Sunday, July 02, 2006

Shopping...

Today was my last shopping day here in Samtse; I'll be leaving Samtse next Sunday morning and will move up to Paro. In Paro, I'll be organizing a workshop for lecturers. Will be exciting and I'm looking forward to it - but it'll be a busy time...
Shopping is a little special here in Samtse - different from what I was used to from back home. Well, you don't go to Migros or Walmart but instead to the Sunday market. Vendors come from India and sell you whatever you need; bananas, tomatoes, chili, beans, carrots, ... Buying stuff turned out to be a bit difficult in the beginning because

  1. I'm not speaking Hindi
  2. I'm not used to bargain
  3. I'm a stupid chilip (= western guy in Dzongkha) and everybody realizes that within half a second
But I got used to it and it is amazing how fast you can adapt and something feels like you have done it for ages. I'm still not speaking any Hindi - but I figured out how to communicate with them; most of them understand English numbers and how much - and that's about all you really need ;-)
Last week, we walked up to the top of the mountain that is next to Samtse - it's an awesome place because you get a good overview of what Samtse looks like. Was a hard fight to go up there - but it was worthwhile! Guys, have a great weekend and enjoy life!


Samtse - the place where I have been living for the last couple of months.
Joy and David; my Australian friends.
Samtse.
Prayer flags and Samtse.

Samtse again...
Walking down.


Sunday market; getting tomatoes

Puffed rice!

Walmart!
Need new clothes?
Sunday market from far!

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