My week of work in Banglore has gone well. I have 10 great trainees and 3 amazing trainers. After 2 days of me pontificating about processes and policies, they were split into 3 groups and are getting the true hands-on experience that will allow them to be valuable to our clients. It made me smile as when I would visit each of the rooms, someone was always up
at the whiteboard and there was lively conversation about various aspects of the rules, policies or processes that we work with.   

My ITC Gardenia hotel was pretty incredible as well, with the service being the shining star. As an example, my room is on the "womens floor", and we have a 24/7 female security guard
in the hallway, which happens to be right outside my door. Every time I arrive or leave my room, they jump up, smile, give the prayer hands and say "namaste". They also ask, how is my day, do I need anything, and are generally just nice. Last night, I came back from work, and the normal lady was there. She asked how I was and I said "good" and then I asked how she was, she smiled and said her day was good too. I went in my room and within a couple of minutes, there was a knock at my door...I opened it and it was the guard. She wanted to give me a packet of Indian Chai Tea. It was so thoughtful and while a small gesture, was so gracious. I thanked her, shook her hand and told her how much it made me happy. It is the little things in life.  

 Since I am over a couple of weekends, I took advantage to see some sites. So this weekend is Mysore, an old colonial city about 3.5 hours of scary driving from Bangalore. My driver picked me up and just getting out of Banglore was an experience (and took almost 1.5
hours). This is not unusual, as actually getting to the office or hotel each day feels like a victory as the driving is not for the faint of heart.  

Once we got out of the big city, it was more rural although we never really were in true countryside. Lots of little towns, some bigger towns (one dedicated to silk and another dedicated to wooden toys), cows, sugar cane and rice. My driver, while he didn't speak great
english, pointed out various sites along the way, including a cool temple focused on Ganesh, the Hindu god that looks like an elephant.  

We arrived in Msyore and there was definitely a different, more relaxed feel which is not surprising with less than 1 million people compared to 11.5mil in Bangalore. My hotel is the Grand Mercure one of the higher end hotels that has only been open for a year. At
check-in they presented me with some fresh lemonade, a lei-like strand of small white flowers and a beautiful red rose and a small dot of white on my forehead.  This was to welcome me to Mysore and their wish for a good stay. 

 After my long ride, I was ready to relax and get caught up on work that I had missed while traveling. So, my laptop and I found a great place next to the pool, with comfy chairs and a glass of Chardonnay where I did some work and grabbed a light dinner before heading to
bed. 

Tomorrow, the Mysore Palace and temples.