Goodbye India. It’s been a blast

Five hours in a Shopping Mall came easily with a few purchases under my belt, some divine sizzling chicken Momo’s in my tummy and a way to fill in time. 

I was going to go down the the ghats after my shopping expedition but then realised that if I timed it right I could get back to the hotel in time to get some chaat for dinner. So here I am waiting for my special request dinner. 

There is yet another function happening in the garden as I wait so I’m pleased I decided to leave the hotel when I did and not spend time in the garden. The garden thats also the function centre that is, just like the pool that is a function centre at the last place. I haven’t had many opportunities for people watching this trip and that is one thing I have really missed. Watching whilst walking is not the same. 

In the restaurant I am listening to the tunes of Christmas. For a culture so entrenched in the hindi culture it seems strange that they embrace Christmas just like Christian families. My guide from the other night told me that in Kolkata they have one big festival each month, including Christmas in December. Everyone goes all out, the finest saris come out, the trees go up and the tinsel and lights are abundant. Presents are shared and in some homes even a nativity set makes it onto the sideboard.   I guess it is no different to us celebrating chinese new year, hanuka, divali or other cultural celebrations that are either not ours to celebrate or reflect the diversity of cultures in our country. 

And then I bade goodbye to India. An uneventful flight and then a nap in the lounge and I am now at Jewel, the landside complex at Changi Airport. 5 floors of food, shops, entertainment and a tropical garden complete with waterfall. 

Oh and did I mention a massive xmas tree. 

I have just been graced with something I have dreamed about for weeks. 

The menu said it came with 2 sides. But I only wanted fries as I have had more veg in the last month than I’ve ever had. The waiter insisted I have two fries but was quite happy me asking for two orders of fries!  Can’t say it was the best steak I’ve had but it was the first  red meat in a month and worth waiting for.  

I’m dead on my feet and will soon be boarding. It can’t come soon enough and despite having loved being away I am looking forward to getting home and next my cheese on toast. 

Keep reading. I have another couple of posts in the making so it’s not finished yet.