Jaipur Train Station

On November 30th, I traveled by train to Jaipur on business.....it wasn't the best trip that I have had due to several delays......what is normally a 4 hour trip turned into an 8 hour journey.When I finally reached Jaipur's station, it was 2:00pm.....half of my day was already blown....normally I arrive at the station at 10:30am......hop right in the car that is waiting for me.....and never truly have time to explore or see things happening except through the windows of the taxi.

This time, as fate would have it......I arrived late.....and took a wrong turn....instead of heading towards the main terminal, I used a catwalk that took me to the far side....and right into the middle of town.By 2:00pm in the afternoon, I am usually busy working inside one hotel or another.....never getting a chance to see what life is like at that time of the day.

Here are some of the pictures I snapped of LIFE around the Jaipur Train Station.....Do you see a recurring theme here? It was definitely time for a quick nap for many of the Rickshaw Drivers.....but I can't blame them.....they work very hard.......very long hours.....it seems like a tough job....

Do you think they are comfortable?

These Rickshaw drivers and I have one thing in common.....sleeping at the same place I work.....but when at the end of my day, I usually get to sleep in a Four Comfort Bed....the special bed designed by Sheraton for our guests to enjoy.
Happy Viewing....and napping, wherever that may be!

Our Hotel Project - Jaipur......The Brand is a Secret!

That's right......a secret......to soon be shared with the world. Well, I will share the announcement when appropriate on this blog site, which is certainly "open" to the world to see, but not as far reaching as the other media channels. Keep your eyes and ears open everyone......there was a huge amount of hard work that went into securing the brand for the hotel.....a true team effort.

This is exciting.....very similar to the unveiling of a new work of art.....hidden to those who have been anticipating the artist to reveal his/her work......but before the draping is removed, let me tell you a little about it.

The hotel is located in a great location in Jaipur and is perfectly positioned to serve both the business traveler and the many tourists that visit the city.....I have shared with you that Jaipur is Linda's favorite city so far (although it is the only one she has visited outside of Delhi).

Nevertheless, the "Pink City" is a very special place and this hotel is special in it's own way. Here are the "stats"!

Brand: International....one of the most recognized names in the World.....and certainly in India.
Number of Rooms: 115 very well appointed rooms (see photographs)
Restaurants: One restaurant with beautiful views of the Aravali mountains.....that will soon become a favorite "Eatery" in the city as well as a "Deli".....serving those who are on the go, or who will want to have a picnic lunch to carry with them as the tour the city. How fun does that sound...I want one!
Health Club and Pool:these are both located on the 4th Floor of the hotel and have the same great views that the restaurant does.
Banquets/Ballroom: very beautiful....again with those gorgeous views.

The hotel has a boutique feel to it.....very intimate lobby which which will help us create the warmth that a guest expects when they arrive.....the designers have been asked to create a "Family Room" atmosphere on the 3rd floor...just outside of the restaurant; a place for guests to sit next the fireplace to read a book...gather with friends after a fun filled day of exploring the city....walk a few steps to the "Bar" for a refreshing Mocktail or favorite adult beverage of their choice....cozy, warm, relaxed, comfortable...and served by a staff that will be just as friendly and hospitable as I have found everyone to be here in India.

There is no doubt in my mind that the "Blank" "Blank" by "Blank" Jaipur will be a huge success.

The anticipated opening date of the hotel is July 1st......a soft opening.....staff will need to be in place at the beginning of June.....yes.....less than a month away.....we will start training. Things will be extremely busy for me and I will find myself spending a huge amount of time in Jaipur in the next few months.

The great thing is my team is ready....the excitement is building.....the first of several hotels is here for them to wrap their arms around....and embrace as "theirs".

Stay tuned.......when all of the paperwork is complete....I will unveil the name......and proudly announce the property.

For those of you following the blog and have been wondering about the property in Visahakapatnam (Vizag)......it appears that the two hotels will be opening back to back......I will update everyone and take some new pictures on my next visit.

In the meantime.....if there are any interested readers looking for a career.....send your comments.

Pink City Blues!

Jaipur is thus far Linda's favorite city in India.....and although Jaipur is high on my list, I honestly haven't visited a city in India that I haven't liked.

Jaipur is rich in History, Heritage and Legend......One such "legend" is how Jaipur earned the designation of being the Pink City.

The story is told as follows:

Jaipur needed a fresh coat of paint to welcome its distinguished guest, the Prince of Wales, in 1905-6. The contractors inability to supply any other color in the required quantity compelled the choice of pink shade for its walls. A contractor’s compulsion famed Jaipur to become known as the Pink City.

I cannot attest to the accuracy of the information....because several of the websites I visited had different years that the Prince of Wales visited......the earliest stated that he visited in 1852......some in between, and the latest was 1905-06. Who knows?

One thing is for sure.....Jaipur is a very special place and besides the history/legend behind it's name.....Jaipur is also know for Blue Pottery.

The influence of the Mogul Rulers can be found in the architecture and arts throughout India. Like these, the use of Blue Glaze was developed by Mongol artisans who combined Chinese glazing technology with Persian decorative arts. This technique travelled south to India with early Muslim potentates in the 14th century. During its infancy, it was used to make tiles to decorate mosques, tombs and palaces in Central Asia. Today, the art is being revived by only a few skilled artisans.....but they are making many decorative items for modern consumers to use in their homes.

When Linda learned about Blue Pottery, her first visit to Jaipur would not have been complete without a stop at a place that sold Blue Pottery....luckily, one of my earlier visits to the City I learned of just such a place that has their own artists and factory.

All handmade and hand painted.......the result of this timeless tradition yields some beautiful works of art....vases, drawer knobs, tiles, coasters, bowls,figurines, plates, furniture....

I have no doubt that our family and friends will be recipients of some Blue Gifts from the Pink City!

Enjoy!