Shopping spree in Tenali


The next day we decided to do some shopping in the town. I had to buy some appropriate Indian clothes for the upcoming crusades. My own clothes and guitar had not yet been released by the authorities, and it was as good a reason as any to shop. The three of us, I, Sujatha and Jaya shopped for hours, and I told Sujatha it is a very good American custom called shop till you drop. When we had too many packages and were tired of walking, we paid a man who pulled us in a cart that looked like a tricycle. I felt so sorry for him. It was so hot and it has to be hard riding a bike pulling three adults in the hot sun, but he was glad to get the work.

He is the Indian version of a taxi driver, who more than earned his tip eventually and importantly without begrudging. He seemed so grateful that we chose him out of the many people trying to do the same for us. There was something about his countenance that I liked. He was a pleasant man in his thirties perhaps and his muscular legs looked like he was fit for the job.We treated him to a cold coke-a-cola each time we got one for ourselves. I bought a fantastic pair of leather sandals for a mere $3.00. The most beautiful outfit I saw was only $20 in American money, and for what I got it was such a bargain. The garment was really quite beautiful, so were many on display. Sujatha and I had a fine time. I got the girls; Parimala and Shulamitti a pretty dress and I got fitted for my sari as well. Jaya and Sujatha had already bought the material for my sari, a beautiful purple wrap with gold trim. The halter-top worn under the sari is measured and fitted according to ones measurements, but the sari itself is one long piece. Another important stop was the internet center to e-mail my husband and daughter. We also borrowed an electric guitar for the crusade in Emani. By the time we got back it was around 4pm and the heat and humidity was more than I could take and I settled in for a long and much needed nap.