May I shoot you?

Tonight we ventured out of the hotel again. In this silk shop, we met Neile (the e at the end is a soft e when pronouncing). He works at a silk shop and was a great salesman - I'm sure we got screwed.

We walk in and first thing we are asked to remove our shoes. Then we were escorted into the store where we were asked to sit on floor. Not a hard floor, but a soft thickly cushioned floor with a nice white cloth over it. Very comfortable. Then Neile started to show us what probably ended up being about 50 different silk fabrics in all different colors and patterns over the course of about 45 minutes. They were actually more then cloths - they are saries (that drape type thing women here wear), but they are basically just giant pieces of fabric that can be draped around you or taken and made into clothing. Each was nicely folded on the shelves (must have 1500 or so in the store - you can see some in the background and mirror).



Prices seemed reasonable (1500 rupees - about $35) and the quality seemed good. At least it seems so. Anyway, he sat opposite us where he would turn and grab all sorts of different fabrics. At the same time, he ordered helpers to grab others that were higher up and out of his reach. He'd unfold them in front of us, practically draping each over our laps so we could see in intricate patterns and feel the softness that is silk.

This guy was pretty cool - during the fabric show we had a nice conversation with him. I asked him if I could take his picture for the memory and he happily agreed. As requested by Mescalito, I included myself in this shot. About 10 minutes later he asked if he could take our picture with his camera phone - or as he put it 'may I shoot you?'. You do the math of our initial reaction.

Holy cow! For real - cows here are considered holy. I've seen about 2 or 3 on roads and sidewalks throughout the city but this was the first time I managed to capture one on card. Unfortunately it's not the best, but I still have one more day to get a better pic. This is just another part of the insane rush hour here.



Next, we have this sign which I found interesting. Hope you do too.



Lastly, a funny sign. I thought of gravity boy when I saw this and thought he'd like it.



This is the last picture post I'll be able to make before leaving. I'll probably make one more post after getting home with any good pics I get on Friday. I leave here at 2:15 a.m. Saturday morning and arrive back in Philly around 2:30 pm (also Saturday).