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Diary
entry - December 03, 2003
So
I managed to get some time off to go to Agra and the Taj Mahal and
what a wondrous place. A truly romantic story of epic proportions.
It
took 25 years to build and is of perfect symmetry.
I
have to confess this is the day that I have felt most homesick.
With no work to do I have focussed on home and when you visit one
of the seven wonders of the world on your lonesome you can't avoid
thinking of your friends and family back home - especially my beautiful
wife Ren.
Without
her support and guidance I would never have agreed to do this or
even cooking for the Queen earlier in the year. If I could build
a palace like the Taj Mahal it would be for her.
Agra
I
have seen things I never imagined during the journey. Things
I never want to see again and others that will prove inspirational
as I continue my journey through life.
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| Robert
Rees |
Agra
is in a worst structural state than Delhi. None of the income from
tourism seems to be spent on the people that need it the most.
Our
tour included various Agra Forts that have gone through ownership
by the Moguls, British Army and now the Indian Army. All quite interesting
really.
We
saw the Marble carver who works in the same style as the Taj - intricate
patterns and carvings designed to really high standards.
The
journey was essentially the most bumpy, noisy and dusty I have ever
done. Also it was about six hours there and seven hours back but
well worth it.
The
smog is beginning to close in on Delhi as the nights turn slightly
colder but I
have seen things I never imagined during the journey. Things I never
want to see again and others that will prove inspirational as I
continue my journey through life.
Crime
statistic
I shopped
a little today and have become another crime statistic. I had heard
that diamonds are really good value here. As I missed my first wedding
anniversary I saw a chance to redeem myself.
Let's
just say I purchased a rock of reasonable value (about a third of
the price of diamonds in the UK) only to have it lifted from my
belongings on my 45-minute journey home. What a sucker! I am gutted.
What's left to go wrong?
Customs
debacle
Let's just say I purchased a rock of reasonable value (about
a third of the price of diamonds in the UK) only to have it
lifted from my belongings on my 45-minute journey home. What
a sucker! I am gutted. What's left to go wrong? |
| Robert
Rees |
I have
still to get the Gloucestershire foods cleared through customs in
Bangalore. On a more inspirational note I carried out a lecture
today at the Management Institute of the Sheraton Group. It's a
fantastic academy that goes way beyond the standards of anything
in the UK.
The
people at the institute have quality professional standards and
real integrity coupled with passion and dedication. They truly deserve
the best careers anywhere in the world in the hospitality industry.
Once again, inspiration for me.
Surely
our Vocational Education Program can take a leaf out of the Sheraton's
book here. The course is not necessarily expensive to run but impeccably
executed.
Any
of the students on that programme can work with me any time. So
my bags are packed. I have had a great meal at Bulkhara here in
the Maurya Sheraton and it's time to journey up to Bangalore.
A two
hour flight from Delhi leaves in the morning and I hope to arrive
in the Silicon Valley of India by afternoon. Just wish me luck as
I start all over again and if you see my wife - tell her I love
her!
by
Robert Rees
»
Read Robert's first diary
entry
» Read
Robert's second diary entry
» Read
Robert's third diary entry
» Read
Robert's fourth diary entry
»
Read Robert's fifth diary entry
» Read
Robert's sixth diary entry
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Seeing
the Taj Mahal alone can make us think of loved ones and Robert Rees
is certainly missing his wife - Ren. 
