Jalavihar

What better way to spend the Fourth of July at the waterpark?!

Andrew and I, surprisingly enough, are still alive after braving Hyderabad's (second) finest waterpark. Apparently there's a bigger one on the outskirts of the city, but I'd driven past Jalavihar on Necklace Road many times and (almost) always been tempted to check it out.

While the right-sized waterpark is unappetizingly close to Hussain Sagar, they promise the water treatment is first-class. (Here's hoping.) On a random day during the workweek, when we have off but most Indian do not, the crowds were on the better side of manageable, a pleasant surprise. (I would never, ever, EVER go on a weekend day in the middle of summer. EVER.) The price is right ($3) for all the rides you can ride, even if few of them are fun enough in their own right to ride more than once.

And as for a socio-cultural exhibition? Fascinating! 90% men of course. Ladies wear "costumes," not swim suits. Even the majority of gentlemen wear shirts or tanktops above shorts or even nylon pants. Swimmability is generally low, highlights in the wave pool include splashing and standing in circles. But the hourly Rain Dance? Thank goodness for the rope physically separating the men from the women! (Just ask Andrew.)

Overall review? Pleasant.

Palatial Mysore

Once-mighty Mysore is a great weekend destination. The stately city of one million is just the right size; the relatively broad, relatively leafy streets don’t feel too crowded. The city is the capital of the State of Karnataka in designation only, it’s downright sleepy compared to bustling Bangalore two hours away.

The city is best known the impressive 19th-century palace that forms the heart of the city. No visit’s complete without gawking at the the grand foyer and the durbar halls. The smaller Jaganmohan Palace is a nice museum, too. The city’s little outdoor market is a fun and wildly photogenic diversion. And the city offers a great hill for climbing and a zoo for strolling.

The city boasts quite a few nice mid-range hotels. For less than $100, it’s hard to beat the Windflower Resort, tucked behind the racecourse, a 10-minute, 50-rupee autorickshaw ride from the city center. Great cabana restaurant, nice pool and peaceful ambiance.

 From Hyderabad, overnight buses are the most convenient option. Expect a 12-hour journey, either on a private line or on a state-run coach. Semi-sleepers are about $20 and not uncomfortable. Full Sleepers are about $25 and a pretty darn easy way to travel. 

Time in the Tamil N

Madurai - A classic temple town, with three huge pyramids of stacked statutes, stretched high into the Southern sky. Sundays aren't very crowded, meaning you can explore the temple square and the neighborhood in relative peace...you'll be pleasantly surprised to see the basics of urban planning! the airport is nice and new, or else the temple is an easy 15 minute walk from the train station (featuring only one turn).  a really, really fantastic resort option in a calm corner of the city? Heritage Madurai. Rooms are luxurious, and not a bad price at all.

Kodaikanal - I've been to some incredibly scenic places in my day, but stepping out into the hill station of Kodai makes you want to get right back into the car...the scenic drive up to the town is far better than the destination. In short, it's dirty, crowded and not so peaceful. Sure the temperature's nice, but the lake's been trashed, it just  makes you a bit wistful. Obnoxious cars ruin what might otherwise be a pleasant walk around the lake. Bryant Park trends toward pretty. But there aren't restaurants or shops or cultural events of note. Middling hotels. Ugh. If push comes to shove and you HAVE to go, stay somewhere as far from the town itself as possible.

Not as good as London...

Back from London, I sadly had to turn off my friend-making dating profile. But before i did, i switched it from London to Hyderabad...just to see what would happen.

Ahh, match-making. Too restrictive indeed.

Law Enforcement

A week long interviewing course at the National Police Academy, a great break from the usual grind and a cool chance to sit alongside some very experienced Indian Police Service officers at their home training facility. I was way better with a Glock than expected and the 50-meter pool felt great. I am sad to report, though, that India's next generation of police officials are being trained incorrectly in archery...

Beautiful Bidar

the summer sun didn't stop my two closest non-consulate friends and i from hitting up nearby Bidar for a roadtrip reunion, even if our fourth member's pigging out on barbeque in kansas city every day for the past month. it's an easy 2.5 hours drive west of Hyderabad, hopping just across the AP/Karnataka border.

Bidar, like Golconda, is an old capital city. The Bahamani Sultans reigned from the city's epic fort from 1427 until overrun by the Mughals in 1686. Many of the ruins are better preserved than Golconda, including the triple-moat defense carved out of bedrock and a cannon bigger than all the cannons i've ever seen put together. A madrassa and clocktower give some character to the town's walled old city area, while the peaceful tomb complex makes the trips worthwhile. a great day trip from HYD.

two, followed by four zeros