Fun in Hyderabad

The state is Saraswati, the goddess of learning

One of our last tourist stops in Hyderabad was the Shilparamam Market, where we had our first encounter with bargaining. The first day we went there we had very limited time, so we went to just one stall in the marker, where we bought some items. We negotiated our prices hastily, and tried to leave, but we were summoned by the sister of the women whose stall we had visited. She showed us embroidered bedspreads and wall hangings that seemed pricey but there was no time to talk her down. So we said we would be back. "You promise?" the woman demanded, leveling a severe look. We duly promised. A week later we were back, thinking she may have forgotten us. Not a chance. We absolutely had to buy something from her, "because," she explained, "you bought from my sister only last time!" This time we had a little more leisure to arrange a more satisfactory price.

  

 

With the sisters                                                          Blingy merchandise

Dana looking at some products

 Sree Devi, despite her busy schedule, invited us to her house for dinner one night. Apart from the curry and chicken dishes she made, she also ordered out for Haleem, which is a dish with wish Muslims break their fast during Ramadan.

  

Sree Devi in her kitchen                                                             A little Coke with your haleem?

Another great memory we have with Sree Devi is when she took us to the movies. Apparently some teachers at her school told us not to take her to the particular film we saw, becuase they felt we would not understand it, as it was in Hindi. (No, it wasn't a Bollywood movie.) It was so well directed and acted, however, that there was no need for a translation. The movie, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, is based on the true story of an Olympic-grade runner, Milkha Singh, who early in life was a refugee from Punjab during the separation of India and Pakistan in 1947, known historically as Partition. Despite the film's serious theme, there was one awesome dance sequence - a riveting man dance done entirely by actors playing Indian soldiers that is quite juicy. I think we both have a new favorite actor, Farhan Akhtar.

With Sree Devi at the movies (yes, they have recliners there! Great after being on your feet all day.)

    

Dining at our hotel - Raj is the manager of one of the three restaurants - the most popular one, the Serengeti


Winding down our stay in Hyderabad at the Serengeti

Just a word about the hotel where we stayed - Ohri's Banjara, in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. This is a great place that is truly Indian - hospitable and with excellent food. The staff at this hotel made us feel truly at home, and I never dreaded coming back to my room at night. The rooms were comfortable, clean and large; the staff saw to our every need. So....if you are ever in Hyderabad...you know where to stay.