The Market
by Joanna D.
First trip to the market in downtown Mysore. Really the second but we actually went in this time… Maria, Dan and I hopped in a rickshaw and headed out. This was last Saturday. So vibrant. We got pegged right away as tourists (not difficult to do) and immediately had several “guides” helping us along our way through the market. They were relentless! I don’t believe I have ever been hounded that much to buy something. Relentless. It doesn’t matter how many times you say no. And then you buy something to make them stop. But it doesn’t stop. They send one of their friends over. And the process starts again. Eventually we had to really tell them to leave us alone. Not so fun and kind of a bummer but we made it through.
Regardless, it was quite the experience. Fruit and vegetables everywhere. Flowers. Oh man, the flowers! All colors. Chalk die, paints, images, statues. It went on and on. We ended up needing to get out of there and ditch our new found “friends”. Had a bite to eat and went to a fabric store. Man! So cool! Beautiful fabric. So much it was overwhelming. I ended up getting measured for a couple pairs of pants and a tunic. Spent a little cash but hopefully it will be worth it. I know the experience was.
Enjoy the Photos. Some of market – some randoms – lots of love.
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- Stack of coconuts at THE coconut stand.
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- One of many decorative doors.
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- Flowers from Lars.
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- Ganesha Puja at the textile shop.
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- Goats, right next to the shala.
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- Gokulam.
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- Right on… volleyball.
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- Journaling in my room. The usual evening.
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- On the walk home. A new one everyday.
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- Maria getting flowers in her hair.
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- Holy bananas!!
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- Boy three.
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- Boy two
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- A group of boys asked me to take their picture. This is the only one that smiled.
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- So sweet…
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- More of the market scene.
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- Dan’s friends – and coin salesman. I think he gave the kids some american pennies. They loved it!
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- Dan patiently waiting for us with his watermelon.
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- Entrance to the market.
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- This guy gave me some flowers – so sweet!!
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- Getting measured for my new clothes…
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- Ginger. So many things here. Notice the images hanging in the background.
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- “This is making the incense madam.”
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- Malas
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- Maria and Dan laughing at me as I am trapped watching incense being made.
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- Men making strings of flowers.
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- Maria and Dan checking out rugs.
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- Some of the Saris at the textile shop.
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- Ah… my favorite!
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- The scene.
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- View of outdoor market from top of textile shop where we got our clothes made.
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- This guy is rad. Runs a textile shop on the main road in Gokalum. I asked to take his picture – he says “no problem madam” and pulls out all his jewelry!!
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- Our friend at the restaurant in Mysore. Just after ditching our “guides”.
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- The rickshaw drivers that hang out by the Shala. They asked me to take this picture!! Can’t really tell by their faces. They always say hello. Everyday.
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- So good…
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- Got to love the labels…
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- Peace man.
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- Row after row of white linens out to dry.
red dot little duck 
The clothes, the fitting, the flowers! You will wear the sari beautifully.
Makes me want to be there. Be well, have fun.
Michele