“You don’t sound happy about it,” said a voice below him. Ramesh glanced down to see a stick with a little head atop it. It stood on two thin legs and waved its scrawny arms as it asked, “Aren’t you excited about 2008?”
“I might be if I could travel,” said Ramesh. “My parents don’t have time to take me anywhere, and I’ve never been outside Karnataka.”

“Make it your New Year resolution to take trips,” said the strange-looking creature with beady eyes. “I’m Wilbur the Wand, and today---the 1st of January---if you pick a place while holding me, you’ll find yourself there.”
Ramesh grabbed the wand immediately. “I wish to be at the Gateway of India,” he declared. “It’s cold,” he complained, a moment later. “We can’t be in Mumbai.”

“We aren’t,” said Wilbur impatiently. “We’re in Delhi.”

“I didn’t say India Gate,” said Ramesh, “although I must say, it’s impressive.”

“You can’t fuss about the weather if you want to be a globe-trotter,” said Wilbur.

“You’re right,” agreed Ramesh, “but I won’t get far if I freeze to death at my first destination.” He raced indoors for his jacket and was out again in a flash.

“Where do you want to go next?” said Wilbur.

“Pisa,” said Ramesh promptly. “I’ve been reading...” Before he could finish, he found himself at the Sphinx. “This isn’t the Leaning Tower,” said Ramesh crossly. “You seem to have no idea of geography.”
“And you don’t speak clearly,” snapped Wilbur. “I could have sworn you said Giza. I thought you were eager to see the Pyramids.”

“Well, now that I’m here, I suppose I am,” admitted Ramesh. “How about the Great Wall? Could you manage that?”

“There are great malls all over the world,” said Wally. “Be specific.”

“Wall, not mall,” said Ramesh. “I mean CHINA!”

“No need to shout,” said Wally. “Well, here we are, but you can’t spend too long sightseeing. Remember, you only have till midnight.”

“Then, we’ll dash to the Statue of Liberty,” said Ramesh. “Oh, there she stands, in stately splendour, but I’d like a daylight view.”

“Not possible,” said Wilbur firmly. “In America, there are still several hours to go before dawn. Do you care to land in London? The UK is just waking up to the New Year.”

“Yes, take me to Madame Tussaud’s. It would be fun to see the wax figures.”

“Sorry, no indoor sights,” said Wilbur. “I wouldn’t be allowed in---security regulations---and once you let go of me, you won’t be able to return to your country.”

“In that case,” said Ramesh, “let’s hasten home. What if I drop you as we’re speeding through the skies? Look at the Vidhana Soudha. I must have passed it hundreds of times, without noticing that it is a magnificent monument. After all, Wilbur, East--West, Bengalooru is best!”