Mysore is one of India's most attractive towns. Historically the town was the capital of the mighty Maharaja kingdom of Mysore, ruled by the same family from 1399 until 1947. There was a brief period where the throne was usurped by one of the most colourful of Indian rulers, Hyder Ali, and then by his famous son Tipu Sultan. Today the city is the state capital and one of the centres of the silk trade. It's well laid out with wide streets and many gardens, making it a pleasant place to wander around. It is also one of the major incense manufacturers in India - some call it the "Sandalwood City" due to the enveloping aromas of sandalwood, jasmine, rose and musk. Parklane Hotel is both nice and located close to Mysore's Ambas Vilas. We had literally spent our last Indian rupee and had held out for Mysore having been promised better exchange rates at their money exchanges. We found one the other night, but it was after hours, so we returned today, only to find them closed for Republic Day. We soon discovered several more exchange offices - all closed. I began to ask at some of the larger fabric and clothing shops since I knew that they often accept payment in foreign currencies - no luck. Finally I tried to explain my desperation to a shop owner who thought perhaps we could work out a deal for whatever it was I needed money to buy. When I told him that I needed money just to eat, his attitude quickly changed and he suddenly had sympathy for us. He said that he would share his "contact" with us. He gave us directions to the Hong Kong Bazaar, instructing us to ask for "Moonya" when we got there - apparently everyone there knows Moonya. As we approached the bazaar, locals seemed to be expecting us and already knew we needed to exchange money. They told us their rates and we were surprised that they were decent. We asked for Moonya and were quickly introduced. He, too, was expecting us and gave us an even better exchange rate. We were back in business - it's good to have "contacts".
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