I've started writing, but haven't had much time to really review my posts and get them up, so I will be catching up over the next day or so.
The flight was great and I was particularly happy with the second leg of the journey. I flew on Jet Airways, which is an Indian carrier, and the service was outstanding. Of course, what also helped was the very nice Bollinger champagne that was being poured like water. After about three glasses (and the glasses were truly full), and a very good Indian lunch, I settled in for a nice long snooze. The only downside was that my TV wasn't working so sadly no Bollywood movies for me, instead I dozed over a book for the remainder of the trip.
It was gorgeous when I arrived in the early morning. I remember how steamy and tropical it was the last time I was here and the weather is nothing like that now. This time, it is the dry season and it was a lovely 26C. The perfect nighttime temperature for someone coming from Canada. It was such a pleasure to take off the light jacket that I had worn.
Finding my driver was just as crazy, though. The arrivals area for the airport is outside of the building. Only people with tickets can get in or out of the airport and security guard make sure that once you've left, you are not getting back inside, no matter what your problem is. This results in a huge throng of people waiting. It has a carnival atmosphere though and goes on all night. You can get the requisite flowers and stuffed toys for your loved ones and, of course being India, yummy looking food that I have not been allowed to eat, to date. This time, I will try street food. I was constantly warned against it before and yes, some of the vendors are obviously dirty, but there are also better ones and that's what I intend to find and enjoy, despite my weak, western stomach.
Now that I'm back, I'm happy to be here again. I would never say I know the city, it's way too massive for that, but I recognized the way from airport to the hotel and was happy that "my neighbourhood" hasn't changed.
Coming back to the hotel was the best part, so far. I was checked in by someone who remembered me me and when I came down the next morning for breakfast, my server immediately asked if I wanted scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast (my standard breakfast when I was last here). It's like I never left and I like that. It helps make an extended trip like this that much easier.
The flight was great and I was particularly happy with the second leg of the journey. I flew on Jet Airways, which is an Indian carrier, and the service was outstanding. Of course, what also helped was the very nice Bollinger champagne that was being poured like water. After about three glasses (and the glasses were truly full), and a very good Indian lunch, I settled in for a nice long snooze. The only downside was that my TV wasn't working so sadly no Bollywood movies for me, instead I dozed over a book for the remainder of the trip.
It was gorgeous when I arrived in the early morning. I remember how steamy and tropical it was the last time I was here and the weather is nothing like that now. This time, it is the dry season and it was a lovely 26C. The perfect nighttime temperature for someone coming from Canada. It was such a pleasure to take off the light jacket that I had worn.
Finding my driver was just as crazy, though. The arrivals area for the airport is outside of the building. Only people with tickets can get in or out of the airport and security guard make sure that once you've left, you are not getting back inside, no matter what your problem is. This results in a huge throng of people waiting. It has a carnival atmosphere though and goes on all night. You can get the requisite flowers and stuffed toys for your loved ones and, of course being India, yummy looking food that I have not been allowed to eat, to date. This time, I will try street food. I was constantly warned against it before and yes, some of the vendors are obviously dirty, but there are also better ones and that's what I intend to find and enjoy, despite my weak, western stomach.
Now that I'm back, I'm happy to be here again. I would never say I know the city, it's way too massive for that, but I recognized the way from airport to the hotel and was happy that "my neighbourhood" hasn't changed.
Coming back to the hotel was the best part, so far. I was checked in by someone who remembered me me and when I came down the next morning for breakfast, my server immediately asked if I wanted scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast (my standard breakfast when I was last here). It's like I never left and I like that. It helps make an extended trip like this that much easier.
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