I cannot think of an apt title for this post.

Things are a little strange at the moment. I feel like I have been thrust into a world of independence. I can't really explain much more than that but suffice it to say that my character is being tested.

Moving on to lighter things, let me tell you about my new bag.

SO, I was looking for a new bag and I went to EVERY store in Palelum. Now there are Kashmiri here and they DONT BARGAIN because they are evil evil shop=keepers - conniving and intelligent. Anyways, the bag I wanted was in a Kashmiri shop - rs. 280 - $8. OH MY GOD like way too much.

So, I went in there and he wouldn't bargain - he went down only to 250. Well I really wanted that bag, right. So I decided to change tactic (which is what all good bargainer should do). I went in there and he wasn't there but his brother was. I said "Right, I have been to every shop here and you have the bag that I want but I'm not paying 250 rupees for it." I continued with "I know you are from kashmir and you are great with business but I really love this bag and I really want it". So he asks me what price. I realistically wanted it at 150 rupees so I said rs.120. He was like "no, 200 rupees". I was like "No, rs.150 and that's it". He stood there for like a minute and in the end he said okay.

BUT THEN

his brother came in. I had already paid but the brother (a) asked him (b) how much I bought it for. Then (b) said rs. 250. I was like WHAT? (in my head) and as I walked out, (b) put his finger to his lips to say "shhh, don't say anything".

So yes, I managed to get Kashmiri brothers lying to eachother...

I went out again last night.. Am really really tired. We were meant to leave today but can't be stuffed. Tomorrow we go to Karnataka... yeh baby!

My head is KILLING me due to lack of sleep. I think therefore that I shall go and have a snooze.......