I’ve always heard about the heightened security in the States after 9/11, and being too young beforehand to make my own comparison I’ve taken everyone’s word for it. But I’m currently experiencing firsthand that security in the U.S. is nothing compared to India. TSA may think they’re causing headaches, but I go through similar security just to buy some tic tacs at Spencer’s (grocery store).
Last week, D and I went with our host-mother and host-sister to a nearby shopping mall that had a lot of great clothes. Before we went in, we had to walk through a metal detector, show the security guards our bags, and D had to register her camera. When we left, I had to show them my receipt so they could go through my bag and double-check every purchase. This is the typical procedure at every grocery store and shopping mall I’ve been to. You either have to walk through a metal detector or the guard waves the little metal-detecting wand over you and feels you up (female guard for females, don’t worry). At the malls, you have to put your bag through the conveyor belt and then once inside you have to check your bag at the door of any store you enter. The only time I’ve ever experienced this security outside of an airport in the U.S. is when I was entering government buildings.
I’m used to showing my AU ID to get into the dorms and some of the buildings after-hours back in D.C., but here we’re required to show our IDs just to enter campus to go to class throughout the day. And showing it isn’t enough, I’m constantly getting yelled at because I don’t wear it around my neck.
I also read about a new initiative in the newspaper regarding security and anti-terrorism. The local police trained about 5,000 students in the area about bomb detection and other ways to stay alert and report suspicious activity. I’m experiencing a convoluted blend of feeling safer and more frightened at the same time because there has to be a reason behind the security.
On a lighter note, I’m extremely impressed by the customer service and sales persistence in most of the shops. Whether it’s an expensive touristy shop, a department store, or a little street stall - I’m constantly being asked if I need help with anything. If I glance at a beautiful pillowcase or kurta, all of the sudden a salesperson is pulling a heap of fabric out from the shelf and spreading them out on the counter so I can see every single color and/or design available. The fabrics are usually either a beautifully soft silk or a light Indian cotton with fantastically detailed designs of elephants and peacocks and various swirls of color. If it doesn’t fit quite right, they’ll tailor it for me. If I look unsure, they’ll lower the price or throw something else into the deal.
One salesman followed J us around the entire store this weekend, going into extreme detail anytime my eyes lit up at something on the shelves. Was I smitten with the little wooden Ganapati carvings? Did I like the jewelry on display? Well, Miss, there’s a whole room full of more gems upstairs... would I like to see it? Of course I would. I went upstairs to find myself transformed into Abu in the treasure room of the cave (Aladdin) trying to resist the urge to touch the sparkling rubies in front of me. Would I also like to see the entire room they have designated to scarves? I think I drooled a little bit when I was handed a scarf made of 100% Kashmiri silk. It was lighter than air and the deepest, most beautiful colors that you’ll never find in the U.S. I need to put a combination lock on my wallet.
Don’t worry, though! I’m finding some great deals. I went into a bookstore while we were shopping to find the third Hunger Games book and I got it for the equivalent of $6. I also crossed one of my goals off my list. Find copy of The Jungle Books in hole-in-the-wall bookstore in India: check. It was about $2.
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