Last Day in Coimbatore

Breakfast is elaborate once again with many South Indian dishes both spicy and sweet.

Now it's time to do some shopping!  The first stop is a 4 level shopping centre.  The shops are small and remind of me of dollar stores - the only difference is that you can bargain!  Its great to see so many Indian goods - bangles, kurtas (traditional clothing), hair clips, earings, etc.

Next on to saree shopping! The store is enormous and on two levels.  One can buy any quality saree, ranging from the equivalent of $6 to $10,000+.  Brides usually take all of their party with them to shop, and so it is quite chaotic.  Big mattresses are lined along the shelves and the sarees are draped and displayed there.  To my surprise, a saree really is only a piece of cloth that is tied in a particular way.  The only thing that needs to be sown is the blouse piece and perhaps the edges of the material.  It is really quite amazing that there are so many different patterns and materials - wow!

Saree shopping completed we have to catch our flight.. but why go directly to the airport?   Instead, we meet up with our friend's family and eat "lolypop chicken" (basically Indian chicken wings with tin foil wrapped around the base) - delicious!  It's now 7:05 and our plane leaves at 8:05pm.  Off to the airport!  We arrive at the airport, but instead of going through security or checking in, we and instead to the VIP Lounge to have a coffee -- what?!?

I forgot to mention that we met quite a remarkable person.  I'm not using names in this blog -- but anyway this person is in every regard to be admired in the way he relates with people.  He remembers everyone's name and story - and generally can connect with people very easily.  Being extremely well connected with the government, airport officials, and generally people from all over, he can get us through security and take care of all of our problems in a few phone calls - I am impressed.  

So what does this mean?  Relax at 7:45pm in the lounge, you're flight is only leaving at 8:05 :D

Off to Hyderabad for IC!!!!