Coffee shop

Buying coffee is much more fun here. It put me in mind of going to the grocers when I was wee. Weighing out the beans, grinding them then catching the ground coffee in a special paper bag with metal clips which fitted under the spout of the grinder. I can still smell them just thinking about it.
I'm bringing some coffee home, I thought if I did a fundraiser for India for next year I could use local coffee. 1kg, about £9. I came here last year to buy coffee and the man remembered me. His shop is tiny, about 4 metres deep and 2 wide maximum and open to the street when open. He provides a stool to sit on while you wait. He has sacks of coffee beans, only one type, a grinder, scalez and weights and a heat-sealing machine for the bags. He double bagged the coffee for me as it was going a long way. He finished off by packing the bags beautifully in newspaper and tying the whole thing off with a bow.
We set off for school after buying the coffee and were well on the way when I caught sight of an elephant making its way along the main road. It was the first one I had seen out and about on the streets. We did a quick about turn, followed it then stopped in front so I could take some pictures and receive the customary blessing of a tap on the head from its trunk, in return of course for a wee donation. Fortunately, the elephant didn't have cold symptoms, but was too quick with her blessing for any photos. She did however enjoy heading off to the next stall to receive a bunch of grapes which was likely much more to her liking than a banknote. In one of the pics you can see her holding out her foot so the boy could climb down from her back. See extra.
This afternoon I went to visit Caroline as I probably won't see her again this trip which was a bit of a mixed emotion time as always. We've been friends for 23 years and she and her family have had a tough few years.
Out this evening to Anjappar restaurant with Prem and Ida for dinner, my treat this time. Time is galloping on so quickly.