I've teased long enough - it is time for the great reveal. This is one of the scariest post I've ever done since I typically do anything to avoid publicly sharing pictures of myself. But after teasing for a week, it is only fair I share the end result, please be kind.
I spent the weekend in full on prep-mode (it wasn't really necessary, but it was a good excuse.) I was scrubbed, moisturized, waxed, buffed, polished and plucked - and thanks to rock bottom price of these services in Delhi it all costs less than a facial back home.
The wedding invitation said events started at 4:30 on Sunday, but thanks to a call to a couple of friends I knew the earliest I should bother showing up was 9:30. Indian weddings almost never start on time and when they do start they move very slowly - as the friends and the family of the groom work to slow his journey to the wedding site (in this case the groom arrived on horseback with a full band parading with him.)
The friend who had helped with get my top and who had planned to help me get the saree on was sick, so I Googled how to wear a saree and gave it a go myself. It took several tries, and a lot of frustration before I was willing to walk out the door. I was pretty confident I was pinned tight enough to keep it on, but I was worried I'd somehow committed a faux pas in the way I'd wrapped it.
I called a taxi company that typically send cars and not the mini, mini-vans that others send, because I wasn't sure I'd be able to manage the step up into the van. The car showed up, I got in and did my best at giving directions and we headed off. We only went a few blocks when the driver pulled over and told me his lights weren't working and I needed another taxi. He took me to the nearest stand and, sure enough, I ended up in a mini-van anyway. I clumsily managed the step up and was once again on the road. I arrived at the wedding later than planned, but luckily I quickly found a kind friend and a private corner so my saree could be sorted out - no faux pas's were committed, but I had the pleats tucked in backwards.
The wedding was beautiful, and I had a great time (I'll post more pics later this week.) I am so glad I made the effort. I've had the adventure of trying something new, I've been able to share a bit of Delhi and India with all of you, and I received a ton of compliments last night (and that always does an ego good.) My friends seem genuinely happy that I had tried their style of dress (one even supplied a bindi for my forehead so I'd be completely fitted out.)
One of the guests sought me out, asked a ton of questions, introduced me around, answered my questions about the wedding traditions. She later told me that she sought me out because she saw me walking around and thought I was so beautiful - one of the nicest compliments I've ever received. As I met the bride for the first time even she took the time to tell me how beautiful I looked in my saree- and considering how stunning she was, it was an honor to hear.
I learned a lot this past week about the importance of trying new things, being willing to step outside of my comfort zone and embracing the culture in which I spend so much time. It really is amazing the lessons I learned from the 6 yard piece of cloth. Thanks for following along and encouraging me. And finally, here it is in full:
One of my favorite India songs and clips from Slumdog Millionaire to get you in an Indian mood (aren't the boys adorable.)
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