I positioned myself at the south gate of the Mysore Palace. It was a Sunday - illumination day - and at 7 pm the 3-storyed Palace would be bathed in light. It would be an awesome sight. Already, a fair crowd had gathered at the car park area; tourists, passersby, taxi and bus drivers who had driven in their passengers in air-conditioned coaches. A few elders and women remained seated in the coaches while others ambled around; families with kids were surrounded by balloon sellers - “I want the heart-shaped one” someone said (it was Valentine’s Day, that Sunday) ; a group of foreigners were being hounded by urchins selling their wares at twice, thrice the normal price. A cucumber seller was doing brisk business knowing fully well that once the lights come on the crowds
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