For the past couple of years, I have been fantasizing about traveling to India. I probably have some romantic notion about staying in some grand old Indian palace, eating authentic Indian food, and observing the old textile printing factories by day.So when Sofia told me that her class was representing India this year at her school's International Day - my desire for all things Indian couldn't be contained anymore and we headed south of Los Angeles for a day trip to Little India.
Just 40 minutes south of Hollywood, off of the 91 east, lies a short block that is filled with Indian culture - the 1800 block of Pioneer Boulevard. We started in the clothing shops - looking for a sari....until a nice Indian man told us they could be difficult to wear and maybe we would be more comfortable in linen pants and a linen tunic...YES! Next stop was the beauty salon where we picked up a small tube of freshly made henna - for the necessary embellished hand tattoo. Mango lasses and kachori for lunch. The last time I had kachori was in an Indian restaurant in New York where the menu listed it as: very good, but too difficult to explain. 
The lunch spot we found, The Standard, explained it as Indian nachos. After lunch we strolled through the markets amazed at the 10 pound bags of lentils and cloves! Then a quick stop at the jewelry bazaar for bangles and bindi's - home by 3 - I love LA.
It sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for the photos and your story. I took a group of teenagers (boys as well as girls) on a tour of the Indian sari shops of Newcastle, England, once, to buy some fabric for a banner we were making together. We got some great glittery fabric and had a lovely time, ending up in the sweet shop! I hope the International Day goes really well.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter had the opportunity to volunteer at a school in Dharmshala, India a year ago. That and reading Eat, Pray, Love, and I have wanted to travel to there ever since. How lucky you could go to Little India!
ReplyDelete~Marilee
As one often does when driving around LA and the surrounding areas, one day I zigged when I should have zagged and found myself on the very street you explored in Little India. It was late at night so everything was closed, but I was intrigued and thought I should go back. I never did though. Your post reminded me of that evening. I am still intrigued. I must find time to go have a "look-see" :)
ReplyDelete-Sue
Kaari, Your daughter has grown up so fast! She's is beautiful...just like her Mama. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteRIGHT?! and how great is that for Sofia!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day and a wonderful way to have a taste of another culture.
ReplyDeleteSophia is the spitting image of her lovely mother!!!!!
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