Indian Clothing Here and There

To: Family and Friends

Date: Sunday 8/24/2003 5:19:02 AM

Subject: Indian Clothing with Pictures, Paddling

Well, apparently, I've settled into the routine here, as I can't think of anything cultural quirks to highlight for this week. The week passed quickly at work. I am busy from the time that I get here until the time that I go home. I didn't work as many hours this week as last, but still managed to put in a couple 12 hour days. A lot of the people here seem to work these long hours regularly. It is pretty incredible to me, especially considering that they are paid only a fraction of the amount that their US counterparts are.

Oh, here is a mildly amusing thing: Sudhir--my driver--bought a shirt today. It has a Gap price tag on it for $38.00. He bought it for 200 rupees, about 4 dollars. So, I told him that in America, people would buy that shirt for about 1700 rupees. He was amazed. It was so interesting to see the look on his face. A look that said, "Why would anybody be so crazy as to pay that much for a shirt that is only worth 200 rupees?"

Yesterday, Saturday, I went sightseeing again. This time out to the countryside. It is interesting to see the contrast just going a few miles outside of the city. People wear different Indian clothing. Many more of the women keep their faces covered by wearing the end of their saree over their heads. Their clothing--the women's--is more brightly colored, and most of them were wearing sarees, as opposed to western clothing, or even salwar kamis's. The countryside was pretty. Went out to a lake and rented a paddle boat. That was pretty hot paddling around at high noon. Not so well planned, but luckily it was only half an hour.

In the evening, I went to a regional handicrafts market. That was really fun. It was called Delhi Haat (or hot, not sure of the exact pronunciation). There were stalls with people from all over India selling handmade items from their region; many were selling Indian clothing. I asked a couple people if I could take their pictures. They were more than willing to oblige, and had big grins on their faces too. I expected that they'd want money, but when I was done, they wanted me to send them copies of the pictures! Ha. Got the addresses so I can, but I only took a couple of pictures after that because otherwise, I'd be sending too many letters to India after I get home and develop the film.


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