Shopping in India

With all the intricate textiles, jewelry, and wares manufactured in India, you'd be remiss to return home without having done some shopping.  Whether it's silk or cotton, gold or silver, the artisans in India are world class and possess a style that is uniquely, and beautifully Indian.

But before you go, here are a few tips to make your experience more enjoyable:

ALL THE THINGS | the moment you touch something in a shop, you've signaled to the employees that it's game on.  Someone will be right at your side asking you what you're looking for specifically, if you need another size, or they'll have another item altogether to suggest in an alternate style, color, or design that might fit your fancy.

YOU WANT TO TRY SOMETHING ON? | They'll open a cupboard with a seemingly endless number of folded plastic wrapped garments and pull out 5, dramatically unpacking them and displaying them on a nearby table.  What moments ago was a clean store has suddenly turned into a pile of clothes and you were only browsing.

YOUR SHOPPING ASSISTANT | Soon, one person will quietly follow you throughout the store as you continue to browse, holding any items you'd like to purchase and continuing to suggest additional items.  

Here's the thing: as an American, all of this attention and unwrapping of items will make you feel guilty, like you have to drop a considerable amount of cash to make up for the chaos that has been created on your behalf.  But, you don't.  It's quite customary in India to try things on that you have no intention of buying and while the sales people will be happy if you purchase something, know that they're not necessarily expecting it.

Where was our favorite place to shop?  Jaipur, the pink city.  We came home with comforters, custom jewelry, scarves, and pillow cases.

HAPPY SHOPPING!