Toastmaster

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One of the most interesting things about living in South Asia is the wealth of roadside offerings for sale that bombard the mind and the senses 24/7.   Generally, the items offered by the most entrepreneurial peddlers do not provoke a sense of shock and/or surprise.  In fact, after a while, all the things that the astute consumer could purchase by the non-existent curb tend to blend into the cacophony that is the beauty of this culture and the backdrop in front of which life here exists.

Today, however, I saw something new.  Something that made me chuckle in the midst of an ordinary day.  There, on the side of the road across from the Adidas Store and a Subway Sandwich franchise was a roadside shop that stood out from the rest.  What was it selling, you ask?

Desktop Podiums.  Short lecturns.  Those things that a speaker puts his/her notes on while delivering a speech.  In a variety of colors.  All handmade.  Ready to be paid for, packed up, and put onto the back of a speeding scooter or into the trunk of an already-too-full four-wheeled vehicle.

Have to give a lecture?  Need to teach a class?  Not to worry, we've got just the thing for you.  Pick up your very own podium today.  Get one on the way to the event.  Purchase one that matches your outfit.  Have one quickly custom-built to match the interior of the meeting room, or even the napkins adorning the banquet tables nearby.

Yes, I love this dear country and the people therein who are just trying to make an honest living selling what they think people will want.  Somebody must be buyin' them, or else they wouldn't be sitting there day after day after day.

What will they think of next.

~lk

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