tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91203471324367279262024-03-13T11:44:17.921-07:00Travel AdventuresChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-16824855112270130252012-11-22T08:59:00.002-08:002012-11-22T08:59:50.966-08:00Home Sweet Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’ve had an outstanding trip, but it is nice to return home to my family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy Thanksgiving!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-42347259419810133262012-11-22T08:56:00.001-08:002012-11-22T09:27:03.048-08:00Shopping Phase 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Dubai Mall is even bigger than the Mall of the Emirates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has nearly every store and eatery imaginable even an aquarium and ice rink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really could have used an app which tracked my progress thru the mall so that I did not miss a section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Outside one entrance are the dancing fountains in front of the burj khalifa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The show can only be seen after nightfall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is similar to the Bellagio fountains, but nevertheless beautiful.<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-16153340926145065912012-11-22T08:47:00.001-08:002012-11-22T09:32:43.854-08:00Dubai – Amazing Architecture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I took a half day tour thru the city to see many exceptional buildings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The size & shapes of the buildings are like nowhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly every building is unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it can be dreamt, it can be built here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ‘burj khalifa’ is over 2700ft tall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ‘burj al arab’ is a stunning hotel with room rates starting at $1500 a night.<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-85893888443285253082012-11-22T08:30:00.001-08:002012-11-22T09:26:30.963-08:00Shopping Phase 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There are so many shopping possibilities in Dubai, it can be overwhelming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mall of the Emirates is many times larger than the Galleria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent a few hours shopping; by the time I was done, my feet felt like I walked a day at a theme park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mall is beautiful & has a ski lift in one wing of the mall, exceeding expectations.<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-13824270490024022902012-11-22T08:12:00.002-08:002012-11-22T08:12:23.499-08:00Taxi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dubai offers separate airport taxis for women traveling alone, “Ladies Taxi”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drivers are all women & the taxis are tan & PINK!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-78849205880824251572012-11-22T08:08:00.001-08:002012-11-22T08:08:21.974-08:00Airports & Security<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Security varies from one airport to the next as well as country to country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Bangalore airport women go thru a separate security screening behind a curtain, but our belongings are in one general x-ray screening area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What exactly happens behind the curtain?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The area is about the size of a small department store dressing room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a platform where the traveler stands & a small table for the security personnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I stand on the platform in the usual position with feet & hands apart, she checks a sheet of names & verifies that I’m not on the list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am wanded over & have to pull up my pants leg as well to be sure nothing is hiding at my ankles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I’m released to gather my belongings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I am waiting for my flight I notice the airport is very open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some birds have flown in & are making themselves comfortably at home in the drinking fountain as if it is their person bird bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although one does not usually leave their bags unattended, I saw quite a bit of it happening in this airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People would leave their luggage alone in a given spot & return after grabbing food, drink, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit puzzling as I would not leave my bags when traveling alone as they may not be there when I return.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally it was time to board the plane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am boarding the guard asks to see what is in my duty free bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looks in the bag & scolds me for not having the receipt visible in the bag; I had the receipt in my pocket so that I wouldn’t lose it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put the receipt back in my pocket & proceed forward in the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again I get stopped by the second guard less than 20ft away & we repeat the scenario of looking in my bag & getting scolded for the receipt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huh?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess he did not hear the other guard tell me the exact same thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once I arrived in Dubai, I observed the passport control operations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interesting, this country takes safety & security very seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each person’s photo is taken and depending on the country of origin an eye scan may be done as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-465761501853018032012-11-16T16:17:00.001-08:002012-11-16T16:18:05.393-08:00Farewell Bangalore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The last few days have been busy wrapping everything up. The highlight to lunch has been Mainland China and BBQ Nation. Both were excellent!<br />
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I've had an amazing time here, but it's time to start heading home. <br />
BLR -> DBX -> SEA -> SMF</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-36667988519033327562012-11-14T09:31:00.000-08:002012-11-14T09:32:46.311-08:00Happy Diwali<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The city was lit so beautifully for the holiday. Monday night I was excited to see a fireworks display from my balcony. I saw many larger fireworks that are not allowed in CA.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I spent Tuesday evening with Sushant, Deepti and Karthik.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was really enjoyable to be a part of the festivities, thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a very good dinner that Sushant made, we went outside to light a few sparklers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The neighborhood had been setting off [fire]crackers for 2 days and the pavement looked like a fun mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cleaning crew will be quite busy when the celebrations are over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we were back in the house Deepti presented her chocolate cake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the first cake made in her new oven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so moist & delicious, inspiring me to bake again when I return home.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Even on Wednesday the [fire]crackers could still be heard throughout the day & night.<o:p></o:p></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-55986139140585417932012-11-13T02:21:00.001-08:002012-11-22T09:27:24.860-08:00Commercial Street<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sunday was another fabulous day of shopping! Karthik once again used his bargaining skills to get me some good deals. Afterwards we found a shop to get mehandi done for me. Before & After ...<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-5379484687052625132012-11-10T23:50:00.001-08:002012-11-11T06:07:46.802-08:00Saturday in Bangalore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had a really amazing day seeing Bangalore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a cab & met Karthik in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started with the open market. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was immediately blasted by a variety of colors and scents; the fragrance of the assorted fresh flowers, the brightly colored spices, the sweet smell of fruit, and the aroma of herbs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next up, shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We jumped into a rickshaw and headed to the Mantri mall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ride was quite thrilling, dodging thru the traffic and coming within centimeters of other drivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the route I saw goats, chickens & a donkey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a brief moment along one road we got a whiff of some flavorful street food wafting thru the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally we arrived at the Mantri mall and began shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karthik used his bargaining skill to get me several good deals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came out happy with many shopping bags.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We followed up with a visit to the Iskcon Temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the mall we hopped into a rickshaw for another exhilarating ride; along this route we got a whiff of some freshly made bread drifting thru the air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon our arrival at the temple I was in awe at its size and beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the base entrance we were required to stow our belongings including shoes and camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not want to relinquish my camera so I forced to smuggle it in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We climbed dozens of steps to reach the main temple entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon entry, the fragrance of incense and the chanting of prayer were immediately noticeable. We obtained a viewing spot close to the platform where the services were performed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the services were thru we headed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left with a sense of serenity & peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now it was time to grab another rickshaw and proceed to Karthik’s family house for dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grandparents, aunt, uncle & cousins gave me a warm welcome as we waited for Sushant and Deepti to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Karthik’s grandparents are simply adorable, their charming spirit made me smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To pass the time, old family photos were brought out to share many proud moments and embarrass Karthik just a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dinner was amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Move over Mylapore, Karthik’s aunt is a fabulous cook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From poori to dosa to biryani and an array of many other dishes, I was bursting at the seams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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All things considered, I had a spectacular day in Bangalore!</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-91695596270638527782012-11-08T19:30:00.001-08:002012-11-08T19:30:05.248-08:00Snakes and Cows and Oxen, Oh My!Another very entertaining lunchtime escapade....<br />
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We tried to go to BBQ Nation, but the wait was too long so we settled for another place a block away. The food was pretty good and the mosquitoes were plentiful. <br />
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On the way back, there was a lady with her baby begging for money, she was accompanied by her snake in a basket on her shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Simha to chase her off as I’m not a big fan of snakes, but she persisted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She showed off her snake & we were left with no choice but to give her a small donation, thank you Karthik.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continuing back to the building we encountered a cow along the sidewalk peacefully chewing away at its meal and shortly after an ox drawn cart.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-70744800200602200932012-11-07T01:27:00.002-08:002012-11-07T01:28:33.842-08:00Chukum Tacos & Coconut WaterLunchtime Risk Taking...<br />
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For Tuesday lunch, Sushant took us to a little bitty shop called "chukum chukum". Not a typical place I would have found myself. They serve wraps, almost like an Indian taco/burrito. There is no formal dining room, just 1 small outside table, and several chairs on the sidewalk. We ordered our chicken & veggie wraps and settled in to the one outside table. The food was quite tasty. The outside atmosphere was noisy, the guy in the building next door was running a saw to cut wood to repair his stairs. Ritesh, I tried Thumbs Up. It was not as I was expecting, its a much stronger cola taste.<br />
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After lunch we walked across the road to the guy with the coconut cart. Fresh coconut water, I can't believe Karthik talked me into drinking it. I was amazed with this guy's cutting skills! He did all the cutting with a very sharp sickle with the coconut in his bare hands. After drinking the water he took the coconut back & chopped it further to allow it to dry out.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-73636428888531447572012-11-05T11:29:00.000-08:002012-11-05T11:30:09.059-08:00MondayI am so bummed that I missed daylight savings, no extra hour of sleep for me.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Another fabulous breakfast today at the Leela. I ordered pancakes instead of french toast, it was very good, but the french toast is better. I had a new waiter this morning, the chef sent him back to the table to verify that I really wanted pancakes & why I was not ordering the french toast again. The coffee is good, I like that each cup is made fresh & served in a french press.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I took the walkway over to work this morning, I was not ready to play frogger with the traffic. Sushant walked me back over at the end of the day; he made it seem so effortless to cross thru the mad traffic. We ventured down the street for lunch, I know I stick out in the crowd, lots of people staring, but I just embraced it and smiled. :)<o:p></o:p><br />
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Although I had an exciting taxi ride in from the airport on Saturday, Karthik shared his much more eventful experience with me. Thankfully it was him & not me because I would have freaked out!!! His taxi driver fell asleep at the wheel! craziness! The driver had been up for days & should not have been driving. Karthik had him pull over; he took over the wheel and drove himself while the driver rested. WOW!!! Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-53833913972451720812012-11-04T17:17:00.002-08:002012-11-04T17:17:49.251-08:00No need for alarmTo start off my week, the fire alarm went off at 5:30am across from my room. Apparently there was no need to take action, it was a false alarm. Things could have gotten really interesting, but glad that they did not.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-14262226808470239772012-11-04T07:50:00.003-08:002012-11-04T07:50:50.042-08:00Bread & ButterAnother very tasty dinner tonight, but what I really want to know is what happens to the leftover butter & bread in the bread basket. While waiting for dinner, a bread basket with at least 6 pieces of bread are brought over to my table along with a pat of butter on a very cute dish with a dome cover. I can only eat 1 or 2 pieces of bread and a small portion of the butter. I wonder... is the bread & butter disposed, perhaps used by the staff or potentially passed onto the next customer?Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-47121851971914019372012-11-03T22:35:00.001-07:002012-11-22T09:25:14.213-08:00A Stroll<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Took a walk around the grounds of the Leela, saw a few interesting animals. I think the first 2 are dragonfly & damselfly. The third is a very tiny frog, about the size of a nickel.<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-21024100543405166232012-11-03T22:22:00.002-07:002012-11-22T08:20:02.514-08:00The Leela Palace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Leela is a beautiful hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The staff has been amazing, the room is luxurious & the food is fabulous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the cozy bathrobe & the slippers are a nice touch too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The breakfast is excellent!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the same breakfast yesterday & today because it was so good, tomorrow I’ll have to try something else. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The French toast is amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even cut the crust off and the creamy orange sauce, yum!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manu is my morning waiter, his shift started after I went in for breakfast today, but he made a point to stop at my table to check in and see how I was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He informed me of the lounge activities, mid-morning snacks @ 11:30, high tea @ 3:00, cocktails @ 6:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I gain any weight, I’m blaming it on Linus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-84669832804097375002012-11-03T20:15:00.000-07:002012-11-03T20:15:42.606-07:00The Taxi Ride<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
After locating my luggage it was time to tackle the taxi ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked out in search of the taxi counter I had my celebrity paparazzi moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was bombarded by several men all in hopes of wooing me into their cab, “Madam, air conditioned taxi”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked one at random, paid the fees & headed to the lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be riding in the most decorated car in the lot, the hood was adorned with a flower necklace, almost like a lei.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so tired, forgot that the cars were designed on the opposite side that I almost sat in the driver seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally we were on our way to Leela.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experienced driver of 17 years chose not to wear his seat belt; I was taking no chances & buckled up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The traffic is not as congested at 4am, but still busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many drivers on the roads and buses were full of passengers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driving seemed very chaotic, there are lanes, not always used as intended, but somehow it works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My driver loved honking his horn; I lost count after about 100 honks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The drive to Leela was like being in a video game & having to dodge the nearby obstacles, entertaining & frightening at the same time.<o:p></o:p></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9120347132436727926.post-4356557155621856192012-11-03T18:10:00.004-07:002012-11-03T20:41:58.079-07:00The Journey (SMF -> SEA -> DXB -> BLR)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My 1<sup>st</sup> trip to India.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team has shared their various experiences of Bangalore with me, but until seeing some things with my own eyes it’s difficult to imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figure if I don’t have outrageous expectations & build in some flexibility for the unexpected it will be a successful trip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I made it to SMF with plenty of time for check-in & security procedures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had a little complication at the Alaska counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attendant was planning to have my bag sent to Dubai as the final destination, not good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She cancelled the transaction & started searching for the 3 digit Bangalore airport code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not really providing me the comfort that my bag was going to make it to India I argued to just have my bag sent to Seattle & I would re-check in with Emirates.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The flight to Seattle was quick & pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed my bags & eagerly headed to the Emirates counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My seat had not yet been assigned as online edits were closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The counter was scheduled to open at 1:30, it was 1:20 & I was 3<sup>rd</sup> in line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>40 minutes later, the counter finally opened at 2:00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that I was auto assigned a dreaded middle seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked for a reassignment but it was a full flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ready to take the exit row at this point, luckily another attendant was able to assist & get me an aisle seat. Yeah!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I settled into my teeny tiny seat preparing for the long 14+ hour journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lady in front of me wasted no time in reclining her chair all the way back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hello?!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I browsed the movie listing & was pleasantly surprised at the wide selection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched 4 movies: Batman the Dark Knight Rises (excellent), Rock of Ages (funny), Little Bit of Heaven (sniff - tissue please) & 1000 Words (meh, ok).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The airplane food was decent, better than expected, at least I did not have to starve or eat granola bars & peanuts the whole way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed that the lady Emirates attendants were matching all the way down to the smallest details.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The each wore the same shade of red lipstick, and either clear or red nail polish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most interesting incident was when I asked for some headache medicine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She brought me a couple of white pills & asked what these were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells me “Panadol”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never heard of it, so I asked her to repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time I get “Paracetamol”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a major headache & no internet connection to figure out what kind of drug I’m about to take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I resort to talking to my flight mate, apparently Panadol is just like Tylenol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good to know for future reference. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally it was time to get off the plane in Dubai.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The airport was super clean & surprisingly quiet for 6pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a few hours so I walked thru the Duty Free shops looking for treasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found some much loved Kinder candy even the Kinder Egg which is banned in the US because of choking hazards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kinder egg is chocolate on the outside with a creamy milk center and a mini toy surprise buried within the center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder what would happen at customs if I tried to bring the Kinder Eggs home, probably not a good idea.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The last flight to Bangalore seemed infinitely long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so tired of sitting; an ice pack for my back would have been a nice treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally I arrived in Bangalore!!<o:p></o:p></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05327928834706102657noreply@blogger.com1