We checked into our hotel and Happy New Year was spelled out in rose petals on the bed. Also, a chocolate cake. We were one of only 3 Anglo couples at the hotel. Our New Years eve bash was a Bollywood spectacular. All of our fellow Indian revelers spoke perfect English, many were Americans home for the holidays.

The next day, after a little sleep in, our driver and guide for the day explored the amazingly beautiful hills of Munnar with their stunningly manicured tea plantations.

Celeste and Junis picked up a few extra rupees by picking tea leaves.

We visited a local tea picking family’s modest employer supplied home and had tea and cake. A totally fun experience. The women pick the tea leaves and the men maintain the farms and work in the tea processing plants. Very humble and gracious hosts.