Late Tuesday at work was a little hectic. I needed some energy so decided to cab it to Lubmini mall and check the place out. I had passed it on my way to the market Monday evening with Suresh. I approached the cluster of rickshaws at the bottom of the road that leads to Katriya and the negotiating started. I showed a driver the address of where I wanted to go and there was a heated discussion settling on 50 Rs. A driver popped up out of nowhere and proudly vaulted to the front of the gathering knowing I would recognize him from a few nights ago. Recognize him I did as the one who over-charged me for a ride that night. He was hoping mind-abyss Canuck would forget that episode and gladly climb in with a familiar face. There have been a few times so far this trip where I wish I could be understood by all the locals. This sure was one. I told the gang that he had charged me too much a few nights ago and had made and extra 75 Rs at the expense of further business. Nice job Mr. Cabbie.
The ride to the mall took about 20 minutes. There was one intersection of gridlock as the cars crossing were pouring into the common ground and the vehicles in my direction did not have a chance. Both the driver and I commented on how traffic cops (2 of them) were a mere 100 feet away but too busy doing nothing to assist. The mall was eventful sort of and I bought three t-shirts for a whopping $14. Then I walked for a bit and was again surprised how pedestrian-unfriendly this burg can be. In some places there were no sidewalks and I was on the road this close to two and four-wheeled machines whizzing by. Just when I had enough I crossed the street (a frogger game) and found a rickshaw to transport me back to Somajiguda. I just mis-typed the word "rickshaw" as "riskshaw" ... think that may be a better name :).
I had some chicken for dinner and retired, knowing/hoping I would be up to watch the Sens and the Laffs play at 5:30am ... doing that just now, 2-2 after 2.
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