Old Spice

Inside one of the many spice shops of Broadway, Cochin:

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The amazing blends of sweet, tangy aromas were quite intoxicating.
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Christmas Cakes

Before the clock struck eight this morning,
Anu had summoned an auto-rickshaw to the house.
We were off to the local shops.

On Christmas Eve, as soon as the bakery opens, I buy Christmas cakes.
It’s a bulk purchase:
for ourselves
and for small thank-you gifts,
to the many people who, with Shaji Dalila and Anu, keep our household running smoothly throughout the year.

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Pictures taken in the Muslim Bakery, Kunnumpuram, Fort Cochin.

Challenge And Choice

I had to make my own early-morning tea today:
A challenge I haven’t faced in some time!

Fortunately, it’s a temporary hardship.
Anu, my house-boy, is taking a two-day holiday with his family. They are guests at a typical “big fat” Indian wedding.

As in the West, the arrival of wedding invitations focuses a guest’s mind on choosing the gift.
In this case, purchasing a silk sari.

 A daunting challenge for Anu, but gentle amusement for the shop assistants,

Who modelled the saris,

And, very demurely, flirted with him.

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Pictures taken in Kalyan Silks, Cochin

Open All hours

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And ready for business.
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The Temple Approach

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From breakfast in Thanjavur to the grand and ancient temple of Trichy. 

The temple approach provides a thriving business enterprise zone.
All is for sale:

From kitchen utensils

To human hair, newly shorn from the faithful – an act of religious piety.

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Everyone appears to be involved

In either shopping,

Or fixing deals:

A heaving mass of bustling commerce which the children sit back and enjoy.

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Temple Traders

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Finally we had arrived in Hampi,
The primary goal of our travels. 

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Hampi is a city long deserted.
All that remains are the ancient stone temples and palaces: some remarkably intact; others in various degrees of dilapidation.
But the vast site provides excellent opportunities for those wishing to make money,
From both tourists and pilgrims.

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Family businesses

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And children’s market stalls:

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Young men

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And old men:

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All ply their trades

In an exotic world where religious piety and financial profit seem reluctant to part.

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Twilight Traders

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We had experienced the magic of its palace and the piety of its temples. Our time in Mysore was almost over.
After taking our last evening meal in one of the city’s many restaurants, we walked back to the hotel through the city’s dark but still crowded streets.

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In India, even at night, the shops remain busy.

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The Journey Is The Destination: Part 3

The attraction of spiritual accessories

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Picture taken on my travels in Karnataka

Broadway Calls Again!

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The lure of Broadway is undeniable.

This time, for something called a “chappati cutting board”.

Although not having a clue what it is, I am certainly not going to argue if Dalila says we need one!

The shop in Broadway is filled to capacity with various kitchen utensils including, it seems, an appropriate chappati cutting board.

We make our purchase and then,

Passing all manner of imponderable wares,

Head back to our taxi.

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Just a few hours later Anu, my trusty houseboy, is using the new chappati cutting board to prepare our supper.

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Shopping For Shoes

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My sister is shopping for shoes.

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Not for herself

But for her four lovely daughters.

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Perhaps to the relief of my brother-in-law,

This time, her shopping list does not include shoes for all ten of their grandchildren.

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