Universal youth culture and sparkly things..

Today I got to go out shopping to get some simple items. I needed some clothes for my upcoming dance classes at the Kalabharati school. I have lots of yoga gear but wanted some simple, inexpensive Indian kurtas and leggings to wear for dance class. I am not sure how the private class will be conducted yet, not sure if there will be others taking classes in other studios, or in general the amount of people that will be around the dance studio. I wanted to make sure I have clothes that were appropriate if there were other people around. Wearing tight yoga gear in public in Thrissur would create much attention and make me stand out more than I already do.

Anju (Ajith's sister) took me to the newer Selex Mall. She does not like shopping but she was good in helping me find the right fit, and the right kurtas for my needs. I got to explore the newer mall. Thrissur has many malls this one was new since I had been to Thrissur. 

One universal truth about malls, no matter where in the world you go all malls collect teenagers and young people. They hang out, meet friends, window shop, flirt, and enjoy their youth. I love youth culture. I am inspired by their creativity and their joy. I happened on this scene at the Sapphire Cool Hut. Some college kids singing American music. I walked over and started taping. It made my day. Check it out. Internet stars direct from Thrissur Selex mall. 

 Selex had some nice shops and also had a Elite Supermarket. I picked up some biscuits, qtix (nail polish), bindis, snacks.  I LOVE shopping in grocery stores when I travel. I mean the saree shops and designer wear boutiques are cool, but you really get a feel for where you are when you peruse a grocery aisle. I looked like a hilarious American snapping pics of soap and hair products. I told Anju to give me distance as she may be embarrassed by me taking pictures. As I have posted before, I will never fit in, so why not?

Elite Supermarket - Popular Kerala supermarket chain

Bangles at the beauty counter

Biscuits

Soaps

Movies and CDs

Sweets Counter

I picked up some formal shoes for Delhi, ones that I can wear and dance in at the wedding festivities. It's a North Indian wedding there will be lots of dancing. A good shoe is imperative to Indian wedding wear. Looking at the shoes I was telling Anju I have a million friends at home that would go crazy for some of these little shoes. She giggled. All the sandals are glittery and elegant. Anju, who generally goes for a sensible, flat chappal (sandal) tried on a sparkly pair. I was shocked. I teased her and said.. "I have NEVER seen you wear a sparkly anything." 

Shoe shopping...I loved these pair.

Today was a very good day. I got to make Anju laugh and come out of her shell a bit. She is a shy, smart, wonderful person, a doctor and a mother ...she does not like to attract attention. Her sister in-law is a loud, funny, attention-seeking kind of girl. We are opposites and today was very good. 

Speaking of sparkle and sensible shoes, It is wedding season in India. It has only been 3 whole days and I already have received an invitation to a wedding. It will be next week. A local couple, colleagues of my Father in Law have extended and invitation to me, and in true Indian style refuse to let me say no. We have other obligations but we can attend the reception. It will be a nice way to meet more of my Father-in-laws professional and personal family friends, an opportunity to dress up (which I love), and an opportunity to eat. Wedding feasts in India are the best. A buffet of curries, rices, salads, sweets. Who doesn't love that, right? 

Namaste,

Christy