Travel Recipes

Whilst in Delhi we decided to take a sleeper train from Agra to Bundoveghor. We arrived at 5.30 am And our driver from the Kings Lodge was waiting for us. Tired but feeling excited about the safaris and the area, so couldn’t fall asleep. The area is so less populated and much more green than Agra or Delhi.

After 3 hours we arrived at the lodge to be greeted by Mr Kumar, the general manager and a hot cup of tea with biscuits, priceless!
The temperature is a lot cooler here and warm clothes are needed during January and February. The Kings Lodge has 18 lodges in rustic style with great comforts in remote forested areas. So delighted to come into a lodge with all the comforts of home, including tea and coffee facilities. Surrounded by exotic plants and trees, softly lit by scattered light fittings on the pathway to lead you safely to your chosen area. After a quick wash we sat down to a feast for breakfast and a roaring fire, magnificent.

Our guide to the safaris came to inform us about what to expect whilst going through the forest. The guides had excpetional knowledge about every tree, bird and the delightful monkeys, elephants, tigers, peacocks and spotted deers. The excitement driving through the forest in an open jeep is so exhilarating especially when you finally get to see a tiger!

Now I’m not normally a theatre goer and my ignorance has really got the better of me, but I decided to do something different with my fiancee. I was browsing the theatre section on Travel Recipes and noticed alot of shows in the West End. I was thinking why not surprise her and book theatre tickets since it’s something that she has mentioned to me before. I decided to choose The Phantom of The Opera as it is something I have watched before on Dvd and also something I thought my fiancee would definitely enjoy.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it as I’m normally in to watching movies at the cinema, but I decided to be bold and give it a go. To my immense surprise, I actually really enjoyed it. From the moment we walked in and saw the stage to taking our seats and waiting for the production to start, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. Then, the curtains opened and the show had begun. Amazing!! From the acting, costumes, dancing, singing and the ever changing sets on stage, everything felt magical – as if I was transported in to this fascinating realm of fantasy.

At the end of the evening we both left the theatre amazed at what we had just witnessed and looked forward to planning similar trips in future. I have already booked The Bodyguard and this time, I am really looking forward to it as opposed to not knowing what to expect when I first went.

Booking on Travel Recipes was very user friendly as well. I simply went to the theatre section, chose the show I wanted to watch and then selected the day I was looking to go on. The entire process of booking my tickets took less than 5 minutes. Tickets are also sent via email and post, and arrive within a few days.

I really recommend it, and it is certainly a lovely occasion with your other half or for those thinking of something different to do. Check out the following link for amazing nights out at the West End     http://travelrecipes.entstix.com/offers

This is the first time since I have left the UK to have time to update you all on my incredible adventure.

Arrival on Mumbai was wonderful, my sister Dina met me and straight to a spa for total relaxation. It hits you hard when you arrive and see the slums as you are taxing down. I was shocked with the poverty and crowd. Its 20 times worse than Egypt, but the outings are nice. Unfortunately got very sick on the second day but recovered quickly due to the wonderful care of Dina.

Arrived in Delhi, very similar to Cairo. Exhibition and business opportunities much bigger than UK. So on the last day I get introduced to a safari company who want representation in the UK and insists that I have to visit the safari lodges in Central India.

The sleeper was a huge adventure and very tough. Toilets so unclean. I had to think 10 times before going, so had to not eat or drink. We then arrive at 5:30 am to be met and driven for 3 hours to the lodge. Hectic but a beautiful place not like the rest of India. We never saw tigers though. Everytime the tigers had just left the area we entered. Very organised safari. It is freezing here at night the temperature drops to 3 degrees. So when we went on the Safari at 6 am it was hell. Wrapped in blankets and wearing my suitcase the suffering continued till 8 am.

Again back to Delhi for one night before my journey to Rajashtan – the remainder of the golden triangle. Jaipur is lovely, again very similar to Egypt. Beauitful ancient palaces and the old city is pink. Everything pink. I am staying in an old palace with butlers doing everything for me…which makes me feel I have stepped back in time. I am on the go all the time. Today we went to another city called Pushkar and back again in one day. But I get to have my dinner in my lovely Mahri suite. Where Maharaj used to stay. Except that its freezing. I have a young boy at my beck and call. The minute I step out of my suite and say hello, he jumps to attention! Even carries my room key, runs to the kitchen gets my coconut water. infact today I had four butlers attending to me…hahha.

The food here is special! No one cares about health! it doesn’t exist. Everything is swimming in oil and butter. If you ask for grilled, it still comes with oil. Their bread here is magnificent and the naan is beautiful very thin and you can have it without any butter…shocking.

I have to pack now for my next trip. Visiting Mumbai again for 4 hours, to see Dina then connecting for Kerela. Jeremy just called so he will arrive in a few hours and I will arrive in the afternoon tomorrow insh.

Not sure how to pack domestic flights here are so strict!

Miss you all very much. I honestly feel as if I have entered a different time zone…at least 60 years back.

Amal on her incredible India adventure xxxx

A brilliant performance by Heather Headley. Great voice! Last night she was brilliant. A great singer and an excellent match for Whitney! I was not too impressed with her bodyguard on stage – Lloyd Owen. I felt he was wooden and did not move or act with ease. However because the rest of the cast were very impressive the Bodyguard is must to see. The dancing will have you wiggling and tapping your hands and feet. The costumes were breathtaking and little Fletcher was adorable and funny. The last act had everyone clapping and cheering a group of male dancers commanded the stage with gymnastic moves that made everyone’s eyes pop out! A standing ovation was so well deserved for Heather’s voice touched everyone in the audience. Heather has been a duet partner to Andrea Bocelli and has been featured in many of his American and international tours, including his “Live In Tuscany” PBS special, and his “Under The Desert Sky” live concert DVD. She also made cameo appearances in the movies Breakin’ All The Rules and Dirty Dancing Havana Nights. She was the spokesperson for the March of Dimes and led their “I Want My 9 Months” campaign, and also serves on the board of Directors for the Catalyst Charter Schools in Chicago.