June 2012 - continued II

One of the last days Gretel was here we had some more shopping to do :)

We wanted to get some copper pots to take home and we had to go to the old city for that. Half way there Gretel and I had to use the bathroom, but it's not like America, you can just stop anywhere and go into a store. Even if these stores have a bathroom, it's just a hole in the ground with a bucket of water to 'wipe'. We were so determined to get these pots, that we decided to try and hold it as long as possible. 

We found the area where they hand make the pots and sell them right there on the spot. And we even found a place where they had some antiques. Gretel found a very nice antique box with some Nizam area coins. She tried to bargain with the guy in the white shirt (below) but he was one of the toughest bargainers in Hyderabad!!! So we left and after about 5 minutes, Gretel changed her mind and went back to the store to buy the coins. I think she would have regretted it later if she hadn't.  

 Here they are making the copper pots on an open fire

There were some beautiful pots, but we could only buy a few small ones, otherwise they wouldn't fit in the suitcase :) We wanted to stay longer, but simply couldn't. We HAD to find a bathroom. Thank goodness for the nice hotels in Hyderabad :)

Later that day we were close to our home at Aparna when we saw this mom wash her son right next to the road. I have so much respect for these people. They live in little tents or shacks with an entire family. They have no running water. They live right on the road where people drive like crazy and it's always dusty and yet these people are always happy!!!

 One of the little boys, playing with his tire. Probably the only 'toy' he has

 It just made us realize how spoiled we are!!!

The last day of Gretel's visit, we were invited to our maid Laxmi's house. I thought it was so sweet of her!! We didn't have much time, but we decided to stop by. They were all so excited. Again we were treated as royalty (as it is anywhere you visit local Indian people!!!)

Behind Gretel, you see the stack of wood they have to make an open fire for cooking and to keep warm in the winter.

This is the inside of Laxmi's house. They live here with 5 people and share 1 bed!

 Laxmi's children

 They were so excited we were coming they bought us 7UP!! Gretel: 'this is my first sugary drink in 20 years'!!! We were just so honored they got this for us, we had to drink it :)

 They love their picture being taken

This is the shared kitchen for 2 houses (outside in a separate room)

This is the kitchen which is outside, covered with a tarp!!

I had such an amazing time with Gretel. I wish she could have stayed longer :)