Market

 

Almost all shopping is done in an open market. Yes, there are malls, but most people shop at the open markets. This is one glimps in Jaipur.

My Going Away Party

 

It is an office tradition to have a cake for a going away. And with a cake comes the smearing. They got me good this time.

I'll have to find a way to get them back! LOL

Camel Riding

 

Got to ride a camel in Jaipur. It was pretty fun, but a slightly rough ride. The worse part was when we arrived back and the camel had to kneel to let us off. First the front legs... we got lunged forward... then the back legs. I was on the back and felt the poor guy's legs shaking. He was trying to be so gentle and not jolt us back. Really well mannered camel!

home at last

but still feeling lazy!! got to get some motivation!!! Lord help me!

Last day at office

Soo sad... last day at the office.

But very happy to be seeing Jim in a few days. Hi Honey!

:)

Planning for Jaipur

At last it looks like we will be going to Jaipur! I've been wanting to ride an elephant ever since I was a little girl! I'm soooo completely excited!

Here's a link on Jaipur for those of you who like to do that type of research. I love looking up a city before going to see what there is to see and do, what the history is, and what the people are like.

http://www.jaipurtravel.com/about_jaipur.htm

We also had a going away part for Angie and Colleen. They left on Saturday. Oh did they get smeared! They also received beautiful gifts from their team. I'm sure they are going to remember this trip for years and years to come!

Pictures of the going away party are on my Picassa. Go out and see! I had one of my trainees take the pictures for me. :) He did a good job!

The Wedding

 

This is me and Preeti's Mom at the wedding. It was such a fabulous day... or should I say night!

There was some difficulty with the taxi at the time of leaving. Apparently, the taxi's are regional. And the hotel had requested a taxi, not realizing I had to go to Sonepat. So the taxi was "local"...could not go outside of Delhi. I was confused. Gurgaon is in the state of Haryana, so is Sonepat, and I thought Delhi was. But there is no direct route to Sonepat, so the travel is through Delhi. Some where there is an invisible..or maybe not so invisible!...line that needs to be crossed which includes a large tax, and different license. The local taxis don't have that. So another company was contacted. About 2:30 PM I was on my way!

Sonepat was two hour drive and we arrived in the small town. Preeti had provided me with her cell phone number, so we called that and were directed to a guest house where all the family of the bride was. There they performed several ceremonies for her. I was able to attend the one where she received her bangles (bracelets). I took quite a few pictures and a couple videos. You can see them in the album at http://picasaweb.google.co.in/bjmadala/Brenda#

After that, they wrapped me in my saree. Those girls were amazings! Only 3 pins! And it stayed on all night! :)
They were concerned because I had never worn a saree and walking in it is difficult. Now my family is probably laughing about now, because I am not known to be the most graceful walker. But I didn't trip over it once! It was actually quite easy to wear.

I had a fabulous time. Both Preeti's and Amit's family were so kind and generous! And the bride and groom... well GORGEOUS! You just have to see the pictures!! Amazing is all I can say!

I am so fortunate I was able to attend. Preeti was one of the trainees in the first group I trained back in November. She was the only girl in my class! And it was an honor to be invited.

I wish I knew more about the Indian culture in some of these pictures. Maybe some of my India friends could chime in and make comments on the album. It would make it so interesting for all. I'll see if I can get them to do that and will let you all know here on my blog.

Well, need to get some work done before going to the office! More later!

Saree

 

No, this isn't a picture of MY Saree... it's still being stitched. That just means they are sewing a blouse for me from the same material. But this is just a random picture of how bright and pretty Indian clothing is. I can't wait to get my saree.... more pictures coming because I DID go shopping today. But shhhh don't tell Jim! :)