Old City Weekend

I spent the morning at the gym. My first 6 mile effort! After a full week of regular work outs, I've attracted the attention of the personal trainer stationed here daily. Because he was unaware that I am actually following a training schedule for a Disney half-marathon, he concluded that I was "running too much." (So cute.) Even so, he has recommended that I add weight training to my treadmill / elliptical rotation. Not only is variety the spice of life, but my uncle - himself a veteran of several halves - had also advised the same. OK, I'm game. More later.

On Saturday, just before lunch time, Om, Danny, Katie and I left for Old City. (Deloitte provides us with a driver and our own SUV for the weekends SWEET!) Though just a short distance, Old City is a "world away" from the skyscraper environment of HitTec City. There are so many more people and very clear evidence of the Muslim influence in the area.

Charminar was the object of our quest this afternoon. Built in 1591 CE,(Common or Christian Era) Charminar is a monument and mosque which has become a global icon in Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India. The English name is a transliteration and combination of the Urdu words Chār and Minar, translating to "Four Towers." The towers are minarets (tall spires with an onion-shaped or conical crowns) attached and supported by four grand arches.

We climbed the Charminar and then spent some time walking around the market.

Both locals and tourist populate the area and walking the streets here is certainly an adventure. Selling at the market stalls is much more aggressive. We poked our heads in a pearl shop and Katie made some purchases. I'm still waiting until I see more before I decide to buy. Om will be a great help to us, as he speaks the language. It may just be my imagination, but he seems to have a calming affect on merchants!

 

 

 

 

Afterward, we went back to In-Orbit Mall for lunch and I had my first international Pizza Hut experience. The menu was much more elaborate and varied significantly from the US, but it was still a welcome taste of home.

In case you haven't noticed, Om is the official photographer for the group.

We went to a Hypercity, while in the mall. It's pretty much the Indian version of Walmart. We stocked up on essentials - mostly snacks! Notice that check out is VERY familiar. Do you have a Rewards Card? Tempting, but I think not.

On returning to the hotel, we had an hour or so before dinner. Our new friend from work, Suchi, took us to one of her favorite places, 10 Downing Street. They claim to be the "oldest and most iconic chain" of British pubs in India. It includes a restaurant, bar and night club. Brands at the bar are extensive and familiar to any American. There's even a doorman. Unfortunately, his uniform does not include the British bearskin cap! The food and drink were great. We all had a nice time getting to know each other before the club music started pumping and we hit the dance floor. Fortunately for me, places here don't stay open as late as in the States, so we were home by 11:30pm!

On Sunday, I'm pretty sure that we all enjoyed sleeping in before joining up at noon in the lobby. Another new coworker, friend, Ankita, came to meet us and be our guide to Golconda Fort.

Golkonda, also known as Golconda or Golla konda (meaning Shepherd's Hill), a ruined city of Southern India, was once capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda (1518–1687). It's about 10 miles west of Hyderabad. The region is universally famous for mines that have produced the world's most famous and coveted gems, including The Hope Diamond.

The fortress of Golkonda, was originally built for defense from invading Mughals from the north. A unique feature of the fort is its perfect acoustical system, which allows a single hand clap sounded at the fort's main gates to be heard at the top of the citadel, situated on a 300-foot granite hill. Take that Mr. Bose!

It was an impressive structure and we had to climb LOTS of steps in the heat and sun, but it was worth it for the excellent view of the city at the top!

Afterward, we drove back towards the Hussain Sagar Lake and ate lunch right near the water. The breeze made for a lovely afternoon, and we even indulged in some of the unique ice cream flavors that can be found here. For the record, honey-fig ice cream is AMAZING!

When we dropped Ankita off after lunch, she invited us up to see her flat. We were excited that already in our second weekend here, we're getting to see what life is really like for our USI Deloitte counterparts! Her flat was very spacious AND she promised to have us over for dinner soon.

Back at the hotel, I took some time to relax with a book by the pool. (NO, that is not me in the pool!)

The guys and I finished up with movie time and local delivery for dinner in my room. What a great second weekend!