This morning and early afternoon was the epitome of a lazy day. I read my paper on the balcony and watched the cows this morning before heading off to take a dip in the hotel pool. I’m finally getting some use out of my new bathing suit.

Later in the afternoon I went shopping!

Yasho, Gayatri and I went to Cauvery and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. Both of these shops carry handicrafts from areas in India and some of the work is absolutely amazing!. Of course, I can’t share any descriptions of what I purchased in my journal, since so many of the purchases are destined to be Christmas gifts for friends and family when I return home.

Gayatri is a font of information about India crafts and cultural history. I think I have learned more from her in one afternoon that I could have learned from a dozen web sites or guidebooks. She has filled my head with stories of Hindu gods – Ganesha and his childish ways, Krisnha and his many wives – crafts and history. I have decided I need to have a statue of Ganesha in my home. He is the remover of all obstacles and I am in constant need of similar assistance.

In the Cauvery, Gayatri pointed out a wooden carving depicting the story of the floods and the ark. Noah’s ark is one of the few stories that exists across a number of different religions in one form or another. It appears in the Hindu bible, Moslem texts, and the Christian bible. Despite all the differences culturally and in religion, some things remain constant.

After my afternoon shopping, I know how to tell if sandalwood is real (scratch the wood and smell the paste), how to tell the difference between plastic or wood paper mache objects, and where to buy the best silk and jewelry (Madras). As we wandered the shops, Gayatri and Yasho told me all about how the various embroideries and paintings were completed and I do not think there is enough room in my suitcase to fit all of the things I would like to bring home with me.

In the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, there was a glass case with a selection of jewelry that would normally be worn in a traditional wedding ceremony. Unfortunately, visitors were not allowed to take photographs, so I was unable to take pictures of the various pieces. Suffice to say, any bride would be weighed down by the many pieces worn in the hair, ears or about the neck!

Gayatri is returning to Madras today and is catching the 10 pm train. She will arrive at 5am and be just in time to freshen up and head off to work. We are trying to arrange a weekend trip to Madras in a few weeks and Gayatri assures me that this is the place to purchase the best sarees.

I forgot my glasses in the backseat of the car this evening. I called the chauffeur, and rather than making him come all the way back out to the hotel to drop them off, I’ve asked him to bring them tomorrow morning. Good thing I left them in the backseat of the car and not in one of the shops…

Dinner was Chicken Dannan with rice and was absolutely heavenly. So many of the others in the restaurant are eating western foods, but I want to try as many new things as possible.

I’ve got to go to bed early today, as we’re at work for 6am. In order to arrive on time tomorrow, I need to get a good night sleep. I’ve a need to rise early.

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