Colorful incense from the spice markets and scarves from the local silk factory
I had some free time on the day before the first TED talks, so I signed up for a tour of the local silk factory and the spice and flower markets — neither disappointed!
Unfortunately, they wouldn’t let us take pictures in the factory. I tried pulling my press strings but got nothing. What you should know is that Mulberry trees grow everywhere in Mysore. Considering that’s what silkworms love to eat, it’s easy to understand how Mysore is the silk capital of India. We watched the silk being taken from the cocoons, then soaked in water and hung to dry (picture enormous circles of the softest blond hair extensions). The incredibly soft yet strong silk is then wrapped in cones and loaded onto huge metal looms. After this process is complete, each cone is individually dyed a specific color.
The silk from India is the softest, shiniest silk I’ve ever felt. It just cascades off your lap. To support this fantastic industry, I had to buy a dozen scarves! Feast your eyes on the beauties above!
Flower baskets at the local flower market
After the factory, I headed over to the flower and spice market, which is so huge, it would put any farmers’ market to shame. The colors and textures are strikingly vivid; it’s difficult not to be inspired to throw a little more color in your own wardrobe. From bananas to peas to marigolds to incense, it went on and on and on…
I finally found my way back to the street where I met this cow. Moooooo to you, too!
I’ll report back later with highlights from the first two days of the TED conference. Namaste.
