being remarkably endowed with sobriety, common sense, presence of mind, and even practicality, taking in everything with a level head and composure. For all those good qualities, they were not lacking in feminine attributes either. I could not have handpicked more desirable companions. Oh, and I forgot humor, the quality in a woman I must confess would make them for me enchanting, if I did not know better than to be enchanted by such things. I would be concealing a pertinent truth if I did not tell you that I took a secret pride and pleasure in being their gallant knight and enjoyed the prestige, which they did nothing to deflate, of my enviable position. As I swaggered before gawking customs officials and hotel proprietors, my modest concubines making their appearances one after another, I enjoyed the effect on one and all and was glad to bring a little amusement into their lives.

In case I have fooled you into believing my unworthiness to be a tour leader and a nincompoop to boot, I should inform you what the most mature of the ladies told me as we bade each other farewell at the end of the trip. Precisely as we stood beside a bed of flowers in a New Delhi campsite, she wished me everything in life that she would want for herself, a blessing indeed, provided, of course, she was not feeling suicidal on my account.