After lunch took time for shopping. Had idea of simple inexpensive gifts. When we found them, Shilu, Manoj’s fiancée wanted to buy them. I insisted that I must pay for them myself or else they would not be gifts. So she relented (a rare thing here). Then she asked to pick something more that she could get; so I added 1 more of same.
While the others were shopping for jewelry, I wandered to a nearby booth. The young man had various handmade objects, including a belt made out of diamond-shaped wood pieces. The price tag read 90 rupees, which is less than $1.50. Such a bargain! But knowing the culture, I expected the price was negotiable. So I asked him if this was a fixed-price shop. He said no. Now I faced a problem: I was expected to bargain for a lower price. But how could I, as a "rich" American ask to pay less than $1.50 for a beautiful, handmade belt? So I went to Subodh and explained my predicament to him. He was very understanding. He talked with the young man briefly in Hindi, of course. Then he turned to me and said I could pay 80 rupees.
Are you curious about the items I bought over Shilu's objections and then got a 4th one that she paid for? They are scarves. Actually, they were made to complete a sari. But these were shorter than an adult size. So they work very well for scarves. Gave 1 each to my sister-in-law and niece in Germany. Another to BW. And I'm saving the 4th one for another person of my choice. :)
Sorry, no pics at this point. Maybe I can get BW to pose with her scarf--later. :)
ttfn
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