My trip to Mysore last weekend was intended to be a relaxing getaway from what has become a hectic work schedule. It succeeded in making me grateful for what I have at Rainforest Retreat, if inadvertently. I saw many interesting and beautiful sites, but in the end, the city just isn't my place. I much prefer the quiet and most importantly the friendly atmosphere of Mojo Plantation. I can now appreciate the description of Madikeri as a "sleepy" town.
The first thing I did in Mysore was get picked up by an autorickshaw driver who took me to all the "nice places" he knew I would just LOVE in Mysore. I actually ended up in some pretty cool places... like this incense/oil shop where I rolled a stick of incense and was sold over-priced oils by the man in white shown here. They were all very excited about Thanksgiving, and I learned the virtues of Vodafone's cheap SMS services as the dealer sent his American friend a Thanksgiving message!
After visiting the oil shop the driver took me to "the best silk shop in Mysore," where I ended up having an interesting conversation with the guys that worked there about the "point system" that lets auto-drivers rack up points for bringing unsuspecting tourists (like myself) to their shops. It's totally informal, but becomes a very effective marketing relationship. We also talked about good sales techniques for people who may find themselves in the shop without really wanting to be there (again... like me). I almost bought a super expensive pashmina scarf just for the interesting conversation, but thought better of it.
After visiting these two places, I ditched my auto-driver and headed back to my hotel for a moment of recooperation and cocktail hour. Once I'd perked up again, I went to the Devtaj Market, where I met Azam (pictured), another oil and incense salesman. He told me I had overpaid for the oils I bought, but it was too late, so I didn't get anymore. He ordered us chai and we drank it behind his counter and chatted about his other foreign "friends" and he showed me his treasured notebook full of tourists' praises and pictures.
The next morning I headed to Srirangapattana, a temple town and site of a historical Sultan, Tippu. I'm not actually sure of the history behind it all (my tour guide at the mosque spoke questionnable English), but the architecture was certainly beautiful. I was back to Mysore by lunch, after a whirlwind tour of the town.
That afternoon I finally made it to Mysore Palace (also known as the Maharaja's Palace). It was absolutely gorgeous inside, but unfortunately no cameras were permitted in. Outside was the usual zoo of tourists, including a very sad-looking elephant to ride. I declined, because it looked so damn sad.
I'm back at the plantation now, and feeling good to be out of the city. We have a few weeks until the chaos of the holidays, with tons of guests, and I'm sure plenty of stress. But I'll take it as it comes.
The first thing I did in Mysore was get picked up by an autorickshaw driver who took me to all the "nice places" he knew I would just LOVE in Mysore. I actually ended up in some pretty cool places... like this incense/oil shop where I rolled a stick of incense and was sold over-priced oils by the man in white shown here. They were all very excited about Thanksgiving, and I learned the virtues of Vodafone's cheap SMS services as the dealer sent his American friend a Thanksgiving message!
After visiting the oil shop the driver took me to "the best silk shop in Mysore," where I ended up having an interesting conversation with the guys that worked there about the "point system" that lets auto-drivers rack up points for bringing unsuspecting tourists (like myself) to their shops. It's totally informal, but becomes a very effective marketing relationship. We also talked about good sales techniques for people who may find themselves in the shop without really wanting to be there (again... like me). I almost bought a super expensive pashmina scarf just for the interesting conversation, but thought better of it.
After visiting these two places, I ditched my auto-driver and headed back to my hotel for a moment of recooperation and cocktail hour. Once I'd perked up again, I went to the Devtaj Market, where I met Azam (pictured), another oil and incense salesman. He told me I had overpaid for the oils I bought, but it was too late, so I didn't get anymore. He ordered us chai and we drank it behind his counter and chatted about his other foreign "friends" and he showed me his treasured notebook full of tourists' praises and pictures.
The next morning I headed to Srirangapattana, a temple town and site of a historical Sultan, Tippu. I'm not actually sure of the history behind it all (my tour guide at the mosque spoke questionnable English), but the architecture was certainly beautiful. I was back to Mysore by lunch, after a whirlwind tour of the town.
That afternoon I finally made it to Mysore Palace (also known as the Maharaja's Palace). It was absolutely gorgeous inside, but unfortunately no cameras were permitted in. Outside was the usual zoo of tourists, including a very sad-looking elephant to ride. I declined, because it looked so damn sad.
I'm back at the plantation now, and feeling good to be out of the city. We have a few weeks until the chaos of the holidays, with tons of guests, and I'm sure plenty of stress. But I'll take it as it comes.
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