Confessions of a Shopaholic

If you find yourself crisscrossing the potholed lanes of Kathmandu’s Central Market area, trying not to get run over by the thousands of motorbikes plying these lanes or rickshaws delivering everything from blankets to large baskets of cauliflower from either side of the bicycles, you drive a hard bargain, want the best quality products and are willing to take the time!

I ducked out of one of our meetings to join our host Chandra and her niece, Pinku to visit Kathmandu’s New Road – site of all vendors, licensed and otherwise who peddle fruits and vegetables from the Terrai region of Nepal- teas, coffees, spices, sarees, pashminas, undergarments, pajamas, toiletries, DVDs and CDs, T-shirts, shoes, pants, jewelry, handbags and backpacks, local brands and knock-offs, and everything you would need or want and at any price range as well! You’ll be happy to know they have a 99 rupee shop!

Thanks to Pinku! She is the ultimate shopper and can save you hundreds of rupees since she knows the right price of anything on any given day. She helps me shop every year and she also has a special relationship with the more established store owners, which is of course, is priceless!

I love the way everyone has something to offer! They sell several items and their day is done. The family can eat until tomorrow! The idea is that you show up where there is foot traffic, which is pretty much anywhere! Perhaps a shopper eyes your wares that she may need today or pass you by. Peddlers move around avoiding security officials who may ask for their permits. It’s a moving marketplace! They rotate daily and pack up in 2 minutes!

We shopped ‘till we dropped and refreshed ourselves with fresh lassi (yogurt drink) with dried fruits. Shoppers queued up 7-10 deep… you’d think it was a Starbucks! haha! A glass full of cool lassi and you’re able to check out a few more stalls, and perhaps purchase a few more mementos from this mysterious and wonderful place!

-Gina Rose

Shopping!