Memories of India - The Play

This was a great day in India. We left for work around 9:00 as planned and since our driver waits around all day for us to return I decided to take advantage of the car and return to Kashmir Emporium to buy some things I passed on last time. I was only gone an hour and a half but it was liberating just the same. This was my first solo trip in India and I really enjoyed it. Our driver told me all about his family and life in Hyderabad for the past six years. At the shop I bought a few more silk wall hangings to go with the one I bought previously, the three together will be stunning. The owner remembered me and gave me the same 30% discount as before, very cool. Unfortunately I have no idea how I'm going to get all of this merchandise back to the US in one piece, it will be an interesting packing job to say the least. I may be making a big donation to the local tent city of anything that won't fit in the suitcase.

After my return I worked through the afternoon and at 5:00 we went downstairs for the daily treat. Campus has special treats lined up every day and everyone lines up to get a free snack of cookies and sweets. This is supposed to be very Indian and its also very popular, the place was jammed. After the treats we went to the outdoor theatre where the campus theatre troupe put on a play. It was well attended and serious drama, the topic was the effect of child abuse and the equally damaging effect of ignoring it and not supplying the victims with the support they need in the aftermath. The play was well done and starred one of our colleagues in a lead role. He was the villain who abused a young girl and he played the part very well. The playwright was present and part of the troupe, he came up at the end and told us about the charity work they were doing to raise awareness of this very difficult problem in India. The use of theatre as a tool to create social awareness was very inspiring.

My colleague got an email from a friend and needed to buy another gift, a purse this time. So I suggested we return to Shilparamam since its on the way back to the hotel. Not surprisingly we both bought more stuff, I now have two tunics and a proper pair of shoes and pants. So I can do as much cultural appropriation as I want when I get back. Seriously these outfits look very comfortable for lounging around the house and are very authentic, this is what many people wear here. I also bought another miniature painting, a lady with a sitar and pet fawn. While the shopkeeper was wrapping up my purchase I asked him some questions and the way they work is in a family team. The father, who won awards for his talent, taught the entire family how to do some portion of the paintings. So each piece is truly a family affair. He showed me a number of pieces in progress and some had line drawings with only a portion of the painting filled in. Others had most of the painting but none of the guilding yet, many are painted in gold or contain inlaid stones. Once again I could not afford his finer pieces but he showed me quite a few which were truly amazing.

After shopping we went to a market and yes, I finally found curry leaves for my girlfriend. So here's the deal. They will only last 3-4 days and its only Wednesday. Our driver volunteered to bring me fresh ones on our way out of town Thursday so I'll put them in a bag and hopefully they will get home intact. I suggested we cook her special recipe that requires 10 leaves when I get back Friday evening, I'm bringing two bunches. They look a little like Bay leaves. I also bought a few Indian spices and mixes, they had an instant mix Dosa that should be great when served with chutney in oil. I have a box of Chutney mix and a few other things from the grocery, we were not able to get to the open air market. Hopefully customs won't seize any of this, really don't know but thought I'd give it a shot.

So the only remaining thing on my gift list is a Shiva and honestly I haven't seen one I was willing to buy. Someone suggested I do the obvious thing and go to a Shiva temple. Sadly I had not thought of that and am probably out of time for this trip, it may have to wait till next time. If she's willing to substitute Ganesh, who is considered very good luck for a household, I will be in good shape.

Since this was our last free night in India we decided to have another great meal and our driver recommended Ginger Court which was fabulous. We had a special Dal Makhani which is their specialty, chicken kebobs that literally melted in your mouth, and fascinating potatoe fritters stuffed with cheese and spices. It was far from obvious how they made these and we were both curious. We also drank Kingfisher, a favorite local brew. The meal was a wonderful last chance to sample Hyderabad cuisine and we really enjoyed it.

That's all for now, off to bed