In which I'm never going outside ever again

I had a couple (somewhat) free days this week, so today, I decided to take it upon myself to take the short walk to Gole Market and get the pictures I need for my cell phone papers. Maybe do a little shopping. I drew a little map, threw what I needed in my bag, and headed out.

Within ten minutes, I'd gone straight where I should have turned right and was pretty damn lost. Most people would probably turn back or get a cab, but I figured I'd keep walking, dodging shit and stray dogs with every step. When the road ended I took a right and kept going. There was some nice architecture on this street (schools and temples) which distracted my from the fact that I was getting increasingly more lost. Then I suddenly hit a freeway. That would be about when I started to get a little worried. Still, I hung another right and kept walking. Nothing exciting to see on this road except I did see the *biggest* dead rat I've *ever* seen in my life.

After I'd been walking for maybe an hour, I was considering giving up and turned down the next side street to try to find an auto. I looked at what lay down the street and said to myself: "I've been lost here before!" Somehow, I'd made it to Gole Market after all. Exciting!

I magically located a photo shop that could give me the photos I need, albiet I'd end up with 6 more pictures than I needed and I was being overcharged by about 40Rs. I fixed my hair and quickly posed for the pictures. In theory, I should have been in and out within ten minutes, which would have gotten me back on track with the timeline I'd set for myself.

Then, the universe screwed me again. The photo printer just wouldn't work. I made small talk (about how pretty Canada is) with the owner while she, her daughter,and her employee messed around with the ink cartridges trying to make them work. After about an hour of this, I gave her 50Rs (still about 20Rs more than it should have been) for the one sheet of pictures that had actually printed. They're just shot through with lines of light and colour and I like how exhausted and irritable I look in them.

After getting directions, I stop at the mobile store on the walk home. I give them the pictures, buy a USB phone, and listen to them tell me that the service has been blocked on my phone but it will be back in service by Saturday. I know as they're saying it that my service won't be back for Saturday. (EDIT: It's Saturday and I have no service.)

Finally, I make it back a bit after 7pm, an hour later than I'd planned on being back. I decided to pass on tea since it's somewhat close to dinner. Although it's now almost 10pm and dinner hasn't arrived. So now I'm just really really hungry.

On the plus side, I now know the quick, easy way to get to Gole Market. Will I attempt it again. Um...... probably. We'll see.