Two Beers and a Pretzel

I got my Sitar today!!!

Sorry, but I can’t upload photos from this internet cafe.

The taxi pulled up to a shop in a long line of small garage bays along the street.  Inside a small area barely big enough for one car were 2 men carving and staining materials to make Indian instruments, with about 20 of said instruments hanging from the rafters. The owner seemed a bit tee’d off that i didn’t get there yesterday as planned, but quickly warmed up to show me his creations.

I was expecting a bare bones sitar suitable for a beginner.  This thing has inlays, carvings, and decorated tuning pegs and a swan-shaped tuning bead on the main string.

The case is a monster – considering that you’re basically trying to protect something longer than your typical guitar, but made from a pumpkin.

Shipping it home is going to cost almost as much as the instrument itself…

I’ll get a pic uploaded when i get back to Delhi tomorrow.

I’ll also upload some pics of Kolkata.  This town is all right.  Surprisingly clean compared to Delhi and Mumbai.  Horrid traffic.  A better selection of non-vegy food.

Truly remarkable… the cab and rickshaw drivers are not rude or malcontent and actually want to drive you somewhere for a reasonable rate.

FYI:  I’m doing fine on the Indian food now.  I’m going to miss it!