A Guest’s Journey Back to Us
When a guest returns to experience authentic Indian hospitality after 16 years, it becomes a story worth sharing. From chapati-making sessions to meditation, these moments create memories that transcend time. One fine afternoon, a delightful email popped into my inbox. It was from a guest who had stayed with us back in 2008—16 years ago! He had visited with his mother at the time and was now planning to return to Delhi with his children. What truly warmed my heart was his message:
“I’d love for my kids to experience the full Indian culture as I did—exploring local markets, enjoying the calming meditation sessions, and of course, learning to make chapatis as I did with Lubna.”
The thought of his children, who had never visited India, already knowing how to make chapatis from what he’d learnt here was truly special. I wrote back immediately, reassuring him that we still offered the same experiences he had cherished all those years ago.
Revisiting Authentic Indian Hospitality With a Twist
As fate would have it, he was arriving in India just three days later for a conference. However, his official accommodation was booked at The Imperial Hotel, one of Delhi’s most luxurious establishments.
My wife, upon hearing this, wondered aloud, “How can we compare to The Imperial?” But our guest’s response was unwavering:
“It’s unfortunate I have to stay at The Imperial. I would much rather stay with you.”
That humility and warmth reminded us why we do what we do—offering not just a place to stay, but a home.
So, he squeezed in a night with us amidst his busy schedule. That evening, our conversations flowed seamlessly—ranging from food and culture to life’s deeper philosophies.
Culinary Connections: A “Chap-Naan” is Born
A few days later, he returned for a proper stay, bringing along a colleague—a gentleman of Iranian origin who had been living in America for over 40 years. Lubna welcomed them both into the kitchen, where she showcased her array of spices and ingredients. The Iranian guest, mesmerised by the open masala boxes and neatly arranged herbs, exclaimed:
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. Such an incredible array of flavours!”
What followed was a fun, hands-on culinary experience. As they explored the art of rolling and cooking chapatis, my returning guest attempted to recreate what he had learned years ago. The result?
His chapati was… unique.
My wife laughed and said, “This looks more like naan than chapati!”
Bursting into laughter, he came up with the perfect name for his creation: “chap-naan.”
That word, born out of a simple yet joyful experience, now symbolises the laughter and camaraderie that comes with trying something new.
The Magic of 22-Minute Meditation
On the morning of his departure, we embarked on another cherished activity—my 22-minute meditation.
I explained to him my approach:
“Meditation doesn’t have to be about sitting still for hours. In just 22 minutes, you can calm your mind, process buried emotions, and feel lighter.”
We set a timer on my phone, and I guided him through the session:
- “Keep your attention on your breath. Don’t try to control it—just observe.
- Simultaneously, stay aware of any thoughts, emotions, or bodily sensations, whether it’s tingling, peace, or even discomfort.
- The knack is to observe both at once—your breathing and the emotions or sensations that arise. Just watch them pass.”
As I reminded him to stay present, I explained that this process can stir up hidden thoughts or feelings, but with calm observation, they dissipate, leaving the mind lighter.
We repeated this loop several times until the alarm rang. He opened his eyes, astonished:
“That felt like just a couple of minutes, not 22!”
I smiled. “Yes, it does feel like that, doesn’t it?”
He found it so doable and refreshing that he likened it to his daily 5-minute exercise routine:
“Keeping things short makes them manageable. It’s so much easier to stick to!”
We agreed that while 22 minutes may sound arbitrary, it’s just enough time for the mind to settle, buried negativity to surface, and peace to emerge.
As we finished, I felt fulfilled, knowing I had shared a practice that brings clarity and calm.
More Than a Place to Stay
As we bid him farewell, I reflected on the beauty of his visit. In a world of grand hotels and luxury stays, he chose to come back to us—not for extravagance, but for the warmth of genuine connection.
His visit was a reminder of what truly makes travel meaningful:
- Interactive culinary experiences that turn mistakes into laughter and memories.
- Meditation sessions that bring calm and clarity in just a few mindful minutes.
- Conversations that go beyond small talk, exploring culture, history, and life itself.
We now eagerly await his next visit—this time with his children, who will undoubtedly add their own stories to this rich tapestry of shared moments.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Persian was the official court language of the Mughal Empire for centuries? The Mughals often looked to the Persian courts for inspiration, from language to culinary traditions.
A Limerick for Our Guest
There once was a chapati so grand,
Though oddly shaped, it wasn’t planned.
From “naan” it took form,
But it kept our hearts warm,
A “chap-naan” that fate lent a hand.
Final Thoughts
At our B&B, we believe that true luxury lies in shared experiences, personal connections, and the joy of learning something new. Whether it’s rolling a “chap-naan,” calming your mind with meditation, or simply chatting over breakfast, every moment becomes a memory.
Our B&B stands as a beacon of authentic Indian hospitality, where each guest is treated like family.” “Through authentic Indian hospitality, we create moments that leave a lasting impact
Ready to experience authentic Indian hospitality? Let’s create your own unforgettable story. Get in touch now.