Monday 4 March 2013

Not a Typical Week


Rosewater anyone?
On Monday we went to our first Indian wedding.  We were invited by one of Jeff’s workmates, the brother in law of the groom and it was imperative that we attended.  What to wear?  Well, the little black dress would be rather understated, but, not being ready to try a sari, I bought a brightly coloured and beaded pashmina, an armful of bangles and some sparkly dancing shoes.  I was still was seriously under-dressed, but very comfortable.  Jeff wore a coloured shirt and some chinos.   Not too shabby. 

The party, at an outdoor wedding venue that would make the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree feel naked, was event number three of a four day program.  Jeff, myself and Catharina (a friend and colleague from IKEA)  arrived around 9pm to join 300 or so guests, along with whom, we got the opportunity to meet the bride and groom, have our photo taken, contribute cash to the musicians, eat copious amounts of amazing food, dance like crazy people and witness some ceremonial rituals.  We gave the couple some Kosta Boda Swedish crystal, but everyone else gave envelopes; not sure if this was a faux pas, perhaps we will never find out.  
The Bride and Groom

The groom arrived on a white horse heralded by drummers and trumpeters and fireworks were ignited at random intervals.  The bride looked like a queen with henna patterns on her arms and feet. Rose petals and rosewater was sprinkled, garlands of marigolds were exchanged  and there was lots of Hindi chanting and singing.  We, along with most other guests, left at around midnight before the pandit (priest) arrived to perform the actual marriage ceremony, which was due to happen at 3am along with more fireworks, singing and dancing.  It was a lovely evening and everyone seemed just as interested in us as they were the bride and groom.  It was a lot of fun, and on reflection, much more “organised” that I had expected.  

"All it needs is some blue and yellow paint." said Jeff
During the week, whilst Jeff has been discovering the building sites of Delhi (of which there are many) I have been going to the gym, shopping in the markets for food, meeting other expats at book club or coffee mornings and generally keeping myself busy apartment hunting and visiting tourist sights.  The weather is getting much warmer and is now around 25 degrees Celsius, requiring lighter clothing.  I am not yet comfortable enough to wear shorts and tee shirts as the locals are still fully covered wearing jackets, socks and scarves.  I think when the temperature hits 35 degrees, bare arms and ankles will be revealled; let’s wait and see.
Not the synagogue

On Friday night we went to Synagogue, partly out of curiosity and partly because it was time for some memorial prayers.  Jeff turned up wearing his grey Akubra looking very much the part and they invited him to take the service.  Of course he declined and the locals did the honours.   There are only four local Jewish families and we did not have a minion (10 adults) so we couldn’t say kaddish (remembrance prayers) anyway.  It was quite an experience.  We managed to follow the service and joined in as much as we could, singing along familiar prayers to some unfamiliar tunes.  Not sure they will see much of us again, but I’m glad we went.  

A rooftop terrace somewhere in Delhi
On Saturday we had a more Aussie experience at a BBQ at the home of someone we met through the ANZ Association.  This was at a ‘farmhouse’, a free standing house surrounded by garden on the outskirts of Delhi.   It was great and we met some really nice people.  We could have been at home in the back yard with steaks and snags.  Far removed from the Delhi we have been describing in other posts.  

Sunday morning we watched the Swans get beaten by St Kilda.  AFL streamed live on the ipad sitting on our Indian veranda in the sun, so life has reached a certain type of normality here.  Shule, BBQ and footie all in one weekend.  Feels like we never moved.  Just need some familiar faces around and life would be perfect.

Namaste

1 comment:

  1. Is there such a thing as a "typical week" where you are? All sounds great - how'z the house hunting coming along? P&S

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