There are many opportunities for shopping around Boudha if you are looking for Buddhist practice equipment, brocade or clothing.Shopping is a civilised affair. Often the shopkeeper or assistant will invite you to take tea whle you choose whatever you would like to buy. Shopping is somewhat slower than we are used to in the west, but it is also more relaxing if you take the time to settle in to the experience.
Shop assistants often go out of their way to make sure that you can get whatever you want and add their own personal touches to their creations. They are keen to ensure that their customers are happy.
We were particularly impressed with Dharmendra in Lumbini handicrafts. He's a young man who speaks four languages - and we heard him holding conversations in three different languages at once. He was always pleased to see us and would spend a great deal of time with us as we chose things to buy or while he restrung tengars.
Another favourite of ours was Pemtse Palmo who runs the Norzin Traditional Dress and Rug Shop. We had a number of undershirts and shamthabs made as well as two Tibetan ladies' chubas. We were always pleased with the results of her tailoring.
As well as these there were also many shops selling practice equipment (bells, drums, and so on), including the now infamous 'Temple of Doom' which always has a number of good things, usually at a high price.
It is expected that there will be a certain amount of bargaining for goods. Sometimes, if you are good at bargaining the price can drop by as much as 50%.
Our next trip to Tesco will undoubtedly come as quite a shock.
2 comments:
Shopping where you get free tea, thats a good idea. Bhuddists do seem to be nice people all in all.
Thanks Joe. Not just the Buddhists. Most of the shops are like this. I don't see it catching on over here, unfortunately.
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