It is 10:30AM Monday in Hyderabad and the Academy is honoring India with a multitude of Awards. If it weren't for the commercials in Hindi and the time zone I might have to pinch myself to realize that I am in India. After a long flight to Delhi, an eight hour layover at the Radisson near the airport, Sami greeted us Sunday morning in Hyderabad. Traveling via air to India is a joy for a vegetarian. The vegetarian option for entrees on board is standard fare. And from Delhi to Hyderabad the attendant asks if I prefer vegetarian from the North or South of India. Are you kidding me? The last time I flew from Chicago to Denver they didn't even have peanuts!
It is hard to know where to start and capture what I have registered so far. The smiles and warmth of the people for sure is at the top of my list. The varied dress that I see...turbans, saris, salwar kameez, full black cover or blue jeans. Certainly the sun and warmth of the air is so welcome. Most exciting has been seeing Angie again and being reminded of our first meeting aboard the freighter heading to Patagonia in Chile. Angie and her partner, Ash are here in India for at least a year working in the IT industry. After seven months here they have settled in and we benefit from their knowledge of this wonderful land. Our first day was the spiritual and sensual experience of the Spa followed by hours of eating some of the best of what Hyderabad has to offer at a lush buffet spread in the ISTA hotel. And lastly I will relish the bed awaiting in Angie and Ash's place. After hours on the road one appreciates those simple things in life!
