Salesmen Redemption

​I love The Lonely Planet guide books. 

One of the things I planned to do in Aurangabad was to visit the Himroo Textile Factory. But this time, I was armed with my trusty Lonely Planet guide book. So before I even arrived I reached out to Imran Ahmed Qureshi, the owner of the AUTHENTIC hand looms in Aurangabad clearly identified in the book. He graciously sent his son to pick us up at our hotel. I learned that he is the sixth generation to own this one of a kind business. 

We had a great tour and I learned all about how these beautiful shawls are made by hand. It takes weeks to make just a few meters of the gorgeous woven fabric. And the fabrics are covered with lovely silk images from the ancient culture they hail from. Needless to say, I girded myself for the huge price tag that must come from such generous labor.

Imran showed us a multitude of shawls and wall hangings. I fell in love with a colorful mandala patterned table runner and found another one for my daughter to display in her new house. And I was grateful to pay less than I paid for the amethyst geode ripoff. 

I like to think that perhaps the universe gave me this experience to soothe my troubled ego from the prior shopping on this trip.

An Easy Mark

​I suspect I’m not the first person to get caught up in an Indian ripoff in Aurangabad. My first mistake was going into the store at all. My second mistake was not being prepared once I got sucked into the vortex of these “exceptional” salesmen. My third mistake was not haggling. Very seldom do I haggle in the USA. I can’t offer less for groceries or clothing or pretty much anything. 

I also just don’t like the whole process. I make a counter offer and pretty soon I’m buying EVEN MORE stuff. I generally like people and want to get along. That makes me an easy mark for any of the experts at the entrance to the Ellora Caves. 

So, yes. I paid too much for a beautiful amethyst geode. And yes, I spent the next 24 hrs beating myself up. With a rip off, there’s the financial cost, but there’s also the emotional cost. Reliving the scenario over and over again. Recognizing the obvious signs of the cheat after the fact. Having conversations with absent people. Ugh! 

I learned a tough lesson that day and am looking forward to showing off my new purchase and sharing the story of my shame with friends and family. And I do really like my new amethyst geode 🥰

Kids Grow Up

​Our last visit to Ganeshpuri was 10 years ago. We made some special friends in this little ashram village. It is the home of three gurus, Nityananda, Muhktananda and Guru Maya. These spiritual leaders are what brought John to Ganeshpuri in the first place. I came along for the ride and made some special friends. 

We always stay at GuruPrasad Guest House, owned by Dinesh Patil. This friendly Homestay includes a charming family of siblings, cousins, Ammas, Papas, aunties, uncles and all the rest. 

On my first visit I met Dinesh’s kids, Sameer and Deviani. Deviani was a spunky little 8 yr old with a radiant smile and an abundance of curiosity. Not much has changed with her. She is beautiful and driven. Our visit included lovely conversations about her life plans and philosophy. 

Sameer, her older brother, was there as well. He was a somewhat withdrawn little boy all those years ago, but this visit revealed an enthusiastic young man who loved his spiritual life and travel. 

While there were many special moments in this visit. Seeing how gracefully these two kids grew up was a big highlight.