India Day 5 - The Best thing EVER, Delhi

A funny thing happened while waiting for the metro…what I forgot to mention in yesterday’s blog. Whilst walking toward the line to board the metro, we hear over the P.A. that “you should not befriend homeless people”. I thought that tidbit was very important to share.

This morning, instead of waiting for the car, I got a phone call in the hotel room stating that the car was already here – half and hour earlier than meet time! Shocking, to say the least. It was a good thing they called too because we were all still sleeping. So, it was a semi-mad dash to get ready for the day.

The driver picked us up and we headed to Connaught place to start our Sunrise in Delhi tour. One would think that 7:30am would not be considered sunrise, but in India, that is sunrise. We met up with our guide, Ahkhi for short. He will be our guide for today and tomorrow, and he’s hoping for the day after as well.

Our first site was the flower market and it was near the end for the day, where some of the vendors were packing up their flowers, but there was still a crowd there and the street simply packed with vendors and colorful flowers as far as the eye can see. Also, baskets, pretty paper, ribbons and the like. We did purchase some flowers and then we were on our way to the next site….

Hindi temples. We had already hiked about this place on Sunday when it was empty and people were telling us we were walking the wrong way…but it was jammed packed today. The Hindi temple was dedicated to the Monkey God and his days are Saturday and Tuesdays. Being as today was Tuesday, it was full of people praying. The sweets were all out and boy were they sweet!

Then we headed to the Sikh Temple. Here, we went into the tourist room, took off our shoes and got our heads wrapped. We got a short lecture on the history of the religion and how they operate now. It all sounded so peaceful and loving. And the temple was incredibly welcoming of everyone.

We walked in and saw the Golden Canopy and the prayers. Then we headed out to their pool. Akhi told us that if we made a wish and walked around the pool, it would help the wish come true. So, we did just that! On our way around the pool, I spotted the banana hammocks. Yech.

Then, the best thing in the world happened to me! We went to their commercial kitchens to see how they cook for anyone who wants a meal and it’s all done by volunteer work. There were ladies rolling out chapatti dough and then baking it and we were invited to go sit and help! Yay! I heart making bread. For realz. We just sat and rolled and rolled while other volunteers kept tossing us lumps of dough.

I look like a washer woman! I was so hot and my head covering kept on trying to come off, but SO FUN!!! BEST THING EVER!
Then we went to bake the chapatti that we rolled and that was fun – who doesn’t like tossing around a disc of bread with a metal poker? Only fun can ensue with such actions.

We finally managed to tear ourselves away from the kitchen and we head back to the tourist office to get our shoes and take off our pirate caps. We are then lead to a little hole in the wall place to have breakfast. Akhi says this place is special because it’s where locals go and because they refuse to serve coffee any other way than they way it was done when it was first introduced to India…..WEAK. I thought the coffee was fine, but I generally drink my sugar and milk with a little bit of coffee anyways. The dosa was meh, but it was breakfast.

That was the end of the first tour for us that day. Akhi left us there for us to take the metro home at our leisure, which we did. Back to the hotel to rest for a bit and then we headed to the pool.

The life of the rich and famous with their smoothies in a pool. =)
The pool was empty today. Everyone ordered drinks, which took about…oh 30 minutes to come. Really? Did they have to find a coconut or mango out in the wild? Anyways. I still think the pool was cold and this time, I got support from the ladies with me. So, we just hung out and then sunbathed a bit and then headed indoors for nappy time (no juice box), but when we got the hotel room our package from the wedding finally came!

SNACKS! INDIAN SCOOBY SNACKS!!

4pm rolled around pretty quick and we headed out to meet Akhi again for our Delhi Cultural night and Family Dinner tour. We were driven to south Delhi and dropped off at an apartment complex to meet our host – a lovely lady and her two kids. We were greeted by a lighting of a candle, red lines painted on our face with rice paste and orange marigolds leis placed around our necks.

This is what happens to bad kids in India who don't do the homework and help cook...they get industrial strength locked into their rooms! =)

We sat and chatted about Indian culture and such things while water was served. Then we were invited into the kitchen to learn how to make potato pakoras. Yum. When those were deep-fried and yummy, she started to make us Chai tea while we munched on Pakoras.

Then we had tea and talked more with Akhi about Indian culture, dating, family life, etc etc, while she continued to cook. We were invited back into the kitchen again and again to watch or help prepare eggplant, yogurt, chickpeas, rice pudding and of course…CHAPATTI!!! I was interested to learn that the dough is only wheat flour and water. I will have to try it out at home. We were sweating so much in the kitchen and wiping sweat off our faces, I ended up smearing my rice paste all over my forehead.

Smarter than your average bear!

Family dinner. Yum Yum! Where's mah chapatti?!?!

Then we all sat down to eat, while she kept on making more chapatti for us and bringing us fresh ones. When we were done, we excused ourselves and thanked our hosts for a lovely evening.

We hopped on some tuk-tuk or autorickshaws and away we went, back to our hotel. Tomorrow is a normal start – nothing crazy.
This is what happens to you when you fall asleep during family dinners...we gave her a pass - she lives!, she only had 3 hours of sleep last night. =)

This is my leg...I hit it on the seat of the car...this morning....boo boo 3 of this trip.

India Day 4 - India's Trying to Kill Me, Chandigarh

India is trying to kill me - literally. Or attempt to make my brain explode, either way.

We woke up again at a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed 4:30am because the driver was to pick us up from the hotel and take us to Chandigarh, which is about 5 hours away again. So, at 5:30am, once again, no one was there. As I didn't have his personal number, I was forced to call his boss, which gave us his number. And therefore we called him and he told us 20 minutes.....clearly, he forgot or something. So, after more waiting, he zooms up and we are on our way.

The road to Chandigarh was much prettier, in my opinion. And the traffic was much better. Lots of rice fields and oxen pulled carts. Very pastoral and poetic.
Mostly women you see working in the rice fields....'enough said. I have one sad thing to admit - apparently, they do pay a tax because this driver also stopped to pay a tax. But he didn't have the shady plastic bag with him that the other driver did, so I stand by my hypothesis that there was drug dealing going on the other day.

The driver had us stop off at this place called Karnal Haveli for breakfast. There really are no words to describe this place. Half carnival, half restaurant, 100% odd. They were popping popcorn. This is what we were greeted with. When we went inside the restaurant, it reminded me of medieval times. I was expecting some mounted knights to canter up and start jousting.... The food was decent. The tea was excellent - tasted exactly like milk tea, which, I guess isn't very India, but I heart milk tea.
We finally make in into Chandigarh and I was no expecting all the traffic! My map showed city divided into roughly 8 sectors, apparently, there were 60 some sectors....and our driver was not familiar with the city. So, after asking around, we make our way to our first stop, which, due to wrong turns and such, was the High Court.
Chandigrah is the capital of Punjab and Haryana and is known (whether liked or hated) for it's architecture. The High Court was supposed to be one of the buildings to see. It was so blah, that I won't even bother posting a photo of it here. Apparently there was a statute of an open hand, which we could not find either. So, hot and irritated, we headed off next door to the Nek Chand Fantasy Rock Garden instead.

This place is...odd, to say the least. It's a garden that's like a dream-scape and everything is made out of recycled materials. Some of it is gorgeous, like the waterfall below.
But then you get into the bizarre like the lines and lines of rock monkeys, people, imaginary figures and other animals. Who would win? The terracotta warriors in China or the army of recycled monkeys of India? =)
The garden was very interesting though, no matter how odd. What was also odd was that the doorways kept on getting smaller and smaller to the point where my little frame had to bend over to get through. At the end of the site, there was an aquarium area and fun house mirrors and swings - it was all very bizarre.
It didn't help that my very American looking friend was with me and set the natives a-twitter. It was like being followed by the paparazzi. Everyone wanted a photo with him. I finally just walked away and let him be swarmed.
We then headed to the rose garden which boasts 1500 varieties of roses...except, we saw about 1500 varieties of dead roses. I'm not surprised given the heat. The lake did not seem to be maintained and was a breeding ground for malaria and the one begger child just would not let up. I finally told her to "stay" like a dog. =/
Down down flowers indeed. The best part of the garden was on our way out, an Indian man approached my friend and told him that his female companion over that way would really like to meet him. And she came bounding over. I swear he was going to get married off. This time, I saved him....
We then thought, one more try. Let's head to the Architecture Museum and see what's up over there as this city is supposedly known for such things. But...it was closed on Monday. But the garden/lawn part was opened so we wandered a bit and saw what we could.
I clearly don't get the architecture of this city.....

Then we headed to lunch at this place recommended by my guide book called Ghazal. The below picture is what I had to stare at through my meal....


I describe her as an ugly wonder woman who's being seduced by a transvestite. My friend says "Even her boobs have muscles!" Despite the motif, the food was yum yum YUM!

Then 5 hour drive back home. I put on my headphones to listen to some tunes and podcasts. About 2 hours in, the driver looks back at me and says something. I can't hear him, but automatically nod. I assume he needs water or the bathroom or something. He parks outside and gets out and orders a meal! So, we wait in the car, which is slowly getting hotter even with the windows down and the begger child have found us!
Then, of course, we have to stop for gas.....FINALLY, he drops us back home.

I call my friend who's getting married and after some chit chat she recommends this place for dinner - The Great Kabob Factory. She did not tell me it was buffet.....We head over the the Radisson near Connaught Place and walk around until we find it since apparently no one knew where it was.
We walk in there and the decor is very nice and pretty. I actually like it since it's all in blue. We sit down and are confronted with the buffet menu - your only choice is vegetarian or non-vegetarian and then away we go. The food keeps on coming and it doesn't stop until you say it does.
This plate only represents SOME of the food that my friend ate. Just the ribs. It doesn't include the chicken, fish, lamb, salads and other dishes that were continually brought to the table. I chose the vegetarian meal and I asked them to stop after the initial tasting. =)
This is a sampling of the dessert. YUM! Hungry yet?
This is actually the setting of the table. It makes a smiley face, which makes me make a smiley face. =)

We then head home. As the rest of my group is inbound this night, I try to stay up to make sure everyone makes it. My brother and his fiancee arrive and I send them to their rooms. I then go nap while I wait for my other friend, but in my tired stupor, I keep on thinking I hear the doorbell ring, so about 8 separate times, I would walk over to the door, open it, see no one there, look confused, then walk over to the phone and pick it up, and say hello and no one would be there....then crawl back into bed. I had the right to worry, even though I had an extra bed sent to the room and made sure they knew there would be 3 people in the room, they still told my friend that she wasn't confirmed to stay in this hotel. My friend did finally arrive and I finally crash. She was escorted by hotel employees to make sure she wasn't lying or a prostitute or something.

India Day 3 - The Meanderings of Two Travelers

We slept in...thank goodness as I was about to pass out from jet lag and general stuffs. Then we headed downstairs for our breakfast buffet! Yay buffet! I was trying to be careful - not to upset the tummy. So nice, easy foods for me. But the buffet was Indian, American, and Chinese/Japanese. Lots of options.

Then we headed out to wander the streets of Delhi. We didn't have a set place in mind, but we were accosted by rickshaws and random persons telling us we were going the wrong way. There was one rickshaw that actually stalked us a few blocks! Apparently, walking is a no-no. The streets are not equipped with walking, people get confused when you walk.....especially on a Sunday...especially when it's as hot as it is in India.
The squirrels here are so freakin' cute! I want to put one in my bag and take him home with me. And then to my pleasant surprise, I spot monkeys!!! And not only monkeys...BABY monkeys!!!!

They were quite shy of us, so we couldn't get too close. Then we wandered our way around to random temples and buildings and stuff, then wandered back close to the hotel and decided to take the subway to Connaught Place - where there is shopping and such. There are no pictures in the subway.....boo.
This is what the sky looked like when we exited the subway....yes, hooray for isolated thunderstorms. So, we decided to find lunch....but as we walked around, I got drenched! It was like a public shower..... We finally stopped at Zen.
It's Safe Food, how can you go wrong?

Ignore my companion looking sick. The food was delicious, but salty. I avoided the spicy lamb..I have a few bites and my eyeballs exploded, but other than that. Delicious.

By the time we finished eating, the rain stopped. So, we meandered our way to the park...where, once again, security, frisking, etc. BUT THERE ARE NO PICTURES ALLOWED IN THE PARK!! Not that there was much to see. So, we meandered our way back to the hotel amidst of more rickshaws accosting us and people telling us we were headed the wrong way. Nap time for my companions, blogging and journal for me and planning tomorrow - day trip to Chandigarth.

As I was working on my journal and stuff and snooping I around, I found the BEST THING EVER!
Yes, boys and girls, a stationary set! I've never seen one of these provided for you in the hotel. And I'm ecstatic because I didn't pack mine to do my journal with - I had all my paper tickets and stuff shoved in the pockets of my journal. So, I got all that organized and was very happy!

Time to check out the pool and spa area. We supposedly have two jacuzzis - one inside, one outside and a pool.

The water was lukewarm, but that's nice for how hot it was outside. The jacuzzi was not much warmer. I got cold pretty dang quick.
Then back inside to get changed and head to dinner. We were trying to find this place called Way to Canteen that my guide book suggested, but somehow on the way there, we got seriously lost. However, with guidebook and flashlight in hand, we managed to find our way back on track.

This place was off the hook. First of all, it was tucked into an alleyway and it looked super dodgy, but everyone else was going in there. The menu was a set menu and it was on the wall - I guess it never changes and it didn't list prices. You go in, pay at the register and then sit down anywhere - usually where there is an empty chair - like if you were in jail or a military canteen. =) A metal plate is delivered to you with a few things on it. And men come by to add various dishes to the holes in your plate and to bring rice and stuff. If I'm going to get diarrhea, I may get it here! But, it was an awesome experience. The food was good - spicy (yes, I almost died again), but good and it was unlimited.
My delicious plate of food before my rice came to save me.

Then the short way home and sleep. Another 5am meet up time tomorrow.

India Day 2 - Jaipur

Before I start, I just wanted to insert another tidbit in here....India's time zone is on the half hour. This confused me to no end...until I was informed, it didn't want to be on the same time zone as China or Pakistan so it decided to be on the half hour...as if life wasn't confusing enough....

So, we get up bright and early as our driver is meeting us at 5am to drive us 240 km to Jaipur, one of 3 cities that make up the Golden Triangle (Agra, Jaipur, Delhi). Of course, the driver was 30 minutes late. By that time, I was already at the front desk, throwing a tantrum. Anyways, off we go. Now, I thought last night was dangerous? This was a very seriously dangerous form of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. There was no less the 2 times I thought we were going to get into a very serious car accident and many other just minor accidents. Apparently, honking is the key!













On the way were random cows, and dogs, and camels. I did love the camels. We stopped halfway called "Midway" for breakfast. So, I am under the impression that my driver was a drug dealer because he stopped several times and told us he needed to "pay taxes". He would take something wrapped in a plastic bag to a shack and then a few minutes later, come back with said package and put it back into the glove box. He did this about 3 times during the trip....trafficking drugs? I think so!

We finally arrive in Jaipur to see the elephants coming down from the Amber Fort after their duties!



Apparently, no one should use this tour company because they suck. We were supposed to take elephant rides up to Amber Fort, but those were over by 10am, even though the guided tour doesn't start until 11. Oh well, at least I get to see the elephants. So, we drive up to Amber fort instead. And it's a gorgeous view. The fort is "meh", but the views were awesome. And you could see the 3rd largest wall running all along the mountainside.


So, we wandered around and up and through. This housed the Maharajas and all their many wives. On the upper floor of the above photo, is where the wives would stand and listen to the king do this work without being seen.
This is the Hall of Victory, inlaid with mirrors from Belgium. It was pretty, but kind of gaudy for me. =)

This view was impressive, of the gardens! We finally finished wandering and then headed to the next site.

We didn't go into this palace, but it's called the Water Palace. There are a few floors below the water and the water is fed in through the mountains.

Then we drove past the Palace of the Winds. As I said, crappy tour. We didn't get to stop and see it. It was built so the Maharajah's wives could see what was happening through the city.


Then we headed to the City Palace. They pretty much don't let you take pictures inside, so nothing I can show you. This was us walking in. There were a lot of galleries there - armory and pictures of all the Maharajas and such.

Camels, awaiting work.....they look so patient!



The lunch at the Holiday Inn! This lunch was a set menu. And once again, my mouth and tummy were on fire! But the food was yummy yummy yummy in my tummy. I'm going to die on this trip...We were forced to do some shopping trips, but that's all I'm going to say about that. Then we headed back to Delhi.

After a quick freshen up, we walked back out in search of dinner. We found this place called G. It seemed to be an upscale place, but when we got in, the decor was unusual, the live Indian music that was playing was incredibly loud, but the food was decent and that's what counts.

BTW, this is my friend's food. I couldn't eat anymore and this was spicy. This might be the trip of..."food that I didn't eat, but others did".

End of Day 2...goodnight!

Travel Pains - India Day 1

My journey starts bright and early on July 8, 2011. When the super shuttle arrives to pick me up to take me to LAX at 3:15am. That, in itself, was un-eventful. My reservations indicated that I would be flying Continental to New York, JFK. So, the shuttle drops me off there. There is a huge line, and, I, as a dutiful citizen, get in the back. After about 10 minutes or so, an agent comes by and inquires to where I am going. When I responded, JFK, I was told that, that flight is actually being operated by United and I was in the wrong terminal.....

So, I get out of line (thank goodness it was only one short terminal over!) and head to United, which, gratefully, has no line. So, check in was a breeze and I'm off to security (which is a breeze this early in the morning) and then on my way to JFK.

When I get the JFK, I get off, collect my bags, la de da. Then I call the shuttle service that is supposed to take me from JFK airport to Newark, NJ airport so that I can fly to Delhi. The lady sounds confused. She says, she'll call me back in 5 minutes. 10 minutes pass. I call another number on my random reservation sheet - they don't seem to know. Thankfully, the lady calls me back and says the driver will be here in 7 minutes to come get me. Except, she said - black sedan...do you know how many black sedans are flying by?

So, after acting like a hooker and asking the driver of almost every black sedan that remotely looks like they are "working" and not just picking up a loved one, I finally find my man and onward! Thank god the traffic was tame - for New York/New Jersey area. Dropped off at Continental Airlines in Newark with 6 hours to spare.

Check in was...unusual. The flight was "oversold" and therefore I was not assigned a seat number. But the agents were too busy discussing if I should fly to Frankfurt and take the $600.00 they were offering to volunteers even though I told them, I cannot change my flight plans. That I stood at the desk for a good 10 minutes after check-in because they were too busy discussing other things than to tag my bag. Finally, bags tagged, security done. I went to find dinner - the only place that remotely interested me was this pizza place. Unfortunately, the guy running it was too busy calling at everyone walking past to come inside and eat and neglected to prepare my food. So after paying for it and waiting, waiting waiting, my food came - and it's airport food. Not much to say about that. Then to the terminal to wait.

At 2 hours before boarding, I go stand in line to see the gate agent and see if I can actually get on this flight. They made an announcement that they plane was oversold and blah blah blah. But this was my lucky day! Just as I got the the front, they opened up the passenger list and I got the first seat that someone gave up! Even though it's a middle seat, one should not complain. So I go sit my booty down, unfortunately, in front of a man who had the worse breath and was talking on a cell phone.

Then they announced that this flight would be participating in a volunteer weight program and if we didn't mind, they would be weighing random passengers. You just saw everyone put the junk food down and look around. Pretty funny.

So, they started calling seats - we are about 30 minutes delayed right now. And the Indian's, just like the Chinese, all started storming the gates to get on the plane. And the poor gate attendant is simply screaming at everyone to sit down and telling everyone that since they plane was full, they would have to check bags, which incensed the mob crowd. I just sat and waited. After boarding a few people, we were told maintenance was now on the plane and boarding was paused.....

Now we are and hour and half late. We finally all get on and we are on our way. The plane was equipped so that I could watch my own movies, which was lovely. So, besides having to get up several times so the lady in the window seat could pee, I watched movies and napped. The food was good, but spicy! I had forgotten how spicy Indian food was..I'm going to die on this trip. When the announcement was made that we were starting to descend 12 hours into the 13 hour flight....the lady next to the window wants to get up and go pee again...only this time, she looks at me and says..I'm sorry, did you want to switch seats? There are no words people....there are no words.

So, out of the plane, customs, which was pleasant. Except I was grilled about "traveling alone" and the fact that I have Indian friends which is why I was here.... I was on my way to get my bags and then find the prepaid taxi station. Where, I once again, ran into another asian custom I hate...the lack of personal space. There is no need for you to ram your stuff up against me while we are waiting in line. Plenty of room...sir. Thank you. I get my ticket and head out to the taxi.

A gentleman, who I think is my driver, takes my bag and loads it into the taxi and then to my surprise gives my ticket to the actual driver and demands a porter service fee from me. Which I refused to pay. Just as we are about to take off - two men jump into my taxi as well!! Well, this is interesting....

So, we go, apparently, the two men were late to meet a train, and this was the first taxi going that way, so with apologies, we headed to the train station first. Then I was dropped off at my hotel. Where, the car was checked for security. Then my bags were checked for security. Then I was checked for security. It was more secure than an airport! Anyways, got in and crashed.

=)

I was so tired, I could barely wake up today even though they had fire alarm drills going on and it was 1pm. The end.

So tired, I'm delusional

So, let me just say. Wow, people are some kind of lazy. Flew home Tuesday night. Went to work Wednesday and was informed that I was volunteered to make Easter baskets. Spent Thursday (my day off) collecting items and thinking about what type of dessert I wanted to make for Easter Sunday Brunch. I spent Friday, thinking, I would make the baskets and have some time to start on the desserts, however, the GM decided to go home at like 3pm, so I ended up managing that night instead of baking. So, I was like, okay, if I get in early on Sat, I should be able to finish before or around midnight. Except, the next morning, I get text messages about me picking up some more items for my GM. Now, my question is, what are you doing GM that you need me to run around for you... but anywho. I spent the morning running around again picking up various items. By the time I finally could start cooking it was already 1pm. And by 3pm, GM was gone AGAIN and I was busy cooking and managing with help from the other manager this time (thank God). Blueberry cheesecakes, Fruit Tarts, Cinnamon Rolls, Key Lime Tartlets, Brownies, Sugar Cookies, Lemon Angel Food Cakes, and Chocolate Mousse. By the time I finished, it was 3:30am. And I was thinking about staying to help the owner bake the Bread Pudding, but she sent me home. So, home I went, to take a nap.

My alarm awoke me so that I could make it back to work at a bright and early 8am and good thing too! The cooks in the kitchen don't really pay attention to the work I do for desserts. They just usually cut up ready baked cakes we have on hand and back frozen cookies. I got in just as one of the prep chefs was about to bake cookies. I yelled at him and he became the assistant pastry chef for the day. Helping me prep and reload all the goodies I had made the night before.

Now, maybe I was still a bit naiive, but I thought, since my GM went home oh so early yesterday, he would make an appearance today. As he told me that I was to buy items, but he would be dealing with the kids' parts - making mud pies and dying eggs and stuff. And he was also the only one with the info on the entertainment. Lucky, the entertainment made it without any problems. We set up the egg dying and forgoed the mud pies, since he didn't bother showing up. At about 4pm, we finally had a question for him - namely - the check to pay the entertainer with, but he didn't answer. At about 5pm, he answers that he was "sick" all day and would "try to make it down tonight". Mmmm hmmm. What's the point? Brunch was over at 2pm - went without a hitch. And I was already working on the lunch/dinner shift.

And that is why I'm so tired. By the time I closed the restaurant, it was already 10:30pm and I was dead tired on my feet. I was also trying to save costs tonight because we had so much overtime during brunch that I sent half my staff home so I was running food in the evening. Hopefully, I'll just crash. Tomorrow my day off, yay! I have so much crap to return! =/