My flight from Hyderabad to London was long and not my favorite trip ever. I was able to sleep quite a bit. The kids behind me enjoyed kicking my seat and moving the tray up and down - during all 10 hours of the flight. I kept my cool and was very patient. When the kids began crying, I played peek-a-boo and we were all laughing by the time we landed.
Karma is a beautiful thing. After that long flight and a bus from the plane to the terminal, the woman at the British Airways check-in informed me that I had been bumped up to business class! She also told me that I could use the club level upstairs. I told her that I wanted to hug her and she let me know that it wasn't necessary. :)
So I found my way up to the club and the woman informs me of the services they have - free wi-fi, free drinks and snacks, and FREE SHOWERS!
After a 10 hour flight that followed an 8 hour work day, I felt like I had won the lottery! So I went and checked in for a shower and returned to the lounge with a new outlook on life.
I grabbed a few snacks and now I'm lounging around and for the first time ever...I'm appreciating a long lay-over.
I have a few more hours up here, and then I will be back home by 11pm tonight.
Much Love,
LC
Update from London Heathrow
Thursday, August 13, 2009
My flight from Hyderabad to London was long and not my favorite trip ever. I was able to sleep quite a bit. The kids behind me enjoyed kicking my seat and moving the tray up and down - during all 10 hours of the flight. I kept my cool and was very patient. When the kids began crying, I played peek-a-boo and we were all laughing by the time we landed.
Karma is a beautiful thing. After that long flight and a bus from the plane to the terminal, the woman at the British Airways check-in informed me that I had been bumped up to business class! She also told me that I could use the club level upstairs. I told her that I wanted to hug her and she let me know that it wasn't necessary. :)
So I found my way up to the club and the woman informs me of the services they have - free wi-fi, free drinks and snacks, and FREE SHOWERS!
After a 10 hour flight that followed an 8 hour work day, I felt like I had won the lottery! So I went and checked in for a shower and returned to the lounge with a new outlook on life.
I grabbed a few snacks and now I'm lounging around and for the first time ever...I'm appreciating a long lay-over.
I have a few more hours up here, and then I will be back home by 11pm tonight.
Much Love,
LC
WOW. What an adventure this has been!
When I first decided to keep a blog for this trip...I wasn't really sure how this would go. I appreciate each of you who followed my journey. I am well aware that I am not the best writer, but I loved sharing every step along the way.
I just finished my last lunch at Okra. I said goodbye to the people who have patiently waited on me over the last 22 days. They are an attentive staff...they know my beverage preferences, and the manager brought me a copy of Business World to show me a story about BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing, what my company does) because they knew what we do! The article focused on domestic BPOs here in India, but a very interesting article none the less.
I always try to be a gracious guest when traveling internationally. Don't get me wrong - I stand out like a sore thumb in any country I visit, but I pride my self on trying the local food and following local customs. I would hate to be the epitome of an arrogant American and demand things be the same as back home. I'll admit, there have been a few times where I've had to remind myself "When in Rome..." One American woman that I met in the Executive Lounge told me how she has survived for a week on peanut butter crackers from home and bottled water. I thought to myself, when she looks back on her trip, what is she going to remember? I feel fortunate knowing that my memories will be of my friends here, the food we ate and the fun we had together.
While I have missed home, I can't say that I am excited for the 30 hour journey ahead of me. Hyderabad to London to Chicago and back to Des Moines. The funny thing is; my one hour flight from Chicago to Des Moines might just seem like the longest part of the trip. I know I will be filled with anticipation to see my loved ones.
I've also missed my freedom. Leaving the hotel has been controlled by security. I haven't driven in almost a month. Last time when I returned, I accidentally turned into oncoming traffic (on an empty street) thank goodness my sister was there to remind me that in the US, we drive on the right side of the road. :) Maybe it would be best if Meredith drives me around for the first couple of days...
It really has been an honor to travel here. I have been given to opportunity to work with amazing people and I know that I have learned just as much as I taught on this trip. I feel proud that my company values me and has allowed me to contribute to a world class organization.
I also want to give a shout out to my parents and sister...they have been caring for my puppies I know those dogs have been spoiled rotten. Thank you!
Those of you who know me well know that I am a crier. Its just who I am. I know that I will be sad to leave my friends here - goodbyes are never fun. I will leave with a sense of accomplishment that I completed my objectives for this trip, but also with sadness. I'm not sure when or if I will get a chance to return to see everyone.
I'll be sure to post to let you know when I have safely returned!
Much Love,
LC
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
WOW. What an adventure this has been!
When I first decided to keep a blog for this trip...I wasn't really sure how this would go. I appreciate each of you who followed my journey. I am well aware that I am not the best writer, but I loved sharing every step along the way.
I just finished my last lunch at Okra. I said goodbye to the people who have patiently waited on me over the last 22 days. They are an attentive staff...they know my beverage preferences, and the manager brought me a copy of Business World to show me a story about BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing, what my company does) because they knew what we do! The article focused on domestic BPOs here in India, but a very interesting article none the less.
I always try to be a gracious guest when traveling internationally. Don't get me wrong - I stand out like a sore thumb in any country I visit, but I pride my self on trying the local food and following local customs. I would hate to be the epitome of an arrogant American and demand things be the same as back home. I'll admit, there have been a few times where I've had to remind myself "When in Rome..." One American woman that I met in the Executive Lounge told me how she has survived for a week on peanut butter crackers from home and bottled water. I thought to myself, when she looks back on her trip, what is she going to remember? I feel fortunate knowing that my memories will be of my friends here, the food we ate and the fun we had together.
While I have missed home, I can't say that I am excited for the 30 hour journey ahead of me. Hyderabad to London to Chicago and back to Des Moines. The funny thing is; my one hour flight from Chicago to Des Moines might just seem like the longest part of the trip. I know I will be filled with anticipation to see my loved ones.
I've also missed my freedom. Leaving the hotel has been controlled by security. I haven't driven in almost a month. Last time when I returned, I accidentally turned into oncoming traffic (on an empty street) thank goodness my sister was there to remind me that in the US, we drive on the right side of the road. :) Maybe it would be best if Meredith drives me around for the first couple of days...
It really has been an honor to travel here. I have been given to opportunity to work with amazing people and I know that I have learned just as much as I taught on this trip. I feel proud that my company values me and has allowed me to contribute to a world class organization.
I also want to give a shout out to my parents and sister...they have been caring for my puppies I know those dogs have been spoiled rotten. Thank you!
Those of you who know me well know that I am a crier. Its just who I am. I know that I will be sad to leave my friends here - goodbyes are never fun. I will leave with a sense of accomplishment that I completed my objectives for this trip, but also with sadness. I'm not sure when or if I will get a chance to return to see everyone.
I'll be sure to post to let you know when I have safely returned!
Much Love,
LC
Another great weekend in Hyderabad!
Whitney and I enjoyed breakfast (yummy french toast) and Arun joined us upstairs to look at pictures from Saturday.
Avis, who is simply an amazing trainer, invited Whitney, me and the Stellar Facilitators (all certified last week! Woot woot!) to her home for lunch. When we arrived, we were greeted by her dogs...I got my puppy fix! I also got to ride around her neighborhood on a moped!
We started with round after round of appetizers and everyone sat around the living room talking, eating and it wasn't long before George got out his guitar and we were singing everything from The Beatles to John Denver!
As the afternoon went on, they started singing famous Hindi songs and then the dancing began!
Later we sat down for some Biryani (a spicy rice dish - Hyderabad's most famous meal) and cottage cheese. Absolutely wonderful lunch!
After our meal it was time for more singing and dancing! We stayed until about 5:30 and then we went for a little more shopping :)
More soon, I promise.
Lots of love,
Lauren
Sunday = Funday :)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Another great weekend in Hyderabad!
Whitney and I enjoyed breakfast (yummy french toast) and Arun joined us upstairs to look at pictures from Saturday.
Avis, who is simply an amazing trainer, invited Whitney, me and the Stellar Facilitators (all certified last week! Woot woot!) to her home for lunch. When we arrived, we were greeted by her dogs...I got my puppy fix! I also got to ride around her neighborhood on a moped!
We started with round after round of appetizers and everyone sat around the living room talking, eating and it wasn't long before George got out his guitar and we were singing everything from The Beatles to John Denver!
As the afternoon went on, they started singing famous Hindi songs and then the dancing began!
Later we sat down for some Biryani (a spicy rice dish - Hyderabad's most famous meal) and cottage cheese. Absolutely wonderful lunch!
After our meal it was time for more singing and dancing! We stayed until about 5:30 and then we went for a little more shopping :)
More soon, I promise.
Lots of love,
Lauren
While your Saturday is just getting started, the sun has set on mine. Today didn't go quite as planned, but what a fun day!
Hyderabad is hosting the world championship for badminton this weekend. The attention and foreign visitors resulted in a few terrorist threats at large public places. Our company's security team decided it would be best if we stayed at the hotel today. There were also threats against Mumbai (Bombay) and Bangalore as India's Independence Day is quickly approaching and terrorists behind a previous bombing were executed today.
I slept in this morning and joined Whitney, Arun and Arun's band for lunch at the hotel. After lunch we took photos of his band around the hotel. After a few hours, security informed us that we were not allowed to take pictures of the hotel, but Whitney worked her magic on the hotel manager and soon enough we were back in business! The guys were amazing to work with, so relaxed yet excited to have their photo taken.
We are unsure of what we will be able to do tomorrow, but I want to make sure that everyone knows that we are taking every precaution possible. Arun has simply been a wonderful host. Arun is a delightful combination of an overprotective big brother and an amazing tour guide. He has told us time and time again that our security is his highest priority.
Whitney and I decided to end the day doing what we do best...hanging out in the executive lounge! Food is good...wine is great!
Hello to everyone back home...I know the day is just getting started!
Saturday
Saturday, August 8, 2009
While your Saturday is just getting started, the sun has set on mine. Today didn't go quite as planned, but what a fun day!
Hyderabad is hosting the world championship for badminton this weekend. The attention and foreign visitors resulted in a few terrorist threats at large public places. Our company's security team decided it would be best if we stayed at the hotel today. There were also threats against Mumbai (Bombay) and Bangalore as India's Independence Day is quickly approaching and terrorists behind a previous bombing were executed today.
I slept in this morning and joined Whitney, Arun and Arun's band for lunch at the hotel. After lunch we took photos of his band around the hotel. After a few hours, security informed us that we were not allowed to take pictures of the hotel, but Whitney worked her magic on the hotel manager and soon enough we were back in business! The guys were amazing to work with, so relaxed yet excited to have their photo taken.
We are unsure of what we will be able to do tomorrow, but I want to make sure that everyone knows that we are taking every precaution possible. Arun has simply been a wonderful host. Arun is a delightful combination of an overprotective big brother and an amazing tour guide. He has told us time and time again that our security is his highest priority.
Whitney and I decided to end the day doing what we do best...hanging out in the executive lounge! Food is good...wine is great!
Hello to everyone back home...I know the day is just getting started!
Wow! Time has flown by fast! Next Wednesday evening (US time) I'll be headed home.
This week has been super busy, so I haven't had a chance to get online recently. Tuesday was traditional day in the office, so I brought my saree and with me and before I knew it, I had a half dozen girls helping me put it on. I wore a skirt and top, and the saree went on top. I was able to train for about half the day in the saree...but I was so nervous that I would damage it!
I did get a little homesick this week. Thank goodness a few phone calls home cheered me up!
This week I worked a mixture of US days and India days again. I think its starting to take a toll on me, so I am very much looking forward to some rest this weekend.
After sleeping in tomorrow, we are going to Golconda Fort and do a little more shopping. Sunday will also be relaxing...sleeping in, shopping and lunch at the home of one of the lead trainers.
Today I had another "wow" moment. Sometimes when traveling, I just get this "holy cow" feeling where I can't believe how lucky I am. When I started working here 4 years ago, I never imagined the opportunities that I would have here. To have the opportunity to be half way around the world, working with an amazing team...wow. I have many people to thank for that...you know who you are.
That's all for me tonight, I'm sure I'll have a ton of photos to update tomorrow!!!
Much Love!
-LC
Update: I updated these photos to remove my employer's logo.
This Week!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Wow! Time has flown by fast! Next Wednesday evening (US time) I'll be headed home.
This week has been super busy, so I haven't had a chance to get online recently. Tuesday was traditional day in the office, so I brought my saree and with me and before I knew it, I had a half dozen girls helping me put it on. I wore a skirt and top, and the saree went on top. I was able to train for about half the day in the saree...but I was so nervous that I would damage it!
I did get a little homesick this week. Thank goodness a few phone calls home cheered me up!
This week I worked a mixture of US days and India days again. I think its starting to take a toll on me, so I am very much looking forward to some rest this weekend.
After sleeping in tomorrow, we are going to Golconda Fort and do a little more shopping. Sunday will also be relaxing...sleeping in, shopping and lunch at the home of one of the lead trainers.
Today I had another "wow" moment. Sometimes when traveling, I just get this "holy cow" feeling where I can't believe how lucky I am. When I started working here 4 years ago, I never imagined the opportunities that I would have here. To have the opportunity to be half way around the world, working with an amazing team...wow. I have many people to thank for that...you know who you are.
That's all for me tonight, I'm sure I'll have a ton of photos to update tomorrow!!!
Much Love!
-LC
Update: I updated these photos to remove my employer's logo.
Training today is from 10:00am-7pm CST, which is 8:30pm-5:30am India time, so I got to sleep in a little bit. I didn't get ready in time for lunch at Okra, so I enjoyed Tea in the lobby with scones, tea and a cucumber sandwich.
I got my upcoming training schedule the other day, and it looks like more travel is in store for me :) I love traveling, and I love my job. Its hard to be away from home for too long - I miss my family, my friends and my puppies. I even miss being in the Des Moines office! Although I am very lucky to have friends wherever I travel to! :)
Love lots,
-LC
Headed to the office
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Training today is from 10:00am-7pm CST, which is 8:30pm-5:30am India time, so I got to sleep in a little bit. I didn't get ready in time for lunch at Okra, so I enjoyed Tea in the lobby with scones, tea and a cucumber sandwich.
I got my upcoming training schedule the other day, and it looks like more travel is in store for me :) I love traveling, and I love my job. Its hard to be away from home for too long - I miss my family, my friends and my puppies. I even miss being in the Des Moines office! Although I am very lucky to have friends wherever I travel to! :)
Love lots,
-LC
Another restful day. I fell asleep around 3am yesterday, and slept in again. Whitney and I had the brunch buffet today around 12:30. They had street vendor-type food available on the patio and featured drinks sponsored by Bacardi. The buffet included typical continental style with some Asian and some Western choices. Whitney was even able to get her sushi fix!
After lunch, we both had appointments for facials at the spa. It was very relaxing! After the spa, we hung out in the Executive Lounge (again) until the jeweler arrived with pearls. Oh my, did he bring pearls!
Here is me being a "Price is Right" girl (are they still "Barker's Beauties" since Bob Barker retired?)
After lunch, we both had appointments for facials at the spa. It was very relaxing! After the spa, we hung out in the Executive Lounge (again) until the jeweler arrived with pearls. Oh my, did he bring pearls!
Here are some pearls arranged on Whitney's bed.
Here is me being a "Price is Right" girl (are they still "Barker's Beauties" since Bob Barker retired?)
A close up of some bracelets
After exhausting our budgets on pearls, we did what we do best...went to the Executive Lounge!
I'm looking forward to a busy week in the office. We have Stellar Service Training as well as a Benefits Knowledge Tournament and I'll be working again with the trainers on some application training!
Next weekend is Golconda Fort and, of course...more SHOPPING!
Much love,
LC
Sunday
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Another restful day. I fell asleep around 3am yesterday, and slept in again. Whitney and I had the brunch buffet today around 12:30. They had street vendor-type food available on the patio and featured drinks sponsored by Bacardi. The buffet included typical continental style with some Asian and some Western choices. Whitney was even able to get her sushi fix!
After lunch, we both had appointments for facials at the spa. It was very relaxing! After the spa, we hung out in the Executive Lounge (again) until the jeweler arrived with pearls. Oh my, did he bring pearls!
Here is me being a "Price is Right" girl (are they still "Barker's Beauties" since Bob Barker retired?)
After lunch, we both had appointments for facials at the spa. It was very relaxing! After the spa, we hung out in the Executive Lounge (again) until the jeweler arrived with pearls. Oh my, did he bring pearls!
Here are some pearls arranged on Whitney's bed.
Here is me being a "Price is Right" girl (are they still "Barker's Beauties" since Bob Barker retired?)
A close up of some bracelets
After exhausting our budgets on pearls, we did what we do best...went to the Executive Lounge!
I'm looking forward to a busy week in the office. We have Stellar Service Training as well as a Benefits Knowledge Tournament and I'll be working again with the trainers on some application training!
Next weekend is Golconda Fort and, of course...more SHOPPING!
Much love,
LC
What a wonderful day! I'm sure many would criticize that I did not take full advantage of this beautiful city today, but I really did have a splendid day. And I don't say "splendid" that often. Last night, I fell asleep without advil pm or anything around 1am. This was early for me, because I usually work the night shift here (US day shift) but yesterday I worked UK shift so that I could spend more time with the HYD trainers. After work, Arun took us shopping where I was able to cross off just about everything on my shopping list...minus the pearls!
I woke up around 10:15am...9 hours of sleep! My malrone (anti-malarial drugs - yes mom, I'm taking them) are still giving me crazy dreams, but better then the alternative. Whit and I met up for lunch at 12:45 and had a delicious meal from the buffet at Okra. They even had beef!
We made appointments at the spa for massages (PS- Erin...you were right) and enjoyed an hour of pampering. Afterwards we hung out in the executive lounge (again) and talked, watched YouTube videos, listened to music and video chatted with my parents. Outside, we saw a little lizard on the balcony. We stuck around for happy hour and enjoyed some wine and appetizers. Its about 10:30 pm now and Whit is headed to her room so that she could call her family.
It was so nice just to relax today. It is amazing to have it so calm up here in the executive center and have the city busy below. Of course, we aren't immune to the horn honks...even at 10:30 at night. Right now I am looking over Hussain Sagar and I can see the reflection of the city lights on the lake, and it is so peaceful. Also, Amy Winehouse "Back to Black" is playing on the radio. Nice.
The waitstaff here is so attentive. Most of the guys in the Executive Lounge know Whitney & I's names and (more importantly) what we like to drink.
Okay....jump forward a little bit here. Right after Whitney left, this guy came over and was like "Hi Lauren." I felt bad because I didn't recognize him and he told me he had met Erin when she was here last month. Erin's Stalker found me!
He sat down and kept talking and talking and talking and by divine intervention, Whit came running upstairs needed help with the video chat! She saved the day! Now we have a plan for what I can say to be more firm and not so nice. Don't get me wrong, I try to be a nice person, but when instinct tells you not to do something, or that something just isn't right - you have to listen! This guy was sitting upstairs for about four hours. He waited until maybe five minutes after Whitney left to come over to talk to me. And he seemed too familiar with me, knowing where I was from, where I worked...it left me feeling very uneasy. He wasn't picking up any hints when I continued to type on my computer or said I had to go.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Much love!
-Lauren
My Saturday
Saturday, August 1, 2009
What a wonderful day! I'm sure many would criticize that I did not take full advantage of this beautiful city today, but I really did have a splendid day. And I don't say "splendid" that often. Last night, I fell asleep without advil pm or anything around 1am. This was early for me, because I usually work the night shift here (US day shift) but yesterday I worked UK shift so that I could spend more time with the HYD trainers. After work, Arun took us shopping where I was able to cross off just about everything on my shopping list...minus the pearls!
I woke up around 10:15am...9 hours of sleep! My malrone (anti-malarial drugs - yes mom, I'm taking them) are still giving me crazy dreams, but better then the alternative. Whit and I met up for lunch at 12:45 and had a delicious meal from the buffet at Okra. They even had beef!
We made appointments at the spa for massages (PS- Erin...you were right) and enjoyed an hour of pampering. Afterwards we hung out in the executive lounge (again) and talked, watched YouTube videos, listened to music and video chatted with my parents. Outside, we saw a little lizard on the balcony. We stuck around for happy hour and enjoyed some wine and appetizers. Its about 10:30 pm now and Whit is headed to her room so that she could call her family.
It was so nice just to relax today. It is amazing to have it so calm up here in the executive center and have the city busy below. Of course, we aren't immune to the horn honks...even at 10:30 at night. Right now I am looking over Hussain Sagar and I can see the reflection of the city lights on the lake, and it is so peaceful. Also, Amy Winehouse "Back to Black" is playing on the radio. Nice.
The waitstaff here is so attentive. Most of the guys in the Executive Lounge know Whitney & I's names and (more importantly) what we like to drink.
Okay....jump forward a little bit here. Right after Whitney left, this guy came over and was like "Hi Lauren." I felt bad because I didn't recognize him and he told me he had met Erin when she was here last month. Erin's Stalker found me!
He sat down and kept talking and talking and talking and by divine intervention, Whit came running upstairs needed help with the video chat! She saved the day! Now we have a plan for what I can say to be more firm and not so nice. Don't get me wrong, I try to be a nice person, but when instinct tells you not to do something, or that something just isn't right - you have to listen! This guy was sitting upstairs for about four hours. He waited until maybe five minutes after Whitney left to come over to talk to me. And he seemed too familiar with me, knowing where I was from, where I worked...it left me feeling very uneasy. He wasn't picking up any hints when I continued to type on my computer or said I had to go.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Much love!
-Lauren
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