Today, as a substitute for our daily 2-hour Hindi class, we had a "drop-off" session at the local vegetable market. The staff gave us each 50 rupees and told us to bargain for anything we could get with the money. It was a way for us to learn how to pronounce different vegetable and fruits in Hindi. What was supposed to be a "shopping excursion" turned into me pointing at different foods and having the stand-sellers help me accurately pronounce their names (most of which I realized I had taught myself incorrectly.)
The sellers were all very friendly and I tried my best to bargain with them, but since I don't know how much things SHOULD cost, I don't think I got any good deals. Plus, the fact that I obviously look like a foreigner pretty much means I have a huge sign on my forehead that says "I don't know what I'm doing so please overcharge me." I ended up buying some prickly vegetable things and some fuzzy fruits...neither of which I knew what they were. I just thought they looked interesting. When I got home today, I showed my hostdad and he said that one of them was a "bitter gourd." Apparently, he really likes them (score!) so we're going to have them for dinner tomorrow.
The sellers were all very friendly and I tried my best to bargain with them, but since I don't know how much things SHOULD cost, I don't think I got any good deals. Plus, the fact that I obviously look like a foreigner pretty much means I have a huge sign on my forehead that says "I don't know what I'm doing so please overcharge me." I ended up buying some prickly vegetable things and some fuzzy fruits...neither of which I knew what they were. I just thought they looked interesting. When I got home today, I showed my hostdad and he said that one of them was a "bitter gourd." Apparently, he really likes them (score!) so we're going to have them for dinner tomorrow.
Jenny and myself looking like students. Photo credz by Miranda.
One of the many sellers. Photo credz by Miranda.
What a great way to learn. This program is impressive.
ReplyDeleteLaura, Thank you for describing you experiences so vividly. Your blog makes India come alive for me. Do the monkeys show up during the day? Does anyone feed the dogs? What opportunity is there for people to work themselves out of poverty? I have a million questions, but I'll stop there. Love,Aunt Miggs
ReplyDeleteHi Laura - Your Mom gave me the link to your blog this morning...I too am very impressed with your writing and want to just keep reading! It's all very interesting. Is that little "hut-like" thing on the roof your room? I look forward to coming back and reading up on your adventures. I was going to ask you how much a rupee is compared to a dollar, but you answered that when you said how much the rickshaw ride is. Rickshaw ride to school??? Very cool. Have fun and stay safe!
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