India 2011

I visited Bangalore, India again in December to conduct another training class for Cerner.  After we taught almost 40 Cerner associates in two weeks, Kate flew across the ocean to join me for a week of vacation.  She has heard many stories of Indian life, food, and the majesty of the Taj Mahal and finally was able to experience it “live action” (to quote the Turtle Man).  We spent a few days in Bangalore, touring the city’s temples, markets, and parks.  We chanted the Hare Krishna Mantra at the ISKON temple, walked the Bangalore Palace grounds where they were preparing for a 1000+ person wedding reception, and were honored with an invitation to a coworkers engagement party.  In an arranged marriage, this is the first time the bride and groom meet, with about 200 friends and family packed into the room.  Each group has a chance to greet and thank the new couple personally, and a large buffet dinner was served at the end.



After Bangalore, Kate and I flew to New Delhi for some North Indian cuisine and views of the Taj.  We stayed at a small, quiet, “boutique” hotel called The Manor where we could escape the noise of the city at night.  One of Kate’s relatives gave us a sightseeing list which was so well thought out that it quickly became our itinerary.  We toured Humayun’s tomb, the Jama Masjid (mosque), and Gandhi’s monument and museum.  We ate Indian-Chinese pad thai, Tibetan momos, and North Indian paneer and masalas, as well as amazing modern dishes at our hotel’s restaurant – Indian Accent.  The chef had an amazing ability to create international dishes with an “indian accent” to each one.  His understanding and use of Indian flavor profiles made me want to pursue cooking school!  We dined there twice.