Shopping in India was a lot of fun for the majority of the group.  There were bazaars featuring gold jewelry, handmade wood items, clothing and other textiles.  Teak was very popular with intricate carvings.  While visiting the owner of Cow Paradise close to the Fireflies Ashram, the owner showed us a beautifully carved teak chair looking out into the garden for the express use of visiting religious monks.  Most shopping was done at locally placed mom and pop operations.  Our first walk outside of the Fireflies Ashram was to the local village where cigarettes were purchased for approximately half a dollar.  This business, like a convenience store, had a few other small items for purchase by villagers.  While I would compare its service to our convenience stores without the volume of inventory it had no welcoming doors, ADA ramp or even a sidewalk outside.  Instead there was only dirt.  To close the business there were pulled down gated doors.  No credit card machines , ATM or parking area.  It was possible to get a Coca Cola or Pepsi but the only decaffeinated Coke I had during the two weeks was the one that came with me which I drank after six days and being chilled in a hotel fridge.  We were always careful to ensure that our water had been boiled or filtered prior to consuming. 

Later we travelled into Bangelore where we went to an area known as their Times Square where saris, scarves and other tourist items were available.  There were lights strung over the congested street.  Trying to cross any street was its own adventure.  In Chennai after taking our train ride to the street bazaar, we got off the bus at a MALL!!!!  It was heaven to sit and have a cup of coffee with a muffin before browsing through the many floors available of multi-national brands and some solely Indian such as Indian Terrain.  (Indian Terrain was a textile company to be visited later in the week.)  McDonald’s with veggie burgers was available in the food court along with Chinese food, Arabian food and a pastry cart (just to name a few).   Currency was always a challenge.  Happily I brought along my calculator which got quite a workout.   While one professor assisted the group with currency exchange, we found it necessary on occasion to use exchange places.  45 rupees equaled the USD during our visit.  Saris were a popular item for purchase by mostly the female students or as a gift for a loved one back home.    Sadly, street vendors and beggars were extremely aggressive.    Even though they were told emphatically no, they would not let up and move on to other targets.  Persistence was their motto.