For the most part, I have found Indians to be exceedingly polite, helpful and friendly. That is, until logistics and travel infrastructure is involved. Shuttle today to the airport in Goa was smooth, until the driver decided he didn't need to drive up the ramp to the actual airport. So I had to get off about 500m from the airport where there are, of course, no luggage trolleys. They the driver started to drive away before my luggage was unloaded. Thanks buddy! Finally got a luggage cart and started to push it, of course, up the HILL to the airport. The Hyatt will be getting an email about this, for sure! Then, by far, the most inefficient, disorganized clue-less check-in and security process. Waiting for my bags to emerge from the security scanner, I had a family of 5 shove their way in front of me, even though my bags were before theirs. After repeating "Excuse me" about 15 times, I had to actually pull their children out of the way so I could retrieve my belongings. Fortunately, this has been the exception. Most indian families are very polite and understand the concept of the queue. At this point my frustration is getting the better of me and I bark at the man whose family it is to get out of my way. Seriously!!! Feel like hurting someone right now. I have managed to avoid significant frustration for most of the last 3+months but I feel like I unraveled a bit today! Not my finest moment, for sure. Now I am sitting on my plane that was supposed to depart 30 mins ago and am trying to cool off. This kind of irrational anger was well known to me when I was working but I haven't had this unpleasant feeling of imminent meltdown since I resigned. Not that I can think of, anyway. Indian airlines do not allow alcoholic beverages, unfortunately, so I'm probably 2 hours (at least) away from a nice cold beer. Next stop, Mumbai, where I'm sure my airport transportation will be waiting for me with a smile and air conditioned vehicle. On another note, the lovely cabin crew on my Air India flight just brought me an ice cold towel to refresh with. Things are looking up!:)

On arrival in Mumbai, my new Audi A8 limo was waiting with an ice cold towel and bottled water. The car was even equipped with its own WiFi system -nice touch!! I'm told the drive will be an hour, which after the day I've had doesn't sound great, but what am I going to do about it? So I just sit back and start to relax. We soon hit a deadlock of traffic which seemed to be caused by a large fire (flames leaping up about 30 feet). My driver quickly and agilely maneuvered us in reverse out of the snarl and took another route! Maybe stuck in total 10 mins. My faith is being restored!!
The hotel is stunning and right on the waterfront. I have a huge ocean view suite and the correspondence waiting for me in the room was addressed to me, "in residence." I like the concept! Gorgeous huge stand alone tub is just crying out to be used; I'm a little intimidated as I haven't yet been able to use my bath at home without falling or getting stuck in it. This one seems to have well positioned grab bars so I'm hoping to give it a try; I can always call for my 24hour butler if I get stuck ;)