Monthly Archives: July 2015

Haleem with Sheermal

Pindi Chole

July 1st, 2015

I returned to the hotel and was told that Fridaus, the restaurant was closed.  I was bummed, I had been hearing about Hyderabadi Haleem since I got to Hyderabad and I really wanted it for dinner.  I got to my room and was not to about to give up.  I noticed the information in my room indicated I had another 1/2 hour before the restaurant closed. I decided to call room service and I was told that I could still order Haleem with Sheermal.  I ordered and that along with another dish I wanted to try Pindi Chole.

I am told that Haleem is only available this time of year.  It is eaten during Ramadan a Muslim Holiday.  Haleem was described as Popular hyderabadi dish of lamb simmered hours together whith whole wheat and Indian spiced to make it soft and musky -topped with mint leaves, saffron, pure ghee and golden friend onion.  How could you go wrong?  Pindi Chole is described as a traditional preparation of chickpeas with dry spices and cooked over a slow fire.

I think this has to be the best meal I had in India and I understand why everyone kept telling me that I needed to try the Haleem!

Group Selfie!

July 1st, 2015

After a morning of site-seeing, I went back in to Infosys to spend more time with the team and to meet people from the later shifts.  We had a group photo out front with my travelling co-workers and the larger Infosys team.  My team broke off and took a group selfie.  I have to admit, that the Selfie Stick is good for photos like this!

The team also gave me some Indian Desserts.  A few items to take back to the office and some Ghee sweets and Rasgulla which I was told to eat within a week.  That won’t be a problem.  After a snack that evening, I opened the Rasgulla and shared with Bill and James.  They are spongy balls soaked in a sweet syrup.  I never knew India had such wonderful desserts! There will be no problem finishing this off before I leave!

I am hoping to get a few more pictures of the larger group to post, but in the meantime, I will simply post the picture of the Rasgulla!  Thanks Team!

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Charminar

July 1st, 2015

Before going in to Infosys, we stopped at Charminar and Mecca Masjid.  Charminar was built-in 1591. I kept telling myself to take it easy and not push myself, I didn’t want to re-injure my back.  I told my coworkers at one point that they should go on up and I would wait down below.  A few minutes later, I was leading the pack up the narrow staircase  into the tower.  It didn’t bother my back but it was very claustrophobic,  a narrowing winding staircase with uneven stairs, people in front and in back, I all of a sudden felt a little confined.  I was glad when we made it to the upper floor.  I was relieved when they said we couldn’t go any higher.

We made our way back down to the street level where we continued to take pictures.  Unfortunately, while standing there a pigeon pooped on Bill.  It was one of those moments where you try not to laugh and try to do something to look like you are sympathetic but you can only fight back the laughter for so long.  At least it didn’t get on his clothing and just his hand.

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