Today we visited Taj Falaknuma (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falaknuma_Palace). Vijay, one of the VPs in India hosted our day today. The day was overcast, and as it was the 3rd day of the Ganesha estival, and it was Sunday, the roads were packed. The roads are crazy enough here in India. On a busy day, you just want to close your eyes, hang on for dear life, and pray!
Taj Falaknuma, as the crow flies, is 9 miles from our hotel. As traffic dictated, it was about 1 hour from our hotel. We bypassed Hi-Tech City and went through some of the seedier parts of town, which was eye opening. But once we got to the Taj, it was a sight to behold! The construction of the Taj Falaknuma began in 1884 for the then prime minister of Hyderabad, Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra. It took 10 years to complete the construction. Some of the high points I remember are 1) the Taj was equipped with electricity and telephone service 50 years before anyone in the city received the service, 2) the first indoor bathroom, complete with a fully equipped bath (including jacuzzi, hot and cold water, perfume, etc.), was added around the same time, and 3) I sits on one of the highest points of the city.
We had the pleasure of enjoying high tea on the patio. Though the rain soon arrived, it did not dampen our experience. Afterwards, we toured the palace and learned more about the history. Though we couldn't take pictures during the tour, we were able to capture some photos before and after. When the tour was complete, we talked round on our own enjoying the craftsmanship and beauty still very much alive here. I purchased a few souvenirs reminiscent of the culture, and we soon left.
Vijay then took us to the Hyderabad Country Club, where we enjoyed a light dinner.Dinner in India is very different from that in the United States. We marvel at how the folks here are so skinny! First we are plied with several offerings of chicken, fish, and vegetables. Afterwards, you spend time letting your food settle, enjoying drink and conversation. Then just when you think it's time to go, the main course arrives. This includes more chicken and fish, na'an, vegetable dishes, lentils such as Dal Makhani, and more. And even if you are full, your hosts ply you with more food and drink. "No thank you I'm stuffed" is just another way of saying "Yes, please!" A few more drinks, another 30 minutes - after the main course is done - and along comes dessert. This is typically a mix of several different desserts, all in bite-size portions. Then, when you can inhale any more, along comes the tea (Chai Masala) or coffee!
Dinner here starts around 7:30 PM, and you're lucky if you leave the table by 9:30 PM; a very social and traditional meal of the day. Actually, I believe it is the most important meal of the day here.
We had a wonderful time. The weather, though wet, really cooled the city down, and our experience was very enjoyable. It was a lovely and relaxing day, and I am thankful for the experience. I took scads of photos, some of which I will post later. I just wanted to relate my experiences before going to bed.
What a different world we are in! More to come.
Namaste!
Taj Falaknuma, as the crow flies, is 9 miles from our hotel. As traffic dictated, it was about 1 hour from our hotel. We bypassed Hi-Tech City and went through some of the seedier parts of town, which was eye opening. But once we got to the Taj, it was a sight to behold! The construction of the Taj Falaknuma began in 1884 for the then prime minister of Hyderabad, Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra. It took 10 years to complete the construction. Some of the high points I remember are 1) the Taj was equipped with electricity and telephone service 50 years before anyone in the city received the service, 2) the first indoor bathroom, complete with a fully equipped bath (including jacuzzi, hot and cold water, perfume, etc.), was added around the same time, and 3) I sits on one of the highest points of the city.
We had the pleasure of enjoying high tea on the patio. Though the rain soon arrived, it did not dampen our experience. Afterwards, we toured the palace and learned more about the history. Though we couldn't take pictures during the tour, we were able to capture some photos before and after. When the tour was complete, we talked round on our own enjoying the craftsmanship and beauty still very much alive here. I purchased a few souvenirs reminiscent of the culture, and we soon left.
Vijay then took us to the Hyderabad Country Club, where we enjoyed a light dinner.Dinner in India is very different from that in the United States. We marvel at how the folks here are so skinny! First we are plied with several offerings of chicken, fish, and vegetables. Afterwards, you spend time letting your food settle, enjoying drink and conversation. Then just when you think it's time to go, the main course arrives. This includes more chicken and fish, na'an, vegetable dishes, lentils such as Dal Makhani, and more. And even if you are full, your hosts ply you with more food and drink. "No thank you I'm stuffed" is just another way of saying "Yes, please!" A few more drinks, another 30 minutes - after the main course is done - and along comes dessert. This is typically a mix of several different desserts, all in bite-size portions. Then, when you can inhale any more, along comes the tea (Chai Masala) or coffee!
Dinner here starts around 7:30 PM, and you're lucky if you leave the table by 9:30 PM; a very social and traditional meal of the day. Actually, I believe it is the most important meal of the day here.
We had a wonderful time. The weather, though wet, really cooled the city down, and our experience was very enjoyable. It was a lovely and relaxing day, and I am thankful for the experience. I took scads of photos, some of which I will post later. I just wanted to relate my experiences before going to bed.
What a different world we are in! More to come.
Namaste!
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