Ask questions, or pay the consequences

Yesterday I checked into my hotel 4 hours earlier than the posted checkin time. Today they charged me a half day fee for doing so. At least they forgot to bill me for my internet use. At my next hotel (which costs 3 times less), I asked if it was OK to check in early - no problem and no fee. Unfortunately, no internet - but there is a cyber cafe a little ways away that charges Rs 20/hour for internet. The other downside of this place it the bed - 1/2 inch foam pad on a wood frame. At least I’m only here a night.

<>Never part with anything that you wish to keep
Today I visited Pataleshvara Stone Temple. As per policy, I removed my shoes before entering. It was very serene and beautiful. I spoke with a number of Hindus and a woman who was praying gave me a small plastic bag of rock sugar. I didn’t understand what she was saying to me, but she let me take her picture. After leaving, my running shoes were gone. I walked in my socks down the street and caught a rickshaw and found a street vendor selling chappals. I bought a pair for Rs 250 and then went to another store and bought a shirt. I didn’t plan on running anyways. So it goes.

Be firm
I wanted to catch a rickshaw to Aga Khan Palace this afternoon. I was outside my hotel at Pune Central Rail Station. I told the first rickshaw that came up I wanted to go there. He quoted “only 150 rupees.” I asked him to use the meter instead - but he said no. “Okay, no thanks.” The next rickshaw that came up, I asked “Aga Khan Palace, meter?” The ride only cost me 50 rupees. Aga Khan was very interesting. They had a few rooms set up showcasing photos of Ghandi which depicted his life, travels, and the Quit India movement. They also have his ashes in a memorial there.

Shop smart, shop around

I stopped into a few cell phone stores before purchasing a SIM card. In order to purchase a SIM card, Indian government requires a passport, Xerox copy of the passport for their own records, and a passport photo (Xerox copy costs 1 rupee, 8 passport photos cost 40 rupees at any photo store.) Each place had a few different prepaid plans, but I finally found one that lasted 3 months with Air Tel and gave me some decent minutes for 500 rupees. I purchased an additional 440 rupees of minutes for another 500 rupees – which should last me awhile. It’s good to be connected again. I called IBM and set up a time to meet tomorrow to move into my apartment. Tomorrow is a national holiday, so I have at least one more day to explore Pune.