Silly Things you need when you arrive in HYD: ID Photos

ID Photos!  Lots of them.  Arrive with a few, mostly for your Resident Permit that you get at the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office), then get a WHOLE BUNCH!  Two years ago we got 60 ID photos printed up for each of us.  The stash is almost gone.

Why, do you ask, do you need so many ID photos?  Well...when you sign up for a cell phone, you need some, when you sign up for Internet service, you need some.  If you join any clubs (TEA) or the Golf Club (Boulder Hills / Hyderabad Golf Club) you will need photos for ID cards.   When people look at you, you need some.  When you sneeze, you need some.  Seriously, sometimes it feels that way.

So I'd suggest that you get 25 printed up for each year that you expect to be in Hyderabad.  

What to Wear in Hyderabad: a response to my first comment (yay!)

I received my first comment on this blog and thought it was definitely worthy of an entire post in response.  Here was the question:

 I've read that in Hyderabad a woman must cover herself more, from the shoulders to elbows and skirts or pants past the knee, around mid calf. Is this true? Thanks

What to wear?  What to wear?  I admit this was a big question for me as well before I moved here.  I was predominantly concerned about the heat, but upon further investigation, became increasingly more concerned about dressing "modestly" so as not to offend the locals.  

The number one thing for an expat lady to realize is that you WILL be stared at no matter what you wear!

Does a woman need to cover up from shoulders to elbows?  No.  Many Indian tops are sleeveless so that's no issue.  In public, I would stay away from strappy tops/camis etc.  As for sundresses...I'd wear them out to brunch, lunch, or someplace where there are other expats/foreigners, but probably not out to the grocery store.

Skirts and pants are best at knee length or below.  Capri pants are fine.  Shorts, I only wear at home, in my own neighborhood, or on the golf course.  That's it.  Funny story...When my husband and I came to Hyderabad on our "Look & See" trip, I decided to wear shorts on our first day out.  I figured that if I was going to have a faux pas, I might as well do it on the first day.  We decided to do touristy things and went to Charminar.  Charminar is located in the heart of the Old City, where it is VERY Muslim, and VERY conservative.  I walked around; Blonde, blue-eyed, pale, and wearing shorts!  I received a shocking amount of attention, stares, "hello"s and was asked my many many people (mainly young teenage-to-twentysomething boys) to have my photo taken with them.  The lesson I learned was to NEVER wear shorts or even a short-ish skirt to the Old City again.  The comfort you feel in your own clothes will be offset by the discomfort you feel by being the recipient of constant stares and attention.

Lesson learned.  If I go to the Old city, Charminar, General Bazaar in Secunderabad , or anywhere where I will be among lots of locals, I will wear long pants/jeans, or an Indian outfit (Salwar or Churidar for pants, and a long Indian top/tunic).  It makes for a more pleasant experience.  

Good Eats: Italian

Quick Picks:
#1 Via Milano, Road #36 Jubliee Hills
The recently opened, and good all around Via Milano ranks as my favorite Italian Restaurant.  In the few months it has been open, I have eaten there 5 times, and every time I have eaten good food, and received great service. There is even a nice tenderloin on the menu which is not easy to find at a non-hotel restaurant.  As for desserts: go straight for the Dark & White Chocolate Lasagna.  It's smooth chocolately deliciousness melts in your mouth and leaves you wishing you could lick the plate without shame or embarrassment.

#2: Little Italy, Jubilee Hills, near Apollo Hospital
Vegetarian Italian food.  Extensive menu.  Lots of great pasta choices.

A little mention about Prego at the Westin Mindspace.
Good food but VERY EXPENSIVE.  Great if you're on an expense account, obnoxiously overpriced, if you are not.



   

Good Eats: Indian

Here's my quick picks for favorite Indian Restaurants:

#1 Zafraan Exotica, Road #12 Banjara Hills, opposite the Audi dealership.
The dal Zafraan (actually Dal Makhani) is probably the best thing I have eaten in India.  Simply delicious. I'll say it again: Delicious.  My husband agrees, and he is truly NOT a dal fan.  The restaurant is on the top floor of the building and you have the choice of indoor or outdoor seating.  The service is great, the waiters even recognize me when I walk in, (which is always a plus and ensures good service).

#2  Our Place, Road #10 Banjara Hills, next to Inhabit.
Every time I go, I order (and devour) the Murgh Zaffrani (Saffron Chicken).  It is in a delicious, yummy, rich sauce and it is so good, I'm not even embarrassed that I don't share it.


Quick Picks:  Biryani

#1: Paradise.  Main outlet is in Secunderabad, new outlet is in Hi-Tech City near Shilpakala Vedika (spelling??) and KFC
#2: 4 Seasons Multicuisine.  There are a few around town, the one I know the best is in Kondapur, 2 buildings down from Jayabheri Silicon County.

Happy Eating!

First Post

Last Saturday marked my 2 year anniversary as an expat in Hyderabad.  During those past 2 years I have gone to many places, and searched for many things.  I felt it was time to share my knowledge and that of my friends, for the benefit of all the expats who are here now and will come after I have left.

My plan for this blog is to elaborate a bit on the TEA Guide which is available from TEA (Twin-Cities Expat Association).  The TEA guide gives lists and contact numbers for all sorts of places and is useful to have.  I'd like this blog to provide the same information you'd get when you ask a friend for a recommendation.  I'll share the good places as well as the places I don't waste my time on.  Where is the best pedicure in town?  Where should I get my haircut/colored?  Where can I buy lettuce? What are the best shops for carpets? Does anyone know of a good tailor? etc, etc...

I should state right now, that I'm not a clubber/partier, I don't spend lots of money on clothes, I don't care about designer labels, I like value for the money, I like lots of choices, I like good food, I like honest salespeople, and I like finding things I'm looking for.