Hyderabad, India Plus adapting to food, nail polish, gratitude

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, FAQ is: What if I don’t like the food?

Today’s Destination is: Hyderabad, India

Today’s Misstep- Wrong color nail polish

Travel Advice: Grateful before happy

FAQ: What if I don’t like the food?

Answer: You mostly will, but if not, have a plan. If you find yourself not enjoying the food in a travel destination, there are several things you can do to make your dining experience more enjoyable:

• Explore hyper-local options: Try different restaurants and eateries in your immediate neighborhood that offer a variety of local dishes. Sometimes, a dish or cooking style may not suit your taste, but other options might.

• Ask Locals for Recommendations: Locals often know the best places to eat. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from hotel staff, tour guides, or friendly locals you meet during your travels. Tell them your limitations.

• Look for Familiar Cuisines: If you're having trouble adjusting to local flavors, look for restaurants that serve familiar cuisines. Many tourist destinations have various international restaurants catering to diverse tastes.

• Check Reviews: Use online review platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Google Reviews to find highly-rated restaurants. These platforms often provide insights into the food quality and overall dining experience.

• Communicate Your Preferences: If dining at a local establishment, consider politely communicating your preferences or dietary restrictions to the staff. They may be able to offer alternatives or modify dishes to suit your taste.

• Visit Markets or Grocery Stores: Explore local markets or grocery stores to find fresh produce, snacks, or even pre-packaged meals that you might enjoy. This allows you to have some control over your food choices.

• Opt for Self-Cooking Options: If you have access to a kitchen, consider preparing simple meals for yourself. You can buy ingredients from local markets and try cooking, providing a more personalized dining experience.

• Pack Snacks: Bring some of your favorite snacks from home to supplement your meals, especially if you're in a place where your preferred foods might be hard to find. I brought Peanut Butter to many places where I knew that Chilis was on every menu. That gave me protein and confidence.

• Be Open-Minded: Sometimes, embracing the local culinary culture and being open-minded about trying new foods can lead to unexpected discoveries and a more positive dining experience.

Today’s destination: Hyderabad, India

I arrived from Kerala to Hyderabad and had a phone number of someone to call that I would be staying with. We had a few texts to each other. Basically, a friend of a friend allowed me to stay with them and I was grateful..

They had their worker pick me up in the family car at the airport. My new friend, Soujanya, came along for the ride, which was special. We visited her parents' apartment, and I rested. Then we explored places such as her dad’s 7-acre farm, about an hour away, with ripe fruits like mangos and vegetables near a beautiful lake. it was nature in one of the finest moments. then we went to my host's home and met the other family members, husband, daughter, and then finally, brothers and sisters of the hosts, who all seemed to live in the same development.

They also have a “family “ business, and they showed me the office space and several employees working on projects.

One of the highlights was seeing the Golconda Fort, with its architecture and panoramic city views. They had an impressive sound and light show in the evening. Seeing this in the evening, it was not crowded when things cooled down.

We went to dinner afterward. Then, we drove around the city, including across the bridge. I could see the icons of tech here on parade in neon. Every company I could think of and more, including Qualcomm, is clearly part of the Hyderabad skyline, based in San Diego.

Here are some recommendations for things to do in Hyderabad:

• Charminar: This iconic monument is a must-visit. You can explore the surrounding markets for traditional bazaars and enjoy the local street food.

• Qutb (ku-teb)Shahi Tombs: Visit the Qutb Shahi Tombs to experience the serenity of the surrounding gardens and explore the intricate architecture of these historic structures.

For my next visit, here’s what I will see:

• Salar Jung Museum: If you're interested in art and history, the Salar Jung Museum houses one of the largest private collections of artifacts worldwide.

• Ramoji Film City: If you enjoy the world of cinema, spend a day at Ramoji Film City, one of the largest film studios in the world. It's a fascinating experience with film sets, gardens, and entertainment.

• Birla Mandir: This stunning white marble temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara offers a peaceful atmosphere and a beautiful city view.

• Hussain Sagar Lake: Take a boat ride on Hussain Sagar Lake and visit the Buddha Statue on an island in the middle of the lake.

• Eat at Paradise Restaurant: Hyderabad is famous for its biryani, and Paradise Restaurant is renowned for serving delicious biryani. It's a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Remember to prioritize your safety, especially when exploring new places alone. Inform someone about your whereabouts, use reliable transportation, and be aware of your surroundings. Enjoy your solo trip to Hyderabad!

Today’s Misstep- Wrong color nail polish. Make it clear or natural.

Use natural or clear colors instead of bright or bold colors. They get cracked, and you don’t want to spend time fixing them.

Today’s Travel Advice- Be grateful before you seek happy as a traveler.

If you do this in order you will have both. Gratitude comes first, before happiness. So be grateful for what you have now.

In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

• “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide

• “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” – Roy M. Goodman

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