QATAR AND INDIA - TRAVCOA - FAM

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1 QATAR AND INDIA - TRAVCOA - FAM September Hosted by Cathy Holler, Vice Pres., Bus Development & Product Innovation TRAVCOA Tour Director: Sharon Zimmerman Departing out of IAD on Qatar Airways, at 1055pm for a 12hrs flight, we had the wonderful surprise to be upgraded to Business Class by the Qatar Rep, traveling with us for the duration an amazing treat, as Qatar Airways is a 5-Star airline: perfectly lay flat beds with fluffy and so comfortable blankets! We arrived in Doha at 625pm, visa purchased locally (about $28) and were transferred to the Four Seasons Hotel. In the morning our local guide wowed us with his city Doha is the shining jewel of Qatar, a multicultural city, home to most of the country s population, very modern and very rich; after walking through Souk Waquif (shopping arcades) and Qatara Cultural Village, falcons hospital and West Bay and Corniche, we boarded a 4-wheel drive vehicle for our desert safari thrilling, dare-devil driving via unforgettable landscape of sand dunes and sea one of 2 countries where desert meet the sea, then refreshing (not so: warm water) dip in the Persian Gulf, sand surfing (I did too) and lunch under tents. Return to the Four Seasons for a delightful dinner hosted by David Barillot, GM, and visit of this gorgeous hotel, and most tempting spa, with an ice room With no time to waste on relaxation we departed for the airport for our flight at 1:35am to New Delhi (again upgrade to Business Class a QR angel was looking after travel agents!) 18 September arrival in New Delhi in early morning, it s very hot. Delhi remains one of the oldest cities in the world, capital to 7 different cultures over the course of its history, is now a fusion of them all, a cultural richness. Namaste! First word to learn, with joined hands, as we will hear and say it for 10 wonderful days! It is a greeting word, with spirituality, literally I bow to you, but also means friendship, respect and humility. 1

2 Transfer to the Oberoi Gurgaon very modern, glass and water, very refreshing and soothing site, is not in the center of city (but should not really matter as I don t think that anyone should wonder around outside on their own). Afternoon: visit to the oldest monument, Qutab Minar, a 234 ft sandstone tower, 12 th C., a memorial to Islam arriving in India, then Humayun s Tomb, second Emperor of the Mughal dynasty, described by our delightful local guide, Shavani. Busses, cars, bikes, motorcycles, rickshaws and pedestrians, not to mention the random cows, dogs, camels carts, and a herd of pigs will be part of the pictures! Lots of noises, klaxons, bells, motors and hackers, smells of flowers in the markets, spices and garbage, this country is an all-out assault on the senses! Chaos on the streets - I heard: in the US you drive on the right, in the UK, on the left and in India: in the shade! It s all part of the culture. The mass of humanity that populates India requires you to be patient, flexible and tolerant. 19 September exploration of the walled city of Old Delhi, and the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, (must wear a long robe, provided), from there we hop on rickshaws for a ride through the old Chawri Bazaar, and savior that ambiance of an Oriental and Indian market place, a fun ride! We then had the chance to visit the last place of Mahatma Gandhi. Lunch and site inspection of the Imperial Palace: splendid! Very traditional, elegant, sumptuous, very well centered in the city. Lunch at the Spice Route restaurant, heralded as one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. Afternoon: Bollywood extravaganza at the Kingdom of Dreams: the Indian Hollywood production. 20 September depart Delhi and travel to Agra by bus, approx. 5 hours. Check-in at the Oberoi Amarvilas, and my first look at the Taj!!! WOW! A perfect picture from my balcony: this is the view from my balcony All rooms at this hotel face the Taj Mahal; beautiful rooms, great amenities, excellent restaurants, and beautiful pool area. A must stay when visiting Agra. We had the most wonderful welcome, with all hotel staff standing outside, around the front pools, with their hands joined Namaste! In the afternoon, we visited the Red Fort of Agra, a 16 th century fortress, on the bank of the Yamuna River which was later converted into a palace. 2

3 21 September Hoping for a great sunrise at the Taj Mahal, we got up very early. With first lights, the site is majestic, as beautiful as I imagined. This stunning mausoleum is pure beauty not just in design and technique, but in desire and intent. Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj in memory of his 2 nd wife, who died in childbirth; 20,000 workers and the best craftsmen were engaged to build this love memorial. In the afternoon, we visited the Kohinoor Jeweler and his private museum, including the emerald necklace that belonged to the above lady I tried it on, felt very nice, heavy and priceless 22 September drive to Jaipur (about 6 hrs), stopped on the way to visit Fatehpur Sikri, a fortified city, that was the capital of and a perfect example of the Mughal Empire at the height of its splendor. Arriving in Jaipur, the pink city, we were welcomed at the Oberoi Rajvilas with trumpets, dancers, rose petals, elephants, and the wonderful GM, Anshul Kaul (married to a Minnesota girl!) This hotel is a jewel, we all loved it. It is intimate, personable, peaceful, refreshing! The staff is so wonderful, friendly, we all fell in love! We received a traditional Hindu blessing from the priest at the on-site temple. 23 September after breakfast we drove to the ancient Amber Fort, where massive ramparts, towers and domes surround a glittering chamber of mirrors, lavish courtyard and temples. Before the jeeps took us up the road to the fort, we were charmed by: snakes charmers, flutes and their cobras! After lunch: shopping at the Jaipur Bazaar, a shopper s paradise, gold, silver jewelry, pottery, tie-dye materials, silks, saris, carpets, etc. We joined the Rajvilas Oberoi s GM at Mother Teresa House: Anshul and his staff are caring for homeless, sick, injured, mentally ill folks, men and women; the hotel collects money donations, they deliver and offer food too. We assisted in handing out the goodies: it was an amazing humbling experience. 24 September we drove to town, saw the Palace of Winds, a pink stone masterpiece, with honeycomb windows, was conceived to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the city everyday life without being seen. We then visited the City palace, the royal residence of the King of Jaipur, where we were served high tea in the official receiving hall! 3

4 Had the current maharajah (15 yrs old) been in town, he would have joined us! Pictures of Prince Charles with Diana and Prince Charles and Camille, President Clinton, etc. were displayed on ornate console tables. We continued our discovery of Jaipur with a fascinating outdoor medieval observatory: Jantar Mantar; it is equipped with instruments of astonishing size and precision, including a 90 ft. sundial. Next, we had lunch and a site inspection of the Taj hotel: gorgeous, opulent, traditional English, with inand outdoor pools, small spa, beautiful gardens. Tonight is a wonderful surprise and a treat: an elephant safari and polo match on elephants! The reception was so wonderful, again with trumpets, elephants and bananas to make friends with these gentle giants. A safari in the brush, champagne at half way, followed with a polo match. We all rode an elephant and played the sport of the Kings! To ride an elephant: another check on my bucket list! An amazing evening: torches are lit, show with dancers, fire thrower, wonderful dinner under the stars, and even fireworks! 25 September today is a full day driving to the Venice of the East: Udaipur: about 9 hrs. Long drive, catching up on sleep, or just viewing the rural life passing by. Udaipur is the most romantic city of Rajasthan, with rolling hills, serene lakes and palatial splendor. We are met with boats for our transfer to our hotel. Our welcoming is another wonderful experience, with trumpets, camels, horses and brightly dressed dancers, and rose petals thrown from above. Early evening we checked-in at the beautiful Oberoi Udaivilas. This hotel is conceived as a traditional Indian Palace, rambling courtyards, fountains, and beautiful rooms, well appointed, with private patio and direct access to a semi private pool, great spa, very romantic. 4

5 26 September first rainy day! A break from the very high heat and humidity! We visited the City Palace: A well-fortified majestic white monument, it was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its style in Rajasthan; his situation on a hill top gives a panoramic view of the city and the lake. It is now a large museum, with interesting art and silver items displayed. Mid-day we were transfer by boat to the Taj Lake Hotel and enjoyed a marvelous lunch, then site inspection. From the minute you get off the boat, you begin the experience of luxury and royalty, the hotel seems to float on the lake, it is magical, very romantic, and the rooms and spa, perfect. We returned to our hotel, just time to freshen up and meet with our host, GM Vincent Guironnet for a wonderful private dinner, in the Kohinoor Suite, on the top of the hotel, what a treat and delicious meal! 27 September very early departure for our flight to Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay-locals still call it so) we are met with our local guide and transferred to the bus that will take us through the city for a very informative tour. Mumbai is located at the edge of the Arabian Sea; it was a fishing village comprising 7 swampy islands, when it was acquired by the Portuguese, in 15 th C., then came under British crown in 1661 as part of a dowry. Known as the Gateway to India, it is the 2 nd largest city in the world, it is a city of contrasts. We saw the Gateway to India Arch, on the waterfront, past Flora Fountain and Victoria Terminus, drove along Marine Drive, known as Queen Necklace (the lights at nights look like it), and stopped at Dhobi Ghat, public laundries, where Mumbai s dirties are hand scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry. Then just at lunch-time (no other time) we watched the fascinating spectacle of tiffin lunch boxes being delivered. Cooked meals sent from home are being sorted and delivered by dabbawalas it looks like a chaotic system, from the train to the bicycles, but it has been so perfected, that no delivery mistake has ever being made. 5

6 Early afternoon, we checked in our hotel for the day: Oberoi Mumbai, overlooking the ocean. Very generous spaced room and suites, contemporary elegance, all rooms have the same theme, fabric material, furniture, beautiful views. Nice choice of restaurants, and shopping boutiques. We were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by their Michelin Star Chef at Ziya Restaurant and for dinner, Italian feast at Vetro Restaurant. The rest of the evening was for relaxation or night club for the young ones they had fun! We left the hotel at about 1am for our flight back home, via Qatar, to arrive at IAD at 355pm a long ride home! An amazing trip, an experience of a lifetime Some of my favorite photographs: A few facts: India population is: 1,220,800,359 70% is under 25 years old life expectancy about 65 yrs No mandatory school, public schools are poor, parents strive to put their kids in private schools Agriculture in Rajasthan: sugar, wheat, corn, mustard Best time to visit India: winter season, October to May. All the hotels we stayed in and visited have very strict security (since the Mumbai bombing) all bags are searched, and people must go through a metal detector; it is followed with a very graceful greeting with flowers and traditional Hindu paint dot on your forehead, and a glass of Champagne. You know that it is very hot when a dog jumps into a tub of water on his own! 6

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