Sunday, August 31, 2008

Hyderabad....



















Travel has always fascinated me. What limits is the alteration in my routine, change in feeding habitus and change of bed to sleep. So what strikes in my mind before going to new places is can I come back same day? If so I never say NO to visit new place.

All of a sudden there was a plan to attend a meeting in Hyderabad. A short travel supposedly to be back same night. So what else should I wait to pack my bag? I immediately said yes I will attend the meeting. New place to visit, air ticket in hand, a booked 5 star hotel room, and a short meeting. I thought I am fortunate amongst few. In a single breath I said yes………

I was interested not because I was going for meeting, but I was accompanying my Prof. who in fact gave me a lucrative offer to attend with him. New place I had never thought of going in near future, no extra and personal expenses, and most of all a 5 star accommodation, which in my real life I would never prefer to stay at all. Because it’s not the requirement for a person like me. With all things in mind I moved to Hyderabad. The flight was punctual so didn’t have to waste time in airport. Brand new aircraft laden with all modern gadgets and of all best food service and of course beautiful crew. What ever the journey was pleasant unlike last Kathmandu visit. The first glance of Hyderabad airport made my eyes open. I thought I am landed in Europe. To clear my confusion there were dark, tall clean shaven people guiding the way in the airport “ sir collect your luggage this way” the typical south Indian accent made me realize that I am in Hyderabad. To be honest I feel depressed to remember my international airport. Could not resist myself clicking in the exit of Hyderabad airport. Then we were taken to the hotel which was one hour far from there. The vicinity of airport made me realize it is possible to convert the desert into greenery. It was in fact a desert converted to greenery, wide dust free roads, properly arranged holding boards, fully electrified and decent traffic made me realize the contrast from the place I stayed last for couple of years.

The hotel entry is very funny and memorable. I confirmed the arrangement from the counter and they gave me the key, which was just an envelope. Went to the room no 318. Opened the envelope and I found an electronic card inside. Ok so far no problem. Inserted the card in the card slot but there was no response. Did it in the lightening speed and the door was opened. Now the turn was for light. There was no light and I was tired of putting on the whole switches inside my room. Again with desperate mind I came closer to the door there was another place to swap the card and my room was electrified like a thunderstorm. Cause I had already put on all the switches. I was smiling at my ignorance. I could have asked for assistance from the reception but I refused because I wanted to do it my own way. I was trying each knob and handle possible inside room and bath room to train myself. To learn with experience is better than learning anyway. This was my motto. Since I don’t know, I should accept to learn either self of from other. My experience of five star hotels since childhood is different and funny. My inquisitive childish brain asked one fellow how is five star hotels superior than others. Star for me that time was a dim light in the sky in the night. And how could I find the real meaning of a five star hotel. That gentleman told five Star hotels provide you anything you demand and charge from you. My next question was, if they don’t have the goods then how will they provide? To prove his gentleness he replied they have helicopters and they can immediately bring it. I satisfied myself since it was a age I used to scare from bus. Since then my understanding of five star hotels is to relate it with prompt service. Even though they have to start their helicopters they are ready. My eyes always searched the helicopters whenever I passed nearby a big hotel assuming it to b a five star. But poor me never saw helicopters taking off or landing at five star hotel. This is what I was memorizing inside hotel. The wrong information and its perception made me laugh and I broke the silence inside my room.

After a while I went for lunch. Since the meeting was in the same hotel I had half an hour left to start. After lunch they started with the introduction. All big names and their associates in the field of joint replacement. I thought nothing to worry but what I need is exposure. I need to know people form different corner, who is who?

The day one ended after seven followed by gazal night cum cocktail and finally dinner. The part of the joint replacing society was drunk and unsteady at their joint though it was a healthy joint. After dinner I entered my room hoping to enjoy the five star sleep in the five star bed. Though I was about to sleep I was constantly searching my own pillow, own bed sheet and own surroundings. Though dirt or dusty own bed is superior than five star for a kind of satisfactory sleep that one expects after a tiring day.

Another day started after eight after decent breakfast. Best thing I like was a coffee break in between. It was so planned because most of the people delivering lectures were foreigners. Had it been a national faculty, it would have been monotonous and boring lectures. Around two they finished their presentation. We went for lunch and were ready to leave the hotel. Cause we were already late to check out.

One thing I learnt is people have tremendous faith over AIIMS. They are ready to listen you. Who ever you are, people will give their ears to you. Its up to you whether you want to spellbound them or make them run away. It was almost four o’ clock when I left hotel. It was my hard luck the car driver said sir tyre got puncture on the mid way to airport. He was calling hotel again to call car from them. I thought it will be late by the time car picks me up from there. So I asked the driver to arrange cab for me whom I will pay. Reached the airport and took a deep breath, a breath to appreciate Hyderabad airport, to share my happiness after attending a meeting, and hoping to reach Delhi soon where my room was waiting to hug me. Room showed its anger for leaving it in dark for nearly two days. The punishment was it hugged me so tight I was strangulated. I cried but did not show my tears. Hey room you are my five star hotel. My bed you are not less than anything else because I can sleep the way I like. Don’t worry I have finally come back.

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