INDIA
Why anyone would choose to go to India during the monsoon season is beyond me, but alas, I was one of those mysteries. Actually, I did have an excuse to go, my cousin Satesh was getting married. Figuring I could attend the wedding then take off to visit some sights, I loaded up on sunblock, lots of changes of clothing, and took the plunge (no pun intended). I also missed my mom since she left to take care of my grandmother in India, so I wanted to see her. She left two weeks prior and wouldn't be returning home for yet another four or more weeks. I miss my mom. I've had to suffer through some of my own cuisine since she left! Horrendous.
The first week consisted of non-stop events and parties for the wedding. Don't have any pictures of those events. As far as I can remember, it consisted of events during the days and parties throughout the night past 4 am. Considering that I'm not a party person, don't drink alcohol (free flowing booze), and don't listen to Indian music (blared over the loudspeakers every night, same songs), the parties were of limited enjoyment (hey, I'm trying to be nice here). I did meet some really nice/neat people though. My cousin Manisha was there, and she is always off-center, which makes her fun. I met Anurita (I didn't know her name until the third day, whoops!) from Manchester. She was really fun too, although there she seemed overly concerned about bruising her big toe. No, not from shoving it up my ass, but I'm not betting against her seriously considering it a few times over the week. And contrary to popular rumor, I am not 45!
In terms of the veteran crew (my term for old people), my uncle Prakash was really cool, although he looks nowhere his age. I hope to be just as carefree, fun, happy, and fit as he is when I reach that age. I met Sanjay and their families, two of them actually. Both Sanjays' were really cool and low-key, unlike most of the non-stop talking and trying to make an impression crowd. Take a lesson, try not to make the whole world remember you. First off, they don't want to, and secondly, you are not that unique or special. Try to chill, relax, and pick your friends instead of telling everyone about all your accomplishments since birth. It's not a contest. That goes for some of my generation too! (no, not the 45 years old generation!)
In terms of old friends, I finally met Anu (yes, another one. Names are not too unique in India, although I only know one other with mine. :P), whose been avoiding me on every trip I ever took back to Asia. She looked good. Even I couldn't believe that she had twins. :) I met Tanu too, and she seemed really happy, although she chose to stay in India for awhile instead of returning to China, a decision I could never understand. Karan was there too and I hate him for growing taller than me so I'm not going to say anything nice about him.
I probably should talk more about my cousin (the groom) and immediate family, but they were all so busy that I never got to know them better, although I did get into a discussion with Vidju (excuse the spelling) and Niloo. They were fun. Actually, speaking about the groom, Satesh and his bride, Meeta, were full of energy throughout the week. I give them credit, I would have been dead after the second event. Satesh went all out throughout the week, eventually crashing on the second last day. He was late for his own wedding prayer. LOL. Then again, everyone was late cause when I showed up (on time I might add), I was the first one there. Then again, I didn't go to bed at 7am. The prayer was suppose to start at 11am.
A word of warning for anyone coming from the western world to India, no one ever shows up on time. Every event started at least a couple of hours after the printed start time. I realized that after the third event. No, I never said I was observant or bright. Some people even initially appeared five to six hours after the start time. Its called being fashionably late. I call it being an inconsiderate, ungrateful, dumb ass. Then again, we all have our own interpretations, right?
Anyways, that verbage isn't bad to make up for the lack of pictures. After the wedding, I visited the Golden Temple and Taj Mahal. I won't waste more space here. Check out the pictures on the links below. There are more boring narratives with the pictures.
Oh yeah, the weather was perfect. Cloudy everyday with brief showers on some days. Perfect for white skinned indian like me. And yes, I am Indian. Stop looking so surprised.
| Wedding (thanks Anu) | Golden Temple | Taj Mahal | Other |
| Groom and Bride | Main Temple | Taj Mahal | Border with Pakistan |
| The Cult | Surrounding Buildings | Side Buildings | The other golden temple |
| Other Pics | Other pics | Front Courtyard | The hotel (wow!) |
| View from hotel | Trip to India | ||