Monday, October 01, 2007

Pardon me?

Dec 24, 2005 - Mumbai, India - Outlet in Hyatt Hotel

Moi: I would like to get a pashmina shawl.
Shop-fella: Very good sir! {heavy indian accent}

Moi: What is this made of? {moi pretending not to know}
Shop-fella: It is made from the feathers of a burt {this is what i heard}

Moi: Feathers of a bird? {looking surprised from the revelation}
Shop-fella: Yes sir, it is taken from the feathers of a burt.

Moi: But a friend of mine said it was from the hair of a type of goat?
Shop-fella: No sir, from a burt.

Moi: And its made from the fea..the..rs? {speaking slowly to made sure}
Shop-fella: That is correct sir.

Moi: Ok... how much.... {etc, etc bargaining and I bought it. The shawl i mean, not the story}

Back home :-

Moi: Guess what! Pashmina is not from a goat but from the feathers of a bird!
Friend: Nooooo!!! Its from a goat!

Moi: But this was told to me by the guy in India who imports this stuff. He should know better right? <------ Wrong!!!

.... short debate that ended with Google search and facts presented.

Conclusion:
  • Shop fella mistook fur/fleece and said feather. Honest mistake probably.
  • I think he actually pronounced "goat" as "gert". Remember this was said in heavy indian accent.
  • There never was any "burt" (bird).

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