What a bustling place the City of Mysuru is! We started our journey with two rickshaws and 5 yogis. First stop was at a hidden shop where you can buy essential oils and inscense. This shop was tiny and narrow. Immediately upon walking in we saw this older women sitting on a staircase, hand rolling the inscense! She was a gem! The owner lead us to another room in the back of the shop. This space was so unique. Green walls with hand written messages, oil bottles, guitars on the walls and couches on the floor, and stuffed animal tigers. The owner returned with some hot Chai Tea and proceeded to give us some oil 101. It was a bit overwhelming to be honest, all of the scents mixing together, not to mention some of the oils were very powerful. I must admit that the Lotus oil was amazing, and the Sandlewood which is harvested locally was beautiful. The man didn't like that I was a doTERRA rep! Probably because I didnt buy anything, but when you've got 40+ oils, you've got to draw the line somewhere! He was still a good sport and give all of a handful of inscense and a holder so we could enjoy it back at the school.
Ratha enjoying some juniper essential oils
Our faithful rickshaw driver awaited and swept us away to one of the best silk garment markets in the area. Naturally we tried on all of the goodies. The silks range from soft to rough and vivid colors line the walls. So I met with the tailor and presto! I've got a real Saree! Weeeee. Totally not a needed item, but I really felt compelled to purchase one, even if I just romp around the house in it.
Onward to the Devaraja Market! This market formally known as, Devaraj Urs road is about one mile in length. There are many parallel roads to the market and a total of two kilometer square area makes up the downtown of Mysore city. My senses were in awe, such vibrancy in the colors! Dyes, fruits, veggies, silks, jewelry, spices, and heaps of other goodies! There was so much to take in, from each stand, to the people strolling around. I really just basked in the chaos of the market life.
After strolling the market, we had built up quite the appetite. We dined at a little locals joint called Indras Cafe. We snaked on Poori's, Dosas, and Samosas! Onward to the Palace! On Sundays the Mysuru Palace is light up with over 6,000 lights! So we waited for dusk to set in and got over to see the masterpiece! WOW, so many lights, it reminded me of home during the holidays. I can't believe this tradition is done every Sunday and includes free entry into the palace. It was such a magical Sunday and in such great company!
