The woman who works at the desk speaks some English and is very nice about recommending places to go and things to see.

It cost me $8 a night for a spacious, attractive, clean, and comfortable room. I particularly liked that the cheerful yellow walls were color coordinated with the orange printed quilt and curtains. Although my room did not have an attached bathroom, the hotel has rooms with private baths for the same price. I prefered having the street view with a clean toilet, sink, bath, and shower across the hall.

The action at the market stalls below my window was like a continuous parade of locals and foreigners in every possible dress from khakis to saris. Watching from above I could see who felt they had gotten the better of a negotiation; and I learned the best bargaining technique here is to be clear about what you want.

On my first night I was a concerned that I might not be able to sleep with everything that was going on outside on the street, but the merchants closed around nine; and the comfortable bed let me float off without a restless moment.