Our guide led us through the old section of Ahmedabad, showing us where his family regularly purchases spices. To reach a section that had several old haveli buildings, we passed through the chaotic, crowded narrow streets where cheap Western clothes were sold, along with fabric and beautiful sari material. Fresh veggies were neatly stacked, making the colorful produce even more attractive. A watermelon cart selling slices as well as a pink drink looked awful refreshing. In between the motor scooters and auto rickshaws honking madly and trying to make their way through the crowd, the occasional cow, and the mass of people, it took some focus to stay together. In the midday intense heat of 40°C (104°F), sweat dripped down our backs. At last we were in front of several old havelis – one of which was recently restored and another that sat looking abandoned. Even in its derelict state, the wood carving was magnificent. Another had its woodwork shamelessly painted over. Just as I pined to see the havelis of the Shekawati region in Rajasthan preserved, I once again wished people would see the historical and cultural value of such works of art.
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