After being in Surat for a month, I have able to see what India has to offer. After hearing splendid tales, about the tremendous riches from India, I can eagerly say that I was not disappointed. There are artisans, iron workers and goldsmiths. Fine gems are so plentiful here that the natives sew them into their clothes! I have noticed though both men and women wear jewelry, it is the women who love to cover their bodies with piercings. Rubies and gold hoops hang from their ears and noses. Their arms are covered with bands that rattle as they walk, and diamonds hang around their necks.

India also has a massive spice trade. One of the spices I tried was called red pepper, it scorched my tongue, and made my throat dry. For a moment I felt I was sent to hell and had transformed into the dragon found in Revelation, because my mouth was on fire. Despite my horrible ordeal, there were less hot spices that can be used in our cuisine. Some were garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Beside the sparkling gems and spices, india has a variety of wildlife. Exotic birds, gorgeous big cats, horses and other creatures our fair Queen Elizabeth could never imagine! I am sure the queen would enjoy having a one of these exotic animals as pets. Or perhaps, any of the English businessmen turn their furs, skin feathers, and horns as a product for England to sell back to the new colonies and make a huge profit. Just as famous portuguese explorer Barbossa said back in 1514, "A city of very good trade in all classes of merchandise." Truly India is a place of opportunity.