Apr 13, 2002 09:11 PM
3040 Views
(Updated Apr 13, 2002 09:15 PM)
I had the opportunity to travel to India for the first time last December to visit my boyfriend who works in Chennai. Though I was frustrated with the fact that I had to switch airline (due to a thunderstorm in Singapore)in order to get there on time, the minute I stepped out of the airplane, I was impressed with the efficiency of the immigration and custom officers in clearing the queue. Within a half hour, I was out of the airport, into the arms of my boyfriend, with hundred over pairs of eyes watching us!!! You see, I am Chinese and my boyfriend is Indian and I guess it takes a while for the locals to get used to us.
When we got to the Savera Hotel, I was pleasantly surprised at the facade and facilities of the hotel. Remember, this was my first trip to Chennai and I did realise that India has changed quite a bit since my history lessons!!! Anyway, the room was rather decent in size with a clean bathroom though the bedsheet did not seem as white as it should have been. I was told that Chennai has water shortage problem and that could have contributed to the ''yellowish'' bedsheets. Despite that, I had a wonderful stay at Savera, enjoyed free breakfast served at ''The Piano'' restaurant but most of all, I had a good time at the ''Bamboo Bar''. I loved the finger food they served at the bar, especially the ''ghobi manchuria'' dish. The thought of it makes my mouth water!!!
Do you know that the nuts and chips they serve with your drinks are free of charge???
My stay in Chennai was short since we had planned to spend New Year in Bangalore. Nonetheless, we managed to squeeze some time to visit Spencer Plaza as well as Istapani (they have a great cafe with good coffee). I was looking to buy some pashminas for myself and my friends back home in Singapore. On the way, one of the rick drivers took us to the Handicraft center and Kashmiri Emporium and I ended up spending more than 3000 rupees on 5 pashminas. Alas!! got the stuff I wanted and happy with the thought that I had a great bargain. Just imagine my face when I found out there were cheaper ones in Spencer Plaza!!! The other thing I enjoyed was the food, the tandoori chicken and egg masala (my favorites) at Copper Chimney restaurant.
We travelled to Bangalore by night train and being overly scared to sleep alone, I made my boyfriend sleep with me on the same bunk. Imagine the discomfort we had, trying hard to prevent falling off the bunk!!! Anyway, reached Bangalore in the early morning hours and was whisked off by his cousin to Hotel Bangalore International where he had booked us into. The hotel, though smaller compared to Savera was pleasantly comfortable, with huge room, ''white sheets'' and clean bathroom. The staff was also very friendly and helpful.
Most time in Bangalore were spent in downtown shopping areas along Brigade Road. The weather here was so wonderful, cool breeze with bright and sunny sky!!! A lot of difference compared to Chennai. The other thing that struck me was the number of pubs along Brigade Road!!! I had a wonderful time shopping at the Cottons Place and looking at the cheap books along the street. Unfortunately, could not buy much since I had brought only a luggage bag with me (for the sake of travelling light). Oh, I must not forget to tell you about my food experience at Hotel Imperial. Went for a midnight snack and the tandoori chicken was so good!!!
On New Year's Eve, we went out to a place 45 minutes drive from where we were, The Flight of the Bat at Speed Zone, to usher in the new year. This was a massive disco and I guessed there were more than 15,000 people on that night!!! We had such a wonderful time dancing and drinking the night away that we did not get back to the hotel till 5am.
Finally, on the last day I was sad not only to leave my boyfriend behind but a lovely country like India, wish I had a longer vacation!!! Just like they say ''every good thing must come to and end'' ...but trust me, I will be back for more....Next time, I will make sure it's a longer vacation, with more luggage bags (plus money of course!) since there are so many nice and cheap things to buy in India. I would definitely recommend India to all my friends. Adios, for now!!!
