salwa kameses (the popular long dress and baggy trouser suits) have given way to sarees as summer hits north india. last night i experienced my first indian wedding, or at least a small part of an indian wedding, because these functions last for days. i attended the reception party of some neighbours of my friend uma and was privileged to witness the impressive spectacle of an indian bride. uma dressed me up in a fabulous saree and i hope that my unusual presence at the event did not detract too much attention from the happy couple (although i didn't see either one smiling that much). the elaborate decorations on and around the new husband and wife were in stark contrast to the mess of food and plastic cups that littered the huge flashing marquee. having taken delight in spending a couple of hours getting ready, trying on an assortment of uma's sarees and grappling with the metres of slippery fabric, we left the reception pretty quickly, as soon as we had queued up to have our pictures taken with the bride and groom and eaten a bit of the vast array of food. weddings are big business in india and i shudder to think how much last night's affair cost. i loved wearing a saree, however, and have been lent a couple to practise with; it's really quite important to tie them up correctly.
the children are at home for just another few weeks before they start going to school. now is a time of entrance tests and uniform puchasing, books, pens, shoes and bags. as a treat for all their hard work, we all went to a river at the weekend to swim, which was heavenly. modesty demanded i wear clothes to swim but that could not stop me from delighting in the rare pleasure of being in water. it's getting hotter here every day and lunchtime siestas are starting to make a lot of sense.
i've just realised that i have my dress on inside out, so am going to run home before anyone notices. it seems i haven't quite mastered the art of indian clothes yet after all ...
You look lovely in your Saree, I bet you'll look tre chic with your new array of them! I'm glad it's getting warmer... it will be properly hot soon. I've been to a wedding in Hitchen near london (one of Nina's cousin's) and despite the effort gone into the clothes and the amazing food there were also plastic cups and plates! The most distressing point was when someone care round with a big bin bag half way through the evening and threw away all the uneaten food - which was lots and it was soo tasty!
I'm just at home with my parents for a few days because it's easter - in case you didn't know already. I hope the easter bunny finds you in the mountains, and that the chocolate eggs haven't all melted!
bis bald
deine Kate xxxx