Current temperature - 73 degrees

One of the bad things about traveling, is that there are things back home that you miss. That is obvious. One of the good things about traveling, is that there are things that you MISS. For example, it is about 10:30 pm. I just got back from a nice team dinner, on the terrace of Ebony, which is on the 13th floor of a building in central Bangalore. It is currently 73 degrees. That is pretty sweet. Not to rub it in, but I think that beats the forecast temperature in Hudson of 32 tonight. True, it's not snowing and -10, but still. Definitely makes me look forward to spending time with Sean and Rose in the backyard, grillin' and chill' this summer!

Unfortunately, I will also miss Cugs and his family, who are in town for his niece's wedding. So the Nags Head Gang (less Kean and I) will be hanging at the Lizard tonight (I miss you guys!) By the way Tim, you were back in Ohio two years ago when I was in Paris. You need to schedule better!

Things have been going really well so far, no dead bodies, good weather, good food, great host, etc. It's kinda weird. Things have not changed since the last time I was here. I'm right next to the room I stayed at last time here at the Taj Gateway. It is a mirror of my old room. The staff is the same and they still know my name (it's embarrassing, you'd think I should know theirs). So I won't bore you with the same old stories, but I will share some pics instead (I know that is what you come for anyway!)

On Saturday when I arrived, I was invited to attend one of Cheryl's friends Jacquie's (below with Ali) surprise birthday parties. Once again, I was welcomed as if the other guests had known me forever. Well I had met most of them my last visit :-)

It was a really nice time, traditional Indian food...

...and of course, Texas Hold 'em!

Sunday was very relaxing, not much sleep the night before as my sleep patterns have just returned to normal (I hope). But did get to hang out at the pool, get some sun and then return to Jamavar at Leela Palace for a great meal. This place is pretty cool.

Dinner at Jamavars

Tuesday Night Cheryl and I had dinner at Jamavar in the Leela Palace Bangalore Hotel. The hotel was amazing and Jamavar was in a great setting. We sat outside because the weather was so nice. The service and the food were excellent. We had a spread of many different types of southern and northern Indian food to try. When we had finished desert, our server asked us if we would like a tour of the kitchen (it was a pretty slow night). We of course said yes! The chef's showed us how to make the traditional nan and roti breads.

Even though full from dinner, we accepted the chef's offer to taste the roti bread he made for us. It was awesome, so fresh.

My only complaint of the evening would be the size of the bats flying around at night, they are huge. Apparently they have 4 foot wingspans and eat fruit. They are known as flying foxes. I'm glad they like fruit and not people.