Christmas Day 2013 has been rather different from previous years. We've been planning an exciting Christmas Day for a while. The day was going to start with a run in Joggers Park, followed by a massage session at the Taj Lands End Spa with my Mum (for her Christmas present) and Christmas lunch at the Taj Lands End (Special Christmas Brunch).
Unfortunately, we woke this morning to find that my poor Mum had been struck with Delhi Belly during the night. Oh dear. She had stopped being ill by the time I woke up but was clearly not up for either a massage or lunch. Peter wasn't feeling on top form either, and my Dad had been up during the night helping my Mum.
We had some family time in the morning and opened our presents together. The most mysterious item was a big box of Quaker Oats, but this will come in very handy even if it is a little unusual. The top novelty item was a 2014 calendar customised on Vistaprint by my parents with lots of family photos.
Anyway, Christmas goes on, and after spending the morning at home (although Phil did make it for a run to Joggers Park) we made the call that at least some of us should proceed with brunch (i.e.me and Phil). A whole day in the apartment together might have been a little bit much. Peter had a second wind and recovered just in time for the departure to the Taj at 1230.
Brunch lived up to all expectations and we had an alternative Christmas feast. It was all excellent, but the puddings were a particular highlight, visually as well as to eat. We paced ourselves and enjoyed a wide range of delicacies which are usually difficult to find in India. Peter's Christmas present for us was lunch (thanks Pete!) so we're pleased that he recovered in time to treat us all.
Mum recovered enough to meet us at the hotel with Dad and walk to Bandra fort before wandering along the Bandstand to walk off (some of) our lunch. The highlight for my family was their first ride in an autorickshaw, quite a change from calm car journeys in the UK.
We're now resting in the apartment and preparing to have Skype calls with friends and family later today. We are travelling to Rajasthan for a six night holiday tomorrow so our top priority is for everyone to get well again before then!
Unfortunately, we woke this morning to find that my poor Mum had been struck with Delhi Belly during the night. Oh dear. She had stopped being ill by the time I woke up but was clearly not up for either a massage or lunch. Peter wasn't feeling on top form either, and my Dad had been up during the night helping my Mum.
We had some family time in the morning and opened our presents together. The most mysterious item was a big box of Quaker Oats, but this will come in very handy even if it is a little unusual. The top novelty item was a 2014 calendar customised on Vistaprint by my parents with lots of family photos.
Anyway, Christmas goes on, and after spending the morning at home (although Phil did make it for a run to Joggers Park) we made the call that at least some of us should proceed with brunch (i.e.me and Phil). A whole day in the apartment together might have been a little bit much. Peter had a second wind and recovered just in time for the departure to the Taj at 1230.
Sunny morning in Joggers Park
Brunch lived up to all expectations and we had an alternative Christmas feast. It was all excellent, but the puddings were a particular highlight, visually as well as to eat. We paced ourselves and enjoyed a wide range of delicacies which are usually difficult to find in India. Peter's Christmas present for us was lunch (thanks Pete!) so we're pleased that he recovered in time to treat us all.
Cold buffet spread fit for a maharaja
Lobster bisque
First platter of the meal
Food photography photography
Cheers
Beef Wellington
Turkey
Large numbers of delicious fancy chocolates
Phil's dessert platter number 1
The chocolate yule log in the background was particularly awesome
A takeaway for my parents. Unfortuntaely they melted in my bag and I'm still finding bits stuck to the bottom...
The full spread
Trifle and yule log
More puds
Pleasing symmetry
Exquisite chocolate carving
Contented
Paying the bill
Mum recovered enough to meet us at the hotel with Dad and walk to Bandra fort before wandering along the Bandstand to walk off (some of) our lunch. The highlight for my family was their first ride in an autorickshaw, quite a change from calm car journeys in the UK.
We're now resting in the apartment and preparing to have Skype calls with friends and family later today. We are travelling to Rajasthan for a six night holiday tomorrow so our top priority is for everyone to get well again before then!
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