Weekend in Hyderabad

Our first order of business on Saturday was to support the Google cricket team play their quarter final match against some other tech company. Us expats must've brought bad luck as we lost by 5 runs in a close match. Unfortunate and disappointing for the Team Google.

Charminar / Old City center - my first time out of the bubble of my corporate country club lifestyle of housekeepers, prepared foods, and drivers. Also, the first time in my life that I felt a degree of culture shock: bustling, crowded, needy, and slightly dirty were my initial perceptions. As I quickly became acclimated, I noticed the inter workings of any city center, only more lively.

The most unsuspecting aspect of the day was most people's fascination with foreigners: I posed for pictures and shook hands like I was a campaigning politician.

Charminar (meaning 4 minarets) is a historic mosque built in the 17th century. 10 rupees for Indians and 100 rupees for travelers to climb the narrow/steep staired hallways to the 2nd level where you have a great view. Afterwards, we crawled the streets for flavor with an entourage of children eager for small talk and/or a handout. Took a scenic drive home around the lake and passed a hospital and a court house that looked like rivaling Persian palaces.

Golconda Fort / tombs - highest point in the city - built in the 16th century and home to king. There is apparently a tunnel that travels from the top to Charminar (which you can see way off in the distance). An acoustical marvel where guards can notify each other several hundred feet away and up/down hill.

Shilparamam fair / market - you don't have to travel far to be acclimated to culture. Ritual dancing, foods, and stalls.

Sankranti (Pongal) - Sunday was also the first day of the Pongal festival. The Hindu harvest festival involves children flying kites made from cellophane and wire. Adults take it to the next level and host kite flying expositions and competitions. Families also make sweets and decorations and host people to admire and enjoy their handy work (and sometimes dress up their kids).