14th August 2010 - Monsoon clothing

Dropped Max of at school for his field trip to a local science museum. Slightly reluctant to go but in the end went without fuss - good lad. On the way back from dropping him off I managed to find a little local bike shop as Susie and I had decided to get Max a bike.

On the way back to Powai it started rain very hard indeed, just right for my shopping trip. As usual Vikas did a great job of getting his car as close to the front door of the shop under the canopy. However this means driving onto the pavement, beeping at pedestrians - just right to help us white people blend in with locals! So anyway he pulls up under the canopy although I only realise to late that it is right on the edge and as I open the door all of the cascading rain water from the roof drenches me in seconds. Noone laughed at least not outwardly.

When I got back home I realised that I had forgotten some things. So off out again, this time with Darcy in tow. Might have mentioned that it can get a bit wet out here - never fear Darcy has the solution, go shopping in your swimming costume. If I thought we attracted attention normally walking about with Darcy in a stripy swimsuit carrying a little red and white brella, the locals went into overdrive. Took us 10 minutes to get back into HSBC from the car!

Picked Max up from school and his report on the trip was that it was 80% good! Round to the bike shop and he is the proud owner of a 'Hero' BMX. Cost a huge Rs3000 about £42 and included a bell, even though the bike already had one and Max didn't want a second bell and a bike lock. Max delighted, Vikas asked how much - on the basis that I had just spent the equivalent of half Vikas' monthly salary on a bike I was inclined to state a lower price.

Going to Teri's flat warning tonight with the others, Jason issued a challenge to find the most tacky gift - challenge accepted, we located a shop selling religious artifacts. I managed to get a gold plated plastic, plastic jewel encrusted, model of Ganisha mounted in a plastic container with a red umbrella ontop. It really was a beauty and came gift wrapped in bright pink paper for Rs300. Jason beat me though with a beautiful model Buda, sitting astride what looked a big frog who in turn was on a big pile of money. Teri hid her horror well and placed them on display, we will check to ensure they remain in pride of place!