John Frieda and other imports

Last week, after a fruitless 10 days of looking around and asking people in Bombay-Delhi, I discovered that my favourite shampoo (John Frieda Brilliant Brunette) was available at Shishu on Road No 2. The shop also stocked a range from Bath and Body Works as well as Centrum tablets.

Hallelujah.

Earlier I'd discovered that Ruci & Idoni on Road No 10 kept Bundaberg Ginger Beer - I'd tried it in Australia and fallen in love with the cloudy brew. It was unbelievable happiness to find it in Hyd (I haven't even seen it in Delhi) and be able to enjoy it without the ticket to Oz.

And lastly, there's Chantelle lingerie. I heard about Buttercups from a friend in Delhi and after the initial snicker about the name was curious about this lingerie boutique. After the closure of Etam in India, I've been on the hunt for another brand to fill the loss.

Buttercups is located in an apartment right behind the Times of India building on Road No 3, Banjara Hills, and is rather nicely done. There's a boudoir-ish feel going and, thank the lord, women assistants. They stock French brand Chantelle, probably the most premium in the international market (prices hit the Rs3,000 mark). While I'm happy to have it in town, my only grouse is that for such premium prices I'd rather buy something very exciting rather than the sort of basic, discreet stuff Buttercups seems to stock. But maybe that's all about the timing and my next visit will find something good.