We went shopping again today, this time with Dolly's cousins. They knew better how much things should cost and where to find them. I got 3 traditional outfits and a scarf for 900 rps., or about $20. I am going to start wearing the scarfs, even with western clothes, to protect my neck. The men mostly wear western style pants and shirts, though the women wear very colorful and fancy traditional outfits. Her cousins all look 3-5 years younger than they actually are. I think it has a lot to do with the way they act. Children here are fairly sheltered and innocent... no rap music, no R movies. Boys are mostly kept from girls, and there is a lot of social pressure to conform to traditional values and roles.

We took Dolly's cousins to Chinese/Indian food, and both the Schezuan chicken roast and the ginger chicken were tasty. That meal ended up being about 900rps for 4 (4 chicken dishes, Briyani, and white rice). It was a sit-down place with AC and linen napkins. Last night we got curry from a takeout place, and that was only 125 rps for 4 dishes. I am going to get a haircut tonight, and I'm told that costs 20-25 rps.

We are supposed to be going to Bilaspur in 10 days, and talking to some people here in Hyderabad sometime next week. I was hoping that Bilaspur would be cooler, being further north, but it looks like its 5-8 degrees hotter... so far I'm doing OK with the heat, and I think its only a few weeks until rainy season.