Tad here...

Today I learned more new urdu words. Three greetings I learned are "Subeka Salaam", "Doperka Salaam" and "Shamka Salaam" meaning "Good Morning", "Good Afternoon" and "Good Evening" respectively. These phrases are urdu and generally used by muslims in Bagdal and not those of other faiths, as I currently understand.

In the afternoon Ismael and I went down to the bazaar, just a few houses, bumps, and ditches along the path from the family house. I took my pair of rain pants and Ismael took me to his friend’s (Riaz) material shop where I picked out some material for a new cycling outfit. If I choose to ride into Islamic countries I should have my legs and arms covered. I am seeing this as a good idea anyway with regards to sunlight as I am getting tired of smearing on sunscreen and sweating it off and would rather just wear a cool covering instead. So we picked out a light colored and rugged cotton fabric for the outfit. Many were interested in what I was requesting and soon a small crowd had gathered at the fabric shop.

Next, we went to the tailor where I explained what I wanted and why. I showed the tailor (named Ismael also) a drawing I had made and what I needed the clothing for. Many other tailors and impromptu cyclist clothing advisors joined in a discussion about what the best cut should be and where the shirt should be looser, etc. It was lots of fun. Although Ismael (the tailor) said that they didn’t have velcro he would be able to do everything else. I was very thankful and enjoyed the entire process.

Back at the house again, we planned to go visit Rukiah’s home tomorrow. Rukiah is Ismael’s second wife and she lives in Chitagupa and works there as a 5th grade teacher at an Urdu medium school.

TAD