Reconnecting to the past

Time for a new post! I was too tired last night to write after roaming the city yesterday. It was definitely a well spent Sunday. I finally managed to go meet my grandparents' old neighbors. They were so not expecting me. In fact, some of them did not even recognize me. Apparently, I look different than I did 5 yrs ago! It was lovely spending some time with them. I didn't get to meet everyone as it was Sunday afternoon, and many people take naps Sunday afternoon. I felt like I should not disturb them, so I will go back another time to see them. The neighborhood kids are so grown up! Every one is just as sweet as before! My grandparents' house looks just the same from the outside as it did for all those yrs I visited it before. My grandparents are no more, but through people I meet, the neighbors, I feel my grandparents' presence. That neighborhood is like a big family. They were all tied to me through our nonperishable bond with my grandma and grandpa. Things have changed, but I consider that neighborhood my family still. Family that I can go visit when they had no idea that I was in India. :) It is fun surprising people! only in positive ways though!sometimes, I wish we had never sold my grandparents' house in the 1st place. If it was up to me, we wouldn't have.

The mandir (temple) I used to go to by my grandparents' society (neighborhood).

Yesterday, was fun filled. After my wonderful visit to the society, I went to meet up with a friend, and together, we headed to Nava Bazaar. [Bazaar means market] I had some errends to run. After walking around in the crowd trying to find the shop where I purchased some things from, we went to another tailor. This lady was very sweet. She ran her tailoring business through her own home. I like to going to such tailors because they are very humble and are trustworthy. Big shops get enough business as it is, and they show attitude saying they will not have this work done until days to weeks sometime. On the other hand, this lady tailor sewed while her two young kids played around, and she had my two cholis and chaniyos altered in less than 1 hour! total cost (60 rupees) 15-20 Rs per piece is average cost here.

Nava Bazaar-the place to go for Chaniya Cholis

I really liked the red and green chaniya choli, but one must control.

Nava bazaar along with most shopping areas are mix of open market and boutiques.

I always prefer open market to boutiques though. For one or two time wear things, why spend double the money?!

Furthermore, I did some shopping for other things. Normally, I am not a full blooded shop-a-holic. I am one of those "avoid making a purchase at all costs" kind of a person. Nonetheless, I am a bargain shopper and I like good deals. In short, I like to buy what I need, and then get out of there. I have more interest in food. Nava Bazaar has one after another papdi no lot na stalls/carts. I liked it so much that I had it once Saturday, and twice Sunday. The last bowl I had, my mouth was burning from lal marchu masala (red chille pepper masala)! I forgot to tell him not to put that on, and he already made it, so I ate it. Good thing I was carrying around bunch of small eclair chocolates!

typical papdi no not stall

Very good when served hot, but be wary of the masala! Spicyyyy

yet another papdi no lot lahri!  There is ample amount to go around!

Shankar bhagvan ni murti in Sursagar talav

 After my friend left, I walked over to Mangal Bazaar by going through inner alleys. Just asked around, and found my way. Mangal bazaar was even more crowded than Nava Bazaar!! Go figure, but I love it! I used to go there all the time when younger with my parents. When I saw a couple carrying a small child browsing around, it reminded me of my childhood. For some reason, I did not feel like a stranger to those streets. I reconnected with that area instantly! and of course, what is shopping in India without bargaining the price! That is a skill I am still mastering though..haha
After my Rendezvous at Nava Bazaar and the adjacent Mangal Bazaar, I headed to meet up with family for dinner. They had Sev Sad. personally do not like it at all, but I was full on papdi no lot still! It worked out perfectly! On my way there we passed by Sursagar-my favorite pond!

I had this instead! I love Maaza!

Sev sad...not my taste

 “Be not Afraid of anything. You will do Marvelous work. it is Fearlessness that brings Heaven even in a moment.”
― Swami Vivekananda