Oh my God! Or should I say “Oh my Buddha”? I think I just stumbled into Paradise.
For the price of a mediocre hotel room in New York I got all this:
PLUS an included breakfast! And what a breakfast it IS!
That is just a small sample of the delights offered at the buffet.
I’ll be lucky if I only gain my usual 5 trip pounds!
My Indian friends have introduced me to their wonderful cuisine, but I can’t remember the names of my favorite foods. The dish on the right is called Doha—at least that’s what I THINK it’s called. Here’s my problem: The Indians here are all very soft spoken. Throw in their accent and my piss poor hearing, and I’m challenged to understand what I’m being told.
The service is truly amazing. I’ve been “namasted” countless times since arrival. When you ask for directions, the staff doesn’t just point, they ESCORT you to wherever you want to go. Good thing, because I never, ever would have found the ATM. It’s in the basement, down three flights, and behind an unmarked door.
I’ve toured the spa and used the exercise facility, and enjoyed the infinity pool on the 11th floor. I figure I should take advantage of the pool while I can still fit into my bathing suit!
Never before have I been given a cooler with cold cloths and drinks. In fact, at some hotels in my past, I was lucky to get a chair and a towel.
The bathrobe and the covered chair were not made for jumbo sized Americans, but I’ve learned to scrunch.
TWO photos of me in this post. (You happy, Jean? These are for you. You see, I DO take requests).
I have NO desire to leave this heaven on earth today. Tomorrow, I have a Bollywood class before the official start of the tour. That’s why I needed to go to the ATM. The 1 hour Bollywood class is 3,800 rupees, or about $44, and they wanted cash.
The concierge wasn’t able to hide his surprise when I told him that’s what I wanted to do. I guess they don’t get many requests for Bollywood classes. At least not from someone my age.
I loved the breakfast buffet so much, I decided to return to the same restaurant for lunch. The food was so beautifully presented, I wanted to sample EVERYTHING, which meant I made a colossal pig of myself. So much so, that I was really not in the mood for a big dinner. Although Le Cirque’s menu shows only prix fixe options, I inquired, and I was allowed to order only the soup of the day and a glass of wine. I didn’t even have a reservation! Good thing they aim to please at this hotel.
Tomorrow I hope to complete my transition to India time. I leave for my Bollywood class at 9:30 AM returning in time for lunch and to meet my new travel buddies at 1:30 PM.
Destination NOW 
Glad to see you’re using your free time wisely …Gram would be impressed. Loved this Blog- what fun it was to read it –
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you are on of the people I write for. I think about what would interest you ( and select others) while I’m blogging.
things will pick up tomorrow, when I meet my group. Not as much free time!
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Plays nicely with other children … makes good use of her free time …. sounds like your 1st grade report card predicting your future!
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Shelley, I love this for you! Sounds amazing! I have always been curious to go to India but heard so many questionable things. I enjoy your blog! Keep posting and let us know if there really is cow and dog manure all over the streets! Stay safe and enjoy!😉
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hi Nancy, are you home yet? If not, how in the world are you finding time to read my blog!
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You’re right! I was thinking my Canadian friend ( another Nancy) commented! Sent from my iPhone
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For some reason I’m unable to leave a comment.
Which was: I LOVE to read your blogs!
Enjoy this trip!
Sent from my iPad
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I’m so glad, Sally. Thanks for letting me know. I exchanged emails with Victoria recently. She sounds wonderful!
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Wow, Shelley, that looks amazing. And, since I now know you take requests, you HAVE to share at least one picture of you in the Bollywood class.
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Oh, I hope to do better than just a picture. I’m hoping someone will do a video, which I will definitely share!
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What do you do/learn in a Bollywood Class? And will you be sharing videos?
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Hoping that there’s an India trip in my own future, I’m looking forward to your posts on this trip. But the hotel looks great! And what do you do in a Bollywood class…..?
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if things go according to plan, you will see very soon!
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Bollywood is a dance class. If you saw the movie Slum Dog Millionaire, the dances are an example of Bollywood.
I took a class 10 years ago and the instructor had someone video us.
That one is on YouTube
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Lordy Girlfriend… just saw your video on U tube ……Is there anything you CAN’T do? You do know how to have fun my friend!
I know you are enjoying every moment to the fullest and are probably prompting others to do the same. Safe travels!
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