I arrived at 1:30am in Mumbai to a rainy night. Walking off the plane into the very modern, sleek terminal was a big contrast from when I flew into then Bombay, as a flight attendant. Then, it was a big, old, dirty and congested airport...that one,thankfully, is long gone. I made it through passport control and found my luggage and the transfer desk, where I rechecked my bag in a short period of time. I then had to catch a bus for the 2 mile transfer to the Domestic Terminal.  

The Domestic Terminal is not as modern as the International, and my guess is that during the day it can be quite chaotic. Luckily at 2:30am, it was fairly quiet. My flight on Jet Airways was at 4:15am, so I got through security, found an uncomfortable chair and focused on my book. Around 3:30am a line formed at the small gate area, no announcements were made, so maybe telepathy? We boarded a bus and headed to the plane parked on the tarmac. On the way, we took a tour of the planes and I am not sure if the driver was lost or what, but we came full circle and drove right past the door to the terminal where we had boarded the bus a few minutes earlier.   

There were only two of us in First class and 8 seats, so we had our pick of locations (the back was full...obviously no upgrade process as at home there are never any seats open). It was a quick 1hr 15 min flight and I got a really yummy breakfast, with not an egg is sight ( I hate eggs). Upon landing, within 10 minutes I had my luggage and found my driver and was off to the Westin. (Why can't the US airports get the luggage out that fast???).  

On the descent into Hyderabad, I was surprised at all of the farmland that surrounded the city. I guess I always just think of India as being over-populated with not an inch to spare...similar to Manhattan. During the 35 minute drive to the hotel, I passed some of those farms but also passed some major rock quarries and rock formations. Also not expected.   

The Westin is extremely modern and very nice. I got upgraded to a suite the overlooks apartment buildings...but has a balcony, so if I choose to sit out I can gaze down into peoples living rooms. Yeah, not happening. At this point it was 7am and time for a nap. I slept until noon (2am at home) and then forced myself up, as I could have easily kept on sleeping. I hit the gym, then got a mani/pedi and an amazing massage that I had pre-booked. Just the thing to get me relaxed so I can get a good nights sleep. By this time it was 815p and the last order of the day was room service, with a pizza and a glass of wine. Pizza?? yup, I figure I am here for 2 weeks and as much as I love Indian food, I am going to have plenty.  

Tomorrow, work starts!