When I was working in Avery India Ltd. as Area Sales Manager, Kochi I have conducted several annual Area sales meetings in TAJ Malabar,Wellingdon Island. The atmosphere was excellent, the hospitality was top class, the food was delicious and the staff were very cordial and helpful. Every one looked forward to having these meetings every year at the TAJ.
Again, when I was in Goa as Branch Manager, I organized a weekend party on behalf of the company for the Top Ten Sales Executives and Managers in the country at the Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort. The party started at 7.30 in the evening and went on till 3 am. in the morning. Every one thoroughly enjoyed the party and the co operation of the TAJ staff was excellent although the party went beyond their normal working time(12 midnight).
Recently when I went to TAJ MALABAR,WELLINGDON ISLAND, KOCHI I found it was looking like a highly guarded fortress.The main gate was kept closed and I came upon two security guards in front of the gate. One man had a gun and stared at me and the other man scanned my car thouroughly . After parking the car, I walked to the main entrance to the hotel with my hand luggage. My hand luggage was collected from my hand by one guard and put through a scanning machine and I myself had to walk through a scanner. Only after that I could reach the reception.
After the terrorist attack on the Bombay TAJ the security has been tightened up in all TAJ hotels and now the initial reaction of a guest is something like entering a high security zone like the airport. The TAJ management has tightened the security in all their hotels all over the country to prevent another terrorist attack and also to make their guests feel safe and secure in their premises without compromising on their world class hospitality.
in one way it is good, and perhaps feels a bit secure, in another it is sad in that is what the world is coming to...
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate and sad that so much security is necessary. Whenever I pass through those security systems I always feel as if I am suspected of some evil deed. It is very disconcerting.
ReplyDeleteHello to you Joseph.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a sad world, all the violence and bombings sometimes I despair, but I suppose it makes us more viligent about our surroundings.
The pictures are to their usual high standard one would expect from you.
Have a good week=end;
Yvonne.
Namaste Joseph:
ReplyDeleteThings unfortunately is beginning to resemble each other across the globe. Security is everywhere, why going through customs and the airport is a virtual nightmare, one would be wise to wear shoes that is easily removed, light clothing and empty pockets because you will have to take off your shoes, empty all your pockets and walk through a full body scan detector in addition to being scanned again by a guard once you have gotten through. Its unfortunately a stable norm and one simply has to get use to it. The truth is though, you cannot help but feel a little sad about the state of the world.
Have a blessed and joyful weekend
That 's right Josephji, terrorism has everyone tenterhooks, yet there are serious lapses in security. Now that 15th Aug i s approaching and later on the CW Games.
ReplyDeleteI 'd stay away from public places. I don 't mind going through security checks. Better safe than sorry. Wish you a pleasant Sunday.
Tightening of security, obviously, is necessary. Its good that they have learn t from the Mumbai experience. The photographs of the sea front are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour post brought back my childhood memories!
ReplyDeleteDuring our school days we could roam around New Delhi Airport at will, which was our playground!
Never heard a thing called security
then. We were friends with the Airlines personnel. They would give us the colorful baggage stickers from various Airlines like Japan, Malaysian Airlines etc. and we used them to label our school books and note books!
Now the rigmarole we have to go through in the name of security makes travel a pain.
But guess its a sign of the times we live in-
its better to be safe than sorry.
Im sorry that had happened is always scary, its good to see that they are taking the right measures to ensure that nothing els happens. I'am happy that you had a good time. The pictures are wonderful. Thank you for stopping by my blog , I always enjoying hearing from you.
ReplyDeleteHello Joseph,
ReplyDeleteThey do what they've to do. Better be safe than sorry.
Have a great week ahead! :-)
Joe, the world sadly is not the same anymore after 911. Gone is the age of innocence where travels were so free. Now checking into a hotel, as you rightly said, is like checking into the airport. I visited Southern Thailand several time and the security is equally tight. While this gives you a feeling of assurance and security, it also never fails to make you feel a bit jittery and uncomfortable. Anyway, the world has turned out to be like that, so let's live on.
ReplyDeleteTerrorism has snatched the sense of security from mankind...its sad.
ReplyDeleteTaj has always been known for its excellent standards...You must be proud to that once you were a part of it!
Great post Mr. Joseph...pen your thoughts and keep inspiring!
Today terrorism is becoming more widespread in all parts of the world. It is a must to have high level of security in force. It's scary.
ReplyDeleteI went to India in August last year. My visit to Mumbai happened to coincide with India's Independence Day. That didn't put me off doing some sightseeing. I was glad to see the Taj Hotel, scene of the Mumbai attacks in 2008, was mostly restored to its former glory. It's an impressive building.
ReplyDeleteI really don't have much sympathy for terrorists whatever their cause.
You really can't blame them for trying to be safe and secure. You never know if a person walking up to you has a bomb strapped to his body or not. Our seance of being safe now a days has been taken from us, nothing will ever be the same again. A very nice post Joseph, have a nice week and weekend.
ReplyDeleteSadly terrorism has affected the life so much, one can not move freely. But still it is better here when compared to other parts of the world.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sign of the times. Like everything else we'll get used to security surfeit!
ReplyDeleteHello Joseph on my post Fridaay the 13th there is a little something for all the help and encouragement you have given me,
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Good evening Joseph, thank you so much for stopping by my blog and comment on my picture. (My fathers beautiful world). I have not had time to work on the blog at all this year, barely getting in any pictures. The picture you made a note on was my when I was with my son at his step mom's funeral. It was a very somber day. Tee is the man next to me, he is my ex father in law and my close friend. He lives a long ways from me, so seeing him is a blessing. I pray all is well and its wonderful to see you going strong with your blog. Many Blessings Joseph. Katrena
ReplyDeleteHi Joseph! Taj are great hotels; anyhow!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit and comment at Blogtrotter Two, which is back to the sea... Make the most of it and have a spectacular weekend ahead!
Sad how a few terrorists have managed to hold the country ransom. We can no longer trust a stranger, even if we want to. Security has become top priority, bcoz otherwise a guest would never feel safe!
ReplyDeleteI think this is after the attack on the Taj hotel in Bombay.
ReplyDeleteBut now it is beefed up in all hotels in India.
Hello dear P.T. JOSEPH!
ReplyDeleteI know you are one of the old Disciples of M.P. THOMAS OF Averys when we worked together in 70's. This is TDS calling you from Brisbane city in Australia. It would be more than 35 years since we last met. You could reach me on my email address: tdsrinivas2001@gmail.com.
Please send a mail to me as I donot have your contact details.
Best regards
Yours sincerely
TDS