I am really lucky to have two great friends from home visiting this week and next.  We have been planning for their visit since about a week after Willy and I announced that we were moving to Bangalore, so this has been a LONG time coming.  I am really enjoying their company, and think they are coping pretty well with having to hang out with me!

The visit has forced me into the role of tour guide, which I am not entirely comfortable with.  Willy is an excellent tour guide.  He reads the blurbs, gets the audio guide, or has someone provide him with a guided tour, then REMEMBERS it all and passes it on to whomever he next shares the place with.  He also has an uncanny ability to know exactly where he is and how to get to where you want to be without needing maps, GPS`s, or quickly and quietly ascertaining which is his left or right hand*. Sadly, he has to work (hello, sugar daddy!) so I am that gal for this trip.

Thankfully, I had an ace up my sleeve for this trip, in that I have spent very little time exploring the city markets that are scattered about.  I was saving them for Tamara and Chris, as they too are photographers, and I knew they would be happy to walk around and shoot with me.  About four weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to take them to Russell Market, one of the oldest markets in Bangalore.  One week after that, a large fire broke out overnight and caused significant damage to the building.

I was sad to learn of that, but put the thought out of my mind until yesterday, when we were planning our week.  They were keen to market, so I asked around and was told that the market was expected to re-open this morning!  We though it was perfect timing and set off.  When we arrived, I was clear that the market was indeed operational, but few stalls were open, and about three quarters of the stalls were under repair.  I know I felt let down and could tell that Tamara and Chris were hoping for a little bit more.

Thinking, I stepped to the side and whipped out my phone to determine that one of the other major markets (K.R. Market) was reasonably close.  We headed to the car and verified that Subbu knew exactly where we wanted to go.  Upon arrival it was clear that we were not to be disappointed. The sights, the smells, the bustle and the sounds all amounted to a bit of sensory overload and a photographer’s paradise.  We happily watched and shot away the next hour or so.  Thank goodness I had been there before and was able to use it as a back-up plan!

*yes, I am THAT directionally challenged.