A tangy slice from childhood

The once in a year 'exhibition (fair)' that came to Salem town was the annual highlight of my childhood right from age 5 to 11. New age kids living in the current era of fairs and exhibitions almost every month, and theme parks and fun rides at every nook and corner will never be able to comprehend the magic that an almost rustic, annual event held for me.

Giant wheel rides that made the stomach go woo wooh woosh; fluffy and oh! so pink cotton candy right out of the churning machine that seemed almost like magic; dinner plate sized 'appalam' (rice pappad) with a sprinkling of red chilli powder; 50 paisa worth bubble solutions; miniature kitchen sets that were tiny replicas of steel pots, tavas, and pans; little boats that propelled on water fuelled by the oil and wick lamps placed inside; magic shows; and yes, the 'new frock' bought from the one of the stalls at the fair.
Nothing to beat that boundless joy and unadulterated fun those simple days held.