Since it's wedding season, it's pretty common for families to send platters of fruit and nuts to each other.
This market was up some stairs through a tiny building. Never would have known it was here.
One store - PlayClan - had the coolest art. I wanted all the things, and managed to buy a few that would fit in my suitcase.
Then we headed back to the Amex office complex for dinner and so could see some friends. This is Kulbir and Shailey - I met them at the very beginning of my Amex career in Phoenix. So incredible to see them again.
Dinner with Pooja. The office complex is really nice and has some great restaurants.
My Phoenix crew again - Kaushik, Kulbir, me and Shailey. They are so, so great. Friends across the world.
I did a quick tour of the building, even though I'd already turned in my badge. Cool to see all the places that my colleagues on the other side of the world spend their time in.
Then we went for a tour of the Oberoi - super fancy hotel where we had tea. If I'd ever gone over here for business, which sadly I didn't, I would have stayed here. Worth a mention, my coworkers who picked me up definitely all own cars and hire a driver. That's the thing here - it's so wild to drive, you either take shared cabs arranged by work, or you buy a car/hire a driver to take you around.
I wasn't able to check into my flight until around midnight, so I had some time to kill out front. I found a spot to change clothes and then I sat.
Time for a long journey home through Dubai and Los Angeles.
There's the LA temple and my old street below.
My bags were bulging but I managed to get home with everything. So let's review.
Delicious sesame brittle snack.
Chai for gifts.
A few days after I got home, my rug arrived in the mail!
Placemats and napkins.
Fun coasters.
Elephant tapestry. Maybe I'll frame and hang up somewhere.
Pashminas - one for me and one for mom. Made with cashmere from Kashmir.
Fun little purse.
Another fun textile. Not quite sure what to do with it. It could be a table runner, but I also don't really have a dining table.
Notebooks from PlayClan.
These stunning envelopes for wedding season. 10 for $1! They're so beautiful.
More textiles - could be a scarf or a shawl or decoration on a table. I wish I had 10 of them.
Because Starbucks. This is a gift from a colleague.
Elephant pajamas! They're supposed to be one-size-fits-most and they're not quiiite the right fit but I still like them.
Quilts - I bought three and wish I had seven. This one went to a brother. It's full of colors.
And this one went to another brother. I kept the blue/green one for myself.
And then for Christmas I got an India puzzle!