Back in Bangalore

I'm back! Four more weeks in Bangalore, this time staying at the beautiful Taj West End. This is one of the oldest hotels in Bangalore, dating back to its days as a guest house during the British Occupation.

The trip was long but relatively painless. The travel gods were smiling at me since I had an empty seat next to me on both flights -- that little bit of extra space makes all the difference!

We all are settling in -- unpacking, napping, grabbing brunch. Of course, I've already managed to get some shopping in. The Belaku Trust had a shopping booth set up outside the hotel lobby -- they sell handicrafts made by women. They had beautiful rolled paper bead necklaces, recycled paper notecards, block printed scarves... and the best part is that it continues to support their education and empowerment programs.

No pictures today but I'll try to get some nice ones of the hotel grounds -- trees and flowers everywhere! It's sort of like being at a resort; you don't even realize you are in the middle of busy Bangalore!