Shopping

We headed downtown for lunch. We chose a restaurant near a shopping area that we wanted to visit. It had air conditioning which was a real bonus because most places don’t. We ordered a tali, which is rice or bread with a set of curries. They set our table with a banana leaf each, but we had to ask for spoons because most people eat with their hands. The food was excellent and we really filled up, because it was all you can eat.

From there we made our way to Cauvery Art and Crafts Emporium. It is a state run shop which means that it is a bit more expensive, but you are assured of good quality, and you don’t get hassled and you don’t have to bargain (although Nadim still did a bit). We picked up some souvenirs and some gifts for family and friends back home. We had hoped to find something for everyone on our list, but we weren’t quite that successful.

After the emporium we walked along the street and Nadim was all excited to see the Bata shoe store where he used to buy his soccer shoes for team sports. A little further along was the market. As we entered we saw all kinds of vegetables, chillies, and colours. Before we could enjoy the sights, a few different guys came up to us selling their wares. We ended up buying some ankle bracelets for the girls. They make little sounds as they walk.

There are all sorts of things in the market - colours for dyeing clothes or painting, scented oils, tin plates, vegetables, fruit, a stall for all sorts of different kinds of bananas, flowers of all different types, jewellery, and more. They didn’t have a lot of souvenir things, but it was fun to walk around and see all the different colours and activity.

As we exited the market and joined the main street again we had to stop and enjoy the scene. There was a cow in the middle of the street and bicycles, rickshaws, new cars, old cars, and motorbikes were all going around it – everyone honking along merrily. The sidewalks were full of people and the shop owners were calling out their wares.

As we were getting our supper ready, some Baha’is stopped by. There are a lot of activities coming up because it will soon by Ayyamiha – a time for gift giving and hospitality. But, the most exciting thing coming up is a wedding, and we’ve been invited! We will see both the Baha’i and Hindu ceremonies. It is coming up on the 22nd and we are all looking forward to it.

CM