A silent prayer asking for evil to be kept away. Never a word or a stare. A youth only in pyjama trousers is lettering the posters in green and red paint. A long lane of shanty shops and cafes. Here are sold cakes, poultry, fish, batik sarongs, pots and pans.
Young lads sweep, cook and tend fires.
The Indian community with shops selling gaudy coloured clothes and wares. The hot spiced and well-cooked mutton is served on a bed of rice, on top of a palm leaf, with three vegetables, chillies, pickled tomatoes and other delicacies. Like the Indians next to me, I wash my hands in a nearby basin. Eat the meal by taking the curried vegetable and mutton and mould it, with the rice to form a ball shape and putting it in your mouth. An occasional smile from them makes the challenge acceptable.