Growing up in West Bengal in the seventies and mid eighties, I remember how Christmas (“Borodin”) was a great day of celebration. A state with over 70% Hindus and over 28% Muslims cut across religious lines to come together to celebrate Christmas.

There would be lights on streets, a festive mood, a lot of exchange of cards and most importantly a LOT of cake!!!

Taking a walk with my siblings this evening, I was struck by how some things have not changed. This small shop selling cakes in this tiny town of Kalyani was glittering with lights all over and overflowing with shoppers!!!

The girls were fascinated by the old style boarding. First, a bus took us in and then drove us about 50 yards – maybe less – to our plane. Then we stood in a queue waiting to climb up the boarding ladder. As we stood there, planes were taking off from the live runway a few hundred yards away. The kids were thrilled!!!

Checking into an Indian hotel (or for that matter any Asian hotel) is always a reminder of what great service can look like. It is the same Marriott brand I sleep in some 120 nights a year – but even a Marriott Courtyard in Bombay gives me better service than some JWs elsewhere in the world.

Very very helpful and taking care of the kids and us in every possible way. Even asked us to consume whatever we wanted from the minibar free since it is so late at night and I give Marriott so much business!!

I guess that is the plus side of having a great supply of labor in a country.

On another note, I do think offering to help lock the bathroom door might be a little too much 🙂

The girls at Mumbai airport waiting for our ride. Nearly thirty hours since we left home. We still have another flight to take and then a three hour car ride….
I understand Atlanta is hitting the twenties tonight. It is a hot 77 and humid here…
We checked into a hotel for a few hours to freshen up. Tasha checked in simply to get free WiFi. We can’t separate her from her phone now 🙂