INDIA (2010): MYSORE

In the central Karnataka town of Mysore the scent of sandalwood and incense pervades the brightly lit jewelry emporiums. Tourists visit the famous Mysore Palace, which rivals the Taj Mahal. Besides the fabric and produce markets, I wandered through the perfume shops in the historic Muslim quarter. Dozens of men were waiting on the corner to find work as day laborers. This is the place in India where I saw the most cows, drivers patiently waiting to let them pass. On the edge of town I visited friends in a large suburban-type home with cathedral ceilings.